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Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Physical Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 February 2019) | Viewed by 36916

Special Issue Editors

Laboratoire d'Analyse et d'Architecture des Systemes (LAAS), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 7 avenue du Colonel Roche, 31031 Toulouse, France
Interests: electromagnetic modelling of complex (multi-scale) structures; design of zero-power wireless electromagnetic sensors
Research Director from National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Laboratory for Analysis and Architecture of Systems (LAAS), Micro and Nano Systems for Wireless Communication team (MINC), University of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
Interests: microtechnologies; MEMS; micro-sensors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The contents of this Special Issue deal with progress in the design, modeling and performance evaluation of novel electromagnetic sensors. Fully passive and wireless electromagnetic sensors are actually very good candidates for measuring physical or chemical quantities in harsh environments and/or for applications requiring sensing devices with low-cost of fabrication, small size and long-term measurement stability. Passive electromagnetic sensing devices convert typically the variation of the quantity of interest (such as, e.g., pressure, temperature or gas concentration) into the measurable variation of an electromagnetic wave descriptor. We invite authors to contribute original research articles, as well as review articles, which stimulate the continuing efforts in innovative solutions for electromagnetic sensors.

Potential topics include, but not limited to:

  • Electromagnetic sensors and sensing systems
  • Batteryless sensors
  • Chipless sensors
  • Wireless sensors
  • Passive and chipless RFID-based sensors
  • RF, microwave and millimeterwave sensors
  • Fluidic sensors
  • Chemical and physical sensors 
  • Multiphysical sensors
  • Radar detection approaches for electromagnetic sensors
  • Wireless identification for electromagnetic sensors
  • Sensing technologies for electromagnetic sensors
  • Radar imagery technique for wireless sensors
  • Design techniques and fabrication processes for electromagnetic sensors
Prof. Dr. Hervé Aubert
Dr. Patrick Pons
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sensors is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • electromagnetic sensors
  • batteryless sensors
  • wireless sensors
  • passive RFID-based sensors
  • remote sensing technologies for electromagnetic sensors
  • design techniques and fabrication processes for electromagnetic sensors

