Telemetry for Testing Applications

San Diego Research Center (SDRC) teamed with the University of Rhode Island’s (URI) Sensor and Surface Technology Partnership led by Dr. Otto Gregory and Pratt and Whitney (P&W) will develop and demonstrate a system for monitoring critical strain and temperature data in a gas turbine engine. The Engine Telemetry Sensor System design is based on our passive, thin-film wireless strain gage (WSG) transponder design. The WSG technology is being currently developed through a Government contract. The WSG is implemented as a passive thin film microwave circuit that is deposited on the super alloy (titanium) fan blade. The wireless engine telemetry system will be demonstrated operating in a rotating machinery environment using a test fixture to be supplied by Pratt and Whitney. The SDRC Engine Telemetry Sensor System utilizes a thin film passive RF transponder that responds to RF impulse “pings” from a transmitter/receiver. The transponder receives the “ping” and returns a signal that is modulated by the relative strain on the engine compressor blade. The transmitter/receiver electronics is located outside the critical flow region of the engine. This unique design approach successfully addresses both environmental (temperature, acceleration, etc.) and weight requirements. In addition, the Engine Telemetry System provides for the operation of 100’s of sensors per engine and includes individual data storage and output interface for calibration, aging, and long term effects measurements.