Measuring magnetic fields and quantifying energy consumption with HallinOne® sensor technology

The contactless joystick steering mechanism for tractor cabs and driver cabins demon- strates the Institute’s expertise in IC design when it comes to integrating highly complex sensors and systems. HallinOne® integrated 3D magnetic field sensors can capture five different axes of movement.
The HallinOne® system also forms the basis of the power sensor of Fraunhofer IIS. This sensor helps to quantify energy consumption exactly, enabling users to reduce their energy needs and keep their operations sustainable. In contrast to previous sensors, the new power ASIC measures the magnetic field not only perpendicular to the surface of the chip but also in horizontal directions. As the materials used are non-magnetic, the accuracy of measurements remains unaffected. It is even possible to determine the voltage. In short, this measuring device allows you not only to quantify power con- sumption but also to monitor grid quality. The sensor, manufactured using the CMOS process, also represents good value for money.

Increased range thanks to active signal processing in copper cables

Whether in industry, in medical research or even in the home, many data networks are increasingly being used to transmit high-definition video signals. Copper cables are popular because they are reliable and easy to use. Copper is also particularly cost- effective for short-range transmissions, though this advantage is offset by the negatives of limited bandwidth and interference from electromagnetic radiation. An equalizer developed at Fraunhofer IIS resolves this problem: this integrated, power-saving equalizer allows a pair of wires to easily achieve a video transmission rate of six Gbit/s over lengths of ten meters and more.

Battery management and energy harvesting for energy-autonomous system

The intelligent battery management system on display at electronica 2012 keeps the energy level constant across all battery cells (cell symmetry). This can increase the range of electrically powered vehicles such as electric bicycles, scooters and electric wheelchairs.
Energy harvesting prototypes are based on the voltage converter of Fraunhofer IIS, which uses even the smallest changes in temperature to generate power. The process produces sufficient power to transmit data wirelessly, for instance. These sorts of technology will help create autonomous, no-maintenance wireless systems with the greatest possible operating life and an unlimited standby time.

Galileo-ready components for dependable positioning

As far as positioning applications are concerned, Fraunhofer IIS will be presenting its newest galileo-ready ASICs. These circuits feature both analog and digital chip designs and demonstrate expertise from antenna to position display. Development work is ongoing both for complete receivers and for individual components.

Innovative development opportunities with COSIDE® software tool

Nowadays, engineering systems consist of a complex array of electronic and other components. To find new innovations, developers must locate the perfect combination from a whole range of hardware and software components. Scientists from the Dresden-based EAS division of Fraunhofer IIS will be presenting the COSIDE® EDA software tool for the first time at electronica. This design environment presents develo- pers with new ways to virtually simulate, model and verify their designs. As a result, products can be developed more quickly and cheaply and to a higher standard.

s-net® technology for energy-saving, wireless sensor-network applications

Current advances in technology offer particularly convenient and elegant solutions for wireless sensor networks. s-net® technology, developed at Fraunhofer IIS in Nuremberg, supports multi-hop topologies through battery-powered routers and mobile nodes; this makes it particularly suited to large-scale data collection and tracking applications. Practical applications include the energy sector (wireless smart metering), logistics (asset tracking) and process optimization (smart objects in healthcare). Successful use of sensor networks relies on custom communications protocols, software and hardware components. Each time a wireless sensor network is deployed, it must meet specific requirements concerning the quantity and currency of data, the quality of communica- tion and the service life of the system. Experts will be on hand at the Fraunhofer IIS booth to explain the most important factors to be considered in making the right choices.

You can find Fraunhofer IIS at electronica in Munich from 13-16 November, 2012, Hall 5, Booth 121.