Wireless Smart Sensor Network for Vehicle Diagnostics and Prognostics

Maintenance activities cost DoD $81 billion a year and maintainers have only limited diagnostic capabilities for weapons systems life cycle management. Advances in sensors, embedded systems, and network information systems, make it possible to achieve unprecedented diagnostics. Luna will leverage advanced MEMS and nanotechnology to develop ultra-miniature smart sensors and network nodes for retrofit into existing weapons systems. Ultra-miniature sensing elements that detect a wide variety of parameters and network nodes will enhance diagnostic capability and coverage of vehicle systems. The wireless smart sensor network will monitor, process, and transmit health and usage information to improve accuracy, speed of diagnosis, and visibility at all organizational levels through shared data environments. During the Phase I effort, the smart sensors and network node hardware and software architecture, and communications protocols will be developed. The smart sensing system will be based on the IEEE 1451 family of standards. Luna will design an ultra-low power system with embedded power management that is compatible with a variety of energy scavenging and power storage devices. System requirements for environmental resistance and attachment to weapons systems will be established. The Phase I program will conclude with a demonstration of a breadboard prototype wireless smart sensor network system.