System and method for modular edge measurement

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for a monitoring and / or a testing system, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one measurement module, wherein the at least one measurement module comprises at least one input channel, wherein the at least one input channel of the at least one measurement module is configured to connect to at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to output at least one analog signal and / or at least one digital signal, and a plugin module wherein the plugin module is configured to receive at least one data from the at least one measurement module and wherein the plugin module is configured to generate at least one data in a standardized data format The present invention further relates to a method for a monitoring system and / or a testing system wherein the method comprises operating at least one measurement module, wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating at least one input channel, wherein operating the at least one input channel comprises operating at least one sensor, wherein operating the at least one sensor comprises detecting at least one analog signal and / or at least one digital signal outputted by the at least one sensor, and operating a plugin module, wherein operating the plugin module comprises receiving at least one data from the at least one measurement module, wherein operating the plugin module comprises generating at least one data in a standardized data format.

Description

[0001] System and Method for Modular Edge Measurement

[0002] Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a modular measuring system and more particularly a compact modularized edge measurement system.

[0004] Background

[0005] In the development of new markets and innovative monitoring tasks, the most diverse requirements for measurement electronics arise. Particularly in growth markets (such as unmanned aviation or predictive maintenance), requirements for measurement electronics and products are not yet fully standardized and are often very application-specific.

[0006] Modular measuring systems are an innovative approach characterized by their flexibility, scalability, and adaptability. These systems are composed of interchangeable modules, each equipped with specific sensors tailored to detect various parameters such as temperature, humidity, light, pressure, and more. The modular design allows for easy customization, enabling users to build a sensing network that meets their specific needs without requiring significant redesign or replacement of the entire system. This adaptability is particularly valuable in dynamic environments where monitoring requirements may change over time.

[0007] Additionally, modular measuring systems often incorporate wireless communication and data processing capabilities, enhancing their utility in remote or hard-to-reach locations. By facilitating real-time data collection and analysis, these systems support informed decision-making in diverse fields, including environmental science, industrial automation, agriculture, and smart city development.

[0008] Development such as these have been put to use in the following inventions:

[0009] EP2908102A1 pertains to a sensor system composed of interchangeable modules. This invention provides a method for configuring a modular sensor array that can be customized for various applications by combining different sensor modules tailored to specific needs. Each module can be easily added, replaced, or upgraded, allowing for flexibility in sensor selection and deployment. The system is managed by a computer program product that facilitates communication between modules, data collection, and processing. This modular approach enhances the scalability and functionality of sensor systems, making them suitable for diverse industrial, environmental, and consumer applications. US20210327255A1 outlines a versatile and customizable sensing system composed of modular components. This invention allows for the assembly of various sensor modules that can be tailored to specific monitoring needs, enabling users to create a comprehensive sensing network. Each module can independently measure different parameters like temperature, pressure, or chemical composition, and these modules can be easily added, removed, or reconfigured without disrupting the overall system. The patent also describes methods for integrating these modules into a cohesive system, ensuring seamless communication and data aggregation.

[0010] However, the data detected by these inventions require sending said data to external systems to process it including cleaning, preprocessing and analysis. This data transfer is especially prone to security risks. The data itself may also be lacking in terms of synchronization between the different inputs, as well as standardization of the data streams generated by all the different sensors. Inventions such as the ones cited may also be restricted with respect to their size.

[0011] The present invention alleviates at least some of these short-comings.

[0012] Summary

[0013] In a first aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus wherein the apparatus may comprise at least one measurement module, and a plugin module. The apparatus also may comprise a communication module and / or an evaluation module. The apparatus may further be configured for a monitoring system, and / or a testing system.

[0014] The apparatus configured for a monitoring system may be configured for permanent use during a task, for the same task with different monitoring systems in a small series on at least one measurement target. The apparatus may be configured for a monitoring system configured for tasks such as but not limited to aviation, unmanned aviation, drone monitoring, flight safety in flight, monitoring structural integrity, monitoring vibration, industrial machine monitoring, wind energy plants monitoring. The apparatus configured for a testing system may be configured for at least one use during a task, for different tasks with the same testing system with essentially unclear measurement targets. The apparatus may be configured for a testing system configured for tasks such as but not limited to aviation, unmanned aviation, drone monitoring, flight safety in flight, monitoring structural integrity, testing car parts, testing an external system's parts, testing car parts, testing train parts, simulating an external system's life, testing wind energy plant parts. Furthermore, the apparatus may comprise a DC power supply, and / or at least one input channel, wherein the at least one input channel of the at least one measurement module may be configured to connect to at least one sensor. The at least one sensor may be configured to output at least one analog signal and / or at least one digital signal. The at least one sensor may also be configured as a smart sensor. The at least one sensor is not limited by the production process of the at least one sensor and / or the manufacturer and that is a preferred advantage of the present invention.

[0015] Moreover, the at least one measurement module may comprise at least one output channel, wherein the at least one output channel of the at least one measurement module may be configured to connect to the communication module.

[0016] The at least one measurement module may comprise at least one SFP port, at least one SFP+ port, at least one QSFP port and / or at least one QSFP+ port. The at least one sensor may also comprise at least one SFP connection, at least one SFP+ connection, at least one QSFP connection, at least one QSFP+ connection.

[0017] The at least one port of the at least one measurement module may not necessarily be an SFP port, an SFP+ port, a QSFP port or a QSFP+ port as long as at least one of the compactness, pluggability and networking properties of the SFP port, SFP+ port, QSFP port or QSFP+ port is at least partially present in the at least one measurement module's at least one port. Furthermore, it should be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the at least one connection of the at least one sensor may not necessarily be an SFP connection, an SFP+ connection, a QSFP connection, or a QSFP+ connection, as long as at least one of the compactness, pluggability and networking properties of the SFP connection, SFP+ connection, QSFP connection, or QSFP+ connection, is at least partially present in the at least one sensor's at least one connection.

[0018] Additionally and alternatively, the at least one measurement module may comprise a mixed-signal processing module, wherein the mixed-signal processing module may be configured to process at least one analog signal and / or digitize at least one analog signal. The mixed-signal processing module may comprise at least one analog-frontend module, wherein the input of the at least one analog-frontend module may be connected to the at least one input channel. The mixed-signal processing module may also comprise at least one filter module, at least one signal processing module, at least one ADC data processing module wherein the output of the at least one ADC data processing module may be connected to the at least one output channel, and / or at least one buffer wherein the output of the at least one buffer may be connected to the at least one output channel. The at least one measurement module may comprise at least two input channels and / or the at least one input channel may be configured to connect to at least two sensors. The mixed-signal processing module may also be configured to receive at least one synchronization signal from the plugin module. The mixed-signal processing module may further be configured to transmit at least one synchronization signal to the inputs of the at least two input channels and / or the inputs of the at least two sensors.

[0019] Additionally and alternatively, the at least one measurement module may comprise a digital processing module, wherein the digital processing module may be configured to process at least one digital signal. The digital processing module may comprise at least one digitalfrontend module, wherein the input of the at least one digital-frontend module may be connected to the at least one input channel. The digital processing module may also comprise at least one data processing module, at least one digital-communication module, wherein the output of the at least one digital-communication module may be connected to the at least one output channel, at least one filter module, and / or at least one buffer wherein the output of the at least one buffer may be connected to the at least one output channel.

[0020] The at least one measurement module may comprise at least two input channels and / or the at least one input channel may be configured to connect to at least two sensors. The digital processing module may also be configured to receive at least one synchronization signal from the plugin module. The digital processing module may further be configured to transmit at least one synchronization signal to the inputs of the at least two input channels and / or the inputs of the at least two sensors.

[0021] Furthermore, the at least one measurement module may comprise a parameter control module, wherein the parameter control module may be configured to modify at least one parameter of the at least one measurement module, calibrate at least one parameter of the at least one measurement module, modify and / or calibrate at least one parameter of the at least one mixed-signal processing module, such as but not limited to sampling rate, filter parameters and amplification, and / or at least one parameter of the at least one digital processing module, such as but not limited to synchronization parameters.

[0022] Moreover, the parameter control module may comprise a logger module, wherein the logger module may be configured to store at least one data indicative of at least one configuration of the at least one measurement module, wherein the at least data indicative of at least one configuration of the at least one measurement module may be configured to relate to the at least one sensor. The logger module may also be configured to store at least one data indicative of at least one calibration of the at least one measurement module.

[0023] Additionally and alternatively, the at least one measurement module may comprise a parameter-control-communication module, wherein the parameter-control-communication module may be connected to the at least one output channel, and / or may be configured to communicate with the parameter control module. The logger module may also be configured to transmit and / or receive the at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or calibration to and / or from the parameter-control-communication module. The parameter-control-communication module may further be configured to transmit and / or receive at least one data to and / or from at least one authorized user.

[0024] The at least one measurement module may comprise a self-diagnosis module, wherein the self-diagnosis module may be configured to transmit and / or receive at least one data to and / or from any combination of modules comprised in the at least one measurement module, and / or any combination of modules comprised in the mixed-signal processing and / or the digital processing module. The self-diagnosis module may also be configured to store at least one data indicative of at least one data from the at least one sensor. The self-diagnosis module may further be configured to assess the reliability of the at least one sensor, wherein the self-diagnosis module may be configured to execute the assessment according to a schedule. The self-diagnosis module may be configured to determine the sensitivity, specificity, precision of the at least one sensor and / or accuracy of the at least one sensor.

[0025] The self-diagnosis module may also be configured to assess the at least one sensor's degradation over time, and / or the installation of the at least one sensor. The self-diagnosis module may further be configured to store at least one data indicative of at least one nondegraded sensor, at least one data indicative of at least one currently-installed sensor, at least one data indicative of at least one sensor failure, and / or at least one data indicative of at least one abnormally-behaving sensor. The self-diagnosis module may additionally be configured to transmit and / or receive at least one test data to and / or from the at least one sensor. The communication module may be configured to store the results of the selfdiagnosis module. The apparatus may also be configured to transmit the results of the selfdiagnosis module.

[0026] Furthermore, the at least one measurement module may comprise a self-calibration module, wherein the self-calibration module may be configured to calibrate the at least one sensor according to a standardized database and / or may be configured to store the standardized database. Moreover, the at least one measurement module may comprise a synchronization module, wherein the synchronization module may be configured to synchronize the apparatus to an external system wherein the external system may be configured to emit at least one external signal such as but not limited to a pulsating light, sound or incoming data stream. The at least one external signal may be detected by the at least one sensor. The synchronization module may be configured to extract at least one synchronization frequency from the at least one external signal, and / or select at least one synchronization frequency from the at least one external signal. The synchronization module may also be configured to transmit at least one synchronization frequency to the at least one measurement module and / or the plugin module according to the at least one external signal.

[0027] Additionally and alternatively, the at least one measurement module may comprise a data modulation module, wherein the data modulation module may be configured to transmit and / or receive at least one data from the mixed-signal processing module and / or the digital processing module. The data modulation module may comprise at least one Al module, wherein the at least one Al module may be configured as an analog Al module and / or as a digital Al module. The data modulation module may be configured to modify at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor, add at least one data to at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor, clean at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor (such as but not limited to filter outliers), and / or attach at least one metadata to at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor. This metadata may be used for verification of, for example, the origin and / or reliability, of the at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor acquired or generated with the specific sensor at that time. The metadata may comprise data related to but not limited to acquisition time, acquisition sensor, sensor type, configuration, measured voltage to said sensor at acquisition time and / or over time... The metadata may be assigned to the unprocessed data detected by the at least one sensor to be used for verification and thus may be used by the self-diagnosis module to assess the reliability of the at least one sensor and / or the at least one data acquired by the at least one sensor.

