NASA Prepares RoboSimian for Tasks Beyond Disaster...

May 2015February 2016

Supplement to NASA Tech Briefs

Graphene Supports New Nanosensors

How to Implement a Mesh Network

Energy Harvesting and the IoT: A New 'Bull' Market

NASA Prepares RoboSimian for Tasks Beyond Disaster Response

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2 Sensor Technology, February 2016Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/61058-747

FEATURES4 Q&A: Graphene Supports NASA-Developed Nanosensors

7 Energy Harvesting and the IoT: A New Bull Market

10 When Sensors Mesh: How Sensor Networks Improve Performance

APPLICATIONS13 Researchers Prepare RoboSimian for Tasks Beyond Disaster

Response

14 Energy Harvester Uses RF Waves to Power Air Pollution Sensors

TECH BRIEFS17 Wireless Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Microwave Heater

System Using RFID-Based Temperature Feedback

17 Sub-Audible Speech Recognition Based on Electromyographic(EMG) Signals

18 Precision Detector Conductance Definition via Ballistic Thermal Transport

DEPARTMENTS19 New Products

ON THE COVERRoboSimian, a limbed robot developed atNASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is showncompeting in the June 2015 DARPA Robot-ics Challenge, a contest consisting of severaldisaster-related tasks for robots to perform:driving and exiting a vehicle, opening a door,and cutting a hole in a wall, to name a few.The robotic platform is designed to operatein environments too dangerous or difficultfor human intervention, such as disasterareas or oil leak sites. Read the article onpage 13 to learn how the RoboSimian re-searchers plan to use the technology intasks beyond emergency response.

(Image Credit: JPL-Caltech)

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4 www.techbriefs.com Sensor Technology, February 2016

Graphene Supports

NASA Technologist MahmoodaSultana has been leading the devel-opment of tiny graphene sensors.Because of the material’s extreme

sensitivity, graphene-based sensors have awide range of possible space applications,including the detection of strain in compositematerials and the discovery of trace gases inplanetary bodies.

Sensor Technology spoke to Dr. Sultanathis month to learn more about the nanotech-nologies currently being built at GoddardSpace Flight Center.

Sensor Technology: What makesgraphene an ideal material for sensors?

Mahmooda Sultana: It’s thecombination of graphene’s prop-erties that makes it ideal for sen-sors. First of all, these two-dimen-sional materials have the highestsurface-to-volume ratio. All theatoms are exposed to the surface.Along with that, graphene alsohas very low thermal noise andsuperior electrical properties,which allows us to measure thesmallest of changes in electricalproperties. For example, single-molecule detection has beendemonstrated with graphene. Inaddition, graphene is radiationhard due to the minute cross-sec-tional area, which makes it idealfor space applications.

Sensor Technology: What dothese sensors look like?

Sultana: These are very smallsensors. Our first prototype isabout a 1-cm by 1-cm chip, withten sensing elements. You canactually fit a lot more sensor ele-

ments than that; we haven’t optimizedthe real estate yet. These are tens-of-microns-sized sensors that have leadsor contact lines. We basically wire-bond those contacts to a printed cir-cuit board. Then, you can use a pinconnector to read off the data.

Sensor Technology: What is beingmeasured?

Sultana: For these chemical sensors,we’re doing four probe measurements.We apply a small current and measurethe voltage drop across the grapheneelement. The voltage drop is propor-tional to the resistance of graphene.

When our target gas molecules adsorbonto graphene, the resistance changes.It’s a very simple electrical measure-ment, which makes these devices robust.

Sensor Technology: How can thesensors detect strain?

Sultana: We’re developing graphene-based sensors for strain sensing as well.These could be used for structuralhealth monitoring of composite materi-als on spacecraft and cryotanks. If thereis an impact during launch or while inspace that affects our instruments, wewant to know, so we can tell if we shouldstill trust the data.

Goddard technologist Mahmooda Sultana investigates new applications for graphene, a technology withunique physical characteristics that are ideal for spaceflight use. (Image Credit: NASA/Pat Izzo)

NASA-Developed Nanosensors


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Sensor Technology: How are they placed on the structure?

Sultana: One of the advantages of these 2D sensors is thatwe can embed them in the composite structure. They arevery thin, only about a few angstroms, so they can be easilyintegrated with composite materials. Due to the small size,we can actually put in a network of sensors, so we can tellwhich part of the structure suffered damage.

Sensor Technology: What kinds of chemical sensingapplications are possible?

Sultana: I’m very interested in space applications related toplanetary science, heliophysics, and earth science. For exam-ple, in planetary science, you can imagine spreading many ofthese tiny sensors over a planetary body and gettingspatial/temporal data on various gases of importance. Thereare many ground-based applications as well, including in situprocess monitoring, environmental pollutant monitoring,detection of hazardous gas in chemical plants or explosives inairports and public buildings, and medical diagnosis.

Sensor Technology: What about Mars exploration?

Sultana: The analytical tools sent on rovers can only measureone data point at a time. Typically, scientists pick a location tomeasure, and then the rover has to travel to that location to takemeasurements. The number of data points that you can measurethis way is very limited, and you can’t track the concentration ofgas species over an extended period of time.

However, with these tiny detectors, we can afford to sendmany of them at once, and spread a network across a planet likeMars. We’ll be able to simultaneously measure trace gases at var-ious spatial locations over an extended period of time. Recentevidence indicates spatial and temporal variability of importantgases, such as methane, on Mars. We can characterize such sea-sonal variations with a network of graphene sensors.

Sensor Technology: Can the sensors detect methane?

Sultana: Methane is one of our target gases, and we arecurrently working towards making our sensors selective tomethane. It is a species of great interest on Mars, as well asother oxidized planetary environments, because it can be anindicator of photochemistry, hydrothermal activity, ormicrobial metabolism.

Sensor Technology: How can these sensors help reducecosts of space missions?

Sultana: These sensors could add significant value to missionsat low cost because the cost of space missions is proportional tothe size and mass of their payloads.

Sensor Technology: What are your next priorities for thissensor development?

Sultana: Although nanomaterials have great potential andoffer a unique set of advantages, they are somewhat hard toprocess, because we don’t really have infrastructure to quicklydevelop devices based on nanomaterials.

Sensor Technology, February 2016 5

TM




Sensor Technology: What are thechallenges?

Sultana: It is a challenge to make alarge-area, high-quality crystalline struc-ture that is just one atomic layer thick.The synthesis process of graphenedepends on the process parameters,and the larger the reactor, the more dif-ficult it is to control the process param-eters uniformly across the reactor. Inaddition, it is difficult to transfergraphene from the substrate it is grownon to a more desirable substrate fordevice fabrication. Handling a materialthat is roughly 105-106 times thinnerthan human hair can easily damage it ifnot done with a lot of care. Finally,keeping graphene atomically clean is challenging.

I think that 3D-manufacturing tech-niques can simplify some of this processing. I am collaborating withNortheastern University to develop aprocess to make 3D-printed sensors.We actually developed a process to fabricate carbon nanotube gas sen-sors. We’re currently working on developing a process for graphene, molybdenum disulfide, and other 2D materials.

