Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Rotorcraft Diagnostics
Project Description
Under this SBIR program, Ridgetop will introduce the first low-cost, low-power, and lightweight data monitoring solution for rotorcraft diagnostics. The solution is an integrated MEMS-based sensors fabricated by a MEMS-first CMOS process methodology. The device measures temperature, shock, and vibration from multiple sensors integrated onto a single substrate that also contains submicron-scale CMOS electronics for the associated readout and data storage functions. High-sensitivity MEMS structures will be developed, and associated sense amplifiers that exploit low power transistors biased to operate in the subthreshold regions will be introduced. Further scaling in power is achieved by leveraging ultra-small geometries available in modern processes (e.g., 130 nm minimum feature length and below).
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Anticipated Benefits
Commercial rotorcraft have been known to suffer significantly from structural and electronic stress as a result of the vibration levels caused by routine flight. As such, the proposed innovation which will be able to collect and process critical diagnostic data will be very advantageous for manufacturers and operators. For manufacturers, the tool will be very useful during field testing as a measurement utility for vibration and accumulated stress. For commercial operators such as Bell Helicopter and Sikorsky, the proposed innovation will be instrumental in the real-time efficient analysis of diagnostic routines critical to safe flights.
Improved temperature-shock-vibration sensors will support the Subsonic Rotary Wing thrust of the NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Program, as well as NASA's IVHM goals for future aircraft, satellites, and similar systems. The proposed technology will significantly help monitor and diagnose harmful vibration effects inherent to flight operation. With strong existing relationships with several NASA sites and a reputation for excellent service and products among the NASA community, Ridgetop anticipates collaboration with NASA SRW testbeds at Glenn Research Center to help optimize the technology through Phase II and into actual implementation. More »
Improved temperature-shock-vibration sensors will support the Subsonic Rotary Wing thrust of the NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Program, as well as NASA's IVHM goals for future aircraft, satellites, and similar systems. The proposed technology will significantly help monitor and diagnose harmful vibration effects inherent to flight operation. With strong existing relationships with several NASA sites and a reputation for excellent service and products among the NASA community, Ridgetop anticipates collaboration with NASA SRW testbeds at Glenn Research Center to help optimize the technology through Phase II and into actual implementation. More »
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgetop Group, Inc. | Lead Organization |
Industry
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
|
Tucson, Arizona |
Glenn Research Center
(GRC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Cleveland, Ohio |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Arizona
-
Ohio
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This is a historic project that was completed before the creation of TechPort on October 1, 2012. Available data has been included. This record may contain less data than currently active projects.