[0028] The data modulation module may also be configured to optimize the processing, transmission and / or storing of the at least one data such as, but not limited to compression of the data The data modulation module may further be configured to execute at least one deterministic algorithm.

[0029] Furthermore, the data modulation module may be configured to filter at least one data depending on the at least one Al module, modify, preprocess, and / or tokenize the at least one data such that the at least one data may be configured to be used by the at least one Al module. The data modulation module may also be configured to train the at least one Al module with the at least one data and / or test the at least one Al module with the at least one data.

[0030] Moreover, the at least one measurement module may comprise a power management module wherein the power management module may be configured to convert an AC input voltage into a DC input voltage, measure and / or regulate the voltage and current inputted into the at least one measurement module and / or the at least one sensor.

[0031] Additionally and alternatively, the at least one measurement module may comprise a multitude of input channels. The plugin module may be configured to transmit and / or receive at least one data to and / or from the at least one measurement module. The plugin module may also be configured to transmit and / or receive at least one data from the communication module. The at least one data may be configured to be indicative of at least one configuration of the at least one measurement module.

[0032] Furthermore, the plugin module may be configured to be physically engageable with the at least one measurement module. The apparatus may also comprise a multitude of measurement modules, wherein the plugin module may be configured to be physically engageable with the multitude of measurement modules. The plugin module may further be configured to generate at least one data in a standardized data format.

[0033] A standardized data format will be defined as a data format that is applied to all of the data to result in at least one homogenous database.

[0034] Moreover, the plugin module may comprise a DC power supply, wherein the plugin module may be configured to regulate the electric voltage and current sent to the at least one measurement module and / or the multitude of measurement modules. The plugin module may also be configured to consolidate the multitude of data streams outputted by the multitude of measurement modules into at least one data stream, wherein the plugin module may be configured to preprocess the at least one data stream, comprising but not limited to compress the at least one data stream, attach at least one meta data to the at least one data stream and / or modify the at least one data stream.

[0035] The plugin module may be configured to transmit at least one synchronization signal to the mixed-signal processing module and / or the digital processing module of the at least one measurement module. The plugin module may also comprise a plugin-power-management module, wherein the plugin-power-management module may be configured to convert an AC input voltage into a DC input voltage, measure and / or regulate the voltage and current inputted into the plugin module, the at least one measurement module and / or the at least one sensor. The plugin module may further comprise an AC-DC module, wherein the AC- DC module may be configured to convert an AC input voltage into a DC input voltage and / or regulate the voltage and current inputted into the at least one measurement module.

[0036] Additionally an alternatively, the communication module may comprise a data logger module, wherein the data logger module may be configured to store at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor, and / or at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or at least one calibration of the at least one measurement module.

[0037] Furthermore, the communication module may comprise a data broadcaster module, wherein the data broadcaster module may be configured to transmit and / or receive the at least one data to and / or from another apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment, an authorized user, and / or an external system. The data broadcaster module may also be configured to transmit and / or receive the at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or at least one calibration of the at least one measurement module to and / or from another apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment, at least one authorized user, and / or at least one external system. The data broadcaster module may further be configured to transmit and / or receive at least one data to and / or from the evaluation module.

[0038] The evaluation module may comprise one or more processing units configured to carry out computer instructions of a program (i.e. machine readable and executable instructions). The processing unit(s) may be singular or plural. For example, the data- processing system may comprise at least one of CPU, GPU, TPU, DSP, APU, ASIC, ASIP or FPGA. The data processing system may comprise memory components, such as, main memory (e.g. RAM), cache memory (e.g. SRAM) and / or secondary memory (e.g. HDD, SDD). The data processing system may comprise volatile and / or non-volatile memory such an SDRAM, DRAM, SRAM, Flash Memory, MRAM, F-RAM, or P-RAM.

[0039] Moreover, the evaluation module may comprise one or more analog and / or neuromorphic processing units configured to carry out computer instructions of a program (i.e. machine readable and executable instructions). The analog and / or neuromorphic processing unit(s) may be singular or plural. For example, the evaluation module may comprise at least one of but not limited to analog matrix processor(s), analog modular processor(s), reconfigurable analog modular processor(s), analog chips making use of but not limited to memristors, or neuromorphic chip(s). Analog computing, is defined in this document as a type of computation where continuous physical phenomena, such as electrical voltage, mechanical motion, or fluid dynamics, are used to model and solve problems. Analog computing may refer to but is not limited to neuromorphic computing, defined as an approach to computing that mimics the structure and function of the human brain designing hardware and systems that replicate the neural networks found in biological brains. Analog and neuromorphic computing present better energy efficiency, faster processing and reduced complexity compared to regular computing. The implementation of analog and / or neuromorphic computing presents a preferred advantage of the current invention.

[0040] Additionally and alternatively, the evaluation module may be configured to evaluate at least one data, wherein the at least one data may be indicative of at least one time-series such as but not limited to IMU data, voltage recordings, distance sensor readings, audio, vibration measurements. The evaluation module may comprise at least one evaluation-AI module, wherein the at least one evaluation-AI module may be configured as an at least one analog Al module, and / or at least one digital Al module. The evaluation module may also be configured to train and / or test the at least one evaluation-AI module with the at least one data. The evaluation module may further be configured to store at least one training data wherein the at least one training data may be configured for the training of the at least one evaluation-AI module, and / or wherein the at least one training data may be configured to comprise at least one configuration data wherein the at least one configuration data may be indicative of the configuration of the source generating the at least one training data. Furthermore, the at least one Al-module and / or the data modulation module may be configured to process at least one data into at least one processed data such that the at least one processed data may be configured to be used by the evaluation-AI module.

[0041] The evaluation module may be configured to preprocess the at least one training data, according to the configuration of the measurement module and / or the at least one configuration data. The evaluation module may also be configured to modify the at least one Al-module according to the results of the at least one evaluation-AI module. The evaluation module may further be configured to transmit at least one data to an external system. The at least one evaluation-AI module may additionally and alternatively be configured for online learning.

[0042] Furthermore, the at least one analog signal outputted by the at least one sensor may comprise at least one neuromorphic signal. The mixed-signal processing module may be configured to process at least one neuromorphic signal. The evaluation module may be configured for analog computing and / or neuromorphic computing. The evaluation module may also be configured to convert at least one data into at least one analog data and / or at least one neuromorphic data.

[0043] The invention further relates to a system wherein the system may comprise at least two apparatuses according to the description herein, wherein the system may be configured for a monitoring system and / or a testing system. The data broadcaster may be configured to transmit data between the at least two apparatuses and / or at least one data indicative at least one configuration between the at least two apparatuses. The plugin module may also be configured to send at least one synchronization signal wherein the at least on synchronization signal may be configured for the synchronization of the at least two apparatuses. The self-diagnosis module may further be configured to assess the reliability of the system. The self-calibration module may additionally and alternatively be configured to calibrate the system with respect to a standardized database.

[0044] The self-diagnosis module may be configured to assess the reliability of the system described herein. Any combination and / or any part of any combination of the modules comprising the apparatus may be configured to operate individually. The modules comprising the apparatus may also be configured to generate at least one data in a standardized data format.

[0045] The modules of the apparatus may be comprised in a volume of preferably 17.5 mm x 38 mm x 98 mm, more preferably 8.5 mm x 37.3 mm x 78 mm and / or 17.5 mm x 18.35 mm x 78 mm and / or 8.5mm x 18.35 mm x 98 mm, and most preferably 8.5mm x 18.35 mm x 78 mm.

[0046] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method wherein the method may comprise operating at least one measurement module, and operating a plugin module. The method further comprises operating a communication module and / or an evaluation module. The method may be a method for a monitoring system and / or a testing system.

[0047] The method for a monitoring system may comprise a method for permanent use during a task, for the same task with different monitoring systems in a small series on at least one measurement target. The method for a monitoring system may comprise tasks such as but not limited to aviation, unmanned aviation, drone monitoring, flight safety in flight, monitoring structural integrity, monitoring vibration, industrial machine monitoring, wind energy plants monitoring. The method for a testing system may comprise a method at least one use during a task, for different tasks with the same testing system with essentially unclear measurement targets. The apparatus may be configured for a testing system configured for tasks such as but not limited to aviation, unmanned aviation, drone monitoring, flight safety in flight, monitoring structural integrity , testing car parts, testing an external system's parts, testing car parts, testing train parts, simulating an external system's life, testing wind energy plant parts.

[0048] Furthermore, the method may comprise drawing power from a DC power supply. Operating the at least one measurement module may comprise operating at least one input channel, wherein operating the at least one input channel may comprise operating at least one sensor. Operating the at least one sensor may comprise detecting at least one analog signal and / or at least one digital signal outputted by the at least one sensor. Operating the at least one sensor may also comprise operating a smart sensor. The at least one sensor is not limited by the production process of the at least one sensor and / or the manufacturer and that is a preferred advantage of the present invention.

[0049] Moreover, operating the at least one measurement module may comprise operating at least one output channel, wherein operating the at least one output channel may comprise communicating with the communication module operated by the method.

[0050] Operating the at least one measurement module may comprise at least one SFP port, at least one SFP+ port, at least one QSFP port and / or at least one QSFP+ port. The at least one sensor may also comprise at least one SFP connection, at least one SFP+ connection, at least one QSFP connection, at least one QSFP+ connection.

[0051] Additionally and alternatively, operating the at least one measurement module may comprise operating a mixed-signal processing module, wherein operating the mixed-signal processing module may comprise processing at least one analog signal and / or digitizing at least one analog signal.

[0052] Operating the mixed-signal processing module may comprise operating at least one analog-frontend module, wherein operating at least one analog-frontend module may comprise connecting the input of the at least one analog-frontend module to the at least one input channel operated by the method. Operating the mixed-signal processing module may also comprise operating at least one filter module, operating at least one signal processing module, operating at least one ADC data processing module wherein operating the mixed-signal processing module may comprise connecting the output of the at least one ADC data processing module to the at least one output channel operated by the method, and / or operating at least one buffer wherein operating the at least one buffer may comprise connecting the output of the at least one buffer to the at least one output channel. Operating the at least one measurement module may comprise operating at least two input channels and / or operating the at least one input channel wherein operating the at least one input channel may comprise operating at least two sensors. Operating the mixed- signal processing module may also comprise receiving at least one synchronization signal from the plugin module. Operating the mixed-signal processing module may further comprise transmitting at least one synchronization signal to the inputs of the at least two input channels and / or the inputs of the at least two sensors operated by the method.

[0053] Additionally and alternatively, operating the at least one measurement module may comprise operating a digital processing module, wherein operating the digital processing module may comprise processing at least one digital signal. Operating the digital processing module may comprise operating at least one digital-frontend module, wherein operating the input of the at least one digital-frontend module may comprise connecting the at least one digital-frontend module to the at least one input channel. Operating the digital processing module may also comprise operating at least one data processing module, operating at least one digital-communication module wherein operating the output of the at least one digital-communication module may comprise connecting the at least one digital-communication module to the at least one output channel, and / or operating at least one filter module, operating at least one buffer wherein operating the at least one buffer may comprise connecting the output of the at least one buffer to the at least one output.