Sensor Technology: What are thebenefits of 3D-printing the sensors?

Sultana: The device developmenttime is much faster. The technique weare developing with Northeastern isabout 1000 times faster than traditional3D-printing techniques. Also, it elimi-nates a lot of the time-consuming andexpensive microelectronics processingtechniques we have to use for tradition-al fabrication of nanosensors.

Sensor Technology: What other appli-cations are possible with graphene?

Sultana: In addition to sensors, thereare a number of other applications ofgraphene that researchers around theworld are looking at, including elec-tronics, optics, filtration, intercon-nects, coatings, energy storage, photo-voltaic cells, and composites. In termsof electronics, one of the lower hang-ing fruits is to use graphene as a trans-parent electrode. Samsung has alreadydemonstrated a touchscreen usinggraphene. Graphene would essentiallyreplace indium-tin oxide, which is the current material used as a transpar-ent electrode.

Sensor Technology: How cangraphene’s flexibility enable newapplications?

Sultana: Flexible electronics is anoth-er area where graphene has shown sig-nificant promise. Graphene, althoughit’s a conductive material, is also flexibleand can enable flexible gadgets such asrollable laptops or wristband monitors.You can bend graphene without damag-ing it, which is not the case for indiumtin oxide or other metals. If you bendindium tin oxide, it breaks at the cor-ners or bends.

Sensor Technology: What do youthink is most exciting about thisnanosensor development?

Sultana: I think the fact that these sen-sors have so many different possibilitiesand applications is exciting. Graphene’sunique set of properties can be used todevelop new technologies, which in turncan enable new space missions. That tome is very exciting.

These sensors are currently in devel-opment. We only started working onthem a few years ago; it’s still in thedevelopment phase. We’re hopeful thatin the near future we can use them inspace missions.

For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/home/index.html.


A fully packaged chip with 10 graphene sensors.

A diagram of a graphene sensor.

NASA-Developed Nanosensors




Sensor Technology, February 2016 www.techbriefs.com 7

The romantic notion of grizzledranchers out riding the range onhorseback to shepherd theirherd of cattle may soon be a dis-

tant memory, as cloud-based sensor tech-nology now permits real-time animaltracking from the comfort of home oroffice, or by smartphone.

The transformation of modern ranch-ing is just one example of how remotewireless connectivity is impacting virtu-ally all aspects of modern life as part ofthe burgeoning Industrial Internet ofThings (IIoT).

Riding the RangeA prime example of IIoT intercon-

nectivity is CattleWatch, a cloud-basedhardware/software technology that uti-lizes energy harvesting to power sensorand communication tools to enableremote monitoring of livestock. TheCattleWatch system deploys a smallnumber of hub collars equipped withsmall photovoltaic panels, which areplaced on roughly 2% of the cattle,while the rest of the herd is outfittedwith collar units or ear tags powered byprimary lithium batteries. Cows areexceptionally large animals, so theadded size and weight of an energy har-vesting device does not cause signifi-cant discomfort.

All collars communicate with the solar-powered hub collars to create an in-herdwireless mesh network that provides valu-able, near-real-time insight regarding ani-mal behavior, including herd location,walking time, grazing time, resting time,water consumption, in-heat condition,and other health events. The system evenbroadcasts alerts if predatory animals orpoachers are detected (see Figure 1).

The energy harvested from miniatur-ized photovoltaic cells is stored inindustrial-grade lithium-ion (Li-ion)rechargeable batteries that handle thehigh pulses required to communicatewith the Iridium satellite network,accessible from the rancher’s computeror smartphone via the Internet “cloud.”

Energy Harvesting’s Role in IoTExpansion

While the CattleWatch exampledemonstrates the dynamic potentialfor energy harvesting technology, inreality, wireless devices intended forlong-term deployment draw low aver-age daily current; the technologies are

predominantly powered by primarybobbin-type lithium thionyl chloride(LiSOCl2) batteries, which are general-ly preferred due to their very highenergy density, high capacity, and widetemperature range.

Certain bobbin-type LiSOCl2 cells fea-ture an annual self-discharge rate of lessthan 1% per year, permitting 40-year bat-tery life. The cells can also be modifiedwith a patented hybrid layer capacitor(HLC) to provide the high pulsesrequired for advanced two-way wirelesscommunications. The standard LiSOCl2cell delivers long-term low-rate currentto power the device in “standby” mode,while the HLC stores and sends periodic

Combining industrial-grade rechargeable lithium batteries with energy harvestingtechnology delivers reliable power for remote wireless sensors connected to theIndustrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

Figure 1. CattleWatch hub collars have built-in photovoltaic panels that harvest energy, which isstored in industrial-grade Li-ion rechargeable batteries that deliver the pulses needed to ensuresatellite-based real-time communications between the in-herd mesh network and the rancher.(Image Credit: CattleWatch)

Energy Harvestingand the IoT: A New Bull Market




high pulses to support data interroga-tion and transmission. The hybrid tech-nology offers significant advantages oversupercapacitors, which have limitations,including short duration power, limitedenergy discharge, low capacity, low ener-gy density, and high self-discharge.Supercapacitors linked in series alsorequire cell balancing circuits.

The use of an energy harvestingdevice over a primary lithium battery isdependent on several factors, includinga reliable source of energy (such as light,vibration/motion, heat differential, orRF/EM signals), the reliability andexpected operating life of the device,environmental requirements, size andweight considerations, as well as the totalcost of ownership.

The typical energy harvesting deviceconsists of five basic components: thesensor; the transducer; the energyprocessor; the microcontroller; and anoptional radio link. The sensor detectsand measures environmental parame-ters such as motion, proximity, tempera-ture, humidity, pressure, light, strainvibration, and pH. The transducer andenergy processor work in tandem to con-vert, collect, and store the electricalenergy either in a rechargeable batteryor a supercapacitor. The microcon-troller collects and processes data, andthe radio link communicates with a hostreceiver or data collection point via RFor cell phone technology.

The amount of daily energy harvestedcan be small. For example, ambientRF/EM energy may create only a fewmicroamps per day. As a result, the wire-less device needs to conserve energy byremaining mainly in a “dormant” state,drawing little or no energy, then period-ically querying the data to “wake up”and become fully operational only whenpre-programmed data point thresholdsare exceeded.

Challenging Applications: When toUse Industrial-Grade Li-ion Batteries

Energy harvesting devices are usual-ly paired with rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries that store theharvested energy. The most popularconsumer-grade Li-ion battery is the18650 cell, which was created by lap-top computer manufacturers to pro-vide inexpensive power for theirdevices. The batteries have a lifeexpectancy of less than 5 years and 500recharge cycles, and operate within amoderate temperature range of 0°C -40°C, making them ill-suited for manyremote applications.

Certain consumer products are pow-ered by lithium polymer cells, or lami-nate cells, that feature a very low pro-file, which is ideal for smartphonesand miniaturized handheld devices.Lithium polymer batteries are not suit-ed for industrial applications becauseof their limited life expectancy, and

because their outer casing can be easi-ly punctured, which causes batteryleakage, internal short circuits, andpremature self-discharge.

