Main Focus of Research

Sensor integration

Micro sensors that communicate by RF are used to monitor the operating conditions in a wide range of applications. They offer the benefit of high flexibility, low costs and availability of online data. The use of new components allows extremely small sizes and enables ultra-low power operation with long battery life or even battery-free operation with power harvesters.

Fraunhofer ENAS focuses on the development of sensor networks for the application in the high and medium voltage range as well as for smart farming. Power harvesting from the electric or magnetic fringing field of the electric power lines enable self-sufficient operation when the sensor is attached to overhead power lines or to cables, cable joints or other equipment. The use of printing technologies for the production of electric components, component carriers and batteries and the use of compostable materials enable particularly cost-effective sensors for the monitoring of growth conditions in plant production.

Research topics

  • Development of monitoring systems for special applications for power engineering and smart farming
  • Analysis of the specific situation at the clients side and development planning
  • Prototype fabrication and test
  • Technology transfer to customer

Equipment  

  • Clean room for MEMS fabrication (all steps of fabrication sequence)
  • Assembly and test lab for smart systems
  • High power / high voltage test
  • RF spectrum analyzer (18GHz)
  • Antenna test chamber
  • Probe stations for RF and mm wave probing (thermal range -60°C…300°C, combination to optical motion analysis, electrical DC, RF, mm wave and optical probing)
  • Vibration and mechanical shock test equipment
  • LabWindows CVI and LabView for automated tests

Software Tools

  • ANSYS
  • CST microwave studio
  • Code composer for firmware development
  • LayoutEditor for MEMS mask set design
  • Mathematica
  • MatLab
  • PCB design tools
  • Spice (T-Spice, P-Spice, TI-Spice)

  • Development of monitoring systems for special applications
    • High voltage and middle voltage overhead power line monitoring
    • High voltage and middle voltage supplies (clamps, switches)
    • Cables and cable joints, connectors
  • Development of algorithms for evaluation of operating data and derivation of key information
    • Ice load
    • Ampacity
    • Tilted pylons
    • Ground fault
    • Overhead in clamps, switches and joints
  • Plant monitoring sensors and data gateways
    • Irrigation status
    • Light conditions
    • Temperature
    • Nutrition (under development)
  • Use of compostable and inert materials for sensor modules
  • Analysis of specific situation at the clients side and development planning
  • Prototype fabrication and test
  • Technology transfer to customer