SBIR Phase I: Development of a Low-Cost Harsh Environment Vibration Sensor

这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第一阶段项目将测试使用廉价无线芯片组作为直接测量机械振动的方法的可行性。在最恶劣的工业和实验室环境中，微波是一种可靠的传感手段。雷达信号可以通过波导或微波透明材料从遥远的位置传输到感兴趣的对象。然而，目前的技术状况使用的是高端雷达设备，其组件成本极高，使其无法在大多数应用中使用。这项拟议的研究将开发一种基于用于无线应用的最新电子元件的非接触式传感器原型。通过专门组装为蓝牙和IEEE 802.11无线应用开发的芯片组，有可能组装用于测量振动的超低成本雷达。振动和位置传感是许多工业和实验室过程中的关键测量。该传感器在8亿美元的加速度计市场中有许多应用，包括工厂自动化(特别是在化学和生物行业)、用于状态维护的电机(所有尺寸)监控、半导体/薄膜制造和质量控制，以及汽车应用，特别是发动机监控和地形传感。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will test feasibility of using inexpensive wireless chipsets as a means of directly measuring mechanical vibration. Microwaves are a reliable means of sensing in the harshest of industrial and laboratory environments. The radar signals can be transmitted to the object of interest from a remote location via waveguide or through microwave transparent materials. However, the current state of the technology uses high-end radar devices with extremely high component costs that prohibit its use in most applications. The proposed research will develop a prototype non-contact sensor based on the latest electronic components used for wireless applications. Through specialized assembly of chipsets developed for Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 wireless applications, it may be possible to assemble ultra low-cost radars for measuring vibration. Vibration and position sensing are critical measurements in many industrial and laboratory processes. Applications for the sensor are many of those within the $800 million accelerometer market and include factory automation (especially in the chemical and biological industries), electric motor (of all sizes) monitoring for condition-based-maintenance, semiconductor/thin film manufacturing and quality control, and automotive applications, particularly engine monitoring and terrain sensing.