Northeastern University Develops Infrared Digital Sensor with Automatic Adjustable Power Supply

[China Instrument Network Instrument R&D] Recently, a team of researchers at the Northeastern University who conducted research for the US Department of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DAPRA) project has introduced a new type of sensor that can stop power consumption during signal transmission interruptions. Realize your own rest.

It is understood that the most advanced sensors currently use active electronic components for signal detection, and even in the absence of signal transmission, they will continue to consume power, which greatly limits the useful life of the sensors. This indirectly hinders the development of the Internet of Things.

This infrared digital sensor will break this bottleneck and make it more intelligent. It is through the detection of infrared to achieve its own open, although the human eye can not see infrared, but in life such as humans, cars and fire can send infrared signals, so when the infrared signal appears, the sensor will automatically turn on, and when the signal When it disappears, the sensor will automatically shut down and go to sleep.

The infrared digital sensor is composed of a plasma-enhanced micro-mechanical lighting switch (PMP). From the internal mechanism, when the radiation occurs, the sensor will detect the received light signal according to the programmed spectral wavelength requirements. The optical signal is converted into electrical energy, so that the internal two electrical contacts generate a conductive channel, which opens and continues to supply power to the sensor without requiring an external power supply to supply power.

In addition, the sensor's output is a digital signal, that is, when the sensor is exposed to infrared light, the output has an on/off conductivity ratio 1012 and a sub-threshold slope of 9 dec nW-1.

In this regard, Troy Olsson, DAPRA's project manager, described in his blog: "First, the energy of the infrared signal source activates the sensing elements and facilitates the physical movement of critical sensor parts; these movements then maintain the mechanical closure of the open circuit elements. The state, which in turn maintains the component's continuous detection of infrared signals, such a loop happens to achieve a continuous power state."

As for the application of this technology, Olsson also stated that each sensor will use a plurality of specific sensing elements as required, and each element will be tuned to absorb specific wavelengths of light so that they will constitute a complex logic circuit capable of analyzing the infrared spectrum. . Therefore, in practical applications, we can produce specific sensor components based on different energy sources and requirements.

All along, the layout of wireless sensor networks in harsh environments, battery life issues are a major core issue, it is clear that this infrared digital sensor provides solutions and new ideas for such issues. In addition, with the rise of the concept of “no one” in many industries, taking into account power wastage and other issues, in order to reduce costs, the use of such sensors is also a preferred option.

(Original Title: Northeastern University Launches New Sensor to Rest on Its Own)