Use of an inexpensive, consumer-grade rechargeable battery may be rec-ommended if the wireless device is easilyaccessible for battery replacement. If thewireless device is intended for deploy-ment in a remote, inaccessible location,however, where battery replacement isdifficult or impossible, or is intended foruse in extreme environmental condi-tions, then an industrial-grade Li-ionbattery should be considered.

Here are some additional case histo-ries involving the use of industrial-gradeLi-ion batteries:

Storing Solar PowerThe IPS Group manufactures solar-

powered, wirelessly networked parkingmeters that utilize TLI Series recharge-able lithium-ion batteries for energystorage. The parking meters incorpo-rate multiple payment system options,access to real-time data, integration tovehicle detection sensors, user guid-ance, and enforcement modules -- alllinked to a Web-based management sys-tem (see Figure 2).

Harvesting a Magnetic FieldSouthwire, a leading manufacturer

of wire, cable, and associated productsfor the distribution and transmissionof electricity, has developed a wirelessline/connector sensor that supportsthe intelligent grid by providing real-time status of the operational electri-cal transmission lines. The sensormounts directly on a bare overheadtransmission conductor and harvestsenergy from the power line’s magneticfield, or inductive power, to measureconductor temperature, the shape ofthe catenary curve, and electrical cur-rent on the line. The readings aretransmitted every 30 seconds to a basestation using 2.4 GHz RF communica-tion (see Figure 3).

The line/connector sensor requiressufficient line current to fullyrecharge, with maintenance-free back-up of approximately 45 days with noline current. Since the strength of themagnetic field is constantly changing,including many periods when powerdrops below the threshold required forenergy harvesting, Southwire deploys aTLI-1550 industrial-grade rechargeableLi-ion battery to ensure continuous

Figure 2. IPS solar-powered parking meters provide municipalities with valuable real-time data andrevenues. Use of an industrial-grade Li-ion battery eliminates hard wiring. (Image Credit: IPS Group)

Energy Harvesting and the IoT




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operation during prolonged periodswhere there is no harvested power. Thebattery also delivers the brief energy

spikes required to initiate RF commu-nications between the sensor and thebase station.

Application Requirements Dictatethe Ideal Power Supply

While primary lithium batteries willpower the vast majority of remote wire-less devices, energy harvesting tech-nology is proving to be a useful alter-native for certain applications. Designengineers must therefore weigh all oftheir options, as specific requirementsinvariably dictate the ideal choice ofpower supply.

When choosing a power supply, besure to calculate the projected total life-time cost, including the labor andmaterials for future battery replace-ments. If the device is easily accessibleand operates in moderate tempera-tures, then the math could favor a lessexpensive consumer-grade battery. Ifthe device, however, is intended for aremote, inaccessible location, then it ishighly likely that you will be best servedby an industrial-grade battery.

This article was written by Sol Jacobs, VPand General Manager, Tadiran Batteries(Lake Success, NY). For more information,visit http://info.hotims.com/61058-153.Figure 3. Southwire line/connector sensors continually monitor the status of the electrical smart

grid, harvesting energy from the power line’s magnetic field to recharge industrial-grade Li-ion bat-teries, thus enabling the sensor to continue transmitting data for up to 40 days during periods whenthere is no power line current. (Image Credit: Southwire)


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Innovations in communications andcomputing hardware and softwarehave made it easier than ever to col-lect minute details regarding just

about any topic of interest. For technol-ogy and manufacturing interests, small,low-powered sensors can be embeddedin almost any machine for data collec-tion. Thanks to wireless technology,these embedded devices can continu-ously and unobtrusively provide meas-urements of performance and environ-mental data. Analysis of this data offersvast opportunities for fine-tuning per-formance and process.

Given the benefits that the technologyprovides, it is not surprising that manyorganizations have deployed sensors tothe point that they are spending moretime collecting, storing, and sorting datathan improving operations; the sensorsbecome a task unto themselves and notan enabler.

Within this article, we’ll show howmany of these common problems can beavoided by making some operationalconsiderations early on. With the addi-tion of microprocessing and manage-ment at the sensor level, deployed sen-sors can be united into a cohesive, low-maintenance communications infra-structure that exists separately from thesystem it monitors.

A Sensor’s Return on InvestmentSensors become more powerful, and

useful, when they are partnered withmicroprocessors and networked. A sin-gle sensor is limited in the information itcan provide, but a network of connectedsensors paints a clearer, more compre-hensive picture. The network becomeseven more powerful when a historicalrecord of sensed data is recorded andanalyzed. The network then evolvesfrom a means of alerting users to anevent that has already occurred, to anactive means of analyzing and optimiz-ing a system or environment.

Moving from event monitoring tobusiness intelligence collection can be acomplicated process. The first challengeis determining what sensors to deployand what information to collect. Justbecause sensors can collect and storedata, that does not mean the data willlead to insight. For a sensor network tobe truly valuable, it is important to firstdetermine the business value of theinformation that can be gleaned fromthe network.

A sensor network must provide areturn on investment. The return couldbe a reduction in unplanned downtime,enhanced workplace safety, or eveninsight into a topic that could not havebeen explored without multiple points

of data collection. You have to knowwhat data you want to collect, and howyou are going to use that data once it iscollected.

The temptation to collect multipledata points is rooted in legacy wired sys-tems. Previously, when a wired productor environment was being designed,data collection and monitoring had tobe built in at the beginning. Wirelesstechnology has changed the process bymaking it easy to add sensors after thefact.

Modern sensors, and the microcon-trollers that accompany them, are smallenough to be deployed in hard-to-access, hard-to-maintain places, and awell-designed system can be powered bybatteries alone for well over a year with-out maintenance. Sensors can bedeployed to monitor one aspect of aproject, and later expanded to add addi-tional data points without disrupting theexisting setup.

Consider a restaurant owner, forexample, who wants to monitor a freez-er and alert the staff when foodspoilage may occur. Freezers are wellinsulated so temperatures do not shiftradically, and a single sensor is suffi-cient for an entire freezer. The freezerhas a small power demand, so a singlebattery-operated sensor that activates

How Sensor Networks Improve PerformanceWhen Sensors Mesh:



once an hour, takes a measurement, and transmits the resultto a microprocessor is sufficient.

The microprocessor stores collected information and pro-vides an alert if temperatures exceed a predetermined range.More importantly, the restaurant owner now has a runningrecord of freezer temperatures, which eliminates the manualprocess of recording freezer information for health code com-pliance. If this is all that is ever done with the sensor, it isalready saving the owner time and money.

The Importance of Context Although a single sensor provides a lot of information, the

device does not necessarily provide context. Context requiresmore sensors and a means for analyzing collected data. Withproper tools, a network of sensors is much more valuable thanthe sum of the parts.

Using the freezer example above, imagine a restaurantowner who has temperature sensors in several stores. Justreviewing the records of temperature readings from a hand-ful of stores would likely expose patterns, such as whichfreezer brands are more efficient, or which freezer is con-suming the most power. If any location is out of profile withthe others, it would be an immediate prompt to look forinefficiencies.

Even within a single location, there will be fluctuations basedon routine traffic, and incidents like stock days where the doorof the freezer is propped open. But what if, over the course ofseveral weeks, the temperature of a single freezer slowly rises?How does the owner determine if the compressor is going tofail?