[0054] Operating the at least one measurement module may comprise operating at least two input channels and / or operating the at least one input channel wherein operating the at least one input channel may comprise operating at least two sensors. Operating the digital processing module may also comprise receiving at least one synchronization signal from the plugin module performing the method. Operating the digital processing module may further comprise transmitting at least one synchronization signal to the inputs of the at least two input channels and / or the inputs of the at least two sensors.

[0055] Furthermore, operating the at least one measurement module may comprise operating a parameter control module, wherein operating the parameter control module may comprise modifying at least one parameter of the at least one measurement module performing the method, calibrating at least one parameter of the at least one measurement module, modifying and / or calibrating at least one parameter of the at least one mixed-signal processing module, such as but not limited to sampling rate, filter parameters and amplification, and / or at least one parameter of the at least one digital processing module, such as but not limited to synchronization parameters. Moreover, operating the parameter control module may comprise operating a logger module, wherein operating the logger module may comprise storing at least one data indicative of at least one configuration of the at least one measurement module, wherein the at least data indicative of at least one configuration of the at least one measurement module relates to the at least one sensor. Operating the logger module may also comprise storing at least one data indicative of at least one calibration of the at least one measurement module.

[0056] Additionally and alternatively, operating the at least one measurement module may comprise operating a parameter-control-communication module, wherein operating the parameter-control-communication module may comprise connecting the parametercontrol-communication module to the at least one output channel, and / or communicating with the parameter control module. Operating the logger module may also comprise transmitting and / or receiving the at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or calibration to and / or from the parameter-control-communication module. Operating the parameter-control-communication module may further comprise transmitting and / or receiving at least one data to and / or from at least one authorized user.

[0057] Operating the at least one measurement module may comprise operating a self-diagnosis module, wherein operating the self-diagnosis module may comprise transmitting and / or receiving at least one data to and / or from any combination of modules comprised in the at least one measurement module and / or any combination of modules comprised in the mixed-signal processing and / or the digital processing module. Operating the self-diagnosis module may also comprise storing at least one data indicative of at least one data from the at least one sensor. Operating the self-diagnosis module may further comprise assessing the reliability of the at least one sensor, wherein operating the self-diagnosis module may comprise executing the assessment according to a schedule. Operating the self-diagnosis module may comprise determining the sensitivity, specificity, precision, and / or accuracy of the at least one sensor.

[0058] Operating the self-diagnosis module may also comprise assessing the at least one sensor's degradation over time and / or the installation of the at least one sensor. Operating the selfdiagnosis module may further comprise storing at least one data indicative of at least one non-degraded sensor, at least one data indicative of at least one currently-installed sensor, at least one data indicative of at least one sensor failure, and / or at least one data indicative of at least one abnormally-behaving sensor. Operating the self-diagnosis module may additionally comprise transmitting and / or receiving at least one test data to and / or from the at least one sensor. Operating the communication module may comprise storing the results of the self-diagnosis module. The method may also comprise transmitting the results of the self-diagnosis module.

[0059] Furthermore, operating the at least one measurement module may comprise operating a self-calibration module, wherein operating the self-calibration module may comprise calibrating the at least one sensor according to a standardized database and / or storing the standardized database.

[0060] Moreover, operating the at least one measurement module may comprise operating a synchronization module, wherein operating the synchronization module may comprise synchronizing the modules performing the method to an external system wherein the external system may be configured to emit at least one external signal such as but not limited to a pulsating light, sound or incoming data stream. Operating the at least one sensor may comprise detecting the at least one external signal. Operating the synchronization module may comprise extracting at least one synchronization frequency from the at least one external signal and / or selecting at least one synchronization frequency from the at least one external signal. Operating the synchronization module may also comprise transmitting at least one synchronization frequency to the at least one measurement module and / or the plugin module according to the at least one external signal.

[0061] Additionally and alternatively, operating the at least one measurement module may comprise operating a data modulation module, wherein operating the data modulation module may comprise transmitting and / or receiving at least one data from the mixed- signal processing module and / or the digital processing module. Operating the data modulation module may comprise operating at least one Al module, wherein operating the at least one Al module may comprise operating an analog Al module and / or a digital Al module. Operating the data modulation module may comprise modifying at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor, adding at least one data to at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor, cleaning at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor (such as but not limited to filtering outliers), and / or attaching at least one metadata to at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor. This metadata may be used for verification of, for example, the origin and / or reliability, of the at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor acquired or generated with the specific sensor at that time. The metadata may comprise data related to but not limited to acquisition time, acquisition sensor, sensor type, configuration , measured voltage to said sensor at acquisition time and / or over time... The metadata may be assigned to the unprocessed data detected by the at least one sensor to be used for verification and thus may be used by the self-diagnosis module to assess the reliability of the at least one sensor and / or the at least one data acquired by the at least one sensor. Operating the data modulation module may also comprise optimizing the processing, transmission and / or storing of the at least one data, such as by, but not limited to compressing the data. Operating the data modulation module may further comprise executing at least one deterministic algorithm.

[0062] Furthermore, Operating the data modulation module may comprise filtering at least one data depending on the at least one Al module, modifying, preprocessing, and / or tokenizing the at least one data such that the at least one data may be configured to be used by the at least one Al module performing the method. Operating the data modulation module may also comprise training the at least one Al module with the at least one data and / or testing the at least one Al module with the at least one data.

[0063] Moreover, operating the at least one measurement module may comprise operating a power management module wherein operating the power management module may comprise converting an AC input voltage into a DC input voltage, measuring and / or regulating the voltage and current inputted into the at least one measurement module and / or the at least one sensor.

[0064] Additionally and alternatively, operating the at least one measurement module may comprise operating a multitude of input channels. Operating the plugin module may comprise transmitting and / or receiving at least one data to and / or from the at least one measurement module. Operating the plugin module may also comprise transmitting and / or receiving at least one data to and / or from the communication module. The at least one data may be indicative of at least one configuration of the at least one measurement module the method may comprise operating a multitude of measurement modules. Operating the plugin module may further comprise generating at least one data in a standardized data format.

[0065] Moreover, operating the plugin module may comprise drawing power from a DC power supply, wherein operating the plugin module may comprise regulating the electric voltage and current sent to the at least one measurement module and / or the multitude of measurement modules. Operating the plugin module may also comprise consolidating the multitude of data streams outputted by the multitude of measurement modules into at least one data stream, wherein operating the plugin module may comprise preprocessing the at least one data stream, comprising but not limited to compress the at least one data stream, attach at least one meta data to the at least one data stream and / or modify the at least one data stream. Operating the plugin module may comprise transmitting at least one synchronization signal to the mixed-signal processing and / or the digital processing module module of the at least one measurement module. Operating the plugin module may also comprise operating a plugin-power-management module, wherein operating the plugin-power-management module may comprise converting an AC input voltage into a DC input voltage, measuring and / or regulating the voltage and current inputted into the plugin module, the at least one measurement module and the at least one sensor. Operating the plugin module may also comprise operating an AC-DC module, wherein operating the AC-DC module may comprise converting an AC input voltage into a DC input voltage and / or regulating the voltage and current inputted into the at least one measurement module.

[0066] Additionally and alternatively, operating the communication module may comprise operating a data logger module, wherein operating the data logger module may comprise storing at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor and / or at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or at least one calibration of the at least one measurement module.

[0067] Furthermore, operating the communication module may comprise operating a data broadcaster module, wherein operating the data broadcaster module may comprise transmitting and / or receiving the at least one data to and / or from a set of module performing the method according to any preceding method embodiment, an authorized user and / or an external system. Operating the data broadcaster module may also comprise transmitting and / or receiving the at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or at least one calibration of the at least one measurement module to and / or from a set of modules performing method according to any preceding method embodiment, at least one authorized user, and / or at least one external system. Operating the data broadcaster module may further comprise transmitting and / or receiving at least one data to and / or from the evaluation module.

[0068] Additionally and alternatively, operating the evaluation module may comprise evaluating at least one data, wherein the at least one data may be indicative of at least one timeseries such as but not limited to IMU data, voltage recordings, distance sensor readings, audio, vibration measurements. Operating the evaluation module may comprise operating at least one evaluation-AI module, wherein operating the at least one evaluation-AI module may comprise operating at least one analog Al module and / or at least one digital Al module. Operating the evaluation module may also comprise training and / or testing the at least one evaluation-AI module with the at least one data. Operating the evaluation module may further comprise storing at least one training data wherein the at least one training data may be configured for the training of the at least one evaluation-AI module, and / or wherein the at least one training data may comprise at least one configuration data wherein the at least one configuration data may be indicative of the configuration of the source generating the at least one training data. Furthermore, operating the at least one AI- module and / or the data modulation module, may comprise processing at least one data into at least one processed data such that the at least one processed data may be configured to be used by the evaluation-AI module.

[0069] Operating the evaluation module may comprise preprocessing the at least one training data according to the configuration of the measurement module and / or the at least one configuration data. Operating the evaluation module may also comprise modifying the at least one Al-module according to the results of the at least one evaluation-AI module. Operating the evaluation module may further comprise transmitting at least one data to an external system. Operating the at least one evaluation-AI module may additionally and alternatively comprise configuring the at least one evaluation-AI module for online learning.

[0070] Furthermore, the at least one analog signal outputted by operating the at least one sensor may comprise at least one neuromorphic signal. Operating the mixed-signal processing module may comprise processing at least one neuromorphic signal. Operating the evaluation module may comprise operating the evaluation module for analog computing and / or neuromorphic computing. Operating the evaluation module may comprise converting at least one data into at least one analog data and / or at least one neuromorphic data.

[0071] The invention further relates to the method according to the method described herein wherein the method may comprise operating at least two sets of modules performing the method each according to the method described herein. The method may be a method for a monitoring system and / or a testing system. Operating the data broadcaster may comprise transmitting data between the at least two sets of modules performing the method each, and / or at least one data indicative at least one configuration between the at least two sets of modules performing the method each. Operating the plugin module may also comprise sending at least one synchronization signal wherein the at least on synchronization signal may be configured for the synchronization of the at least two sets of modules performing the method each. Operating the self-diagnosis module may further comprise assessing the reliability of the at least two sets of modules performing the method each. Operating the self-calibration module may additionally and alternatively comprise calibrating the at least two sets of modules performing the method each, with respect to a standardized database. Operating the self-diagnosis module may comprise assessing the reliability of the at least two sets of modules performing the method each, according to the method described herein. Operating any combination and / or any part of any combination of the modules performing the method may comprise operating each of these modules individually. Operating at least one module preforming the method may also comprise generating at least one data in a standardized data format.

[0072] The present invention is also described by the following numbered embodiments.

[0073] Below, apparatus embodiments will be discussed. These embodiments are abbreviated by the letter "A" followed by a number. When reference is herein made to an apparatus embodiment, those embodiments are meant.

[0074] Al. An apparatus wherein the apparatus comprises at least one measurement module, and a plugin module.

[0075] A2. The apparatus according to the preceding apparatus embodiment wherein the apparatus further comprises a communication module.

[0076] A3. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments wherein the apparatus further comprises an evaluation module.

[0077] A4. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments wherein the apparatus is configured for a monitoring system.

[0078] A5. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments wherein the apparatus is configured for a testing system.

[0079] A6. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments wherein the apparatus comprises a DC power supply.

[0080] A7. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments wherein the at least one measurement module comprises at least one input channel.

[0081] A8. The apparatus according to the preceding apparatus embodiment wherein the at least one input channel of the at least one measurement module is configured to connect to at least one sensor.

[0082] A9. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiment A8 wherein the at least one sensor is configured to output at least one analog signal.

