Wireless- and Transponder-Systems

Since its foundation in 1984, Fraunhofer IMS has built up a broad know-how base in the field of wireless short-range communication in numerous research and development projects in the former business unit Wireless and Transponder Systems and is continuously developing it further. The IMS competence area includes both active and passive (sensor) transponder solutions in all common and standardized frequency ranges, ranging from LF to SHF, wireless sensor networks and embedded systems. Together with the system integration and networking expertise that is also available, the IMS thus has all the building blocks for holistic system solutions. This enables the realization of "Cyber-Physical Systems" (CPS) in an industrial context as well as "Internet of Things" applications in all economic and living areas of a modern society.

Possible applications of our wireless and transponder systems are not limited to industrial manufacturing, but extend to many other areas. For example, specific solutions for medical implants have been developed. Here, transponder technology together with smart and extremely energy-efficient pressure sensors could enable completely new solutions, such as the measurement of pressures in the body. Pressure measurement in the bloodstream, in the eye or in the brain are examples of the innovative products made possible by combining passive transponders with sensors

In addition, infrastructure monitoring is an increasingly important application. A solution for monitoring of power lines, for example, reveals the potential that can be tapped by combining sensor and transponder systems. Wireless communication is a necessary prerequisite for the digitization of smart grid and smart city applications [link to appropriate project].

Sensors provide a wide range of information about environmental parameters that must be transmitted from their point of origin to the evaluating unit. Wireless and transponder systems allow the convenient connection of remote sensors and sensor networks. After signal processing, the information is usually converted to digital form and is then available in an ideal form for wireless transmission. At the application level, they are used to record relevant environmental data, to control and monitor processes, or to ensure the safety of people and the environment.