Examples of the present disclosure describe smart sensor technology. In an example, a smart sensor module may connect to a sensor using two connectors. Similarly, an external device may connect to the smart sensor module using two connectors, such that, in a pass-through operating state, a signal from the sensor is passed through the smart sensor module to the external device, thereby causing the smart sensor module to appear as an ordinary sensor and enabling the external device to sense the signal from the sensor. In another example, the smart sensor module may have an alternate operating state, wherein additional functionality is enabled, including, but not limited to, communication with a controller, activation of a light emitting diode (LED) or other indicator, or the retrieval and/or storage of information. The operating state may be selected based on the manner in which the external device connects to the smart sensor module.