The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network where various devices, sensors, and machines are interconnected and capable of communication and data exchange via the Internet. Sensors play a critical role as essential components in electronic systems that engage with and interact with the physical world. They convert real-world phenomena into measurable electrical signals, making them essential for a wide range of applications. MOKOSmart is a company that produces types of sensors in IoT for various applications. We offer types of IoT sensors, including temperature and humidity sensors, air quality sensors, motion sensors, and more. So how do we choose the sensor that best suits our work needs among many sensors?
This article aims to examine the definitions and operational principles of different types of sensors in IoT. We classify types of IoT sensors according to wireless technology, power source, sensing technology, form, and processing technology and list mostly used sensor types in IoT. Additionally, we will explore the wide-ranging applications of this technology across diverse industries. What’s more, we will examine the advantages and disadvantages of using sensors, future trends in this technology, and how to choose the right IoT types of sensors for a specific need.
What is an IoT Sensor?
An IoT sensor is an apparatus designed to identify or quantify physical properties, including temperature, pressure, light, sound, or motion. It accomplishes this by transforming these physical quantities into electrical or other signals that can be interpreted and processed by computer systems or other electronic devices. Sensors find applications in numerous fields, such as industrial control systems, scientific research, consumer electronics, and medical devices. There are many different types of IoT sensors, which can be categorized according to wireless technology, power source, sensing and processing technology, form, and other factors.
Differences Between IoT Sensor Types for Different Technologies
11 Different Types of IoT Sensors
According to wireless technology classification, sensor types in IoT can be divided into the following types:
Bluetooth sensor: A Bluetooth sensor is a device equipped with Bluetooth technology that can sense or measure specific data, such as temperature, humidity, motion, or proximity. It wirelessly transmits this data to other Bluetooth-enabled devices for monitoring or control purposes.
Wi-Fi sensor: Wi-Fi sensors utilize Wi-Fi wireless technology to connect with the internet and communicate with other devices. In comparison to Bluetooth sensors, they possess a more excellent range, enabling them to facilitate remote monitoring and control functionalities.
Zigbee sensor: Zigbee sensors use Zigbee wireless technology, which is a low-power, wireless mesh network protocol. They can monitor various parameters like temperature, humidity, light intensity, or motion and communicate with other Zigbee devices, forming a Zigbee network for seamless data exchange and control.
RFID sensor: An RFID sensor is a device that uses radio waves to identify and track objects or individuals. It consists of an RFID reader that emits radio signals and an RFID tag attached to the object or person being tracked. The sensor captures and transmits the unique identification data stored in the RFID tag.
NFC sensor: These IoT sensors use Near Field Communication technology to communicate with other devices over a short range. They are commonly used in contactless payment systems and access control.
LoRaWAN sensor: LoRaWAN sensors use Long Range wireless technology, a low-power, long-range protocol. They are ideal for applications that necessitate long-range communication and low power consumption.
NB-IoT sensor: NB-IoT sensors use Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) technology, which is a low-power, wide-area network protocol. They are well-suited for applications that demand extended battery life and low data rates.
GSM sensor: GSM sensor refers to the integration of a GSM module using GSM technology that allows the sensor to transmit data using GSM network infrastructure. These sensors can use the voice and data functions of GSM to send data such as temperature, humidity, pressure, or any other measurement parameters to a central server or monitoring system.
Z-Wave sensor: Z-Wave sensors communicate with a Z-Wave hub or gateway that serves as a central control point. Sensors can detect various parameters such as motion, light level, or door/window status and wirelessly transmit this data to the hub. The Z-Wave hub can then monitor, control, and automate these sensors and devices within the Z-Wave network.
Sigfox sensor: Sigfox sensors use Sigfox network infrastructure to transmit data in the form of small pulses. They are often used in applications such as asset tracking or environmental monitoring where the focus is on low data rates and extended battery life.
5G sensor: 5G sensors refer to sensor devices that utilize the capabilities of 5G wireless communication technology. It can take advantage of the enhanced connectivity provided by 5G networks to transmit data in real-time or near real-time.
A Detailed Comparison Chart of 11 IoT Sensors
Here’s a comparison table showcasing different wireless sensor technologies:
Compare Short to Medium Range Sensors: Bluetooth vs RFID vs Zigbee vs NFC vs Z-Wave
Range of IoT Sensors
In the case of BLE technology, Bluetooth sensors typically have a range of about 100 meters. Range variants, such as Bluetooth 5.0 extended range, can reach up to 200 meters. Passive RFID tags rely on energy from the reader, and their usage ranges typically from a few centimeters to a few meters. Active RFID tags, which have their own power supply, can achieve longer distances, often up to 100 meters or more. The Zigbee sensor has a working range of about 10 to 100 meters. NFC sensors have a short range, usually up to a few centimeters, and are designed for near-range communication. Z-Wave sensors have a range of approximately 30 to 100 meters.
