Award Abstract #9561648
SBIR PHASE I: Remote Communication with Embedded Sensors in Composites

NSF Org:	IIP Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships
Initial Amendment Date:	February 23, 1996
Latest Amendment Date:	February 23, 1996
Award Number:	9561648
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	G. Patrick Johnson IIP Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships ENG Directorate for Engineering
Start Date:	March 1, 1996
Expires:	September 30, 1996 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$74973
Investigator(s):	Steven Arms swarms@microstrain.com (Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	MICROSTRAIN INC 310 HURRICANE LN UNIT 4 WILLISTON, VT 05495 802/862-6629
NSF Program(s):	EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
Field Application(s):	0109000 Structural Technology, 54 Engineering-Civil
Program Reference Code(s):	OTHR, 5371, 1473, 1037, 0000
Program Element Code(s):	9150

ABSTRACT

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.

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