Which BACnet object type is typically used for sensor measurements?

Which BACnet object type is typically used for sensor measurements?

• A. Binary Input (BI) for on/off signals
• B. Analog Output (AO) for controlled values to actuators
• C. Binary Output (BO) for on/off devices
• D. Analog Input (AI) for sensor measurements

Answer: (D)

Sensors produce continuous, real-valued measurements with units (like temperature in °C, humidity in %, etc.). In BACnet, the Analog Input object type is designed to carry exactly that kind of data: it holds the Present Value as the current measured quantity and includes units and range information so software can interpret the value correctly. This makes Analog Input the natural fit for sensor readings. Binary Input and Binary Output handle discrete on/off signals (digital states), which isn’t what a typical sensor provides. Analog Output is used to set or command a device (an actuator) rather than report a measurement. So for sensor measurements, the Analog Input object is the appropriate choice.

Sensors produce continuous, real-valued measurements with units (like temperature in °C, humidity in %, etc.). In BACnet, the Analog Input object type is designed to carry exactly that kind of data: it holds the Present Value as the current measured quantity and includes units and range information so software can interpret the value correctly. This makes Analog Input the natural fit for sensor readings.

Binary Input and Binary Output handle discrete on/off signals (digital states), which isn’t what a typical sensor provides. Analog Output is used to set or command a device (an actuator) rather than report a measurement. So for sensor measurements, the Analog Input object is the appropriate choice.