One solution might be to attach a vibration sensor or powermeter to the compressor and record the times that the com-pressor is running. The chart of data, when compared to thetemperature readings, would show how long the compressorruns in order to maintain a constant temperature. As a com-pressor moves toward failure, it would likely run longer, and

consume more power, than a compressor at optimal perform-ance. By providing insight that would not have been availablebefore, the sensors ultimately prevent unnecessary powerusage and help eliminate unplanned downtime.

In this way, modern sensor networks are evolving beyondsimple monitoring to become the central mechanism for acontinuous feedback and response ecosystem. As more sensorsand microprocessors are added to these ecosystems, the bestones expand beyond merely providing insight and context.The devices leverage existing hardware and infrastructure andhave mechanisms for updates to allow the network to adapt tothe conditions it is sensing.

Making Sensors MeshThe ability to correlate sensed information across multiple

sensors paints a more comprehensive picture, but what hap-pens when the sensors in a network are spread across a largearea that does not already have a wireless infrastructure in place?

One method for overcoming the challenge is to unite thesensors in a mesh network. In a mesh network, sensors arepaired with microcontroller nodes at the point of deploy-ment. The nodes act as small computing platforms that estab-lish communications routing among the various sensor pack-ages in the installation. When a remotely located sensorneeds to transmit a reading, the data is relayed through inter-mediate nodes until the information reaches a central collec-tion point. In this way, each node within the mesh acts as asignal repeater for the other nodes. A remote sensor only

Sensor Technology, February 2016 11Free Info at http://info.hotims.com/61058-751

An intelligent sensor network provides a “sense and respond” communi-cations platform – resulting in proactive measures to analyze and opti-mize a system or environment. (Image Credit: Synapse Wireless)




needs to be in communications rangeof one other node to be a part of thenetwork. If a single sensor should fail,the sensors surrounding it can automat-ically route information around thefailed node without compromising therest of the network.

This kind of intelligent routing isessential for a robust wireless sensornetwork. Monitored sites are seldomstatic, and the everyday operations ofan enterprise can alter the wirelesslandscape and leave remote sensorsstranded. For optimal performance,the system must be able to evolve andrespond to challenges. To achieve aneffective level of adaptability, sensor

placement and connectivity must be aconcern during the installation of the network.

Site survey and specification tools pro-vide a stable foundation for the network.Just understanding how the site environ-ment affects wireless signals will helpusers avoid many common problems.Once a system is deployed, however, howdo you guard against interference?

One of the best ways is to ensure thatthe nodes at the edge of the networkhave intelligent, embedded applicationsoftware built in. Individual devicesmust know if communications fail sotheir collected data can be maintaineduntil a successful connection is made.

The addition of “intelligence” at thenode level provides much flexibility, soit is possible for the same node thatsenses a leaky water pipe to turn off thewater supply until the leak is repaired.Even if the node is currently out ofcommunications range, the device willcontinue to do the job. The node isgiven a measure of autonomy, perform-ing both individually and as a part ofthe network.

A Secure NetworkOf course, a more connected sensor

network makes security a greater con-cern. Security should be consideredbetween wireless nodes, and also betweenthe nodes and the Internet if the networkis connected. Communications amongnodes must have best-in-class security pro-visions and encryption at all layers of theplatform. Optimally, the security shouldbe built into the node to ease implemen-tation burdens on developers and speeddevelopment times. To reduce chances ofsignal interception, wireless sensor net-works should also be isolated to localizedintranets or connected to the publicInternet.

A final component in a strong andsecure wireless sensor network is theability to manage and update connectednodes. If the software that accompaniesa sensor is updated, you can makerepairs, or security improvements to thesoftware, or even add new functionality.The updates grant the sensor network alevel of “future proofing” and provide asignificant level of flexibility beyond tra-ditional “hard-wired” systems that can-not evolve.

ConclusionThe unification of low-cost, low-power

sensors has made it possible to monitorjust about anything, from anywhere.Sensor density creates a challengingenvironment where the amount of databeing collected can hinder analysisefforts, and evolving needs can quicklyrender the sensor network obsolete.

Careful planning and the combina-tion of sensors and wirelessly enabledmicrocontrollers help to prevent theseconditions by providing a platform forthe new sensors, updates, and error cor-rections needed to keep a sensor net-work relevant.

This article was written by JonathanHeath, Systems Architect at Synapse Wireless(Huntsville, AL). For more information, visithttp://info.hotims.com/61058-155.

Intelligent sensors can be used in office buildings, manufacturing facilities, industrial settings, andoutdoor parking lots.

When Sensors Mesh




RoboSimian, a limbed robot devel-oped at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Labo-

ratory (JPL), is designed to operate inenvironments too dangerous or difficultfor human intervention, such as disasterareas and oil leak sites. After years of en-gineering in the lab, JPL’s researchersare preparing the tele-operated Ro-boSimian platform for use in new, com-plex environments, from deep waters toouter space.

What Makes RoboSimian MoveThough not meant for extremely dex-

terous tasks, the multi-jointed robot hasthe ability to grab objects, includinghuman tools. RoboSimian achieves pas-sively stable stances, connects to supportslike ladders and railings, and braces itselfduring forceful handling operations.Four sensors in the wrist and ankle allowthe robot to “feel” the terrain as it walks.

Cameras and LIDAR capabilities pro-vide a 3D map, which is sent back to theoperator; the operator then decidesRoboSimian’s direction. The technolo-gy, as currently fitted, has seven sets ofstereo cameras, which offer depth per-ception for robotic mobility and manip-ulation. Stereo camera pairs estimatethe 3D geometry around RoboSimianfor labeling objects, and provide situa-tional awareness for the operators.

To address the limitations of stereovi-sion, like the casting of shadows inimages, an actuated 2D time-of-flightlaser scanner has been integrated intothe vision system. The laser scanner,according to the JPL team, is morerobust to a wider range of lighting con-ditions and object properties for estimat-ing depth. By combining the laser datawith a wide-angle color camera, objectmodels can be more accurately andautonomously fit for manipulation, withless operator intervention.

“[The RoboSimian] has a ‘super-eye’view,” said Chuck Bergh, RoboSimianIntegration Lead at Jet PropulsionLaboratory. “It can figure out where it isin a room by looking at the walls.”

The essential real-time data that humanoperators receive from RoboSimianincludes the robot state and position, theangles of all the limbs’ joints, and error

and status messages from the modulesrunning on the robot. Additionally, theoperators can request on-demand imagesfrom any of the system’s cameras and a 3Dmap of the local environment around therobot, estimated by each stereo pair.

The researchers use the data to con-struct a video-game-like interface in theoperator control unit (OCU), whichgives the operators a bird’s eye view ofthe robot in its environment and theability to preview motion plans.

RoboSimian’s Role RoboSimian competed in the June 2015

DARPA Robotics Challenge, a contest con-sisting of several disaster-related tasks forrobots to perform: driving and exiting avehicle, opening a door, cutting a hole ina wall, opening a valve, crossing a field ofdebris, and climbing stairs. Such capabili-ties are valuable, especially for rescue taskstoo dangerous for human intervention,like the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disasterin Okuna, Japan.

