Sensors Overview


Overview

Sensors are the repository for data within the iTwin IoT platform. Sensors are added to the platform in a few ways. Connections like Threads, Geonets, and Strands add Devices with Diagnostic Sensors when they are added to the platform, providing Diagnostics sensors for the Connections and a Device Configuration area for connected analog sensors. The analog sensors will be populated below a device once the sensors are added in the Device Configuration. API Connections are auto-populated with Devices and Sensors based on what information is being transmitted in the file transfer. Other sensor hardware physically connected to Thread ports will include Sensors automatically populated below the Device once the Device is manually added to the application. Below are two graphic representations of Sensors and their hierarchy in the application.

Thread Connection with Devices & Sensors

Geomos Connection

This article will cover:

Sensors in the Connectivity Module

Once Connections or Devices have been added to the application via one of the means outlined in the Overview above, the associated Sensors will be visible in the right window of the Connectivity Module. The example below shows a Thread Device with Diagnostic sensors listed below the Device, and a Tilt Array Device with the sensor segments listed below the Device. Each Sensor will be associated back to a Device, and the Device will be associated back to a single Connection.

Sensor Population in Application

Sensors are typically populated with the addition of a Device or Connection. Examples include Move Tiltmeter Sensors and Deck Sensors populating after the addition of the Move API Connection, and Measurand Shape Array segment Sensors populating after the hardware has been plugged into a Thread and the Device is added and read.

In the case of analog sensors like vibrating wire sensors plugged into dataloggers, Geonets, or Strands, the Device Channel will need to be configured for the sensor before it is populated in the Connectivity Module of ITwin IoT. For information about how to add analog sensors to a Device, please visit the page of the Device you are configuring.

Sensor Configuration

Sensors may need additional configurations input in order to record proper data and calculate some metrics. Visit the article for the Connection, Device, or Sensor for an explanation of the specific configurations required for each piece of hardware.

Sensor Status

The Sensor status will mimic its parent connection and device status, unless there is an issue at the sensors level resulting in the individual sensor not reading.

Sensor Functions

Sensor functions are the controls available for Sensors that are displayed across the top of the Devices & Sensors window and next to the Sensor.