[0083] A10. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiment A8 wherein the at least one sensor is configured to output at least one digital signal.

[0084] All. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiment A8 wherein the at least one sensor is configured as a smart sensor.

[0085] A12. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments wherein the at least one measurement module comprises at least one output channel.

[0086] A13. The apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiments A2 and A12 wherein the at least one output channel of the at least one measurement module is configured to connect to the communication module.

[0087] A14. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments wherein the at least one measurement module comprises at least one SFP port.

[0088] A15. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments wherein the at least one measurement module comprises at least one SFP+ port.

[0089] A16. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments wherein the at least one measurement module comprises at least one QSFP port.

[0090] A17. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments wherein the at least one measurement module comprises at least one QSFP+ port.

[0091] A18. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiment A8 wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one SFP connection.

[0092] A19. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiment A8 wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one SFP+ connection.

[0093] A20. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiment A8 wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one QSFP connection.

[0094] A21. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiment A8 wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one QSFP+ connection.

[0095] A22. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments wherein the at least one measurement module comprises a mixed-signal processing module.

[0096] A23. The apparatus according to the preceding apparatus embodiment wherein the mixed-signal processing module is configured to process at least one analog signal.

[0097] A24. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments wherein the mixed-signal processing module is configured to digitize at least one analog signal.

[0098] A25. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A22, wherein the mixed-signal processing module comprises at least one analog-frontend module.

[0099] A26. The apparatus according to any of the previous apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiments A7 and A25, wherein the input of the at least one analog-frontend module is connected to the at least one input channel.

[0100] A27. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A22, wherein the mixed-signal processing module comprises at least one filter module.

[0101] A28. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A22 wherein the mixed-signal processing module comprises at least one signal processing module.

[0102] A29. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A22 wherein the mixed-signal processing module comprises at least one ADC data processing module.

[0103] A30. The apparatus according to any of the previous apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiments A12 and A29 wherein the output of the at least one ADC data processing module is connected to the at least one output channel.

[0104] A31. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A22 wherein the mixed-signal processing module comprises at least one buffer.

[0105] A32. The apparatus according to any of the previous apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiments A12 and A31 wherein the output of the at least one buffer is connected to the at least one output channel.

[0106] A33. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A7 and / or A8, wherein the at least one measurement module comprises at least two input channels and / or the at least one input channel is configured to connect to at least two sensors.

[0107] A34. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A33, wherein the mixed-signal processing module is configured to receive at least one synchronization signal from the plugin module.

[0108] A35. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiments A33 and A34, wherein the mixed-signal processing module is configured to transmit at least one synchronization signal to the inputs of the at least two input channels and / or the inputs of the at least two sensors.

[0109] A36. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment wherein the at least one measurement module comprises a digital processing module.

[0110] A37. The apparatus according to the preceding apparatus embodiment wherein the digital processing module is configured to process at least one digital signal.

[0111] A38. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A36 wherein the digital processing module comprises at least one digital-frontend module.

[0112] A39. The apparatus according to any of the previous apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiments A7 and A38 wherein the input of the at least one digital-frontend module is connected to the at least one input channel.

[0113] A40. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A36 wherein the digital processing module comprises at least one data processing module.

[0114] A41. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A36 wherein the digital processing module comprises at least one digital-communication module.

[0115] A42. The apparatus according to any of the previous apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiments A12 and A41 wherein the output of the at least one digital-communication module is connected to the at least one output channel.

[0116] A43. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A36 wherein the digital processing module comprises at least one buffer.

[0117] A44. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A36 wherein the digital processing module comprises at least one filter module.

[0118] A45. The apparatus according to any of the previous apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiments A12 and A43 wherein the output of the at least one buffer is connected to the at least one output channel.

[0119] A46. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A7 and / or A8, wherein the at least one measurement module comprises at least two input channels and / or the at least one input channel is configured to connect to at least two sensors.

[0120] A47. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A46, wherein the digital processing module is configured to receive at least one synchronization signal from the plugin module.

[0121] A48. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiments A46 and A47, wherein the digital processing module is configured to transmit at least one synchronization signal to the inputs of the at least two input channels and / or the inputs of the at least two sensors.

[0122] A49. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments wherein the at least one measurement module comprises a parameter control module.

[0123] A50. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiment A49, wherein the parameter control module is configured to modify at least one parameter of the at least one measurement module.

[0124] A51. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A49, wherein the parameter control module is configured to calibrate at least one parameter of the at least one measurement module.

[0125] A52. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A50 and / or A51, and A22, wherein the parameter control module is configured to modify and / or calibrate at least one parameter of the at least one mixed-signal processing module.

[0126] A53. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A50 and / or A51, and A36, wherein the parameter control module is configured to modify and / or calibrate at least one parameter of the at least one digital processing module.

[0127] A54. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A49, wherein the parameter control module comprises a logger module.

[0128] A55. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A54, wherein the logger module is configured to store at least one data indicative of at least one configuration of the at least one measurement module.

[0129] A56. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A8 and A55, wherein the at least data indicative of at least one configuration of the at least one measurement module is configured to relate to the at least one sensor.

[0130] A57. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A54, wherein the logger module is configured to store at least one data indicative of at least one calibration of the at least one measurement module.

[0131] A58. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments wherein the at least one measurement module comprises a parameter-control- communication module.

[0132] A59. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiments A12 and A58 wherein the parameter-control- communication module is connected to the at least one output channel.

[0133] A60. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiments A49 and A58 wherein the parameter-control- communication module is configured to communicate with the parameter control module.

[0134] A61. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A55 and / or A57, and A60 wherein the logger module is configured to transmit the at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or calibration to the parameter-control-communication module.

[0135] A62. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A55 and / or A57, and A60 wherein the logger module is configured to receive the at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or calibration from the parameter-control-communication module.

[0136] A63. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A58, wherein the parameter-control- communication module is configured to transmit and / or receive at least one data to and / or from at least one authorized user.

[0137] A64. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment wherein the at least one measurement module comprises a self-diagnosis module.

[0138] A65. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A64, wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to transmit and / or receive at least one data to and / or from any combination of modules comprised in the at least one measurement module.

[0139] A66. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A22 and / or A36, and A64, wherein the selfdiagnosis module is configured to transmit and / or receive at least one data to and / or from any combination of modules comprised in the mixed-signal processing and / or the digital processing module.

[0140] A67. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A8 and A64, wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to store at least one data indicative of at least one data from the at least one sensor.

[0141] A68. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiments A8 and A64 wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to assess the reliability of the at least one sensor. A69. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A68, wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to execute the assessment according to a schedule.

[0142] A70. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiment A64 wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to determine the sensitivity of the at least one sensor.

[0143] A71. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiment A64 wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to determine the specificity of the at least one sensor.

[0144] A72. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiment A64 wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to determine the precision of the at least one sensor.

[0145] A73. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments with the features of apparatus embodiment A64 wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to determine the accuracy of the at least one sensor.

[0146] A74. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A67 and A68, wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to assess the at least one sensor's degradation over time.

[0147] A75. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A68, wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to store at least one data indicative of at least one non-degraded sensor.

[0148] A76. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A8 and A64, wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to assess the installation of the at least one sensor.

[0149] A77. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A76, wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to store at least one data indicative of at least one currently-installed sensor.

[0150] A78. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A68, wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to store at least one data indicative of at least one sensor failure. A79. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A68, wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to store at least one data indicative of at least one abnormally-behaving sensor.

[0151] A80. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A68, wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to transmit and / or receive at least one test data to and / or from the at least one sensor.

[0152] A81. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A2 and A64 wherein the communication module is configured to store the results of the self-diagnosis module.

[0153] A82. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A64 wherein the apparatus is configured to transmit the results of the self-diagnosis module.

[0154] A83. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment wherein the at least one measurement module comprises a self-calibration module.

[0155] A84. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A83, wherein the self-calibration module is configured to calibrate the at least one sensor according to a standardized database.

[0156] A85. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A84, wherein the self-calibration module is configured to store the standardized database.

[0157] A86. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments wherein the at least one measurement module comprises a synchronization module.

[0158] A87. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A86, wherein the synchronization module is configured to synchronize the apparatus to an external system wherein the external system is configured to emit at least one external signal.

[0159] A88. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A8 and A87 wherein the at least one external signal is detected by the at least one sensor. A89. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A87, wherein the synchronization module is configured to extract at least one synchronization frequency from the at least one external signal.

[0160] A90. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A87, wherein the synchronization module is configured to select at least one synchronization frequency from the at least one external signal.

[0161] A91. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A87, wherein the synchronization module is configured to transmit at least one synchronization frequency to the at least one measurement module and / or the plugin module according to the at least one external signal.

[0162] A92. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment wherein the at least one measurement module comprises a data modulation module.

[0163] A93. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A22 and A92, wherein the data modulation module is configured to transmit and / or receive at least one data from the mixed- signal processing module.

[0164] A94. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A36 and A92, wherein the data modulation module is configured to transmit and / or receive at least one data from the digital processing module.

[0165] A95. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A92, wherein the data modulation module comprises at least one Al module.

[0166] A96. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A95, wherein the at least one Al module is configured as an analog Al module.

[0167] A97. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A95, wherein the at least one Al module is configured as a digital Al module. A98. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A8 and A92, wherein the data modulation module is configured to modify at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor.

[0168] A99. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A8 and A92, wherein the data modulation module is configured to add at least one data to at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor.

[0169] A100. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A98, wherein the data modulation module is configured to optimize the processing, transmission and / or storing of the at least one data.

[0170] A101. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A92, wherein the data modulation module is configured to clean at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor.

[0171] A102. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A92, wherein the data modulation module is configured to attach at least one metadata to at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor.

[0172] A103. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A95, wherein the data modulation module is configured to filter at least one data depending on the at least one Al module.

[0173] A104. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A92, wherein the data modulation module is configured to execute at least one deterministic algorithm.

[0174] A105. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A95, wherein the data modulation module is configured to modify the at least one data such that the at least one data is configured to be used by the at least one Al module.

[0175] A106. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A95, wherein the data modulation module is configured to preprocess the at least one data such that the at least one data is configured to be used by the at least one Al module. A107. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A105, wherein the data modulation module is configured to tokenize the at least one data.

[0176] A108. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A105, wherein the data modulation module is configured to train the at least one Al module with the at least one data.

[0177] A109. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A105, wherein the data modulation module is configured to test the at least one Al module with the at least one data.

[0178] A110. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment wherein the at least one measurement module comprises a power management module.

[0179] Alli. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment Al 10, wherein the power management module is configured to convert an AC input voltage into a DC input voltage.

[0180] Al 12. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment Al 10, wherein the power management module is configured to measure the voltage and current inputted into the at least one measurement module.

[0181] Al 13. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment Al 10, wherein the power management module is configured to regulate the voltage and current inputted into the at least one measurement module.

[0182] Al 14. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A8 and Al 10, wherein the power management module is configured to regulate the voltage and current inputted into the at least one measurement module and the at least one sensor.

[0183] Al 15. The apparatus according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments wherein the at least one measurement module comprises a multitude of input channels.

[0184] Al 16. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment wherein the plugin module is configured to receive at least one data from the at least one measurement module. Al 17. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment wherein the plugin module is configured to transmit at least one data to the at least one measurement module.

[0185] Al 18. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A2 wherein the plugin module is configured to receive at least one data from the communication module.

[0186] Al 19. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A2 wherein the plugin module is configured to transmit at least one data to the communication module.

[0187] A120. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of any of apparatus embodiments A116-A119, wherein the at least one data is configured to be indicative of at least one configuration of the at least one measurement module.

[0188] A121. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment wherein the plugin module is configured to be physically engageable with the at least one measurement module.

[0189] A122. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment wherein the apparatus comprises a multitude of measurement modules.

[0190] A123. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A121 and A122 wherein the plugin module is configured to be physically engageable with the multitude of measurement modules.

[0191] A124. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A116, wherein the plugin module is configured to generate at least one data in a standardized data format.

[0192] A125. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment wherein the plugin module comprises a DC power supply.

[0193] A126. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A125, wherein the plugin module is configured to regulate the electric voltage and current sent to the at least one measurement module.

[0194] A127. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A122 and A125, wherein the plugin module is configured to regulate the electric voltage and current sent to the multitude of measurement modules.

[0195] A128. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A123, wherein the plugin module is configured to consolidate the multitude of data streams outputted by the multitude of measurement modules into at least one data stream.

[0196] A129. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A128, wherein the plugin module is configured to preprocess the at least one data stream.

[0197] A130. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A22 wherein the plugin module is configured to transmit at least one synchronization signal to the mixed-signal processing module of the at least one measurement module.

[0198] A131. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A47 wherein the plugin module is configured to transmit at least one synchronization signal to the digital processing module of the at least one measurement module.

[0199] A132. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment wherein the plugin module comprises a plugin-power-management module.

[0200] A133. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A132, wherein the plugin-power-management module is configured to convert an AC input voltage into a DC input voltage.

[0201] A134. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A132, wherein the plugin-power-management module is configured to measure the voltage and current inputted into the plugin module.

[0202] A135. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A132, wherein the plugin-power-management module is configured to regulate the voltage and current inputted into the plugin module.

[0203] A136. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A8 and A132, wherein the plugin-power- management module is configured to regulate the voltage and current inputted into the plugin module, the at least one measurement module and the at least one sensor.

[0204] A137. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment wherein the plugin module comprises an AC-DC module.

[0205] A138. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A137, wherein the AC-DC module is configured to convert an AC input voltage into a DC input voltage.

[0206] A139. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A126 and A137, wherein the AC-DC module is configured to regulate the voltage and current inputted into the at least one measurement module.

[0207] A140. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A2, wherein the communication module comprises a data logger module.

[0208] A141. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A8 and A140, wherein the data logger module is configured to store at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor.

[0209] A142. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A140, wherein the data logger module is configured to store at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or at least one calibration of the at least one measurement module.

[0210] A143. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A2, wherein the communication module comprises a data broadcaster module.

[0211] A144. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A143, wherein the data broadcaster module is configured to transmit and / or receive the at least one data to and / or from another apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment.

[0212] A145. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A143, wherein the data broadcaster module is configured to transmit and / or receive the at least one data to and / or from an authorized user.

[0213] A146. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A143, wherein the data broadcaster module is configured to transmit and / or receive the at least one data to and / or from an external system.

[0214] A147. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A142 and A143, wherein the data broadcaster module is configured to transmit and / or receive the at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or at least one calibration of the at least one measurement module to and / or from another apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment.

[0215] A148. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A142 and A143, wherein the data broadcaster module is configured to transmit and / or receive the at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or at least one calibration of the at least one measurement module to and / or from at least one authorized user.

[0216] A149. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A142 and A143, wherein the data broadcaster module is configured to transmit and / or receive the at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or at least one calibration of the at least one measurement module to and / or from at least one external system.

[0217] A150. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A3 and A143 wherein the data broadcaster module is configured to transmit and / or receive at least one data to and / or from the evaluation module.

[0218] A151. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment according to any features of preceding apparatus embodiment A3, wherein the evaluation module is configured to evaluate at least one data.

[0219] A152. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A150 and A151, wherein the evaluation module is configured to evaluate the at least one data.

[0220] A153. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A151, wherein the at least one data is indicative of at least one time-series. A154. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A151, wherein the evaluation module comprises at least one evaluation-AI module.

[0221] A155. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A154 wherein the at least one evaluation-AI module is configured as an at least one analog Al module.

[0222] A156. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A154 wherein the at least one evaluation-AI module is configured as an at least one digital Al module.

[0223] A157. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A154, wherein the evaluation module is configured to train the at least one evaluation-AI module with the at least one data.

[0224] A158. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A154, wherein the evaluation module is configured to test the at least one evaluation-AI module with the at least one data.

[0225] A159. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A157, wherein the evaluation module is configured to store at least one training data wherein the at least one training data is configured for the training of the at least one evaluation-AI module.

[0226] A160. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A159, wherein the at least one training data is configured to comprise at least one configuration data wherein the at least one configuration data is indicative of the configuration of the source generating the at least one training data.

[0227] A161. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A159, wherein the evaluation module is configured to preprocess the at least one training data.

[0228] A162. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A160 and A161, wherein the evaluation module is configured to preprocess the data according to the configuration of the measurement module and / or the at least one configuration data. A163. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A95 and A154, wherein the evaluation module is configured to modify the at least one Al-module according to the results of the at least one evaluation-AI module.

[0229] A164. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A3, wherein the evaluation module is configured to transmit at least one data to an external system.

[0230] A165. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A154, wherein the at least one evaluation-AI module is configured for online learning.

[0231] A166. The apparatus according to any preceding embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A92 and A154, wherein the data modulation module is configured to process at least one data into at least one processed data such that the at least one processed data is configured to be used by the evaluation-AI module.

[0232] A167. The apparatus according to any preceding embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A95 and A154, wherein the at least one Al-module is configured to process at least one data into at least one processed data such that the at least one processed data is configured to be used by the evaluation-AI module.

[0233] Below, system embodiments will be discussed. These embodiments are abbreviated by the letter "S" followed by a number. When reference is herein made to a system embodiment, those embodiments are meant.

[0234] 51. A system wherein the system comprises at least two apparatuses according to any of the preceding apparatus embodiments.

[0235] 52. The system according to the preceding system embodiment wherein the system is configured for a monitoring system.

[0236] 53. The system according to any of the preceding system embodiments wherein the system is configured for a testing system.

[0237] 54. The system according to any preceding system embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A147 wherein the data broadcaster is configured to transmit data between the at least two apparatuses. 55. The system according to any preceding system embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A131, wherein the plugin module is configured to send at least one synchronization signal wherein the at least one synchronization signal is configured for the synchronization of the at least two apparatuses.

[0238] 56. The system according to any preceding system embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiments A142 and A147 wherein the data broadcaster is configured to transmit the at least one data indicative at least one configuration between the at least two apparatuses.

[0239] 57. The system according to any preceding system embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A64, wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to assess the reliability of the system.

[0240] 58. The system according to any preceding system embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A83, wherein the self-calibration module is configured to calibrate the system with respect to a standardized database.

[0241] A168. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment A60 wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to assess the reliability of the system according to any of the preceding system embodiments.

[0242] A169. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment wherein any combination of the modules comprising the apparatus are configured to operate individually.

[0243] A170. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment wherein any part of any combination of the modules comprising the apparatus are configured to operate individually.

[0244] A171. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment, wherein the modules comprising the apparatus are configured to generate at least one data in a standardized data format.

[0245] A172. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment, wherein the modules of the apparatus are comprised in a volume of preferably 17.5 mm x 38 mm x 98 mm, more preferably 8.5 mm x 37.3 mm x 78 mm and / or 17.5 mm x 18.35 mm x 78 mm and / or 8.5mm x 18.35 mm x 98 mm, and most preferably 8.5mm x 18.35 mm x 78 mm.

[0246] A173. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of embodiment A9, wherein the at least one analog signal comprises at least one neuromorphic signal.

[0247] A174. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of embodiment A23, wherein the mixed-signal processing module is configured to process at least one neuromorphic signal.

[0248] A175. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of embodiment A3, wherein the evaluation module is configured for analog computing.

[0249] A176. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of embodiment A3, wherein the evaluation module is configured for neuromorphic computing.

[0250] A177. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of embodiment A175, wherein the evaluation module is configured to convert at least one data into at least one analog data.

[0251] A178. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus embodiment with the features of embodiment M176, wherein the evaluation module is configured to convert at least one data into at least one neuromorphic data.

[0252] Below, method embodiments will be discussed. These embodiments are abbreviated by the letter "M" followed by a number. When reference is herein made to a method embodiment, those embodiments are meant.

[0253] Ml. A method wherein the method comprises

[0254] Operating at least one measurement module, Operating a plugin module.

[0255] M2. The method according to the preceding method embodiment wherein the method further comprises operating a communication module.

[0256] M3. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein the method further comprises operating an evaluation module.

[0257] M4. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein the method is a method for a monitoring system. M5. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein the method is a method for a testing system.

[0258] M6. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein the method comprises drawing power from a DC power supply.

[0259] M7. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating at least one input channel.

[0260] M8. The method according to the preceding method embodiment wherein operating the at least one input channel comprises operating at least one sensor.

[0261] M9. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments with the features of method embodiment M8 wherein operating the at least one sensor comprises detecting at least one analog signal outputted by the at least one sensor.

[0262] MIO. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments with the features of method embodiment M8 wherein operating the at least one sensor comprises detecting at least one digital signal outputted by the at least one sensor.

[0263] Mil. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments with the features of method embodiment M8 wherein operating the at least one sensor comprises operating a smart sensor.

[0264] M12. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating at least one output channel.

[0265] M13. The method according to the preceding method embodiment M2 and method embodiment M12 wherein operating the at least one output channel comprises communicating with the communication module operated by the method.

[0266] M14. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises at least one SFP port.

[0267] M15. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises at least one SFP+ port.

[0268] M16. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises at least one QSFP port. M17. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises at least one QSFP+ port.

[0269] M18. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments with the features of method embodiment M8 wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one SFP connection.

[0270] M19. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments with the features of method embodiment M8 wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one SFP+ connection.

[0271] M20. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments with the features of method embodiment M8 wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one QSFP connection.

[0272] M21. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments with the features of method embodiment M8 wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one QSFP+ connection.

[0273] M22. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating a mixed- signal processing module.

[0274] M23. The method according to the preceding method embodiment wherein operating the mixed-signal processing module comprises processing at least one analog signal.

[0275] M24. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein operating the mixed-signal processing module comprises digitizing at least one analog signal.

[0276] M25. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M22, wherein operating the mixed-signal processing module comprises operating at least one analog-frontend module.

[0277] M26. The method according to any of the previous method embodiments with the features of method embodiments M7 and M25, wherein operating at least one analog-frontend module comprises connecting the input of the at least one analogfrontend module to the at least one input channel operated by the method.

[0278] M27. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M22, wherein operating the mixed-signal processing module comprises operating at least one filter module.

[0279] M28. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M22 wherein operating the mixed-signal processing module comprises operating at least one signal processing module.

[0280] M29. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M22 wherein operating the mixed-signal processing module comprises operating at least one ADC data processing module.

[0281] M30. The method according to any of the previous method embodiments with the features of method embodiments M12 and M29 wherein operating the mixed- signal processing module comprises connecting the output of the at least one ADC data processing module to the at least one output channel operated by the method.

[0282] M31. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M22 wherein operating the mixed-signal processing module comprises operating at least one buffer.

