Applications Wireless and Transponder Systems

Transponder systems –  especially with integrated sensor technology – offer an excellent technological basis for the acquisition of identification and process data on mobile, rotating or other hard to access objects in industrial production and processing methods. On the basis of the obtained data automatic production steps can be controlled and monitored “Industry 4.0”, maintenance needs can be detected “Predictive Maintenance”, and downtimes and production yield can be optimized. Even older facilities can be retrofitted with smart solutions “Retro Fitting”. This way the technology provides an important contribution for the realization of the Internet of Things/IoT.

These technologies are versatilely applied in medical applications. Solutions for the acquisition of measuring data from implanted sensors for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes are offered. Backtracking of surgical instruments is another focus point. Through the new regulatory standards an individual product traceability of individual surgical instruments becomes necessary. The market is moving away from the barcode tracking and towards the individual and active tracking of surgical instruments “Multi Tag Reading“, tools and other metallic devices “RFID in Metal (RIM)“.

The business unit Wireless and Transponder Systems at Fraunhofer IMS has built up a broad know-how in many years of various research and development projects in:

• Wireless short range communication
• Active and passive (sensor) transponder solutions in all common frequency ranges up to 60 GHz
• Wireless sensor networks and embedded systems
• System integration and networking competency

The addressed applications are not limited to industrial production, but extend into many other areas. For example, specific solutions for medical technology for implants have been developed. Here, the transponder technology could enable smart sensors that fulfill measuring tasks in the human body. Pressure measurements in the bloodstream, the eye or the brain are some familiar examples. Moreover the infrastructure monitoring is an increasingly important application. The solution monitoring of overhead lines shows the potential in this area and demonstrates the benefits of the digitalization in these applications around Smart Grid and Smart City.