07-04-2009, 11:16 PM
Embedded Sensors are tiny wireless sensors and data acquisition system that are small enough to be embedded in a product, enabling the creation of smart structures, smart materials and smart machines. These tiny nodes can be placed within implants, on spinning machinery and within composite materials. Batteries are completely eliminated which means that the sensors and its node can be queried for the life of the structure. The RQEM sensors use an inductive link to receive power from an external coil and to return digital strain, temperature and unique ID information. These tiny devices can be embedded in buildings, bridges, and vehicles to continuously monitor their "health", from the inside out. The sensors provide an early-warning system for assessing damage before safety issues arise, and can help extend a structure's life by prioritizing the need for preventive maintenance. Thus we see how Remotely Queried Embedded Microsensors are used in structural monitoring and diagnosis. It is better than its predecessor - the fiber optic embedded sensors for the various reasons we mentioned earlier. An integrated embedded sensor package has been developed to measure strain and temperature within a composite structure. The sensor system includes a transponder and a signal conditioning electronics integrated with conventional strain gauges. Research is still going on in the design of sensors to give the sensed data with more accuracy and precision. These sensors when coupled with microcontrollers and microactuators will bring a revolution of automated Ëœsmartâ„¢ devices ranging from micro to macro. Embedded sensors enables a new generation of smart structures and smart materials, the possibilities are endless.