Start-up behavior of event-driven sensor networks for impact load monitoring

Sensor networks integrated in components made of textile-reinforced composites can be used for monitoring impact loads on these components. A very low power consumption of such systems is achieved by switching on the power supply only when a relevant impact is detected. This paper presents a sensor network which consists of modules with start-up sensor, activation circuit and, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that can be integrated into a composite made of glass fibers and polypropylene. A fast start of the data recording after the beginning of the impact event is very important. The effect of several network components on the achievable start-up time is shown and results of simulation and experimental investigations are given. In addition, the power consumption during one measuring cycle is considered.