Sensors

Research

13 pages, 4088 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

CNT-Based Inkjet-Printed RF Gas Sensor: Modification of Substrate Properties during the Fabrication Process

by Julien George, Aymen Abdelghani, Prince Bahoumina, Olivier Tantot, Dominique Baillargeat, Kamel Frigui, Stéphane Bila, Hamida Hallil and Corinne Dejous

Sensors 2019, 19(8), 1768; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19081768 - 13 Apr 2019

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4927

Abstract

This paper presents the feasibility of a fully inkjet-printed, microwave flexible gas sensor based on a resonant electromagnetic transducer in microstrip technology and the impact of the printing process that affects the characteristics of the gas sensor. The sensor is fabricated using silver [...] Read more.

This paper presents the feasibility of a fully inkjet-printed, microwave flexible gas sensor based on a resonant electromagnetic transducer in microstrip technology and the impact of the printing process that affects the characteristics of the gas sensor. The sensor is fabricated using silver ink and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) embedded in poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene (PEDOT: PSS-MWCNTs) as sensitive material for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) detection. Particular attention is paid to the characterization of the printed materials and the paper substrate. The manufacturing process results in a change in relative permittivity of the paper substrate by nearly 20%. Electrical characterization, made in the presence of gas, validates our theoretical approach and the radiofrequency (RF) gas sensor proof of concept. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1695 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Accurate Positioning System Based on Chipless Technology

by Nicolas Barbot and Etienne Perret

Sensors 2019, 19(6), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19061341 - 18 Mar 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3003

Abstract

In this paper, we present an accurate method to localize an object on a 2D plan using the chipless technology. This method requires a single antenna and a chipless tag. Phase difference between a reference position and an unknown position is used to [...] Read more.

In this paper, we present an accurate method to localize an object on a 2D plan using the chipless technology. This method requires a single antenna and a chipless tag. Phase difference between a reference position and an unknown position is used to estimate the distances between each resonator and the antenna. Then, multi-lateration is used to determine the position of the chipless tag in the plan. This method provides a better accuracy compared to classical ones based on received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or round-trip time-of-flight. In a square of 10 cm side above the antenna, error over distance determination between each resonators and the antenna is less than 2 mm and localization error on the tag coordinates in the 2D plan is lower than 1 cm. To increase the robustness of this method, we propose also a selection of a subset of the resonators used by the multi-lateration process. This method permits to increase the localization area by more than 20%. All the results have been obtained in real environment, and at different heights to show the robustness of the proposed approach. Finally, localization sensors based on this method can also be used as classical chipless RFID tag for identification with the same coding capacity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 4434 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In-Situ Wireless Pressure Measurement Using Zero-Power Packaged Microwave Sensors

by Julien Philippe, Maria Valeria De Paolis, Dominique Henry, Alexandre Rumeau, Antony Coustou, Patrick Pons and Hervé Aubert

Sensors 2019, 19(6), 1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19061263 - 13 Mar 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3535

Abstract

This paper reports the indoor wireless measurement of pressure from zero-power (or passive) microwave (24 GHz) sensors. The sensors are packaged and allow the remote measurement of overpressure up to 2.1 bars. Their design, fabrication process and packaging are detailed. From the measurement [...] Read more.

This paper reports the indoor wireless measurement of pressure from zero-power (or passive) microwave (24 GHz) sensors. The sensors are packaged and allow the remote measurement of overpressure up to 2.1 bars. Their design, fabrication process and packaging are detailed. From the measurement of sensor scattering parameters, the outstanding sensitivity of 995 MHz/bar between 0.8 and 2.1 bars was achieved with the full-scale measurement range of 1.33 GHz. Moreover, the 3D radar imagery technique was applied for the remote interrogation of these sensors in electromagnetic reverberant environments. The full-scale dynamic range of 4.9 dB and the sensitivity of 4.9 dB/bar between 0.7 and 1.7 bars were achieved with radar detection in a highly reflective environment. These measurement results demonstrate for the first time the ability of the radar imagery technique to interrogate fully passive pressure sensors in electromagnetic reverberant environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 3251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Passive Wireless LC Proximity Sensor Based on LTCC Technology

by Mingsheng Ma, Yi Wang, Feng Liu, Faqiang Zhang, Zhifu Liu and Yongxiang Li

Sensors 2019, 19(5), 1110; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19051110 - 5 Mar 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7912

Abstract

In this work, we report a passive wireless eddy current proximity sensor based on inductive-capacitive (LC) resonance using a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. The operation principle of the LC proximity sensor to the metal targets was comprehensively discussed through electromagnetic simulation [...] Read more.

In this work, we report a passive wireless eddy current proximity sensor based on inductive-capacitive (LC) resonance using a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. The operation principle of the LC proximity sensor to the metal targets was comprehensively discussed through electromagnetic simulation and circuit model. Copper and aluminum were selected as the metal target materials for the measurements. Circular copper plates with different diameters and thickness were used to investigate the influence of the surface area and thickness of the target on the sensitivity. The decreases of the sensitivity with the decrease of the surface area and thickness were observed. The LC proximity sensor showed a high sensitivity of 11.2 MHz/mm for the proximity distance of 1–3 mm, and large detection range up to 10 mm. The developed LC proximity sensor is promising for passive wireless metal detections and proximity measurements under harsh environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 3137 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hybrid Printed Energy Harvesting Technology for Self-Sustainable Autonomous Sensor Application

by Sangkil Kim, Manos M. Tentzeris and Apostolos Georgiadis

Sensors 2019, 19(3), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19030728 - 11 Feb 2019

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5718

Abstract

In this paper, the far-field energy harvesting system for self-sustainable wireless autonomous sensor application is presented. The proposed autonomous sensor system consists of a wireless power supplier (active antenna) and far-field energy harvesting technology-enabled autonomous battery-less sensors. The wireless power supplier converts solar [...] Read more.

