Invocon Systems
NOTE: Historical systems are not currently available. These systems are presented here as examples of Invocon's capabilities.
TPMS
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Invocon
developed a wireless Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
for aircraft. TPMS interfaces with smart phones and tablets
via Bluetooth Low Energy. It provides the pressure and
temperature for each tire on an aircraft without the need
for physical contact with the tires. This significantly
increases the efficiency of the pilot’s preflight inspection
and provides added peace of mind for aircraft crew and
owners.
IWIS
Internal Wireless Instrumentation System
IWIS was deployed by astronauts inside the partially completed ISS to collect
data on the impulse response of the structure.
This data is used to verify the structural integrity of the ISS on orbit.
It has also been used to update models predicting the modal
response of the ISS. Complete understanding of the resonant
modes of the structure allow for effective planning for
re-boost events. Since this data changed as the Station was
assembled, it was important to keep this data current with
each addition to the Station. The wireless nature of the
data acquisition network minimizes the time necessary for
deployment and recovery of the system. Further, some of the
reaction control system (RCS) test firings occurred when all airlocks between modules
were closed. A wired system would not have the flexibility
needed to accommodate mission changes and data acquisition
windows of opportunity.
EPC
Electronic Power Conditioner
Invocon designed, manufactured, and qualified the Electronic
Power Conditioner (EPC) for a commercial satellite program.
The EPC provides power for the RF Power Amplifier under the
control of a Power Amplifier Controller. The system is
designed with radiation tolerant components to provide 10
years of reliable operation in the space environment.
PAIB
Power Amplifier Interface and Bias
Invocon designed, manufactured, and qualified the Power
Amplifier Interface and Bias (PAIB) for a commercial
satellite program. The PAIB provides three functions for the
RF Power Amplifier: power amplifier control, power amplifier
monitoring, and power amplifier bias. The system is designed
with radiation tolerant components to provide 10 years of
reliable operation in the space environment.
REBR-W
Re-Entry Breakup Recorder - Wireless
Invocon produced a wireless temperature system that was
incorporated into the Reentry Breakup Recorder (REBR), a
design that was conceived and constructed by The
Aerospace Corporation engineers. REBR is a
basketball-sized device that is launched into orbit
aboard a larger spacecraft and then intentionally
deorbited when a host spacecraft returns to Earth. The
REBR gathers data as its host vehicle reenters and
transmits the data to the ground for analysis. The data
can be used for reentry hazard prediction studies,
reducing risks, improving planning for spacecraft that
eventually must deorbit, and generally expanding our
understanding of reentry breakup and related phenomena.
The new REBR-W (wireless) is an enhanced version of this
capability that utilizes remotely mounted units with
high temperature sensors that are located throughout the
host spacecraft. The remote sensors measure and transmit
temperature data from various locations on the
reentering vehicle to the REBR-W unit, which stores and
later transmits the data to the ground. Invocon’s
responsibility was defining, producing, and testing a
suitable system solution that could be used effectively
with REBR on various spacecraft that dock with the
International Space Station and later reenter Earth’s
atmosphere and burn up.
PCA
Power Control Assembly
Invocon’s Power Control Assembly (PCA) provides complete
power control for small launch vehicles in a robust
miniature package. The PCA controls two 28-V power sources
for use with four power output channels. It is intended to
seamlessly switch between an external power control system
and an on-board battery. It supports battery charging in
order to simplify vehicle maintenance prior to launch. Power
outputs include two switched 28-V channels, one un-switched
28 V channel, and an auxiliary 5-V channel.
CDI
Capacitive Discharge Initiator
Invocon’s Capacitive Discharge Initiator
(CDI) Module provides missile control and monitoring capabilities
in a single compact unit. It enables safe operation and monitoring of ordnance.
The CDI provides four fully redundant output
channels, a single input trigger for starting the timer, 1-ms
resolution per channel, and four hours of run-time after the
input trigger.
EWIS™
External Wireless Instrumentation System
Developed to provide long-term structural dynamics
measurements of the International Space Station (ISS).
EWB MicroTAU™
Enhanced Wide-Band Micro-Miniature Tri-Axial Accelerometer Unit
Wireless, high-speed, synchronized data acquisition network
for dynamic acceleration sensing, processing, and recording.
Post acquisition download is either USB or wireless.
- 20-kHz Sample Rate
- 3 External Accels per unit
- Processing: RMS Signal Analysis, Frequency Analysis, Decimation, Peak Detection, et al.
- Approximate Size: 7.0 cm x 3.8 cm x 8.3 cm
MicroWIS™-XG
Micro-miniature Wireless Instrumentation System - Next Generation
A real-time asynchronous wireless transmission system. Immediate
graphical representation and
storage on a PC.
- 1/hour–0.25 Hz Sample Rate
- 1 channel per unit
- 100 units per system
- The units can support any resistive sensor type.
- Approximate Size: 3.3 cm x 3.3 cm x 1.5 cm replaceable battery unit
MITE WIS™
Multiple-Input Tiny Enhanced Wireless Instrumentation System
A real-time and/or store-and-forward system capable of recording
data from up to four channels on 2-MB non-volatile memory
(enough for 2 years at 1 sample per 5 minutes, with 4 channels).
Post-acquisition download is wireless to a receiver and GUI.
Designed for two-year usage without battery exchange.
- Sample Rate: Programmable from 1 per 15 seconds, up to 1 per hour
- Lifetime: 2 years at 1 sample per minute
- Approximate Size: 6.0 cm x 6.3 cm x 2.5 cm (excluding antenna)
- Up to 4 external channels per unit
- The units can support any resistive sensor type.
