Low Cost, Dual Use Envirnmental Measurement Device (END) - Phase I

Event Tracking Service (ETS) proposes to study the feasibility of developing a low cost ($50), self-contained, dual use, miniature, credit card size Environmental Measurement Device (EMD) to sense and log shock, vibration, temperature, and humidity. The device would be readily expandable to monitor other parameters. Our low power architecture includes 3V off-the-shelf CMOS electronics, a low power scalar output piezoelectric accelerometer, and a novel method of event triggered recording. The scalar method of detecting acceleration conserves both calculation requirements and memory size. Event triggering allows the use of a low power standby mode. The piezoelectric sensor requires no standby power. For this Phase I we will fabricate 10 functional prototypes which fully meet the requirements of less than 20 pounds weight (target weight is under 1 pound), including batteries, for 30 days operation for sensing shock, vibration, temperature, and humidity. Sensors to detect and log additional environmental parameters will be investigated, as will power line modem communication. Deliverables will be l EMD prototype unit, a Final Report which shows the feasibility of a credit card size commercial EMD with a clear path to miniaturization, and a plan for production.