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An additional advantage of processing at the sensor is data security. When a device is
continuously transmitting raw data, a malicious hacker can attack that data stream. In
contrast, if the device is processing locally and connecting only to send the analytical
report, it is disconnected most of the time. The device connects only briefly to send an
encrypted report, which makes attacking the network more difficult. "Most attacks come
through network traffic," says Dupaquier. "The more data you process at the edge, the less
you become a target for hackers."
A successful design requires answering basic questions about usability, development
costs, whether you have a reliable supply of quality parts, and designing for product
upgrades that extend the device's service life. Designers are increasingly focusing on
sensors and MCUs because the MCU is becoming the new central processing unit.
"MCUs must be able to work with a whole ecosystem of third-party software and layered
services," Dupaquier says. "Today's designers are very much hardware focused. I predict
that you will see more software skills emerging in these design teams."
"Most attacks
come through
network traffic.
The more data
you process at
the edge, the
less you become
a target for
hackers."
