Gen-2 RFID compatible, zero down-time, programmable mechanical strain-monitors and mechanical impact detectors

Shantanu Chakrabartty, Tao Feng, Kenji Aono

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

A key challenge in structural health monitoring (SHM) sensors embedded inside civil structures is that electronics need to operate continuously such that mechanical events of interest can be detected and appropriately analyzed. Continuous operation however requires a continuous source of energy which cannot be guaranteed using conventional energy scavenging techniques. The paper describes a hybrid energy scavenging SHM sensor which experiences zero down-time in monitoring mechanical events of interest. At the core of the proposed sensor is an analog floating-gate storage technology that can be precisely programmed at nano-watt and pico-watt power levels. This facilitates self-powered, non-volatile data logging of the mechanical events of interest by scavenging energy directly from the mechanical events itself. Remote retrieval of the stored data is achieved using a commercial off-the-shelf Gen-2 radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader which periodically reads an electronic product code (EPC) that encapsulates the sensor data. The Gen-2 interface also facilitates in simultaneous remote access to multiple sensors and also facilitates in determining the range and orientation of the sensor. The architecture of the sensor is based on a token-ring topology which enables sensor channels to be dynamically added or deleted through software control.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2013
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Event2013 SPIE Conference on Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2013 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Mar 10 2013Mar 14 2013

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume8692
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

Conference2013 SPIE Conference on Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period03/10/1303/14/13

Keywords

  • Floating-gate
  • Health and usage monitoring systems
  • RFID
  • Self-powered sensors

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