AMERICAN GNC CORP — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: Z8

Description

For supporting NASA Ames Research Center in the development of innovative wireless technology to adapt modular components across different missions, configurations, and development stages, we are proposing the ldquo;CUSTOmizable InterSystem Wireless Data/Energy Transfer (CUSTOS-WiT)rdquo; System. This technology will allow reliable data transfer across components, subsystems, and interfaces while simplifying system integration, reconfiguration, and testing. Key characteristics of the CUSTOS-WiT are a highly modular and scalar architecture with radiation-hardened hardware and a ruggedized design for operation in space environments. Because sensors often entail a great deal of wiring and that penetrations can be very costly and add risk, CUSTOS-WiT provides robust cutting-edge RF and ultrasound wireless alternatives to replace cables, harnesses, and avoid penetrations. The system provides customizable and miniaturized plug-amp;-play wireless nodes and interfaces to drive: (a) active and passive sensors; (b) intercommunication of the missionrsquo;s modules based on RF intelligent transceivers; (c) smart wireless transducers for standalone nodes and to form sensor subnets and nets; and (d) hybrid as well as ultrasound gateways for flexible communications. Key innovations include: (1) highly reconfigurable wireless communications by ultra-low power RF transmission and through solid structures non-intrusive data and energy transfer; (2) flexible Radiation-Hardened Wireless Smart Nodes (Rad-WSN) with smart transducer functionalities; (3) integrated self-diagnostics for enhanced reliability; (4) technology to meet the commonality requirement for deployment in systems across multiple missions; and (5) capability to integrate both newly emerging as well as preexisting/mature sensor technologies in a seamless way.