[0283] M32. The method according to any of the previous method embodiments with the features of method embodiments M12 and M31 wherein operating the at least one buffer comprises connecting the output of the at least one buffer to the at least one output channel.

[0284] M33. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M7 and / or M8, wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating at least two input channels and / or operating the at least one input channel wherein operating the at least one input channel comprises operating at least two sensors.

[0285] M34. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M33, wherein operating the mixed-signal processing module comprises receiving at least one synchronization signal from the plugin module.

[0286] M35. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments with the features of method embodiments M33 and M34, wherein operating the mixed- signal processing module comprises transmitting at least one synchronization signal to the inputs of the at least two input channels and / or the inputs of the at least two sensors operated by the method. M36. The method according to any preceding method embodiment wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating a digital processing module.

[0287] M37. The method according to the preceding method embodiment wherein operating the digital processing module comprises processing at least one digital signal.

[0288] M38. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M36 wherein operating the digital processing module comprises operating at least one digital-frontend module.

[0289] M39. The method according to any of the previous method embodiments with the features of method embodiments M7 and M38 wherein operating the input of the at least one digital-frontend module comprises connecting the at least one digitalfrontend module to the at least one input channel.

[0290] M40. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M36 wherein operating the digital processing module comprises operating at least one data processing module.

[0291] M41. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M36 wherein operating the digital processing module comprises operating at least one digital-communication module.

[0292] M42. The method according to any of the previous method embodiments with the features of method embodiments M12 and M41 wherein operating the output of the at least one digital-communication module comprises connecting the at least one digital-communication module to the at least one output channel.

[0293] M43. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M36 wherein operating the digital processing module comprises operating at least one buffer.

[0294] M44. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M36 wherein operating the digital processing module comprises operating at least one filter module.

[0295] M45. The method according to any of the previous method embodiments with the features of method embodiments M12 and M43 wherein operating the at least one buffer comprises connecting the output of the at least one buffer to the at least one output. M46. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M7 and / or M8, wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating at least two input channels and / or operating the at least one input channel wherein operating the at least one input channel comprises operating at least two sensors.

[0296] M47. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M46, wherein operating the digital processing module comprises receiving at least one synchronization signal from the plugin module performing the method.

[0297] M48. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments with the features of method embodiments M46 and M47, wherein operating the digital processing module comprises transmitting at least one synchronization signal to the inputs of the at least two input channels and / or the inputs of the at least two sensors.

[0298] M49. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating a parameter control module.

[0299] M50. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments with the features of method embodiment M49, wherein operating the parameter control module comprises modifying at least one parameter of the at least one measurement module performing the method.

[0300] M51. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M49, wherein operating the parameter control module comprises calibrating at least one parameter of the at least one measurement module.

[0301] M52. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M50 and / or M51, and M22, wherein operating the parameter control module comprises modifying and / or calibrating at least one parameter of the at least one mixed-signal processing module.

[0302] M53. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M50 and / or M51, and M36, wherein operating the parameter control module comprises modifying and / or calibrating at least one parameter of the at least one digital processing module.

[0303] M54. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M49, wherein operating the parameter control module comprises operating a logger module.

[0304] M55. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M54, wherein operating the logger module comprises storing at least one data indicative of at least one configuration of the at least one measurement module.

[0305] M56. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M8 and M55, wherein the at least data indicative of at least one configuration of the at least one measurement module relates to the at least one sensor.

[0306] M57. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M54, wherein operating the logger module comprises storing at least one data indicative of at least one calibration of the at least one measurement module.

[0307] M58. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating a parametercontrol-communication module.

[0308] M59. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments with the features of method embodiments M12 and M58 wherein operating the parametercontrol-communication module comprises connecting the parameter-control- communication module to the at least one output channel.

[0309] M60. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments with the features of method embodiments M49 and M58 wherein operating the programming interface comprises communicating with the parameter control module.

[0310] M61. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M55 and / or M57, and M60 wherein operating the logger module comprises transmitting the at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or calibration to the parameter-control-communication module.

[0311] M62. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M55 and / or M57, and M60 wherein operating the logger module comprises receiving the at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or calibration from the parameter-control-communication module. M63. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M58, wherein operating the parameter-control- communication module comprises transmitting and / or receiving at least one data to and / or from at least one authorized user.

[0312] M64. The method according to any preceding method embodiment wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating a self-diagnosis module.

[0313] M65. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M64, wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises transmitting and / or receiving at least one data to and / or from any combination of modules comprised in the at least one measurement module.

[0314] M66. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M22 and / or M36, and M64, wherein operating the selfdiagnosis module comprises transmitting and / or receiving at least one data to and / or from any combination of modules comprised in the mixed-signal processing module and / or the digital processing module.

[0315] M67. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M8 and M64, wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises storing at least one data indicative of at least one data from the at least one sensor.

[0316] M68. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments with the features of method embodiments M8 and M64 wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises assessing the reliability of the at least one sensor.

[0317] M69. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M68, wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises executing the assessment according to a schedule.

[0318] M70. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments with the features of method embodiment M64 wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises determining the sensitivity of the at least one sensor.

[0319] M71. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments with the features of method embodiment M64 wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises determining the specificity of the at least one sensor. M72. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments with the features of method embodiment M64 wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises determining the precision of the at least one sensor.

[0320] M73. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments with the features of method embodiment M64 wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises determining the accuracy of the at least one sensor.

[0321] M74. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M67 and M68, wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises assessing the at least one sensor's degradation over time.

[0322] M75. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M68, wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises storing at least one data indicative of at least one non-degraded sensor.

[0323] M76. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M8 and M64, wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises assessing the installation of the at least one sensor.

[0324] M77. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M76, wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises storing at least one data indicative of at least one currently-installed sensor.

[0325] M78. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M68, wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises storing at least one data indicative of at least one sensor failure.

[0326] M79. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M68, wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises storing at least one data indicative of at least one abnormally-behaving sensor.

[0327] M80. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M68, wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises transmitting and / or receiving at least one test data to and / or from the at least one sensor.

[0328] M81. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M2 and M64 wherein operating the communication module comprises storing the results of the self-diagnosis module.

[0329] M82. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M64 wherein the method comprises transmitting the results of the self-diagnosis module.

[0330] M83. The method according to any preceding method embodiment wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating a self-calibration module.

[0331] M84. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M83, wherein operating the self-calibration module comprises calibrating the at least one sensor according to a standardized database.

[0332] M85. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M84, wherein operating the self-calibration module comprises storing the standardized database.

[0333] M86. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating a synchronization module.

[0334] M87. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M86, wherein operating the synchronization module comprises synchronizing the modules performing the method to an external system wherein the external system is configured to emit at least one external signal.

[0335] M88. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M8 and M87 wherein operating the at least one sensor comprises detecting the at least one external signal.

[0336] M89. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M87, wherein operating the synchronization module comprises extracting at least one synchronization frequency from the at least one external signal.

[0337] M90. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M87, wherein operating the synchronization module comprises selecting at least one synchronization frequency from the at least one external signal.

[0338] M91. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M87, wherein operating the synchronization module comprises transmitting at least one synchronization frequency to the at least one measurement module and / or the plugin module according to the at least one external signal.

[0339] M92. The method according to any preceding method embodiment wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating a data modulation module.

[0340] M93. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M22 and M92, wherein operating the data modulation module comprises transmitting and / or receiving at least one data from the mixed- signal processing module.

[0341] M94. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M36 and M92, wherein operating the data modulation module comprises transmitting and / or receiving at least one data from the digital processing module.

[0342] M95. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M92, wherein operating the data modulation module comprises operating at least one Al module.

[0343] M96. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M95, wherein operating the at least one Al module comprises operating an analog Al module.

[0344] M97. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M95, wherein operating the at least one Al module comprises operating a digital Al module.

[0345] M98. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M8 and M92, wherein operating the data modulation module comprises modifying at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor.

[0346] M99. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M8 and M92, wherein operating the data modulation module comprises adding at least one data to at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor.

[0347] M100. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M98, wherein operating the data modulation module comprises optimizing the processing, transmission and / or storing of the at least one data.

[0348] M101. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M92, wherein the data modulation module comprises cleaning at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor.

[0349] M102. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M92, wherein operating the data modulation module comprises attaching at least one metadata to at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor.

[0350] M103. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M95, wherein operating the data modulation module comprises filtering at least one data depending on the at least one Al module.

[0351] M104. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M92, wherein operating the data modulation module comprises executing at least one deterministic algorithm.

[0352] M105. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M95, wherein operating the data modulation module comprises modifying the at least one data such that the at least one data is configured to be used by the at least one Al module performing the method.

[0353] M106. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M95, wherein operating the data modulation module comprises preprocessing the at least one data such that the at least one data is configured to be used by the at least one Al module performing the method.

[0354] M107. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M105, wherein operating the data modulation module comprises tokenizing the at least one data.

[0355] M108. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M105, wherein operating the data modulation module comprises training the at least one Al module with the at least one data.

[0356] M109. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M105, wherein operating the data modulation module comprises testing the at least one Al module with the at least one data. MHO. The method according to any preceding method embodiment wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating a power management module.

[0357] Mill. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment MHO, wherein operating the power management module comprises converting an AC input voltage into a DC input voltage.

[0358] Ml 12. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment MHO, wherein operating the power management module comprises measuring the voltage and current inputted into the at least one measurement module.

[0359] Ml 13. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment MHO, wherein operating the power management module comprises regulating the voltage and current inputted into the at least one measurement module.

[0360] Ml 14. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M8 and MHO, wherein the power management module comprises regulating the voltage and current inputted into the at least one measurement module and the at least one sensor.

[0361] M115. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating a multitude of input channels.

[0362] M116. The method according to any preceding method embodiment wherein operating the plugin module comprises receiving at least one data from the at least one measurement module.

[0363] M117. The method according to any preceding method embodiment wherein operating the plugin module comprises transmitting at least one data to the at least one measurement module.

[0364] Ml 18. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M2 wherein operating the plugin module comprises receiving at least one data from the communication module.

[0365] Ml 19. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M2 wherein operating the plugin module comprises transmitting at least one data to the communication module.

[0366] M120. The method according to any preceding method embodiments with the features of any of method embodiments M116-M119, wherein the at least one data is indicative of at least one configuration of the at least one measurement module.

[0367] M121. The method according to any preceding method embodiment wherein the method comprises operating a multitude of measurement modules.

[0368] M122. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M116, wherein operating the plugin module comprises generating at least one data in a standardized data format.

[0369] M123. The method according to any preceding method embodiment wherein operating the plugin module comprises drawing power from a DC power supply.

[0370] M124. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M123, wherein operating the plugin module comprises regulating the electric voltage and current sent to the at least one measurement module.

[0371] M125. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M121 and M123, wherein operating the plugin module comprises regulating the electric voltage and current sent to the multitude of measurement modules.

[0372] M126. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M121, wherein operating the plugin module comprises consolidating the multitude of data streams outputted by the multitude of measurement modules into at least one data stream.

[0373] M127. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M126, wherein operating the plugin module comprises preprocessing the at least one data stream.

[0374] M128. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M22 wherein operating the plugin module comprises transmitting at least one synchronization signal to the mixed-signal processing module of the at least one measurement module.

[0375] M129. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M47 wherein operating the plugin module comprises transmitting at least one synchronization signal to the digital processing module of the at least one measurement module.

[0376] M130. The method according to any preceding method embodiment wherein operating the plugin module comprises operating a plugin-power-management module.