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 4088 KiB  
Article
CNT-Based Inkjet-Printed RF Gas Sensor: Modification of Substrate Properties during the Fabrication Process
by Julien George, Aymen Abdelghani, Prince Bahoumina, Olivier Tantot, Dominique Baillargeat, Kamel Frigui, Stéphane Bila, Hamida Hallil and Corinne Dejous
Sensors 2019, 19(8), 1768; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19081768 - 13 Apr 2019
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4097
Abstract
This paper presents the feasibility of a fully inkjet-printed, microwave flexible gas sensor based on a resonant electromagnetic transducer in microstrip technology and the impact of the printing process that affects the characteristics of the gas sensor. The sensor is fabricated using silver [...] Read more.
This paper presents the feasibility of a fully inkjet-printed, microwave flexible gas sensor based on a resonant electromagnetic transducer in microstrip technology and the impact of the printing process that affects the characteristics of the gas sensor. The sensor is fabricated using silver ink and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) embedded in poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene (PEDOT: PSS-MWCNTs) as sensitive material for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) detection. Particular attention is paid to the characterization of the printed materials and the paper substrate. The manufacturing process results in a change in relative permittivity of the paper substrate by nearly 20%. Electrical characterization, made in the presence of gas, validates our theoretical approach and the radiofrequency (RF) gas sensor proof of concept. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks)
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12 pages, 1695 KiB  
Article
Accurate Positioning System Based on Chipless Technology
by Nicolas Barbot and Etienne Perret
Sensors 2019, 19(6), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19061341 - 18 Mar 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2430
Abstract
In this paper, we present an accurate method to localize an object on a 2D plan using the chipless technology. This method requires a single antenna and a chipless tag. Phase difference between a reference position and an unknown position is used to [...] Read more.
In this paper, we present an accurate method to localize an object on a 2D plan using the chipless technology. This method requires a single antenna and a chipless tag. Phase difference between a reference position and an unknown position is used to estimate the distances between each resonator and the antenna. Then, multi-lateration is used to determine the position of the chipless tag in the plan. This method provides a better accuracy compared to classical ones based on received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or round-trip time-of-flight. In a square of 10 cm side above the antenna, error over distance determination between each resonators and the antenna is less than 2 mm and localization error on the tag coordinates in the 2D plan is lower than 1 cm. To increase the robustness of this method, we propose also a selection of a subset of the resonators used by the multi-lateration process. This method permits to increase the localization area by more than 20%. All the results have been obtained in real environment, and at different heights to show the robustness of the proposed approach. Finally, localization sensors based on this method can also be used as classical chipless RFID tag for identification with the same coding capacity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks)
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12 pages, 4434 KiB  
Article
In-Situ Wireless Pressure Measurement Using Zero-Power Packaged Microwave Sensors
by Julien Philippe, Maria Valeria De Paolis, Dominique Henry, Alexandre Rumeau, Antony Coustou, Patrick Pons and Hervé Aubert
Sensors 2019, 19(6), 1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19061263 - 13 Mar 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2955
Abstract
This paper reports the indoor wireless measurement of pressure from zero-power (or passive) microwave (24 GHz) sensors. The sensors are packaged and allow the remote measurement of overpressure up to 2.1 bars. Their design, fabrication process and packaging are detailed. From the measurement [...] Read more.
This paper reports the indoor wireless measurement of pressure from zero-power (or passive) microwave (24 GHz) sensors. The sensors are packaged and allow the remote measurement of overpressure up to 2.1 bars. Their design, fabrication process and packaging are detailed. From the measurement of sensor scattering parameters, the outstanding sensitivity of 995 MHz/bar between 0.8 and 2.1 bars was achieved with the full-scale measurement range of 1.33 GHz. Moreover, the 3D radar imagery technique was applied for the remote interrogation of these sensors in electromagnetic reverberant environments. The full-scale dynamic range of 4.9 dB and the sensitivity of 4.9 dB/bar between 0.7 and 1.7 bars were achieved with radar detection in a highly reflective environment. These measurement results demonstrate for the first time the ability of the radar imagery technique to interrogate fully passive pressure sensors in electromagnetic reverberant environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks)
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10 pages, 3251 KiB  
Article
Passive Wireless LC Proximity Sensor Based on LTCC Technology
by Mingsheng Ma, Yi Wang, Feng Liu, Faqiang Zhang, Zhifu Liu and Yongxiang Li
Sensors 2019, 19(5), 1110; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19051110 - 05 Mar 2019
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6827
Abstract
In this work, we report a passive wireless eddy current proximity sensor based on inductive-capacitive (LC) resonance using a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. The operation principle of the LC proximity sensor to the metal targets was comprehensively discussed through electromagnetic simulation [...] Read more.
In this work, we report a passive wireless eddy current proximity sensor based on inductive-capacitive (LC) resonance using a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. The operation principle of the LC proximity sensor to the metal targets was comprehensively discussed through electromagnetic simulation and circuit model. Copper and aluminum were selected as the metal target materials for the measurements. Circular copper plates with different diameters and thickness were used to investigate the influence of the surface area and thickness of the target on the sensitivity. The decreases of the sensitivity with the decrease of the surface area and thickness were observed. The LC proximity sensor showed a high sensitivity of 11.2 MHz/mm for the proximity distance of 1–3 mm, and large detection range up to 10 mm. The developed LC proximity sensor is promising for passive wireless metal detections and proximity measurements under harsh environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks)
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9 pages, 3137 KiB  
Article
Hybrid Printed Energy Harvesting Technology for Self-Sustainable Autonomous Sensor Application
by Sangkil Kim, Manos M. Tentzeris and Apostolos Georgiadis
