TEDS is now an option on DJB IEPE sensors

To optimise efficiency and enhance your test programmes, we now offer the option of TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) on a majority of our voltage output sensors. TEDS accelerometers contain an embedded microchip that stores key information about the accelerometer, such as Manufacturer, Model number, Serial number, Calibration data, Sensitivity, Units of measure and Measurement range.

What is TEDS?

TEDS is a standard defined by the IEEE 1451.4 protocol, which allows for self-identification and self-description of sensors, in this context, accelerometers.

Why use TEDS?

The main advantage of TEDS is that it simplifies and accelerates the process of setting up a measurement system, particularly when a large number of sensors are used or when sensors are frequently swapped out. With TEDS, a data acquisition system can automatically recognize the sensor, retrieve the calibration data, and correctly configure the system, ensuring accurate measurements.

It reduces the risk of human errors in data entry or sensor setup and allows a faster setup time, improving the overall productivity and reliability of the measurement system.

TEDS also supports traceability. If measurements need to be verified or if there's a need to trace back to when a particular sensor was used, TEDS can provide all the necessary information for it. It is especially useful in applications where precision and accountability are essential, such as in aerospace, automotive, and industrial testing scenarios.

What instrumentation is needed to use TEDS?

To use TEDS with your accelerometers, you'll need an instrumentation system that supports the TEDS standard, i.e., the IEEE 1451.4 standard. This primarily includes two components:

TEDS Sensors: The sensors themselves must be equipped with a TEDS chip like the one used in DJB’s accelerometers, which holds the necessary information for self-identification and calibration.

Data Acquisition (DAQ) System: The DAQ system or module needs to support TEDS (e.g. a Prosig DATS-tetrad or similar). This means it should be able to read the data stored in the TEDS chip of the sensors.

Most modern DAQ systems support TEDS and can automatically recognize TEDS-enabled sensors. The DAQ system should be able to read the TEDS chip's information, then automatically configure the measurement system based on that information. This might include setting the correct measurement range, calibration data, and units of measurement, for example.

Note that your data acquisition software also needs to support TEDS. This is crucial because the software is where you'll likely view and handle the data from the sensors. Many modern data acquisition software packages support TEDS and provide straightforward interfaces for working with TEDS data.

In conclusion, using TEDS can help increase the accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of your measurement system, but it does require that both your sensors and your data acquisition system (including both the hardware and software components) support the TEDS standard.

What is the history of TEDS?

The concept of Transducer Electronic Data Sheets (TEDS) was introduced by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) as a part of the IEEE 1451 family of smart transducer interface standards. The family of standards aims to define a common interface for connecting transducers to microprocessors, instrumentation systems, and control/field networks.

The IEEE 1451 family was initiated in the 1990s, and it has evolved since then to include multiple parts. Each part of the standard addresses different aspects and features of transducer interfacing.

The TEDS concept specifically is defined in the IEEE 1451.4 standard. This part of the standard provides a means for transducers (sensors or actuators) to describe themselves by using an embedded, standardized data set, which is the TEDS.

IEEE 1451.4-2004, published in 2004, was the first version of the standard to define TEDS. It was titled "IEEE Standard for a Smart Transducer Interface for Sensors and Actuators - Mixed-Mode Communication Protocols and Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) Formats."

Since its inception, TEDS has proven to be quite influential in the world of instrumentation, testing, and measurement. It has helped to simplify and automate the setup and configuration of sensors and measurement systems, contributing significantly to improving the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of these systems. It has also helped to facilitate traceability and reproducibility of measurements, which are important aspects in many testing and measurement applications.

It's worth noting that while the IEEE 1451.4 standard defined the concept of TEDS, the adoption and implementation of TEDS in sensors and data acquisition systems have been driven by the industry, sensor manufacturers, and end users who have recognized the benefits of this standard.