Working Group Sensor Nodes & Embedded Microsystems

The Sensor Nodes & Embedded Microsystems group focuses on the design and realization of autonomous embedded wireless sensor systems. By modeling and simulating individual components as well as complete systems, the system and performance parameters, such as functionality, energy requirements and operational reliability, are identified at an early stage of development and thus made assessable. This makes it possible to optimize the system specifically for the desired application and to achieve the best possible results with regard to the respective application. Fraunhofer IZM's entire technology portfolio is available for this purpose. During implementation, the working group can draw on extensive experience in HDI design (High Density Interconnect Design).

The following services are offered:

  • Development of radio-based sensor systems for the industrial environment
    • System design and partitioning
    • Energy supply, energy balancing and demand optimization
    • Hardware design using innovative technologies by means of HDI design methods
    • Firmware design and implementation
    • Housing design and component encapsulation
    • System testing and system integration
  • Simulation and measurement of the energy requirements of electronic assemblies, preparation of energy balances and identification of optimization potentials
  • Consulting and review processes for system concepts as well as circuit and layout design in the field of embedded low-power systems and HDI circuits
  • Development of embedded systems with edge AI (artificial intelligence methods on resource-limited systems)

Reference projects in the field of sensor nodes & embedded microsystems

ASTROSE – power line monitoring

ASTROSE® is a wireless sensor network for the monitoring of high and extra high voltage power lines. The technology was developed to address power transmission shortfalls resulting from decentralized power harvesting of renewable energy supplies.

PECMES - design tools for energy autarkic systems

Energy autarkic condition monitoring systems (CMS) will soon facilitate condition-based maintenance of machines and equipment.

 

InCoMo

The research project “Intelligent Condition Monitoring - Models, Algorithms, Autonomous Microsystems” is establishing the basis of models and analysis methods for condition monitoring and lifetime prognosis and for the development of appropriate microsystem technology for autonomous sensor and monitoring systems.

CoMoLeFo

In this project, we are developing a condition monitoring system for power electronics in photovoltaics to implement condition-oriented maintenance using lifetime predictions for power electronic components.

ECoMoS

Here we are developing a sensor network that monitors engines and storage facilities in industrial environments. The sensor nodes harvest the power required for operation from their environment and communicate wirelessly, which makes cabling redundant. Vibration sensors detect failures, for example in a paper factory, and alert a technical control center further on down the line.

Universal Sensor Platform (USeP)

A Revolutionary Sensor Platform for Next-Generation IoT Systems.

 

Download | Energy Consulting for Green ICT Solutions

Methodical Design for Energy-efficient Electronics

Energy efficiency and ecological hardware design play a key role in the development of modern electronic systems. For years, Fraunhofer IZM has been a leader in the development of embedded systems and autonomous sensor nodes.

 

Download | Paradigm Shift in the Design of Complex ICT Systems

Development of Intelligent, Decentralized Sensor Systems

Decentralized systems with self-sufficient devices offer numerous advantages compared to established, centrally controlled approaches with dependent peripherals.

 

Low power and communicative microsystems: turnkey solution for industry

REALIZM Blog

 

Download | Autonomous and wireless IIoT sensor networks

Synchronized acquisition of dynamic data with wireless sensors

 

Download | SWARMY

Wireless, autonomous, miniaturized sensor- actuator platform for industrial applications