“If you think of a Fukushima event, thepeople that were directly involved withthat said ‘If we could’ve just gone in andtwisted this valve and flipped this switch,then maybe a lot of that damage wouldn’thave happened.’ We could’ve stemmedthe disaster a lot earlier,” said Bergh.

A similar narrative occurred with the2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the

Gulf of Mexico, Bergh said, adding thata robotic platform could have potential-ly gone deep below the surface, spottedthe problem, and turned, for example, aspecific valve, preventing the leak of mil-lions of barrels of oil.

“In just about every domain where weoperate, we’re working on that para-digm – just putting eyes on the targetand doing simple manipulation in realtime, in a decoupled fashion, so that wecan send commands to the robot, andthe robot executes them without havinga human in the loop,” Bergh said.

New ApplicationsThe RoboSimian researchers at JPL

are currently expanding the platform’smanipulation capabilities to include bi-manual motions: actions that requiretwo hands working together, where eachhand takes a different role while beingsynchronized in time and space. Suchfunctions are particularly helpful forjobs such as clearing rubble or assem-bling a construction truss.

NASA is also currently developing awaterproof version of the actuator,which would allow underwater anddeepwater sampling for applicationslike an oil spill, where a remotely oper-ated vehicle could go deep below thesurface to perform simple manipula-tion tasks.


ApplicationsResearchers Prepare RoboSimian for Tasks Beyond Disaster Response

The RoboSimian exits a vehicle, as part of the June 2015 DARPA Robotics Challenge. (Image Credit:JPL-Caltech)



Applications


As more connected devices enter themarket and see wider adoption by

an ever increasing number of indus-tries, the Internet of Things (IoT) israpidly expanding.

Smart sensors within manufacturing,production, and energy environmentsare fuelling this growth, with 25 billionconnected “things” expected to be inuse by 2020. The IoT is also enjoyingsignificant growth within the consumerspace, with sensors for temperature,noise, or air quality helping to con-struct fully connected “smart homes.”Such connectivity helps to build vastnetworks that provide rich data forindustry verticals and consumers alike.Yet as more devices are manufactured,there is an incremental increase inenergy consumption as these billions ofdevices operate. So how exactly are theybeing charged?

Currently, the IoT is mainly poweredby primary (non-rechargeable) and sec-ondary (rechargeable) batteries, as wellas connected devices that are fueled by awall charger. Furthermore, the energybudget for sensors varies depending onspecific device protocols. The IoT marketas a whole incorporates a huge numberof different devices, all operating in theirown specific way and with different ener-gy requirements. The Internet of Things,however, also incorporates low-energydevices in the wearable, beacon, and sen-sor spaces that do not require substantial

amounts of energy to operate. It is forthese low-energy IoT devices, in particu-lar, that developments in energy harvest-ing present a new option in how thedevices are charged and operate.

RF’s New Role Photovoltaic, thermoelectric, and

piezoelectric energy harvesting systemshave previously been developed as tech-nologies that can power low-energy IoTdevices. The tools have their own inher-ent limitations, such as moving parts,fragility, and most importantly the con-stant presence of the energy source.

Solar energy harvesting, for example, isonly operational when there is light.

Electromagnetic energy, specificallyradio frequency (RF) waves, however,presents an increasingly attractiveoption for energy harvesting. RF waves,the foundation upon which modernwireless communications operate, arebeing generated all around us, at differ-ent levels, constantly. There is already anabundance of RF networks in use tobroadcast data to relevant receivers: tele-visions, smartphones, laptops, tablets,and wearables (fitness bands and smartclothing), for example.

The researchers additionally plan toput RoboSimian to work in space, forpossible use in exploration or on-orbitspace assembly.

“Think of putting together very large space structures, or even main -taining those large space structures.RoboSimian would be well-suited forthat because it could crawl around onthe trusses and help put together andmaintain them,” said Bergh.

The robotic platform could also beused on missions to Mars or other aster-oids – one of many exciting possibilities,according to Bergh.

“We’re making robots that are truly use-ful tools to put out into the world,” he said.

This article was written by Billy Hurley,Associate Editor, NASA Tech Briefs maga-zine. For questions and comments, email [email protected].

Energy Harvester Uses RF Waves to Power Air Pollution Sensors

Overview of the power densities from various energy sources and average power consumption ofelectronic devices and systems. (Image Credit: Drayson Technologies)

The RoboSimian (Image Credit: JPL-Caltech)



Previous attempts to use RF energy topower devices, while successful, have gen-erally required the use of dedicated trans-mitters. In the 1970s, NASA looked atusing large transmitters to transmitpower over a specific distance with itsspace solar power (SSP) research.Harvesting energy from ambient sources,meanwhile, has not been possible.

Now being commercially deployed,the Freevolt™ technology, developedby Drayson Technologies, uses anantenna and associated circuitry (a rec-tifier and Power Management Module)to harvest ambient radio frequencyenergy from the carrier waveform ofwireless networks, including 2G, 3G,4G, and Wi-Fi, as well as digital TVbroadcast transmissions; RF signals areconverted into direct current power.

The harvester captures the smallpackets of energy that RF signals aretransmitted upon. The antenna receivesthe RF signal and feeds it to a rectifyingcircuit; depending on the usagerequirements, a Freevolt harvester maybe multiband. A multiband capabilityenables devices to harvest energy frommultiple RF sources and at different fre-quencies. The rectenna harvests energywith a wide angle of absorption, as radiowaves naturally arrive at different angles

as they reflect off surrounding surfaces.The waves then feed into the PowerManagement Module, which boosts theDC voltage so that the overall harvestedenergy becomes usable.

The Power Management Module inte-grates tracking capabilities, focusing onthe high level of energy across a particularspectrum as it constantly changes. Thepower can then trickle charge energy stor-age devices, such as batteries or superca-pacitors, and operate low-energy devices.Freevolt does not require a dedicatedtransmitter or modifications to existingRF energy sources, such as Wi-Fi routers.

Commercial ApplicationsCurrently, the first commercial appli-

cation of the RF technology is theCleanSpace™ Tag, a personal, portableair pollution sensor that uses Freevolt.The CleanSpace Tag constantly meas-ures levels of carbon monoxide in theatmosphere. The Tag has on-boardprocessing power and memory thatstores the data on the device and thensends the information to a phone viaBluetooth. By implementing RF energyharvesting technology, the Tag does


[email protected] for pricing and immediate delivery.

Kaman’s digiVIT, High Precision Simplified

Non-Contact Linear Positionand Displacement Sensing.

Easily configures itself for nearly any sensor/conductive target combination with no PC required. Pushbutton calibration and temperature compensation.

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Applications

Position, vibration, displacement Machine design Laboratory test Engine dynamics testing Condition-based monitoring

See video & datasheet

Ethernet connection


Freevolt™ applications include motion cameras, smoke alarms, wearables, and beacons. (ImageCredit: Drayson Technologies)



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JUNE 13–17, 2016 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA BARBARA Plan to attend, or tell a colleague about, the 48th annual short course on Modern Infrared Detectors and System Applications at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Industry experts share recent advances in IR detection, including the latest commercial applications.

