This paper discusses the design challenges in creating an effective and robust distributed measurement and control architecture for multisensor systems, based on the recent and not all yet approved IEEE 1451 Smart Transducer Interface family of standards, that provides the common interface and enabling technology for the connectivity of transducers to microprocessors, control and field networks, data acquisition and instrumentation systems. The goal of this standard is to make available a mechanism to facilitate interoperability between transducers and networks, so reducing the complexities designers face in establishing digital communication with transducers, providing additional benefits such as self-identification of sensors, self-configuration and documentation, easy maintenance and increased data and system reliability.