Real-Time Wireless Vibration Monitoring Using SAW RFID Tags Coupled with Sensors

Abstract

This work addresses the challenge of simultaneous wireless identification and real-time wideband vibration measurement using a SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) device. Vibration of rotating machinery is imprinted in the SAW ID tag response via modulation of the antenna feed impedance using external sensors. The key component at signal processing side is low-latency preprocessing to ensure that vibration information is acquired unambiguously where the system concept basically allows the measurement of frequencies from zero up to several hundred kilohertz. Feasibility is demonstrated based on real-world measurements of healthy and faulty rotating fans.