STMicroelectronics 2022
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Future Trends
The first generation of intelligent sensors, e.g.
ISM330DHCXTR and LSM6DSRXTR, have been deployed
in many applications to move the artificial intelligence to
the deep edge inside the sensor. The in-sensor integrated
machine learning capabilities offer easy implementation
of algorithms at a fraction of the power consumption of
an external processing unit while providing the same
performance. The raw data are processed within the
sensor, eliminating the need for transmitting the sensor
data to an external microcontroller.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning will continue
to gain traction and there is no doubt that future
generations of sensors will be more intelligent with more
flexibility, programmability, and processing capabilities.
As the amount of collected data via sensors explodes,
real-time data analysis will be more and more critical.
More advanced embedded algorithms/
intelligence/processing capability will be
pushed into sensors, and various industries
will adopt AI-powered sensors. The
upcoming generation of intelligent sensors
will be equipped with data collection,
processing, analytics, and security. The
three key building blocks of this new era will
be sensing, intelligence, and connectivity.
Sensors will be replaced by sensor systems
by combining hardware and software to
provide turn-key solutions. Intelligent sensor
systems will be equipped with advanced
communications interfaces such as I3C. ■ ■
Figure 7: Applications of Intelligent Sensors at the Edge. (Source: STMicroelectronics)
