Wireless Device Based on MEMS Sensors and Bluetooth Low Energy (LE/Smart) Technology for Diagnostics of Mechatronic Systems

Abstract

This paper deals with usability of MEMS sensors for diagnostics of mechatronics system state wirelessly. We can acquire basic kinematics and dynamics mechanism parameters (spatial position, speed, acceleration, vibration, angular rate, orientation, etc.) and some environment condition (local/remote temperature, humidity, pressure, electromagnetic noise) by MEMS sensors. Acquired data are sent to remote application in desktop computer. This system can replace expensive and separate diagnostic tools by small integrated solution with one wireless communication interface (with limitation of MEMS sensors precision). This solution can be battery powered with long operation time, because there is used new wireless technology based on Bluetooth 4 protocol (Low Energy/Smart Bluetooth). Some of integrated MEMS sensors measures same variable on different measuring principle. For example angle can be acquired from three different sensors: magnetometer, accelerometer or gyroscope. Combination of these sensor data can significantly improve value accuracy. The designed diagnostic tool can serve as an inertia measuring unit IMU or Wireless IMU (WIMU).