In this paper, the far-field energy harvesting system for self-sustainable wireless autonomous sensor application is presented. The proposed autonomous sensor system consists of a wireless power supplier (active antenna) and far-field energy harvesting technology-enabled autonomous battery-less sensors. The wireless power supplier converts solar power to electromagnetic power in order to transfer power to multiple autonomous sensors wirelessly. The autonomous sensors have far-field energy harvesters which convert transmitted RF power to voltage regulated DC power to power-on the sensor system. The hybrid printing technology was chosen to build the autonomous sensors and the wireless power suppliers. Two popular hybrid electronics technologies (direct nano-particle printing and indirect copper thin film printing techniques) are discussed in detail. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3205 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Frequency Signature RFID Chipless Tag for Wearable Applications

by Laura Corchia, Giuseppina Monti and Luciano Tarricone

Sensors 2019, 19(3), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19030494 - 25 Jan 2019

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 4985

Abstract

In this paper, a frequency-signature Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) chipless tag for wearable applications is presented. The results achieved for a fully-textile solution guaranteeing a seamless integration in clothes are reported and discussed. The proposed tag consists of two planar monopole antennas and a [...] Read more.

In this paper, a frequency-signature Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) chipless tag for wearable applications is presented. The results achieved for a fully-textile solution guaranteeing a seamless integration in clothes are reported and discussed. The proposed tag consists of two planar monopole antennas and a 50 Ω microstrip line loaded with multiple resonators. In order to achieve a compact size, the resonators are slotted on the ground plane of the microstrip line. As for the antennas, the same geometry was exploited for both the TX and the RX tag antenna. In particular, it consists of a proximity fed planar monopole on a ground plane. The selected geometry guarantees easy integration with the multi-resonator structure. Numerical and experimental data referring to a 2-bit implementation are presented and discussed. For fabricating all the prototypes, a layer of pile was used as a substrate, while an adhesive non-woven conductive fabric was exploited for the fabrication of the conductive parts. Experimental tests demonstrate that although the performance of the final device strongly depends on the properties of the used materials and on the imperfections of the fabrication process, the proposed frequency-signature RFID chipless tag is suitable for wearable applications, such as anti-counterfeiting systems and laundry labels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 3347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wireless Passive Ultra High Frequency RFID Antenna Sensor for Surface Crack Monitoring and Quantitative Analysis

by Jun Zhang, Bei Huang, Gary Zhang and Gui Yun Tian

Sensors 2018, 18(7), 2130; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18072130 - 3 Jul 2018

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 7114

Abstract

An exponential increase in large-scale infrastructure facilitates the development of wireless passive sensors for permanent installation and in-service health monitoring. Due to their wireless, passive and cost-effective characteristics, ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) tag antenna based sensors are receiving increasing attention [...] Read more.

An exponential increase in large-scale infrastructure facilitates the development of wireless passive sensors for permanent installation and in-service health monitoring. Due to their wireless, passive and cost-effective characteristics, ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) tag antenna based sensors are receiving increasing attention for structural health monitoring (SHM). This paper uses a circular patch antenna sensor with an open rectangular window for crack monitoring. The sensing mechanism is quantitatively studied in conjunction with a mode analysis, which can uncover the intrinsic principle for turning an antenna into a crack sensor. The robustness of the feature is examined when the variation of crack position associated with an aluminum sample and the antenna sensor is considered. The experimental results demonstrate a reasonable sensitivity and resolution for crack characterization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Low-Profile Dual-Layer Patch Antenna with a Circular Polarizer Consisting of Dual Semicircular Resonators

by Li Guo, Ming-Chun Tang and Mei Li

Sensors 2018, 18(6), 1773; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18061773 - 1 Jun 2018

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4822

Abstract

In this paper, a circular polarizer comprising dual semicircular split-rings (DSSRs) is presented. By placing it above an elliptical radiator that radiates linearly polarized (LP) waves, dual-layer patch antennas capable of radiating right-hand (RH) or left-hand (LH) circularly polarized (CP) waves are achieved [...] Read more.

In this paper, a circular polarizer comprising dual semicircular split-rings (DSSRs) is presented. By placing it above an elliptical radiator that radiates linearly polarized (LP) waves, dual-layer patch antennas capable of radiating right-hand (RH) or left-hand (LH) circularly polarized (CP) waves are achieved in terms of the different offset direction of the bottom splits of the DSSRs. Because of both the capacitive coupling to the radiator and the degenerate modes existing in the excited DSSRs, the DSSRs collaboratively result in a circularly polarized radiation, successfully converting incident LP waves into CP ones. Simulated results show that the impedance, axial ratio (AR), and gain frequency response of both proposed CP antennas are identical, with a simulated 3-dB AR bandwidth of 72 MHz covering 2.402–2.474 GHz and a gain enhanced by 3.9 dB. The proposed antennas were fabricated and measured, revealing an operational bandwidth of 65 MHz (2.345–2.41 GHz) and a peak gain up to 9 dBi. Moreover, a low profile of 0.063λ₀ is maintained. The proposed CP antennas could be as a candidate for wireless target detection applications in terms of their identical frequency response property. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI