Multi-Band Software Defined Radio Sensor System

This Multiband Software Defined Radio (SDR) sensor system proposal will demonstrate the ability to operate within multiple frequency bands and across multiple technology platforms in a single transceiver. The center frequencies and bandwidths chosen are representative of current demonstrated commercial or research devices and bands used: 400 MHz, 900 MHz, and 2.4 GHz ISM bands, with bandwidths of approximately 10 MHz, 26 MHz, and 100 MHz, respectively. SAW sensor development proposed is for a cryogenic to high temperature sensor, high temperature strain sensor, and magnetic field sensor. Demonstration of other passive technology sensors will also be demonstrated.This proposal presents a series of technical objectives that will have a significant benefit to a broad range of wireless sensors, and advance the state-of-the-art and capabilities in sensor technology. The effort will demonstrate a multiband software defined radio (SDR) sensor transceiver that can interrogate any passive resonator or delay line technology sensor within a given band. The proposed sensor systems will lead to improved safety, reduced test, and space flight costs by providing real-time analysis of data, information, and knowledge through meshed wireless networking.The SDR system approach has the following advantages and advancements:Switchable bandsSoftware defined center frequency and bandwidthLow cost configurabilityEasy and fast programmability of SDR and post processingWorks with any passive sensor within the given RF band, temperature, strain, gas, magnetic field and othersMaximize signal-to-noise ratio for a given sensor type, i.e., resonator, delay line, CDMA, OFC, etc. by minimal hardware changesSoftware for parameter extraction of multiple measurandsSimultaneous interrogation of all in-band sensorsMultiband-switchable system: contiguously measure sensors across frequency bandsWireless network connectivity for information and data logging from multiple sites and sensors