SBIR PHASE I: Remote Communication with Embedded Sensors in Composites

这个小型企业创新研究第一阶段项目的目的是开发一个小型化，智能化，可寻址的传感模块（ASM）网络，该模块可以嵌入复合结构中，远程供电，并通过非接触式感应链路由个人计算机进行询问。 感应功率链路也用于双向通信。 基于计算机的询问系统将向嵌入式网络上的特定ASM发送数据请求。 该数据请求将通过频移键控AC波形进行编码，该AC波形向嵌入式电子设备提供电力。 一旦被寻址，嵌入式ASM将为其应变传感元件和数据转换元件供电。 应变数据将被采样并编码为脉冲编码调制（PCM）数据。 然后，PCM串行数据调制RF载波，以便从嵌入式材料中传输回询问计算机。 该系统将被设计为允许各种传感设备在网络上互换使用，这将允许智能结构传感装置针对特定应用进行定制。 系统的开发将伴随着彻底的测试，沿着，以确保满足目标规范。 通过嵌入温度、应变、裂纹扩展、压力、磁场等智能传感网络，可以开发具有各种能力的结构。应用包括厚复合结构、桥梁、大坝和建筑物的健康监测。 这些系统的军事和商业潜力是巨大的。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is aimed at the development of a network of miniaturized, intelligent, addressable sensing modules (ASM's), that can be embedded within a composite structure, remotely powered, and interrogated by a personal computer through a non-contacting inductive link. The inductive power link is also used for bi-directional communications. A computer based interrogation system will transmit a data request to a specific ASM on the embedded network. This data request will be encoded by frequency shift keying the AC waveform that delivers power to embedded electronics. Once addressed, the embedded ASM will power up its strain sensing elements, and data conversion components. The strain data will be sampled and encoded as pulse code modulated (PCM) data. The PCM serial data then modulates an RF carrier for transmission out of the embedded material, back to the interrogating computer. The system will be designed to allow a variety of sensing devices to be used interchangeably on the network, this will allow smart structures sensing means to be tailored for a specific application. Development of the system will be accompanied by thorough testing along the way to insure target specifications will be met. Structures with a broad variety of capabilities may be developed by embedding intelligent sensing networks of temperature, strain, crack propagation, pressure, magnetic fields, etc. Applications include health monitoring of thick composite structures, bridges, dams, and buildings. Military and commercial potential for these systems is significant.