Keywords
Citation
(2003), "IMEC develops a distributed sensor network for health and comfort applications", Microelectronics International, Vol. 20 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/mi.2003.21820aab.006
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited
IMEC develops a distributed sensor network for health and comfort applications
IMEC develops a distributed sensor network for health and comfort applications
Keywords: Sensors, Health
IMEC has launched a new multidisciplinary program aimed at developing a body area network (BAN) for health and comfort monitoring. Combining both micro- and nanotechnology, the network will consist of interactive, highly miniaturized, autonomous sensors.
Although potential applications such as electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), endoscopy, sports monitoring, diagnostics and artificial organs will each have unique requirements, all of the sensors will be based on a generic sensor platform that consists of the following elements: power supply, wireless transceiver, control, sensor, package.
The sensors in a BAN will have to interact with the user, with other sensors and with actuators. This interaction must be transparent and therefore has to take place over a wireless link. In addition, the sensors will be highly-miniaturized so as not to interfere with the normal functioning of the user. They will also have to be autonomous throughout their entire lifetime.
IMEC is creating know-how for the sensor system, the subcomponents of the sensor platform and for processing technologies.