Form 9.B Project Summary

Chron: 972147

Proposal Number: 23.05-9903

Project Title: Microminiature Wireless Instrumentation System (MicroWIS)

Technical Abstract (Limit 200 words)

NASA seeks advanced sensor systems to improve the effectiveness of structural and environmental testing by simplifying and minimizing sensor installation costs while improving the quality of measurements. The system proposed herein fulfills this requirement because of its small size and ability to be installed virtually anywhere with no support costs such as wiring for data or power. This integrated communications network, termed the "Microminiature Wireless Instrumentation System," (MicroWIS) can support spatially displaced sensory locations and accumulate the data into analysis centers where computers and/or human experts can use the data to analyze or manage complex processes. The MicroWIS system would be interfaced with and controlled by a wireless network currently under development by Invocon for the ISS. Data and command flow would be handled automatically by the wireless network of relaying nodes, making the system appear to the user as if the sensors are functionally "hard-wired" as with current systems. MicroWIS will be developed as a modular system, enabling easy customization to meet a wide variety of distributed data acquisition requirements. Initially, primary batteries or solar power will satisfy the power requirements with future development phases exploring other options. Flexible, low-power analog signal conditioning and acquisition electronics will be integrated with the transceiver and power systems to form a complete data acquisition system in a 5 cubic centimeter package.

Potential Commercial Applications (Limit 200 words)

Communications technology would be applied to Condition Based Monitoring systems for structure, machinery, systems, and geophysical applications. Further, the technique will be used in data acquisition systems where data points are distributed in space and not easily supplied with wired signal paths or prime power.

Name and Address of Principal Investigator (Name,

Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Kevin Champaigne

INVOCON, INC.

9001 I-45 South, STE 530

Conroe , TX 77385

Name and Address of Offeror (Firm Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Mary Pate

INVOCON, INC.

9001 I-45 South, STE 530

Conroe , TX 77385