Enroll today!(805) 893-4200extension.ucsb.edu/infrared

not have to be charged or have its bat-tery changed.

Beacons, wearables, and sensors, inparticular, offer application areas thatcan benefit a wide range of industries.Previously, sensors might require acharging cable, which would limit theirplacement. RF energy harvesting allowssensors to be located in a variety of envi-ronments, including outdoors; with nobattery change needed, devices can behermetically sealed.

In addition, industries can deploysmart sensors that adapt to the scenarioin which they are placed. The sensorsmay operate only when required to doso, to avoid unnecessary energy con-sumption; they can be powered con-stantly without the need for a chargecable. A temperature sensor, for exam-ple, would no longer need to reportdata at all times or on a specified sched-ule. Instead, the device could reportdata when it exceeds a minimum ormaximum temperature threshold. Theflexibility saves energy, as the sensor isnot reporting at all times, and usesenergy from RF waves that would havepreviously been unused.

Organizations that deploy sensorswhich operate only when required canenjoy a new form of eco-power, receivingthe required data from a device and allow-ing it to operate only at specified pointsand operate perpetually. Engineers couldalso build an array of harvesters by con-necting them together, in buildings forexample, thereby increasing the totalamount of energy harvested. The size canbe scaled from one credit-card sized har-

vester to an entire array of these devices,in a similar way to solar panels.

As the number of connected devicesgrows, the opportunities for RF energyharvesting expand. Sensors can be inte-grated into the fabric of a building, pro-viding temperature, stress, or move-ment data to architects, as well as mon-itoring airflow and temperature to vali-date building design criteria.

Within the wearable sensor sector,rapid developments are driving wideradoption. Just five years ago, wearable sen-sors were tracking motion and relayingthat data back to users. Now, with toolssuch as the CleanSpace Tag, users trackthe quality of the air they are breathing.

Looking AheadHealthcare is another area that

benefits from RF energy harvesting.Experimental sensors can be placed onthe skin to enable round-the-clock moni-toring of blood flow, wherever a patientgoes. Such devices are currently in needof versions that host a self-containedpower source. With RF energy harvesting,the devices could be powered without theneed to remove them for charging orreplacing batteries.

There are also initiatives aimed athelping athletes that could benefitfrom energy harvesting technology.The Reebok MC10 CHECKLIGHT, ahead-impact indicator, for example,measures the force and number of hitsan athlete sustains via its wearable sen-sor. Without the need to change batter-ies, the device could operate for longerperiods, allowing athletes to monitorimpacts over time without removingthe sensor.

As more developers and companieslook to design products with RF energyharvesting technologies that are builtin, the IoT could soon operate via per-petual power, reducing time and costswasted on battery changes and cablecharging.

This article was written by Lord PaulDrayson, CEO, Drayson Technologies(London, UK). For more information, visitwww.draysontechnologies.com.

Sources:

1. Gartner, http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2905717

2. IEEE, http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/biomedical/devices/flexible-sensors-measure-blood-flow-under-the-skin

3. MC10 Checklight, http://www.mc10inc.com/consumer-products/sports/checklight/

The Freevolt™ technology and CleanSpace™Tag. (Image Credit: Drayson Technologies)

Applications




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Tech BriefsWireless Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube MicrowaveHeater System Using RFID-Based Temperature FeedbackThis heater can be used in condensation control in inflatable structures, or in aircraft de-icing.

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas

This innovation has two main parts —a wireless, flexible film heater con-

taining multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWCNTs) to convert radiated micro -wave energy into heat, and a radio fre-quency identification (RFID) tempera-ture sensor to provide wireless tempera-ture feedback.

The MWCNTs have been demonstrat-ed to convert microwave energy directlyto heat, thus providing a wireless heatingmechanism. This mechanism can beused to produce flexible compositematerials that can serve as wireless heaterelements. The addition of a surfaceacoustic wave (SAW) RFID temperaturesensor in direct contact with the flexiblewireless heater elements permits sensingof the resulting temperature response,wirelessly, using RFID technology. Themanufacture of the flexible heaters withMWCNT, and the use of radiatedmicrowave energy as a source for theheaters, has been successfully demon-strated during a proof-of-concept devel-

opment phase. This use of SAW RFIDtechnology in conjunction with the filmheater has also been demonstrated.

The innovation comprises a flexiblewireless heater element consisting ofMWCNT sandwiched into various flexi-ble substrates (such as polyurethane orTeflon FEP), and an integral SAW RFIDtemperature sensor in direct contactwith the wireless heater. The microwavesource, the RFID reader, and the associ-ated computer equipment are not con-sidered part of this innovation, but arerequired for operation; the softwarerequired to provide temperature data tostart/stop microwave broadcasting ispart of this innovation.

A flexible wireless heater with an inte-gral RFID temperature sensor is affixed toa component/system requiring heat. Anexternal microwave source, providing therequired microwave power flux density atthe desired frequency, is energized tobeam microwave energy to the heater ele-ment. The flexible wireless heater absorbs

the incoming microwave radiation and,consequently, converts this energy to heat.

Periodic wireless interrogation of theRFID temperature sensor allows temper-ature monitoring of the heater elementor the component to be heated. Thetemperature interrogation unit, whenconnected to a computer that controlsthe microwave energy, may be pro-grammed to terminate the microwaveenergy when a specified cutoff tempera-ture is sensed. Upon cooling to a speci-fied temperature, the microwave energyis restored, allowing the heater toresume operation. Through this closed-loop feedback, a wireless heater withthermostatic control is possible.

This work was done by Phong Ngo, PatrickFink, and Steven Rickman of Johnson SpaceCenter, and Edward Sosa of ERC Inc. Formore information, download the TechnicalSupport Package (free white paper) atwww.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Mech -anical & Fluid Systems category. MSC-24962-1

Sub-Audible Speech Recognition Based onElectromyographic (EMG) SignalsThis technology can be used by medical and emergency service workers, persons with disabilities, and in homeland security, underwater operations, and robotic control.

Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California

Sub-audible speech is a new form ofhuman communication that uses

tiny neural impulses (EMG signals) inthe human vocal tract instead of audiblesounds. These EMG signals arise fromcommands sent by the brain’s speechcenter to tongue and larynx musclesthat enable production of audiblesounds. Sub-audible speech arises fromEMG signals intercepted before an audi-ble sound is produced and, in manyinstances, allows inference of the corre-sponding word or sound. Where sub-

audible speech is received and appropri-ately processed, production of recogniz-able sounds is no longer important.Further, the presence of noise and ofintelligibility barriers, such as accentsassociated with the audible speech, nolonger hinder communication.

Neural signals are consistent, arisingfrom use of a similar communicationmechanism between (sub-audible)speaker and listener. This approachrelies on the fact that audible speechmuscle control signals must be highly

repeatable in order to be understood byothers. These audible and sub-audiblesignals are intercepted and analyzedbefore sound is generated by air pres-sure using these signals. The recognizedsignals are then fed into a neural net-work pattern classifier, and near-silent orsub-audible speech that occurs when aperson “talks to himself or to herself” isprocessed. In this alternative, the tongueand throat muscles still respond, at alowered intensity level, as if a word orphrase (referred to collectively herein as a


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Tech Briefs

“word”) is to be made audible, with littleor no external movement cues present.This approach uses a training phase anda subsequent word recognition phase.