Power Consumption of IoT Sensors
Because all five sensors are designed for short-range communication, power consumption is low. This allows them to run their batteries for a long time with a single charge.
Data Transfer Rate of IoT Sensors
The BLE sensor has data transfer rates ranging from 1Mbps (Bluetooth 4.0) to 2Mbps (Bluetooth 5.0). RFID tags typically have low data transfer rates. Reader-driven passive RFID tags, which are driven by readers, transmit data at rates that typically range from several Kbps to several hundred Kbps. Active RFID tags, which have their own power supply, can achieve higher data transfer rates, typically up to a few Mbps. Zigbee sensors typically offer data transfer rates that can vary between 20 to 250 Kbps. NFC sensors have relatively low data transfer rates. The communication speed of NFC devices is usually limited to 106 Kbps, 212 Kbps, or 424 Kbps. Z-Wave sensors have data transfer rates ranging from 9.6 Kbps to 100 Kbps depending on the specific implementation.
Cost of IoT Sensors
Bluetooth and Z-Wave sensors generally cost anywhere from a few dollars to tens of dollars. Similar to Bluetooth and Z-Wave, Zigbee sensors can cost anywhere from a few dollars to tens of dollars, though Zigbee devices typically require a Zigbee hub or gateway to communicate, which can add to the cost of the overall system. The cost of an NFC tag or sensor can range from a few cents to a few dollars. As with NFC, the cost of each RFID sensor can vary from a few cents to a few dollars, and passive RFID tags are generally cheaper than active RFID tags.
Application of IoT Sensors
Bluetooth sensors are used for proximity detection and asset tracking, RFID sensors for supply chain management and access control, Zigbee sensors for home automation and healthcare monitoring, NFC sensors for contactless payments and identification, and Z-Wave sensors for home security and energy management.
Compare Long Range Sensors: Wi-Fi vs LoRaWAN vs NB-IoT vs GSM vs Sigfox vs 5G
Range of IoT Sensors
Wi-Fi sensors typically have a range of about 30 to 100 meters indoors. LoRaWAN sensors can reach a range of several kilometers in an open environment. The NB-IoT sensor offers a range of several kilometers, similar to LoRaWAN, but with better indoor coverage due to cellular network infrastructure. GSM sensors can have a range of several kilometers or more, depending on the coverage of the GSM network. The Sigfox sensor offers a range of several kilometers, similar to LoRaWAN and NB-IoT. Depending on the specific implementation of the 5G network, 5G sensors offer a service range that can span from several hundred meters to several kilometers.
Power Consumption of IoT Sensors
Wi-Fi sensors typically have higher power consumption compared to other sensors, especially during data transmission. The LoRaWAN sensor is designed to be a low-power sensor. Similar to LoRaWAN, the NB-IoT and Sigfox sensors are optimized for low power consumption and extended battery life. GSM sensors consume medium to high power depending on the specific GSM module and data transmission frequency. 5G sensors typically have higher power requirements because 5G networks offer extremely high data transfer rates.
Data Transfer Rate of IoT Sensors
Wi-Fi sensors offer high data transfer rates, typically ranging from a few Mbps to several hundred Mbps. LoRaWAN sensors generally provide lower data transfer rates, usually varying from a few hundred bits per second to several kilobits per second. NB-IoT sensors offer comparatively low to moderate data transfer rates, typically ranging from several kbps to tens of kbps. On the other hand, GSM sensors offer moderate data transfer rates, typically ranging from several kbps to hundreds of kbps. Sigfox sensors support low data transfer rates, typically in the range of per second to hundreds of bits. 5G sensors offer extremely high data transfer rates, typically ranging from hundreds of Mbps to multiple Gbps.
Cost of IoT Sensors
LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, GSM, and Sigfox sensors generally fall in the mid-cost range. Due to their widespread use and higher hardware requirements, Wi-Fi sensors typically range in cost from moderate to high. Due to the nascent stage of 5G infrastructure and higher hardware requirements, 5G sensors are likely to have higher costs than other technologies.