[0377] M131. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M130, wherein operating the plugin-power-management module comprises converting an AC input voltage into a DC input voltage.

[0378] M132. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M130, wherein operating the plugin-power-management module comprises measuring the voltage and current inputted into the plugin module.

[0379] M133. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M130, wherein operating the plugin-power-management module comprises regulating the voltage and current inputted into the plugin module.

[0380] M134. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M8 and M130, wherein operating the plugin-power- management module comprises regulating the voltage and current inputted into the plugin module, the at least one measurement module and the at least one sensor.

[0381] M135. The method according to any preceding method embodiment wherein operating the plugin module comprises operating an AC-DC module.

[0382] M136. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M135, wherein operating the AC-DC module comprises converting an AC input voltage into a DC input voltage.

[0383] M137. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M124 and M135, wherein operating the AC-DC module comprises regulating the voltage and current inputted into the at least one measurement module.

[0384] M138. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M2, wherein operating the communication module comprises operating a data logger module. M139. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M8 and M138, wherein operating the data logger module comprises storing at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor.

[0385] M140. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M138, wherein operating the data logger module comprises storing at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or at least one calibration of the at least one measurement module.

[0386] M141. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M2, wherein operating the communication module comprises operating a data broadcaster module.

[0387] M142. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M141, wherein operating the data broadcaster module comprises transmitting and / or receiving the at least one data to and / or from a set of module performing the method according to any preceding method embodiment.

[0388] M143. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M141, wherein operating the data broadcaster module comprises transmitting and / or receiving the at least one data to and / or from an authorized user.

[0389] M144. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M141, wherein operating the data broadcaster module comprises transmitting and / or receiving the at least one data to and / or from an external system.

[0390] M145. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M140 and M141, wherein operating the data broadcaster module comprises transmitting and / or receiving the at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or at least one calibration of the at least one measurement module to and / or from a set of modules performing method according to any preceding method embodiment.

[0391] M146. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M140 and M141, wherein operating the data broadcaster module comprises transmitting and / or receiving the at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or at least one calibration of the at least one measurement module to and / or from at least one authorized user.

[0392] M147. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M140 and M141, wherein the data broadcaster module comprises transmitting and / or receiving the at least one data indicative of at least one configuration and / or at least one calibration of the at least one measurement module to and / or from at least one external system.

[0393] M148. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M3 and M141 wherein operating the data broadcaster module comprises transmitting and / or receiving at least one data to and / or from the evaluation module.

[0394] M149. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M3, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises evaluating at least one data.

[0395] M150. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M148 and M149, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises evaluating the at least one data.

[0396] M151. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M149, wherein the at least one data is indicative of at least one time-series.

[0397] M152. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M149, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises operating at least one evaluation-AI module.

[0398] M153. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M152 wherein operating the at least one evaluation-AI module comprises operating at least one analog Al module.

[0399] M154. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M152 wherein operating the at least one evaluation-AI module comprises operating at least one digital Al module.

[0400] M155. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M152, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises training the at least one evaluation-AI module with the at least one data.

[0401] M156. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M152, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises testing the at least one evaluation-AI module with the at least one data.

[0402] M157. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M155, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises storing at least one training data wherein the at least one training data is configured for the training of the at least one evaluation-AI module.

[0403] M158. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M157, wherein the at least one training data comprises at least one configuration data wherein the at least one configuration data is indicative of the configuration of the source generating the at least one training data.

[0404] M159. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M157, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises preprocessing the at least one training data.

[0405] M160. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M158 and M159, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises preprocessing the data according to the configuration of the measurement module and / or the at least one configuration data.

[0406] M161. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M95 and M152, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises modifying the at least one Al-module according to the results of the at least one evaluation-AI module.

[0407] M162. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M3, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises transmitting at least one data to an external system.

[0408] M163. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M152, wherein operating the at least one evaluation-AI module comprises configuring the at least one evaluation-AI module for online learning.

[0409] M164. The method according to any preceding embodiment with the features of apparatus embodiment M92 and M152, wherein operating the data modulation module comprises processing at least one data into at least one processed data such that the at least one processed data is configured to be used by the evaluation-AI module. M165. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M95 and M152, wherein operating the at least one Al-module comprises processing at least one data into at least one processed data such that the at least one processed data is configured to be used by the evaluation-AI module.

[0410] M166. The method according to any preceding method embodiment wherein the method comprises operating at least two sets of modules performing the method each according to any of the preceding method embodiments.

[0411] M167. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein the method is a method for a monitoring system.

[0412] M168. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments wherein the method is a method for a testing system.

[0413] M169. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M145 wherein operating the data broadcaster comprises transmitting data between the at least two sets of modules performing the method each.

[0414] M170. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M129, wherein operating the plugin module comprises sending at least one synchronization signal wherein the at least on synchronization signal is configured for the synchronization of the at least two sets of modules performing the method each.

[0415] M171. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiments M140 and M145 wherein operating the data broadcaster comprises transmitting the at least one data indicative at least one configuration between the at least two sets of modules performing the method each.

[0416] M172. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M64, wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises assessing the reliability of the at least two sets of modules performing the method each.

[0417] M173. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M83, wherein operating the self-calibration module comprises calibrating the at least two sets of modules performing the method each, with respect to a standardized database. M174. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of method embodiment M60 wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises assessing the reliability of the at least two sets of modules performing the method each, according to any of the preceding method embodiments.

[0418] M175. The method according to any preceding method embodiment wherein operating any combination of the modules performing the method comprises operating each of these modules individually.

[0419] M176. The method according to any preceding method embodiment wherein operating any part of any combination of the modules performing the method comprises operating each of these modules individually.

[0420] M177. The method according to any preceding method embodiment, wherein operating at least one module preforming the method comprises generating at least one data in a standardized data format.

[0421] M178. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of embodiment M9, wherein the at least one analog signal comprises at least one neuromorphic signal.

[0422] M179. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of embodiment M23, wherein operating the mixed-signal processing module comprises processing at least one neuromorphic signal.

[0423] M180. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of embodiment M3, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises operating the evaluation module for analog computing.

[0424] M181. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of embodiment M3, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises operating the evaluation module for neuromorphic computing.

[0425] M182. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of embodiment M180, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises converting at least one data into at least one analog data.

[0426] M183. The method according to any preceding method embodiment with the features of embodiment M181, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises converting at least one data into at least one neuromorphic data. Brief description of the figures

[0427] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention. These embodiments should only exemplify, but not limit, the present invention.

[0428] Fig. 1 schematically depicts an example of the apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0429] Fig. 2 schematically depicts an example of at least one measurement module of the apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0430] Fig. 3 schematically depicts another example of the apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0431] Fig. 4 schematically depicts an example of the system according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0432] It is noted that not all the drawings carry all the reference signs. Instead, in some of the drawings, some of the reference signs have been omitted for sake of brevity and simplicity of illustration. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0433] Detailed description of the figures

[0434] Fig. 1 schematically depicts an example of the apparatus 1000 connected to multiple sensors 2000. Particularly, apparatus 1000 comprises a measurement module 1200, a plugin module 1400, a communication module 1600 and an evaluation module 1800.

[0435] Sensors 2000 transfer data to measurement module 1200 and may receive configuration data from measurement 2000 as well. Measurement module 1200 is configured to transmit and / or receive data and / or metadata to the plugin module 1400. Plugin module 1400 also comprises a logger module 1450 where configuration data for the measurement module 1200 and / or sensors 2000 may be stored. Plugin module 1400 is configured to generate data from the data inputted by measurement module 1200 in a standardized data format. Plugin module 1400 is also configured to transmit data and / or metadata to communication module 1600 which comprises data broadcaster 1630 and data logger 1660. Data broadcaster 1630 is configured to transmit data to various modules of apparatus 1000 as well as to modules outside of apparatus 1000. Data logger 1660 is configured to store data and / or metadata as well as configuration settings of measurement module 1200 and / or sensors 2000. Evaluation module 1800 is configured to evaluate the data received from communication module 1600, wherein the data relates to the data first inputted by the sensors 2000.

[0436] Fig. 2 schematically depicts measurement module 1200 comprising input channels 1210, mixed-signal processing module 1220, digital processing module 1230, parameter control module 1240, parameter-control-communication module 1250, self-diagnosis module 1263, self-calibration module 1266, data modulation module 1273, synchronization module 1276, power management module 1280 and output channels 1290.

[0437] At least one sensor can be connected to at least one input channel, allowing for combinations such as multiple sensors being connected to the same channel. Input channels 1210 transmit the data acquired from the sensors to either the mixed-signal processing module 1220 or digital processing module 1230 according to the type of data (analog or digital) transmitted by the input channels 1210. Multiple input channels may also transmit to the mixed-signal processing module 1220 or digital processing module 1230 simultaneously.

[0438] Mixed-signal processing module 1220 may comprise an analog-frontend module 1221, a filter module 1223, a signal processing module 1225, an ADC data processing module 1227 and a buffer 1229. An analog signal is transferred from the input channels 1210 to the analog-frontend module 1221. The analog signal is then sent to the filter module 1223 and / or signal processing module 1225. The output of these two modules is received in the ADC data processing module 1227 where the processed analog signal is converted to a digital signal. The digital signal is then transfer to a buffer module 1229 before being outputted to the output channels 1290.

[0439] Similarly, digital processing module 1230 may comprise a digital-frontend module 1231, a filter module 1233, a data processing module 1235, digital communication module 1237 and a buffer 1239. A digital signal is transferred from the input channels 1210 to the digitalfrontend module 1231. The digital signal is then sent to the filter module 1233 and / or signal processing module 1235. The output of these two modules is received in the digital communication module 1237. The digital signal is then transferred to a buffer module 1239 before being outputted to the output channels 1290.

[0440] Parameter control module 1240 may be configured to modify and / or calibrate parameters of the measurement module 1200 such as mixed-signal processing module 1220 and digital processing module 1230. Parameter control module may also comprise a logger module 1245 configured to store data relating to calibration and / or configuration of the measurement module and / or the sensors 2000 connected to input channels 1210. The sensor configuration data may be sent through the input channels (connection not drawn) to calibrate and / or configure the sensors connected to measurement module 1200.

[0441] Parameter-control-communication module 1250 is configured to transmit and / or receive configuration data to and / or from parameter control module 1240. Parameter-control- communication module 1250 may also be connected to output channels 1290 to transmit and / or receive configuration data from the plugin module 1300.

[0442] Self-diagnosis module 1263 is configured to assess the reliability of sensors 2000. After analyzing data from any and / or any combination of modules comprised in measurement module 1200 such as mixed-signal processing module 1220 and digital processing module 1230, self-diagnosis module 1263 outputs the results to the rest of the measurement system 1200. The results may also be stored in communication module 1600 (not shown). Self-calibration module 1266 is configured to calibrate the sensors 2000 according to a standardized database by analyzing data from any and / or any combination of modules comprised in measurement module 1200 such as mixed-signal processing module 1220 and digital processing module 1230.

[0443] Data modulation module 1273 is configured to clean, add, remove data and / or metadata coming from the mixed-signal processing module 1220 and / or digital processing module 1230. The data is extracted and / or inserted from and / or to any combination of modules comprised in measurement module 1200 such as mixed-signal processing module 1220 and digital processing module 1230.