Sensors 2019, 19(3), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19030728 - 11 Feb 2019
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5048
Abstract
In this paper, the far-field energy harvesting system for self-sustainable wireless autonomous sensor application is presented. The proposed autonomous sensor system consists of a wireless power supplier (active antenna) and far-field energy harvesting technology-enabled autonomous battery-less sensors. The wireless power supplier converts solar [...] Read more.
In this paper, the far-field energy harvesting system for self-sustainable wireless autonomous sensor application is presented. The proposed autonomous sensor system consists of a wireless power supplier (active antenna) and far-field energy harvesting technology-enabled autonomous battery-less sensors. The wireless power supplier converts solar power to electromagnetic power in order to transfer power to multiple autonomous sensors wirelessly. The autonomous sensors have far-field energy harvesters which convert transmitted RF power to voltage regulated DC power to power-on the sensor system. The hybrid printing technology was chosen to build the autonomous sensors and the wireless power suppliers. Two popular hybrid electronics technologies (direct nano-particle printing and indirect copper thin film printing techniques) are discussed in detail. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks)
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12 pages, 3205 KiB  
Article
A Frequency Signature RFID Chipless Tag for Wearable Applications
by Laura Corchia, Giuseppina Monti and Luciano Tarricone
Sensors 2019, 19(3), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19030494 - 25 Jan 2019
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4150
Abstract
In this paper, a frequency-signature Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) chipless tag for wearable applications is presented. The results achieved for a fully-textile solution guaranteeing a seamless integration in clothes are reported and discussed. The proposed tag consists of two planar monopole antennas and a [...] Read more.
In this paper, a frequency-signature Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) chipless tag for wearable applications is presented. The results achieved for a fully-textile solution guaranteeing a seamless integration in clothes are reported and discussed. The proposed tag consists of two planar monopole antennas and a 50 Ω microstrip line loaded with multiple resonators. In order to achieve a compact size, the resonators are slotted on the ground plane of the microstrip line. As for the antennas, the same geometry was exploited for both the TX and the RX tag antenna. In particular, it consists of a proximity fed planar monopole on a ground plane. The selected geometry guarantees easy integration with the multi-resonator structure. Numerical and experimental data referring to a 2-bit implementation are presented and discussed. For fabricating all the prototypes, a layer of pile was used as a substrate, while an adhesive non-woven conductive fabric was exploited for the fabrication of the conductive parts. Experimental tests demonstrate that although the performance of the final device strongly depends on the properties of the used materials and on the imperfections of the fabrication process, the proposed frequency-signature RFID chipless tag is suitable for wearable applications, such as anti-counterfeiting systems and laundry labels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks)
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11 pages, 3347 KiB  
Article
Wireless Passive Ultra High Frequency RFID Antenna Sensor for Surface Crack Monitoring and Quantitative Analysis
by Jun Zhang, Bei Huang, Gary Zhang and Gui Yun Tian
Sensors 2018, 18(7), 2130; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18072130 - 03 Jul 2018
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 6144
Abstract
An exponential increase in large-scale infrastructure facilitates the development of wireless passive sensors for permanent installation and in-service health monitoring. Due to their wireless, passive and cost-effective characteristics, ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) tag antenna based sensors are receiving increasing attention [...] Read more.
An exponential increase in large-scale infrastructure facilitates the development of wireless passive sensors for permanent installation and in-service health monitoring. Due to their wireless, passive and cost-effective characteristics, ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) tag antenna based sensors are receiving increasing attention for structural health monitoring (SHM). This paper uses a circular patch antenna sensor with an open rectangular window for crack monitoring. The sensing mechanism is quantitatively studied in conjunction with a mode analysis, which can uncover the intrinsic principle for turning an antenna into a crack sensor. The robustness of the feature is examined when the variation of crack position associated with an aluminum sample and the antenna sensor is considered. The experimental results demonstrate a reasonable sensitivity and resolution for crack characterization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks)
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13 pages, 3200 KiB  
Article
A Low-Profile Dual-Layer Patch Antenna with a Circular Polarizer Consisting of Dual Semicircular Resonators
by Li Guo, Ming-Chun Tang and Mei Li
Sensors 2018, 18(6), 1773; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18061773 - 01 Jun 2018
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3935
Abstract
In this paper, a circular polarizer comprising dual semicircular split-rings (DSSRs) is presented. By placing it above an elliptical radiator that radiates linearly polarized (LP) waves, dual-layer patch antennas capable of radiating right-hand (RH) or left-hand (LH) circularly polarized (CP) waves are achieved [...] Read more.
In this paper, a circular polarizer comprising dual semicircular split-rings (DSSRs) is presented. By placing it above an elliptical radiator that radiates linearly polarized (LP) waves, dual-layer patch antennas capable of radiating right-hand (RH) or left-hand (LH) circularly polarized (CP) waves are achieved in terms of the different offset direction of the bottom splits of the DSSRs. Because of both the capacitive coupling to the radiator and the degenerate modes existing in the excited DSSRs, the DSSRs collaboratively result in a circularly polarized radiation, successfully converting incident LP waves into CP ones. Simulated results show that the impedance, axial ratio (AR), and gain frequency response of both proposed CP antennas are identical, with a simulated 3-dB AR bandwidth of 72 MHz covering 2.402–2.474 GHz and a gain enhanced by 3.9 dB. The proposed antennas were fabricated and measured, revealing an operational bandwidth of 65 MHz (2.345–2.41 GHz) and a peak gain up to 9 dBi. Moreover, a low profile of 0.063λ0 is maintained. The proposed CP antennas could be as a candidate for wireless target detection applications in terms of their identical frequency response property. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Passive Electromagnetic Sensors for Autonomous Wireless Networks)
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