Application of IoT Sensors
Wi-Fi sensors are suitable for applications that require real-time communication and high-bandwidth data transmission, such as video streaming and real-time surveillance systems. The LoRaWAN sensor is designed for use in low-power, wide-area networks and applications involving intermittent small data transfers, such as asset tracking. NB-IoT sensors are commonly used in applications such as smart metering, industrial monitoring, and remote tracking, where small periodic data updates are sufficient. GSM sensors are suitable for applications that require periodic or intermittent data transmission, such as vehicle tracking and security systems. Sigfox sensors are used to transmit small amounts of data, which makes them suitable for applications such as environmental monitoring and simple sensor data reporting. 5G sensors are suitable for applications that require real-time, high-bandwidth data communication, such as autonomous vehicles, augmented/virtual reality, industrial automation, and telemedicine.
Different Types of IoT Sensors: Which is better
Features of Different Types of IoT Sensor
Here’s a comparison of the features of different types of IoT sensors:
- Bluetooth Sensor
– Low power consumption
– Short to medium range
– High data transfer rate
– Suitable for applications like proximity detection, and asset tracking in close range
- RFID Sensor
– Contactless identification and tracking
– Medium range
– Low power consumption
– Suitable for applications like supply chain management, access control, and asset tracking
- Zigbee Sensor
– Low power consumption
– Mesh network capability for extended range
– Medium range
– Moderate data transfer rate
– Suitable for applications like home automation and healthcare monitoring
- NFC Sensor
– Short range (a few centimeters)
– Low power consumption
– Moderate data transfer rate
– Suitable for applications like contactless payments and smart packaging
- Z-Wave Sensor
– Low power consumption
– Mesh network capability for extended range
– Medium range
– Moderate data transfer rate
– Suitable for applications like home security
- Wi-Fi Sensor
– High data transfer rate
– Medium to long range
– Moderate power consumption
– Suitable for applications that require real-time monitoring, control, and high-bandwidth data transmission
- LoRaWAN Sensor
– Low power consumption
– Long range (up to several kilometers)
– Low data transfer rate
– Suitable for applications like smart cities, agriculture
- NB-IoT Sensor
– Low power consumption
– Long range (up to several kilometers)
– Low to moderate data transfer rate
– Suitable for applications like smart metering, and remote monitoring
- GSM Sensor
– Moderate power consumption
– Long range
– Moderate data transfer rate
– Suitable for applications like vehicle tracking
- Sigfox Sensor
– Low power consumption
– Long range
– Low data transfer rate
– Suitable for applications like environmental monitoring
- 5G Sensor
– High data transfer rate
– Medium to long range
– High power consumption
– Suitable for applications like autonomous vehicles
How to Choose From Different Types of IoT Sensor
To ensure that IoT sensors meet your specific needs and requirements, several factors should be taken into consideration during the selection process:
Range: An important factor to consider is the range of the sensor and its suitability for your particular use case. If you need to monitor a large area, LoRaWAN sensors, and 5G sensors will be good choices, while Bluetooth sensors and NFC sensors have shorter ranges.
Data accuracy: Consider the accuracy of the sensor’s data readings. Choose a sensor like a Wi-Fi sensor or GSM sensor that provides accurate and reliable data sensors functioning properly.
Power consumption: Choose sensors that have low power consumption if your use case requires long battery life. Low-power options like Bluetooth sensors and Z-Wave sensors are suitable for battery-operated devices.
Compatibility: Consider whether the IoT sensor is compatible with the other devices and software used in your IoT system.
Data transfer speed: Consider the data transfer rate of the sensors and whether it is sufficient for your use case. For example, if you need to collect data in real time, you may choose Wi-Fi sensors or 5G sensors.
Environmental conditions: Consider the environmental conditions where the sensors will be deployed. For example, if the sensors will be exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity, you may need sensors that are designed to operate in such conditions.
Cost: The cost of IoT sensors is a significant consideration as it can influence the overall budget of the IoT system. Several factors can affect the cost, including the sensor type, range, data transfer speed, accuracy, and form factor. Mokosmart’s sensors are priced competitively, offering an affordable option for businesses and organizations seeking to implement IoT solutions.
13 Types of IoT Sensors with Different Sensing Technologies
Sensors can also be classified based on the technology they use to measure physical phenomena. Here are some common types of sensors in IoT based on sensing technology
Temperature and humidity sensors: These temperature and humidity sensors are used to measure temperature variations, moisture, or humidity levels present in the surrounding air.
Pressure sensors: Pressure sensors are designed to detect and quantify alterations in pressure within gases or liquids. They can utilize technologies like strain gauges, capacitive sensing, or piezoelectric elements.
