Researchers at Fraunhofer IPMS have developed a wireless, battery-free RFID sensor able to monitor both temperature and deformations on metallic rotating parts such as shafts or spindles. Experts will present the complete Fraunhofer IPMS portfolio for the automation industry at the 2018 RFID Journal LIVE!, the world's largest conference for RFID technology, taking place in Orlando, Florida USA from April 10-12.
Prudent operators of highly automated production facilities keep a close eye on the condition of their equipment and machinery. Early identification of faulty processes or premature wear on tools can prevent damage to machines and production losses as well as optimize operational procedures.
Integrating sensors on tool shafts or spindles is in practice, however, very often not so easy. Fraunhofer IPMS Development Manager Dr. Andreas Weder explains, »It takes great effort to integrate cables or batteries on rotating parts, making wireless sensor systems more suitable.« RFID sensors are included among such wireless sensor systems. RFID technology implements the wireless transfer of data and energy to the sensor via a reader device. The reader energizes the sensor in order to conduct measurement and transmit resulting data. Weder continues, »Anyone familiar with RFID Auto-ID technology knows that wireless transmission of data from the sensor transponder to the reader poses a particular challenge in metallic environments, in that metal partially reflects electromagnetic waves to unintentionally hinder enough energy from reaching the sensor. We are able to compensate for this effect with a special antenna geometry. We have also adapted the sensor transponder to the structural shape of the shaft.«
Intelligent software solutions make it easier to integrate into existing production environments and connect to existing control systems. Andreas Weder goes on, »The successful introduction of wireless RFID-sensor systems very often requires comprehensive knowledge of ASIC and antenna design ranging from sensor-tag development to sensor, system, and cloud integration. The RFID-OPC-UA-AutoID-Server (ROAD-Server) middleware implements the OPC-UA AutoID companion specification relevant to RFID-sensor components to provide manufacturer-independent, standard-compliant communication for industrial automation. This allows for any reader device, identification-, or sensor-transponders from any manufacturer and operating in any of the different LF, HF, UHF and NFC frequencies to be uniformly addressed.«
Interested parties can view Fraunhofer IPMS RFID-sensor modules at this year's RFID Journal LIVE!, the world's largest conference and exhibition for RFID technology being held in Orlando, Florida USA from April 10-12, 2018. Fraunhofer IPMS experts will present sample systems equipped with various sensors and give advice on the implementation of RFID sensor systems. We look forward to welcoming you to the Fraunhofer IPMS exhibition at the AiM Pavillion 1418.
Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems