Press Releases 2016

Experts at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) in Dresden have developed a flexible system concept using radio frequency identification (RFID) sensors to monitor machines in industrial environments. Through continuous wireless and battery-free measurement of temperature and other physical parameters as well as an intelligent analysis of sensor data, it becomes possible to detect failure risks early and optimize maintenance times.

Developers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) in Dresden are convinced that Li-Fi technology, the use of light to transfer very large amounts of data, could soon supplement or even replace established wired or radio-based wireless transmission technologies in highly-automated production environments. Fraunhofer IPMS specialists have already constructed initial prototypes for Li-Fi communication at short and medium distances for different application scenarios. Visitors are invited to view these communication modules at the upcoming exhibitions »Electronica« as well as »SPS IPC Drives«.

With its »QSDrive Scan Kit«, ResoLin Evaluation Kit, the Fraunhofer Institute of Photonic Microsys-tems (IPMS) in Dresden now offers clients the opportunity for cost-effective and flexible testing of statically-deflectable MEMS-scanning mirrors for applications that so far could not be satisfactorily implemented with commonly used resonant micro-scanners. Visitors at the Vision 2016 International Trade Fair for Machine Vision can see the technology from November 8 - 10, in Stuttgart.

With its ROAD-server, Fraunhofer IPMS provides an easy solution to combine the wireless and optical identification of packaging. The Dresden-based research institute will first introduce this universal software solution with a demonstration at FachPack 2016 from September 27-29, 2016 in Nuremberg.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS has placed an order with VON ARDENNE for a new cluster sputter system CS400S for the deposition of thin films. The investment is part of the extension of the clean room of the Dresden-based institute to accommodate the 200 Millimeter wafer technology. By installing the CS400S, Fraunhofer IPMS and VON ARDENNE seek to advance the development and production of highly reflective layer systems for micro(opto)electromechanical systems, the so-called MEMS and MOEMS. The MEMS that will be produced on the system are, for instance, micromirror arrays that will be used for semiconductor lithography and scanner mirrors, which are tailored for industrial applications.

A team at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS in Dresden has developed a Li-Fi communication module that allows wireless networking of devices that are used in industrial production. The optical transmission technology not only facilitates the exchange of huge amounts of data, but also meets the high real-time characteristics of automation technology. The technology is intended to supplement or replace wired fieldbus or Ethernet systems prone to wear and tear.

The CAN FD Controller core developed by Fraunhofer IPMS and available through semiconductor intellectual property provider CAST, Inc. successfully underwent its third Plug Fest testing experience, in Nuremberg, Germany June 2–3, 2016.

A development team at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS in Dresden has developed a middleware that makes it possible to combine RFID components like readers, identification transponders or sensor transponders regardless of manufacturer, interface and selected frequency range and for those components to be controlled via a generic interface. This makes it much easier for system integrators, plant manufacturers or RFID hardware vendors to integrate RFID technology into intelligent production environments. Fraunhofer IPMS will present the RFID middleware to the professional public at the Sensors Expo and Conference measurement fair in San Jose from 22 to 23 June 2016.

Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) are paving the way for small-sized sensor systems ready for mobile applications which allow measurements to be conducted simply on-site. Further, sensors can be easily integrated in industrial instruments in both production and processing facilities. Among others, possible applications can be found in the field of spectroscopic measurement systems, in which substances are subjected to electromagnetic or acoustic waves to detect the spectral response of the sample. Through the measurement of the unique response spectrum (“fingerprint”), solid, liquid or gaseous substances alike can be determined and analyzed. A leading international institution in the development and manufacture of MEMS, the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS will introduce two approaches to optical spectroscopy as well as an ultrasonic spectroscopy solution at the 2016 sensors expo taking place in San Jose from June 22-23, 2016. These technologies could be groundbreaking for the development of compact, MEMS-based, mobile mini-spectrometers.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) in Dresden have developed a high-resolution camera which produces congruent images for two spectral ranges using multiple detectors through a single lens. In contrast to already existing multi-spectral imaging systems, this technology provides for low-cost constructions and significantly easier post-production of imaging data. A first prototype will be presented to the professional public for the first time at the Optatec International Trade Show taking place in Frankfurt am Main from June 7-9.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS has developed a hardware-independent RFID OPC UA AutoID Server for Industrie 4.0 that is easily integrated into any application. This enables RFID components being used in automation technology and coming from various manufacturers to communicate with each other.

Soft IP Core for CAN FD met or exceeded bit rate and error handling tests in its second plug fest, running in representative automotive networks from Ford and GM.

CEA, Fraunhofer IPMS, IBM, Aixtron, CNRS, GSS and University of Glasgow start joint project on Carbon Nanotube Composite Interconnects (CONNECT) to enable future CMOS scaling.

Cables? Susceptible and impractical! Radio? Unreliable and inefficient!

Harvesting kinetic energy from human motion and converting it into usable electrical energy has become in recent years an attractive approach to powering wireless portable devices. Scientists at the Fraunhofer IPMS have developed a new energy harvesting device based on emergent electroactive polymers, which is small enough to be embedded in the sole of a shoe and can be used to power such devices. At the Embedded World show from February 23 to 25, 2016 experts from the Fraunhofer IPMS will present the technology for the first time.

Experts at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS in Dresden have been developing compact, customer-customized sensor transponders for diverse industrial applications for years. Because wireless sensors are maintenance-free and battery independent, powered with energy provided solely by the antenna of the reader in the network, RFID-Tags are predestined to replace the bulky sensor nodes of conventional battery-powered systems in industrial sensor networks. Information about this technology can be found at the Fraunhofer IPMS exhibition Stand 583 in Hall 4 of the Embedded World 2016 Exhibition & Conference in Nuremberg from 23.-25. February.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS has developed an IP Core, which as an enhancement of the established CAN 2.OB standard, supports both the ISO CAN FD as well as the non-ISO CAN FD. In addition to this enhancement, which also allows for the connectivity of complex electronic control units with greater data throughput, the Fraunhofer IPMS CAN FD IP Core provides other useful functions. Thereby, designers of embedded systems can obtain a flexible and useful core for the development of powerful CAN FD solutions. Visitors to the 2016 Embedded World Exhibition & Conference held in Nuremberg from 23.-25. February are invited to stop by Booth 583 in Hall 4 to get a first impression of the new Fraunhofer IPMS CAN FD IP Core.

Pooling their expertise in Industrie 4.0, the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS and the University of Applied Sciences (HTW) Dresden have come together to form the newly created working group ”Smart Wireless Production“ (SWP). The collaboration between the two research institutions was officially inaugurated with guests from politics, industry and science on January 14, 2016. The State Minister for Science and the Arts, Dr. Eva-Maria Stange, opened the launch event.