Light sensors: Light sensors measure the intensity or ambient light level. Common technologies for light sensors include photodiodes, phototransistors, or ambient light sensors.
Motion sensors: Motion sensors detect movement or changes in position and commonly employ various technologies such as infrared (IR) sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and accelerometers to detect and track movement.
Gas sensors: Gas sensors are designed to detect and quantify the presence and concentration of specific gases within the surrounding environment. They can use technologies like electrochemical sensing, semiconductor gas sensors, or optical sensing.
Proximity sensors: Proximity sensors detect the existence or proximity of objects without physical contact. They can be based on technologies like capacitive sensing, inductive sensing, or infrared (IR) sensors.
Flow sensors: Flow sensors are utilized to measure and determine the rate of fluid flow within pipes or channels. They can employ thermal, ultrasonic, or magnetic flow sensing technologies to determine the flow velocity or volume.
Position sensors: Position sensors determine the position or displacement of an object. These sensors can employ technologies such as optical encoders or potentiometers to offer position feedback information.
Image sensors: Image sensors capture and convert optical images into electronic signals. They find widespread application in digital cameras, smartphones, and surveillance systems. The two primary types of image sensors utilized are CCD and CMOS sensors.
Accelerometer sensors: These accelerometer sensors measure acceleration or changes in velocity using technologies such as piezoelectric or capacitive sensors.
Gyroscope sensors: These IoT sensors measure rotation or changes in orientation using technologies such as vibrating structure gyroscopes or optical gyroscopes.
Magnetometer sensors: These magnetometer sensors measure magnetic fields using technologies such as Hall effect sensors or fluxgate magnetometers.
Here is a table that lists the features and applications of the 13 sensors according to their respective sensing technologies:
3 Types of IoT Sensors with Different Power Sources
Sensors can also be categorized based on their power source or the manner in which they are powered. Here are some common types of sensors in IoT based on power source:
Battery-powered sensors: These IoT sensors operate on battery power and are ideal for applications where there is no access to a power source or where it is not feasible to run a power cable. Battery-powered sensors are often used in applications such as remote monitoring, smart agriculture, and wearable devices.
Solar-powered sensors: These IoT sensors have built-in solar panels that convert sunlight into electrical power. They are ideal for applications where continuous power is required and access to a power source is limited.
Energy Harvesting sensors: These IoT sensors generate electrical power from sources such as motion, vibration, temperature differences, or other forms of energy in the environment. They are frequently employed in a variety of applications, including building automation, environmental monitoring, and transportation.
5 Types of IoT Sensors with Different Forms
Sensors can also be classified based on their form. Here are some common types of sensors in IoT based on their form factor:
Wearable sensors: These are wearable sensors that can be worn by a person to monitor various physiological or environmental parameters. They are widely utilized in security and fitness applications.
Implantable sensors: These IoT sensors are designed to be implanted in the body for medical or research purposes. They are commonly used for monitoring and treating various medical conditions.
Smart sensors: These are smart sensors that have built-in intelligence and processing capabilities, allowing them to perform some data processing tasks locally. They find common usage in applications that necessitate real-time data analysis or where the amount of data to be transmitted wirelessly needs to be reduced.
Modular sensors: These are modular sensors that can be easily combined with other sensors or components to create custom measurement systems. They are frequently employed in research and development applications, prioritizing flexibility and customization due to their importance in such contexts.
Disposable sensors: These IoT sensors are specifically designed for single-use purposes and are intended to be discarded after their initial use. They are commonly used in medical and environmental monitoring applications where contamination or wear and tear can compromise sensor accuracy over time.
3 Types of IoT Sensors with Different Processing Technologies
Here are some additional types of sensors in IoT based on their processing technology:
Edge computing sensors: These IoT sensors have built-in computing capabilities, allowing them to process and analyze data locally at the edge of the network. They are commonly used in applications where real-time data processing is required or where the network connection is unreliable or slow.
Cloud computing sensors: These IoT sensors transmit data to a distant cloud server for further processing and analysis. They are commonly used in applications where large amounts of data need to be stored and processed or where advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms are required.
Hybrid computing sensors: These IoT sensors combine both edge and cloud computing capabilities, allowing them to perform some data processing tasks locally and transmit only the relevant data to the cloud for further analysis. They are commonly used in applications where both real-time data processing and advanced analytics are required.
