Flexible Electronics and Software for Stretchable Sensor Networks in Structural Health Monitoring

This paper presents the design and development of a flexible frame with signal conditioning, data acquisition, and wireless data transmission electronics for a stretchable sensor network. The sensor network includes Piezoelectric (PZT), Strain Gauge (SG), and Resistive Temperature Detector (RTD) sensors. This paper also describes all accompanying software to program the system chips and display all sensor data. These electronics were mounted directly onto a flexible PCB frame that surround the fully stretched sensor network. The primary purpose of this system is to convert the sensor signals into meaningful data, which is displayed live for an end-user to view and analyze. This paper discusses the challenges and accomplishments in the development of this new system including (1) specifying signal conditioning circuitry and components for all three sensor types (2) simultaneous sampling for PZT sensors for impact detection (3) Proper placement of IC's and other components for optimal hardware design and (4) configuration of firmware/software for correct system operation. The paper will also discuss possible optimizations for this design.