Abstract: Methods of sensing parameters are provided in which an event is detected using one or more microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors of a sensor probe. The event corresponds to a change in a sensed parameter. The detection and associated measurement data is stored in an internal digital storage of the MEMS sensor and an interrupt is transmitted to an upstream device including an identifier of the sensor probe. An interrogation is received from an upstream device responsive to transmitting the interrupt and, responsive to being interrogated by the upstream device, at least the stored detection and associated data are transmitted to the upstream device.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor probe which has: one or more microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors configured to sense one or more parameters and a communication bus in electrical communication therewith. The one or more sensors and communication bus are disposed on a substrate. The sensor probe includes a digital storage module in which a unique probe identifier is stored and which is in electrical communication with the communication bus. The probe includes, a cable, a first end of which is in electrical communication with the communication bus and a second end of which is in electrical communication with a remote monitoring unit. The cable is configured to provide electrical power received from the remote monitoring unit to the one or more sensors, via the communication bus, and to communicate data received from the one or more sensors, via the communication bus, to the remote monitoring unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a data communication interface which includes a controller module, a switching module and a data port. The controller module is operable to monitor a status of a power line of the data port and, if the power line has a first status, to transmit a first communication mode instruction to the switching module. If the power line has a second status, the controller module is configured to transmit a second communication mode instruction to the switching module. The switching module is configured to receive a communication mode instruction from the controller module and, if the first communication mode instruction is received, to route data communication lines corresponding to a first communication protocol to the data port. If the second communication mode instruction is received, the switching module is configured to route data communication lines corresponding to a second communication protocol to the data port.