The »Internet of Things« makes it possible to automatically feed huge amounts of industrial logistics and manufacturing data into the web where it can be analyzed and processed with virtually unlimited computational resources. This enables complex production processes to be organized or the allocation of resources to be optimized via remote control in real time. Intelligent sensor networks made up of a multitude of sensor nodes are prerequisite, as they connect the real and digital worlds making smart applications such as comprehensive monitoring and the remote control of industrial plants profitable. In optimal cases, sensor systems are wireless because fixed cabling increases installation time and cost, particularly in cases with a high sensor density, and can influence measurement results. In addition, due to limited battery lifetime and the changing of batteries increasing maintenance needs and distorting measurement results, battery-powered systems used today are unsuitable, as sensor nodes rely on a dependable power supply to carry out continuous large-scale industrial measurements over several years.

Both issues (wiring and necessary battery replacement) can be eliminated by implementing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensor nodes developed at the Fraunhofer IPMS. Dr. Frank Deicke, Fraunhofer IPMS Business Unit Manager explains, »Our sensor transponders reach performance levels necessary for operation from the radiated electromagnetic field of the reader.« He adds, »They are small, robust and can be deployed flexibly. Therefore, our sensor nodes are modularly built and can be arbitrarily equipped with sensors according to individual customer needs.«

Fraunhofer IPMS experts will present Ultra High Frequency (UHF) transponders already equipped with various sensors at Embedded World, the world's leading exhibition for embedded technologies, taking place in Nuremberg from 23.-25. February 2016. Thanks to the flexibility of the transponder system, which consists of an antenna, transponder chip and a sensor, connects external sensors over an integrated I²C- oder SPI interface and covers a wide range of temperature, the Fraunhofer technology is interesting for a variety of possible industrial applications. Fraunhofer experts will be on hand at Embedded World 2016 to explain the benefits and features of its system to representatives from product development, manufacturing and sales. Samples for measuring temperature, barometric pressure and humidity will be available. Those attending the accompanying trade conference are cordially invited to join our discussion »Size Reduction of RFID Tags by Using On-Chip Antennas« to be held on Wednesday, 24. February at 4 p.m. to learn about how size and performance of the sensor transponder can be adjusted to different application-specific requirements through appropriate antenna designs. The Fraunhofer IPMS exhibition can be found in Hall 4 Stand 583.