Smart electronics and sensors for IVHS and automobile collision warning antenna systems

Vijay K. Varadan; Vasundara V. Varadan

doi:10.1117/12.210475

26 May 1995 Smart electronics and sensors for IVHS and automobile collision warning antenna systems

Proceedings Volume 2448, Smart Structures and Materials 1995: Smart Electronics; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.210475
Event: Smart Structures and Materials '95, 1995, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

In this paper, the feasibility of using electronically steerable antennas for health monitoring of civil structures and early warning of collapsing bridges to the approaching vehicles is presented. These antennas can also be used in automobile collision warning systems. These antennas are lightweight, low volume, low profile and conformal. They have low fabrication costs and are easily mass produced. They are thin and do not perturb the aerodynamics of a host automobile. Linear, circular, and dual polarization are achieved with simple changes in feed position. Beam steering is accomplished by varying the relative phase between radiating elements. In planar array, both horizontal and vertical beam can be combined to provide full scanning capabilities. Tunable ceramic phase shifters are used in these antennas. The dielectric properties of the ferroelectric material are changed by a bias voltage. In the case of health monitoring of civil structures, these antennas are used in conjunction with ferroelectric sensors. The sensors are fabricated with interdigital transducers printed on a piezoelectric polymer or ceramic type film. They are in turn mounted onto an ultra thin Penn State's novel RF antenna. The wave form measurements may be monitored at a remote location via the antenna in the sensors and the electronically steerable antenna outlined above.

Citation Download Citation

Vijay K. Varadan and Vasundara V. Varadan "Smart electronics and sensors for IVHS and automobile collision warning antenna systems", Proc. SPIE 2448, Smart Structures and Materials 1995: Smart Electronics, (26 May 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.210475

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