In one alternative, EMG signals aremeasured on the side of a subject’sthroat, near the larynx, and under thechin near the tongue, to pick up andanalyze surface signals generated by atongue (so-called electropalatogram, orEPG signals). This approach uses a train-ing phase and a subsequent word recog-nition phase. In the training phase, thebeginning and end of a sub-audiblespeech pattern (SASP) is first deter-

mined for each spoken instance of aword in a database. This includes wordsin a window of temporal length 1 to 4seconds each (preferably about 1.5 sec-onds) that are provided and processed.A signal processing transform is appliedto obtain a sub-sequence of transformparameter values, which become entriesin a matrix. The two matrix axes mayrepresent scale factors and time intervalsassociated with a window. The matrix istessellated into groups of cells (e.g., ofrectangular or other shape), with eachcell represented by a feature value forthat cell, and the cell features are

rearranged as a vector. Weighted sums ofthe vector components are formed andsubsequently used as comparison indices.In the word recognition phase, a SASPincluding an unknown word is providedand sampled, as in the training phase.

This work was done by C. CharlesJorgensen of Ames Research Center andBradley J. Betts of Computer SciencesCorporation. NASA invites companies toinquire about partnering opportunities andlicensing this patented technology. Contactthe Ames Technology Partnerships Office at1-855-627-2249 or [email protected]. Refer to ARC-15519-1.

The characteristics of a thermal detec-tor, such as sensitivity, response time,

and saturation power (or energy resolu-tion), are functions of the thermal con-ductance of the detector to its cryogenicenvironment. The thermal conductanceis specified to achieve a tradeoff amongthe highest sensitivity, allowed responsetime, and the desired saturation energyor power budget for the particular appli-cation. It is essential to achieve thedesign thermal conductance (within anacceptable variance) after a thermaldetector has been fabricated. Otherwise,the detector will fail to achieve itsdesired functionality. In addition, theformation of a multi-pixel imaging arraybecomes difficult and costly when thedesign thermal conductance is notachieved with high post-fabrication yield.

The control of thermal conductance inprior art is achieved with long and narrowdielectric beams that support the thermaldetector. The thermal conductance canbe reduced to the desired value bydecreasing the width-to-length ratio ofthe beam or beams under the assumptionthat diffusive scattering is controlled dur-ing processing. The control of thermalconductance in prior art is non-optimal.As the beam width-to-length ratiodecreases, the physics of the thermal con-ductance becomes increasingly sensitiveto the exact surface conditions (e.g.,roughness) of the dielectric beam used.The lithographic processing of the detec-tor must be controlled to a precision that

is difficult and typically not readily achiev-able in practice. The yield of the thermalconductance can be low because ofunpredictability in the resulting litho-graphically produced surfaces. As aresult, an engineering approach is takenwhere many width-to-length beam ratiosare fabricated and tested in order toexplore the parameter space. This step istime-consuming and costly in realizingsensors for a multi-pixel imaging array.Beams with lengths greater than 1 mmand widths less than 0.0005 mm havebeen fabricated as candidates for verysensitive space-based cryogenic thermaldetectors using this basic diffusiveapproach for conductance definition.

This innovation, conductance defini-tion via ballistic thermal transport, tar-gets the design and fabrication of sensi-tive cryogenic thermal detectors. Thesedetectors are currently the state-of-the-art for the detection of astronomicalradiation ranging from x-rays to sub-mil-limeter wavelength. For a focal planewith thousands of detector units, theconductance, G, must be uniform acrossthe array. With this innovation, theabsolute value of G and its variability canbe predicted prior to fabrication, and isinsensitive to fabrication details. Themode of operation for thermal detectorarrays that utilize this innovation is notaffected by this implementation choice.The innovation allows greater controlover the signal frequency for antenna-and absorber-coupled sensor designs

widely employed at microwave throughsub-millimeter wavelengths.

This innovation makes use of the low-temperature thermal properties ofdielectric films (e.g., micro-machinedsingle-crystal silicon) to control the con-ductance of thermal detectors to theircryogenic environment via ballistictransport. The thermal conductance iscontrolled with knowledge of a film’smaterial properties and geometry in amanner that is insensitive to details ofthe lithographic processing that mayaffect the supporting dielectric struc-tures. The thermal conductance is thusdefined with high accuracy across awafer, and from wafer-to-wafer whenthermal detectors across several wafersare fabricated. Thermal detectors thatare sensitive to x-rays, optical, far-infrared, and sub-millimeter wave-lengths can potentially benefit from theunderlying innovation, as it enables theformation of multi-pixel imaging arraysthat comprise highly uniform detectorsacross the array, a characteristic that hasbeen difficult to achieve with othermethods of thermal conductance control.

This work was done by David T. Chuss,Kevin L. Denis, Samuel H. Moseley, andEdward J. Wollack of Goddard Space FlightCenter; and Karwan Rostem of JohnsHopkins University. For more information,download the Technical Support Package(free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tspunder the Manufacturing & Prototypingcategory. GSC-16923-1

Precision Detector Conductance Definition via BallisticThermal TransportThis innovation could be applied in the development of bolometric detector array sensors.

Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland


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Integrated CircuitsThe Standard Power Series

from Honeywell (Fort Mill, SC)

includes four new sensor ICs.

The integrated circuits offer a

sensitivity of 11 Gauss max.,

allowing design engineers to

use larger air gaps between the

sensor IC and the magnet. The

Standard Power Series Sensor ICs also feature a solid-state, non-con-

tact, no-glass design. The devices have a supply voltage range of 3

Vdc-24 Vdc and operating temperature range of -40 to 185 °F.

Potential applications include flow sensing in HVAC, anti-tamper

detection in utility meters, and RPM sensing in exercise equipment

and door position detection.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/61058-140

Wireless Remote SensingSignalFire Wireless Telemetry

(Hudson, MA) has added capabili-

ties to its Field Setup and Diagnostic

ToolKit. Interfacing with sensors,

thermocouples, load cells, pots, and

turbine meters, the Signal Fire

Wireless Remote Sensing Systems

(SFRSS) support long-distance wire-

less communications across devices

in large-scale environments such as

oil fields.

Network mapping provides a

visual graphical representation of a user’s SignalFire Mesh Network.

Gateway logging allows users to monitor the health and performance

of their wireless network. A HART Sensor Configuration Menu

launches traditional utilities like PACTware™ or RadarMaster™ dur-

ing HART device setup.


Wireless RouterThe CirrusSense™ wireless router from Transducers Direct

(Cincinnati, OH) provides remote pressure readings, diagnostics,

and immediate email/text alarm alerts transmitted by CirrusSense™

pressure transducers. The device pro-

vides Internet connectivity for

Bluetooth-enabled CirrusSense pres-

sure sensors attached to refrigerant,

oil, and water lines.

