Subproject D3: Integrated wireless sensor networks
Supervision
Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Wolf-Joachim Fischer
Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems
Maria-Reiche Straße 2
01109 Dresden
Germany
Phone: +49 351 8823-202
Fax: +49 351 8823-266
Dr.-Ing. Eric Starke
TU Dresden
Institute of Semiconductors and Microsystems
01062 Dresden
Germany
Phone: +49 351 463-32253
Fax: +49 351 463-37021
Abstract
The goal of this subproject is the integration of wired or wireless, autonomously working sensor networks into textile-reinforced composite components. In the first project phase, operative sensor networks could be successfully integrated into thin, rigid plate-shaped components. The sensor networks comprise several sensors (impact, strain, temperature etc.), which are connected to the system bus by sensor ASICs. The sensor ASICs developed at the IPMS enable signal processing and data reduction close to the sensor. The data transmission is realized by a transponder ASIC and an antenna. In order to make long standby times of the sensor network possible, the network is activated only in the case of a relevant event by an activation sensor. Thus, an extremely low current consumption is achieved in idle state.
Essential research in the second project phase is focused on systems that require wireless energy and data transmission. The energy resources for a sensor network in autonomous operation are very limited. Exceeding demands on the system concept with regard to power consumption arise if fast events should be acquired with high time resolution.
The integration of optical systems into textile-reinforced composite components offers new possibilities for the system activation as well as for the energy-optimized wireless data transmission even for larger amounts of data. In addition, the integration of further sensor types (e.g. magnetic, piezoelectric or capacitive sensors) results in an enhancement of the system functionality e. g. by using capacitive sensors as manual control elements ("virtual keys").
The acquisition and processing of the sensor signals is done near the sensors with the sensor ASICs. An implementation of optimized signal processing algorithms in the sensor ASICs allows a fast recognition of occurring events and the generation of a suitable response. In addition, a significant compression of the recorded data is enabled.
A practicable and reliable production of composite components with integrated sensor networks requires suitable process technologies e.g. for the contacting of electrical wires. Such technologies will be investigated. In particular, the integration of sensor networks into three-dimensional textiles should be tested. Based on the investigations, concepts and solutions for the fabrication of composite components with consideration of the particularities for the integration of sensor networks are provided.