Ensuring Correct Sensor Operation and Decisions Under Harsh Environments

In the STTR Phase I solicitation for Topic T13.01 Intelligent Sensor Systems, NASA called for development of sensor systems with capabilities to measure the health and accuracy of the sensor, to detect anomalies, and to function in extreme environments. Alphacore and its Research Partner, Arizona State University, developed a framework in Phase I for self-calibrating sensors, backed by artificial intelligence with in-field calibration capabilities.nbsp;We proved the feasibility of our approach by modeling pressure sensor and a capacitive accelerometer, designing electrical tests to correlate with mechanical characteristics, developing an aging simulation framework for the sensors, and designing the parametrizable self-test IP.nbsp;nbsp;Based on the success in achievingnbsp;STTRnbsp;Phase I objectives as summarized in this proposal and described in detail in thenbsp;STTRnbsp;Phase I final report, Alphacore proposes to continue its work to meet the goals outlined by NASA in its solicitation.nbsp;In the STTR Phase II we will fabricate test and prototype circuits that implement and validate the work done in Phase I, as well as extend the concepts developed in Phase I to other types of sensors.nbsp;Thenbsp;sensor system design framework willnbsp;provide:nbsp;In-field sensor calibration does not require application of physical stimulusnbsp;Post-production calibration information is leveraged for fast and reliable calibrationnbsp;Sensor health and accuracy will be gauged by an artificial intelligence framework and a confidence level will be assigned to the decisions made by sensor readingsnbsp;When possible, electrical stimulus can be used to excite the sensor; when electrical stimulation is not possible, array-based solutions can be developednbsp;A low-cost ASIC will embody the calibration tools and techniques, enabling sensor self-calibration across a range of sensors and sensor typesnbsp;Reduced system maintenance time and expensenbsp;Improved system performance and reliabilitynbsp;NIST traceabilitynbsp;