Description
Priority 2 activities willonly be initiated on the explicit request of at least one delegation.
Objective:
To optimise the packaging of wireless passive sensor and associated antennas, including the interrogation antenna and reader firmware, starting from existing commercial systems.
Targeted Improvements:
The primary advantages are the elimination of wires and reduction in harnesses complexity, leading to shorter integration times and overall payload mass, along with flexibility in modifying installed configurations with respect to traditional wired solutions. About 15% cost reduction is expected in terms of temperature sensing installation along with 10% relevant mass reduction.
Description:
Wireless instrumentation for measurement of physical parameters (e.g. temperature) on board the spacecraft as a replacement of traditional wired solutions, e.g. thermocouples, is recognized as a potential improvement for space systems. Here, the technology of wireless passive sensors based on Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices is proposed for remote measurement of temperature. These types of sensor are interrogated by a radio frequency (RF) signal and do not contain batteries or active circuits, being simple piezoelectric components. They do not require maintenance and feature robustness and high reliability.
A demonstrator based on wireless SAW sensor technology was successfully designed,implemented and tested in a TRP ITI activity. Using results from this TRP ITI short study, the proposed activity shall focus on a new design of the SAW sensor package and antennas to facilitate integration and installation within the satellite platform. Design drivers shall include miniaturization and the thermal and electrical contact with the mounting surfaces.
The proposed work logic is the following:
- Review of the system design based on the conclusions from previous TRP activity;
- Starting from existing commercial SAW devices, outline design of the SAW sensors including the antenna;
- Design of the interrogating antenna;
- Review of the firmware and algorithm of the interrogation technique.
- EM (critical functions) manufacturing and testing.
Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to EMITS news "Industrial Policy measures for non-primes, SMEs and R&D entities in ESA programmes".