The Bluetooth-capable CirrusSense™

sensor attaches to pressurized lines via a T

fitting. Patent-pending circuitry delivers bat-

tery life in permanent installations, with redun-

dant sensing capability and self-monitoring. A

free mobile app (“T-Direct TDWLB” for Apple or

Android devices) allows the user to name each sensor one

time securely, set the scaling for the application, program

setpoints/alarms for multiple sensors, and monitor readings. The

app also automatically calculates superheat and sub-cooling read-

outs. The CirrusSense™ sensor is EMI/RFI protected and sealed to

IP-65 rating. Standard overpressure rating is 2X, with 4X optional.


Optical SensorsMicro-Epsilon (Raleigh,

NC) offers optoNCDT 1320

and 1420 optical smart sen-

sors. Electronics for signal

processing are housed in

each sensor body. Weighing

60 g, the devices are suit-

able for dynamic accelera-

tion applications, including

machine axes and robot

arms. Measuring ranges of

10, 25, or 50 mm are cur-

rently available.

The measuring rate of the optoNCDT 1320 can be adjusted to up

to 2 kHz. The Auto Target Compensation (ATC) provides stable dis-

tance signal control regardless of target color or brightness. Sensors

are operated via function key or via Web interface where predefined

settings are available. A 3-meter-length cable (with open ends)

enables the connection.

The optoNCDT 1420 measures up to 4 kHz. A digital RS422

interface provides distance information of the sensor, as well as ana-

log voltage and current outputs. Up to eight user-specific sensor set-

tings can be stored and exported in the setup management.


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Gas Sensor ModulesThe new Komfy™ Switch with camera by D-Link features the iAQ-

core indoor air quality module from ams (Cupertino, CA). The iAQ-

core, a miniaturized, low-power gas sensor, uses a MEMS-based VOC

component. The device provides an output of ppb TVOC and ppm CO2

equivalent units via an I2C interface.

The Komfy Switch with camera by D-Link features a Full HD 1080p

camera with 16-feet night vision and environmen-

tal sensors. Built-in sensors offer motion, sound,

temperature, power consumption, air quality, and

humidity detection data.

The iAQ-core directly measures ambient concen-

trations of reducing gases associated with bad air

quality, such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, organic

acids, amines, as well as aliphatic and aromatic

hydrocarbons.


Image SensorsOmniVision Technologies (Santa Clara, CA) has released the

OV16860, a 16-megapixel PureCel® Plus-S image

sensor. A 1.3-micron pixel architecture enables

full resolution recording at 45 frames per sec-

ond. The sensor also supports high dynamic

range (HDR), phase detection autofocus

(PDAF), and slow-motion video recording.

Additionally, the OV16860 provides a nomi-

nal operating digital voltage (DVDD) spec of 1.0V.

1080p high definition (HD) video can be achieved at 120 FPS

via high speed D-PHY and C-PHY interfaces. The OV16860 fits into a

10.5 x 10.5 mm module.


Pressure SensorsTE Connectivity (Berwyn, PA) has announced the 86BC, a 16-mm

piezoresistive silicon pressure sensor packaged in a 316L stain-

less steel housing. O-ring mounting supports integration

into industrial applications. The header-less unit utilizes sil-

icon oil to transfer pressure from the steel diaphragm to

the sensing element. A ceramic substrate is attached to

the package containing laser-trimmed resistors, for

temperature compensation and offset correction. An

additional laser trimmed resistor adjusts an external

differential amplifier and provides span interchange-

ability to within ±1%. Other features include 0-100mV

output, -40 °C to +105 °C operating temperature, 1.0% interchangeable

span, solid state reliability, and ±0.3% pressure non-linearity.


Harsh-Environment SensorsWAGO Corp. (Germantown, WI) has added 3-Phase Power

Measurement Modules to its XTR

line of harsh environment (-40 °C to

70 °C extreme temperature and 5g

vibration resistance) I/O. Varying

communication interfaces include

Ethernet, RS-232/RS-485, CAN,

CANopen, and PROFIBUS-DP-Slave

interfaces. DNP3, IEC 61850, and IEC 60870 protocols support use as

a Smart Grid controller.


Cable Extension SensorsThe POSIWIRE® WS21 cable extension sen-

sor from ASM (Elmhurst, IL) is equipped with

a non-contact, magnetic multi-turn-encoder

that enables long measuring lengths up to

20,000 mm. Typical applications include linear

measurements for crane booms.

The sensor uses a specially designed and cal-

ibrated measuring cable that is wound in a sin-

gle layer onto a precision manufactured drum,

which transforms the linear movement of the cable into a rotary move-

ment. An angle sensor, such as a potentiometer or a digital encoder,

finally converts the motion into an electrical output signal.

Resistant to shock (100g/11ms), vibration (20g 10Hz-2kHz), water,

moisture, and condensation, the POSIWIRE® WS21 sensors operate in

outdoor applications with large fluctuations in temperature.


Temperature SensorsExergen Corp. (Watertown, MA) has

announced the Extreme IRt/c non-contact temperature

sensor. A custom-designed housing protects the sensor

from extreme vibrations, shifts in pressure, and other acute

ambient changes. The sensor was originally developed for a defense con-

tractor whose client needed to measure the temperature of equipment

mounted on the exterior of military aircraft.

The self-powered Extreme IRt/c has a sensing range of -50 to 1200

°F (-45 to 650 °C). The hermetically sealed device provides resolu-

tion of 0.00018°C, instantaneously updates, and has a response time

of 100 milliseconds.


Submersible Position SensorsMacro Sensors (Pennsauken, NJ)

has introduced submersible LVDT

Position Sensors for use as part of

subsea measurement systems. The

SSIR 937 Series Submersible LVDT

Position Sensors withstand deep sea

environments with external pres-

sures to 5000 psi. Designed for use

in either pressure-balanced, oil-filled containers or directly in seawa-

ter, the 0.94-inch (24-mm)-diameter technologies are available in

standard ranges of 2.00 inches (50 mm), 3.00 inches (75 mm), or

4.00 inches (100 mm). To minimize the number of pressure-sealed

connections and I/Os, a 4-20mA two-wire, loop-powered I/O is uti-

lized. The 4-20mA I/O also reduces noise over long transmission

lines. A data acquisition system on the platform above supports off-

set management.


Capacitive Force SensorPressure Profile Systems (Los Angeles, CA) has

released the SingleTact, a miniature capacitive force sen-

sor. The ultra-thin, single-element device quantifies

forces in analog or digital configuration. The SingleTact

interface board can be customized for an engineer’s spe-

cific application. A choice of six sensor configurations is

provided, including 8-mm and 15-mm diameter sensors,

and force ranges from 100 grams to 45 kg full scale.


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Our field-proven range of FCC-, IC- and CCSA

US-certified wireless switches and receivers include

limit, pushbutton, selector, key-operated, foot, magnetic, inductive, pull-wire, and integrated door handle switches. Available for battery-less (energy harvesting) or long-life battery operation.

Call or write to explore new solutions to your challenging switch/sensor problems.

www.steutewireless.com [email protected](203) 244-6304

Creating Switch Solutions Without Cables

Some Switches Need Wires.Steute Switches Don’t.



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