Non-integrated piezoelectric passive sensor array for distributed sensing in smart structural systems

Abstract

This paper presents a technology to design and fabricate sensor array using separate sensors or individual sensory devices for distributed sensing in smart structural systems. It reports in detail on a non-integrated piezoelectric passive sensor array, which is constructed of separate piezoelectric devices along the spatial distribution of the measurand. As piezoelectric sensory devices can be used as self-generating sensors, the piezoelectric sensory array will sense passively without power supply. The sensor array consists of an X-Y matrix of m X n piezoelectric elements accompanied by diodes. The space of sensory elements ranges from 0.1 meter to several meters and the external connections of the sensor array are m + n. The array is addressed as a memory and the sampling signals of analog sensing outputs of the elements can be taken out as a serial wave form to a single output port of the array. It is also possible to read the analogy output of one element by sustaining addressing of it. A description of the arrangement and control of the array is presented, in addition, the electric response to mechanical input of piezoelectric sensory element is also analyzed to determinate the design of feasible preconditioning circuits for the sensor array.