What Industries Benefit from Types of IoT Sensors
IoT sensors find diverse applications across numerous industries and fields. Here are some common examples:
Smart homes and buildings: IoT sensors can be used to monitor and control the temperature, lighting, and other environmental factors in homes and buildings. This capability can contribute to enhancing energy efficiency and minimizing expenses.
Industrial automation and control: IoT sensors can be employed in industrial settings to monitor and control machinery and equipment, thereby enhancing efficiency and minimizing downtime.
Agriculture and farming: IoT sensors can be utilized to monitor soil moisture, temperature, and other environmental factors, enabling the optimization of crop yield and the reduction of water usage in agriculture.
Healthcare and medical monitoring: IoT sensors can be used to monitor patient vital signs, track medication adherence, and provide remote patient monitoring services.
Transportation and logistics: IoT sensors can be used to track vehicles and cargo, optimize delivery routes, and monitor driver behavior.
Environmental monitoring: IoT sensors can be applied to monitor air and water quality, track weather patterns, and detect natural disasters for the purpose of environmental monitoring and early warning systems.
Retail and advertising: IoT sensors can be used to track customer behavior and preferences, personalize advertising and promotions, and optimize inventory management.
Security and surveillance: IoT sensors can detect and monitor various events or activities and send alerts to security personnel or building occupants if any suspicious activity is detected. By leveraging IoT sensors, organizations can enhance their security and surveillance capabilities, improve public safety, and protect valuable assets.
Indeed, the examples provided only touch upon a fraction of the vast applications of IoT sensors. With the continuous evolution of technology, we can expect to witness the emergence of increasingly influential use cases in the future.
Advancements in IoT Sensor Technology Market
Advancements in IoT sensor technology have resulted in smaller, more power-efficient, and highly connected sensors that are able to collect and process more data than ever before. With advancements in data analytics and machine learning, this data can be analyzed in real-time to provide valuable insights and inform decision-making. Furthermore, IoT sensors now come with a variety of wireless connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks, which have expanded the potential applications of IoT systems. To safeguard the data collected by these sensors from potential cyber threats, security measures such as encryption and authentication protocols have been developed and implemented.
The future of IoT sensor technology also looks promising, with advancements expected in 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence, edge computing, autonomous sensors, and environmental sustainability. These advancements will enable new applications and use cases in various industries, including healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, and agriculture, among others. Overall, the future of IoT sensor technology is likely to see further advancements in connectivity, processing power, AI, and sustainability, which will enable new applications and use cases in a range of industries.
Finding the Best IoT Sensor Solution: MOKOSmart
MOKOSmart’s Bluetooth Sensors
MOKOSmart offers a Bluetooth sensor that enables wireless connectivity for various applications. This Bluetooth sensor can be utilized to collect data, monitor specific parameters, and transmit information to other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as smartphones, tablets, or gateways. The sensor can be integrated into different IoT solutions, providing a convenient and reliable way to capture and transmit data wirelessly.
Here are some of their advantages:
- Waterproof up to IPX4
- A longer lifetime with 2*AAA lithium batteries
- Up to 4000 historical data can be stored
- 3-axis accelerometer sensor with a motion trigger
- Button with SOS Trigger function
- Provide accurate positioning for proximity marketing or emergency help
- All the parameters can be modified via MokobeaconX Pro
MOKOSmart’s LoRaWAN Sensors
MOKOSmart’s LoRaWAN sensors are IoT devices specifically designed for LoRaWAN network operations. They are capable of detecting variations in movement, temperature, humidity, lighting, air quality, and other environmental factors by collecting sensory data from their surroundings. These monitoring devices are intended to establish communication with gateways, servers, and central hubs via nodes that align with the user’s customized network objectives.
Here are some of their advantages:
- Support a wide range of up to 7km
- Ultra-low Power and long battery life
- Support pre-configuration of APP and device
- Firmware update over the air
- Easy deployment and configuration
- Comply with various certifications: CE, FCC, etc
Conclusion
To sum up, IoT sensors play a critical role in enabling the successful implementation of IoT solutions across a wide range of industries. These sensors enable the collection of data, which is then used to optimize processes, improve decision-making, and enhance overall efficiency. However, the reliability and quality of the sensors used are crucial to the success of IoT solutions. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider various factors, such as range, power consumption, data transfer speed, and environmental conditions, when choosing types of sensors.
At this point, it is worth considering the various solutions provided by MOKOSmart’s types of IoT sensors, which have been proven to be reliable and high-quality. In light of the intricate and continuously evolving IoT market, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Feel free to reach out to us at MOKOSmart, as we have tailored IoT sensor solutions to address your specific IoT needs.
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