[0444] Synchronization module 1276 is configured to synchronize apparatus 1000 to an external signal emitted by an external system, that is not comprised in the apparatus 1000. The multitude of data streams coming in from the multiple input channels 1210 are analyzed to extract and select the synchronization frequency. The data is extracted and / or inserted from and / or to any combination of modules comprised in measurement module 1200 such as mixed-signal processing module 1220 and digital processing module 1230. The synchronization frequency is then transmitted to the rest of measurement module 1200 and plugin module 1300 (not shown). The external signal may also be transmitted to measurement module 1200 from plugin module 1300 (not shown).

[0445] Power management module 1280 is configured to measure the voltage and current inputted into measurement module 1200 and regulate the voltage and current operating measurement module 1200 and sensors 2000. The voltage and current operating measurement module 1200 may be inputted from an external source (not shown). Power management module 1280 may also include a power supply 1285 to supply the voltage and current to the measurement module 1200 and / or sensors 2000.

[0446] Output channels 1290 are configured to transmit and / or receive information from plugin module 1300 (not shown).

[0447] Fig. 3 schematically depicts an example of the apparatus 1000 and more particularly, the interactions of different modules of apparatus 1000. Data modulation module 1273 present in measurement module 1200 may comprise an Al configured to implement the functions of data modulation module 1273. The cleaned data would then pass through the plugin module 1400, the communication module 1600 and reach evaluation module 1800. Evaluation module 1800 may also comprise an evaluation Al 1850 configured to evaluate the data transmitted from the measurement module 1200. Evaluation Al 1850 may be configured to be trained and be tested with this transmitted data. Evaluation Al 1850's results may also affect data modulation module 1273's Al in the training process.

[0448] Data broadcaster 1630 comprised in communication module 1600 may also be configured to transmit data to an authorized user 4000.

[0449] Fig. 4 schematically depicts an example of a system comprising two apparatuses; apparatus 1000 and apparatus 5000. The apparatuses may transmit and / or receive data to each other via the data broadcasters 1630 in each apparatus such as but not limited to configuration and / or calibration data The system may transmit data to an authorized user 4000 via the data broadcaster 1630 of either apparatus 1000 or apparatus 5000 or both. The data may comprise data related to any of the apparatuses regardless of which apparatus it is transmitted from.

[0450] An external system 3000 may also emit an external signal that is captured by the sensors connected to apparatuses 1000 and 5000. Synchronization modules 1276 in each of the apparatuses are configured to synchronize each apparatus and / or the system according to the synchronization frequency extracted from the external signal.

[0451] Self-diagnosis module 1263 in apparatus 1000 is configured to assess the reliability of the entire system which includes apparatus 5000. Similarly, self-calibration module 1267 in apparatus 5000 is configured to perform self-calibration on the entire system according to a standardized database.

[0452] While in the above, a preferred embodiment has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the skilled person will understand that this embodiment was provided for illustrative purpose only and should by no means be construed to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the claims.

[0453] Whenever a relative term, such as "about", "substantially" or "approximately" is used in this specification, such a term should also be construed to also include the exact term. That is, e.g., "substantially straight" should be construed to also include "(exactly) straight".

[0454] Whenever steps were recited in the above or also in the appended claims, it should be noted that the order in which the steps are recited in this text may be accidental. That is, unless otherwise specified or unless clear to the skilled person, the order in which steps are recited may be accidental. That is, when the present document states, e.g., that a method comprises steps (A) and (B), this does not necessarily mean that step (A) precedes step (B), but it is also possible that step (A) is performed (at least partly) simultaneously with step (B) or that step (B) precedes step (A). Furthermore, when a step (X) is said to precede another step (Z), this does not imply that there is no step between steps (X) and (Z). That is, step (X) preceding step (Z) encompasses the situation that step (X) is performed directly before step (Z), but also the situation that (X) is performed before one or more steps (Yl), ..., followed by step (Z). Corresponding considerations apply when terms like "after" or "before" are used.

Claims

Claims1. An apparatus for a monitoring and / or a testing system, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one measurement module, wherein the at least one measurement module comprises at least one input channel, wherein the at least one input channel of the at least one measurement module is configured to connect to at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to output at least one analog signal and / or at least one digital signal, and a plugin module wherein the plugin module is configured to receive at least one data from the at least one measurement module and wherein the plugin module is configured to generate at least one data in a standardized data format.

2. The apparatus according to the preceding apparatus claim, wherein the at least one measurement module comprises a data modulation module, wherein the data modulation wherein the data modulation module is configured to modify at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor, and / or add at least one data to at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor and / or clean at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor and / or attach at least one metadata to at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor, wherein the data modulation module is further configured to optimize the processing, transmission and / or storing of the at least one data.

3. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus claim, wherein the at least one measurement module comprises a synchronization module, wherein the synchronization module is configured to synchronize the apparatus to an external system wherein the external system is configured to emit at least one external signal, wherein the at least one external signal is detected by the at least one sensor, wherein the synchronization module is configured to extract and / or select at least one synchronization frequency from the at least one external signal and wherein the synchronization module is configured to transmit at least one synchronization frequency to the at least one measurement module and / or the plugin module according to the at least one external signal.

4. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus claim, wherein any combination and / or any part of any combination of the modules comprising the apparatus are configured to operate individually.

5. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus claim, wherein the at least one measurement module comprises a self-calibration module, wherein the selfcalibration module is configured to calibrate the at least one sensor according to a standardized database, wherein the self-calibration module is configured to store the standardized database.

6. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus claim, wherein the at least one measurement module comprises a self-diagnosis module, wherein the selfdiagnosis module is configured to assess the reliability of the at least one sensor, wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to execute the assessment according to a schedule, wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to determine the sensitivity and / or the specificity and / or the precision and / or the accuracy of the at least one sensor, wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to assess the at least one sensor's degradation over time, and wherein the self-diagnosis module is configured to assess the installation of the at least one sensor.

7. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a communication module wherein the communication module comprises a data logger module, wherein the data logger module is configured to store at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor, and / or wherein the communication module comprises a data broadcaster module wherein the data broadcaster module is configured to transmit and / or receive the at least one data to and / or from another apparatus according to any preceding apparatus claim, an authorized user, and / or an external system.

8. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus claim, wherein the apparatus comprises an evaluation module, wherein the evaluation module is configured to evaluate at least one data, wherein the evaluation module comprises at least one evaluation-AI module, wherein the evaluation module is configured to train and / or test the at least one evaluation-AI module with the at least one data, wherein the evaluation module is configured to store at least one training data wherein the at least one training data is configured for the training of the at least one evaluation- AI module, wherein the at least one training data is configured to comprise at least one configuration data wherein the at least one configuration data is indicative of the configuration of the source generating the at least one training data, wherein the evaluation module is configured to preprocess the at least one training data according to the configuration of the measurement module and / or the at least one configuration data.

9. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus claim with the features of apparatus claims 2 and 8, wherein the data modulation module comprises at least one Al module, wherein the evaluation module is configured to modify the at least one Al-module according to the results of the at least one evaluation-AI module and / or wherein the data modulation module and / or the at least one Al-module is configured to process at least one data into at least one processed data such that the at least one processed data is configured to be used by the evaluation-AI module.

10. The apparatus according to any preceding apparatus claim, wherein the modules of the apparatus are comprised in a volume of preferably 17.5 mm x 38 mm x 98 mm, more preferably 8.5 mm x 37.3 mm x 78 mm and / or 17.5 mm x 18.35 mm x 78 mm and / or 8.5mm x 18.35 mm x 98 mm, and most preferably 8.5mm x 18.35 mm x 78 mm.

11. A system configured for a monitoring system and / or a testing system, wherein the system comprises at least two apparatuses according to any of the preceding apparatus claims, wherein the plugin module is configured to send at least one synchronization signal wherein the at least on synchronization signal is configured for the synchronization of the at least two apparatuses.

12. A method for a monitoring system and / or a testing system wherein the method comprises operating at least one measurement module, wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating at least one input channel, wherein operating the at least one input channel comprises operating at least one sensor, wherein operating the at least one sensor comprises detecting at least one analog signal and / or at least one digital signal outputted by the at least one sensor, and operating a plugin module, wherein operating the plugin module comprises receiving at least one data from the at least one measurement module, wherein operating the plugin module comprises generating at least one data in a standardized data format.

13. The method according to any preceding method claim wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating a data modulation module, wherein operating the data modulation module comprises modifying at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor, and / or adding at least one data to at least one data indicative of at least one data inputtedfrom the at least one sensor, and / or cleaning at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor, and / or attaching at least one metadata to at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor, wherein operating the data modulation module further comprises optimizing the processing, transmission and / or storing of the at least one data.

14. The method according to any preceding method claim, wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating a synchronization module, wherein operating the synchronization module comprises synchronizing the modules performing the method to an external system wherein the external system is configured to emit at least one external signal, wherein operating the at least one sensor comprises detecting the at least one external signal, wherein operating the synchronization module comprises extracting and / or selecting at least one synchronization frequency from the at least one external signal, wherein the synchronization module comprises transmitting at least one synchronization frequency to the at least one measurement module and / or the plugin module according to the at least one external signal.

15. The method according to any preceding method claim, wherein operating any combination of the modules performing the method and / or operating any part of any combination of the modules performing the method, comprises operating each of these modules individually.

16. The method according to any preceding method claim, wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating a self-calibration module, wherein operating the self-calibration module comprises calibrating the at least one sensor according to a standardized database, wherein operating the selfcalibration module comprises storing the standardized database.

17. The method according to any preceding method claim wherein operating the at least one measurement module comprises operating a self-diagnosis module, wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises assessing the reliability of the at least one sensor, wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises executing the assessment according to a schedule, wherein operating the selfdiagnosis module comprises determining the sensitivity and / or the specificity and / or the precision and / or the accuracy of the at least one sensor, wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises assessing the at least one sensor's degradation overtime, and wherein operating the self-diagnosis module comprises assessing the installation of the at least one sensor.

18. The method according to any of the preceding method claims, wherein the method comprises operating a communication module, wherein operating the communication module comprises operating a data logger module, wherein operating the data logger module comprises storing at least one data indicative of at least one data inputted from the at least one sensor, wherein operating the communication module further comprises operating a data broadcaster module, wherein operating the data broadcaster module comprises transmitting and / or receiving the at least one data to and / or from a set of module performing the method according to any preceding method claim, an authorized user, and / or an external system.

19. The method according to any of the preceding method claims, wherein the method further comprises operating an evaluation module, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises evaluating at least one data, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises operating at least one evaluation-AI module, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises training and / or testing the at least one evaluation-AI module with the at least one data, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises storing at least one training data wherein the at least one training data is configured for the training of the at least one evaluation-AI module, wherein the at least one training data comprises at least one configuration data wherein the at least one configuration data is indicative of the configuration of the source generating the at least one training data, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises preprocessing the at least one training data, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises preprocessing the data according to the configuration of the measurement module and / orthe at least one configuration data.

20. The method according to any preceding method claim with the features of claims 13 and 19, wherein operating the data modulation module comprises operating at least one Al module, wherein operating the evaluation module comprises modifying the at least one Al-module according to the results of the at least one evaluation-AI module and / or wherein operating the data modulation module and / or operating the at least one Al-module comprises processing at least one data into at least one processed data such that the at least one processed data is configured to be used by the evaluation-AI module.

21. The method according to any preceding method claim, wherein the method comprises operating at least two sets of modules performing the method eachaccording to any of the preceding method claims, wherein operating the plugin module comprises sending at least one synchronization signal wherein the at least on synchronization signal is configured for the synchronization of the at least two sets of modules performing the method each.

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