The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the vast network of physical objects--"things"--that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet. These "things" can range from simple consumer devices like smart thermostats and wearables to complex industrial machinery. The goal of IoT is to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, allowing for real-time monitoring, control, and data collection from a wide array of equipment.
In the context of programmable instruments, an IoT-enabled power supply would have network connectivity (typically via LAN or Wi-Fi) that allows it to be accessed and controlled from anywhere in the world via the internet. It can collect and stream vast amounts of operational data, such as voltage, current, power, and temperature readings, to a cloud-based platform. This data, often referred to as "big data," can then be stored, visualized, and analyzed to monitor the health of the device, track the energy consumption of a process, or provide valuable insights into the performance of a device under test. IoT enables applications like remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance (predicting failures before they happen), and the creation of large-scale, distributed testing systems.