Low-power electronic sensor systems for acoustic event detection

Project Summary

The autonomy of wireless sensor systems embedded in the environment, such as systems for the detection of acoustic or ultrasonic events (emissions) used in industry (non-destructive testing, NDT), infrastructure monitoring, preventive maintenance of machines, detection of leaks, cavitation, in implantable medical hearing devices and similar, depends on energy consumption of the sensor system.

This project explores a novel concept of a sensor system on chip for low-power acoustic event detection, composed of a contact acoustic microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensor designed as fully passive array of narrowband frequency-selective piezoelectric microresonators, combined with an low-power multi-channel microelectronic readout and signal processing circuit on chip.

Through this research topic, the goal is to:

  • Establish a research group with competencies in the design of low-power electronic sensor systems that combines knowledge from the fields of microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensor technologies and microelectronic circuit design.
  • Acquire competences for independent modeling, design and characterization of MEMS sensors.
  • Maintain continuity of access to the top EU technological cleanroom infrastructure for MEMS microfabrication and expand the network of contacts.
  • Make technological breakthroughs in design of electronic sensor circuits on chip.
  • Develop the careers of young researchers.
  • Increase the potential for creation and protection of intellectual property in the aforementioned areas.

 

Duration

The project duration if from July 1st 2023 to June 30th 2026.

 

Team

Asst. Prof. Dinko Oletić - Project leader, Department of Electronic Systems and Information Processing

Dr. sc. Jurica Kundrata - Researcher, Department of Electronics, Microelectronics, Computer and Intelligent Systems

Dr. sc. Boris Okorn - Researcher, Department of Communication and Space Technologies

Edi Emanović - Researcher, Department of Electronic Systems and Information Processing

Mihael Katalenić - Researcher, Department of Electronic Systems and Information Processing

Ivana Berković - Administrator, Center for Research and Innovation

 

Acknowledgment

This research project has been supported by the European Union - NextGenerationEU under the grant NPOO.C3.2.R2-I1.06.0090. Value of the project is 726.376,29 €.

 

Contact

Asst. Prof. Dr. Sc. Dinko Oletić
University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing
Department of Electronic Systems and Information Processing
Unska 3, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
tel: + 385 1 6129 432
e-mail: dinko (dot) oletic (at) fer (dot) hr

First generation of MEMS sensors...

In October 2024, MEMS sensor samples, which were submitted for prototype microfabrication in May 2024 using the commercial technological process PiezoMUMPs, through academic programme EUROPRACTICE, have arrived. The samples are currently being tested. 

Author: Dinko Oletić
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