Multi-Channel Event Sequencer
Invocon’s event sequencer is a flight qualified solution
for monitoring and initiating flight events.
It includes 8 channels of open drain outputs for assertion of timed events via relays or other devices. Each channel provides up to 3 A of current. The voltage level available at the output is equal to the sequencer’s input voltage (20 V to 40 V). The event timer is triggered by a single input trigger. Each channel can be programmed independently with a timed event resolution of 1 ms for a period of up to 4 hours after the input trigger.
Click here to learn more about the Multi-Channel Event Sequencer.
Smart Battery
Lithium Ion Polymer Smart Battery
The Invocon 28-V Rechargeable Smart Battery uses modern lithium
ion polymer battery technology. Lithium ion polymer
batteries have one of the highest energy storage and power delivery
densities (per weight) of modern batteries. This enables
longer operation between charging and dependable operation of
high current electrical loads or inrush currents without startup
sequencing.
The Invocon Smart Battery is designed for mission critical applications. Custom circuitry, without single point of failure, provides uninterruptable power discharge for mission critical applications. This feature is enabled with an external “Flight Enabled” key and latched against unintentional release to provide full battery power delivery without overcurrent or temperature disconnect.
WEBDAS™
Wireless Ethernet-Based Data Acquisition System
This system enables the use of existing Ethernet hardware
and Web-based IT resources for the configuration, acquisition,
transmission, and display of sensor data from extremely low-power
RF sensors.
WSGIS™
Wireless Strain Gauge Instrumentation System
Programmable initiation triggers over a 10-minute acquisition
and non-volatile storage. Post-acquisition download is either
USB or wireless.
- 20-kHz Sample Rate
- 4 External Resistive Transducer channels per unit
- 4 External low-speed RTD channels per unit
- Approximate Size: 7.0 cm x 3.8 cm x 8.3 cm (not including flanges or antenna)
ACI
Advanced Capabilities Initiative
Designed to autonomously perform user-developed algorithms
on the remote unit and periodically transmit the results through
the network. Specifically designed for Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) applications.
- Up to 200-kHz Sample Rate
- Up to 16 sensors per unit
- 32+ units per system
- The units can support any capacitive, resistive, or voltage sensor type
- Approximate Size: Expandable from 13.7 cm x 8.9 cm x 10.8 cm
ADDS
Autonomous Dynamic Data Sensor
Experimental data gathering and recording of environments on and around on-orbit vehicles. The data was used to evaluate the effects of the external environment on structures and flight dynamics.
Advanced MicroWIS™
Advanced Micro-Miniature Wireless Instrumentation System
A real-time asynchronous, analog-to-digital system that wirelessly
transmits data for graphical representation and storage on a
PC.
- 20-Hz Sample Rate
- 1 channel per unit
- 5 units per system
- Approximate Size: 3.3 cm x 3.3 cm x 1.5 cm replaceable battery unit
Click here to learn more about the Advanced MicroWIS system.
AIRNET
Aircraft Integrity Radio Network Evaluation Technology
A multi-sensor system for in-flight aircraft performance evaluation. An intra-aircraft wireless network collected the data for automatic downloading to ground receiving stations during flight.
- Sample Rate: Programmable from 4.8 Hz to 1 kHz
- Approximate Size: 10 cm x 14 cm x 4.5 cm
BodyLAN
A multi-unit wireless pulse and breathing rate detection
system. Internal electronics acquired data from the external
optical deflection pressure sensor, performed analyses, and
transmitted the pulse and respiration rate information. A real-time
mode transmitted raw data to the receiver.
- 1 external optical deflection pressure sensor for pulse and respiration monitoring
- Sample Rate: 64 Hz and 512 Hz (Respiration and Heart Rates Respectively)
- Approximate Size: 5 cm x 5 cm x 2 cm
CIS
Conformal Ice Sensor
Developed for Boeing's efforts on the Joint Strike Fighter
to detect ice formation on de-icing boots on the aircraft engine
intake. The sensor can determine both the presence and type
of ice formation.
ELMWIS™
Extended-Life Micro-Miniature Wireless Instrumentation System
A real-time and/or store-and-forward system capable of recording
1 year of data onto non-volatile memory (at 1 sample per minute)
with a wireless download. Designed for 10-year usage without
battery exchange. Also capable of networking between units.
- 1/day–1/(15 seconds) Sample Rate
- 1 channel per unit
- 50 units per system
- The units can support any resistive sensor type.
- Approximate Size: 7.0 cm x 5.9 cm x 3.1 cm
ESBAWM
Entire-Ship Ballast Autonomous Wireless Monitor
ESBAWM will monitor and log ballast exchanges in oceanic
cargo vessels. Multiple Ballast Monitoring Units (pictured)
are mounted atop ballast sounding pipes and periodically monitor
the ballast levels. These units then pass ballast activity through
a wireless network to the Ship Data Collection and Location
Unit that logs the ballast activity and respective GPS location
information. As the ship approaches shore an automatic wireless
download and internet transport can alert port authorities to
potentially contaminated ships before they enter port.
GPSCON
Global Positioning System Interface Controller
Served as the interface between TANS and the Wake Shield
Facility (WSF) recording GPS information and translating messages
between the two external devices. The GPSCON was part of a high
priority Risk Mitigation Experiment (RME1311) for Relative Global
Positioning System (RGPS) navigation flight.
Approximate size: 20 cm x 5.7 cm x 29 cm
MicroSAFE™
Micro-Miniature Stress Analysis and Forecasted Endurance
Performs the ASTM Rainflow Cycle Counting Algorithm in real-time
as it acquires strain data. Performs continual Rainflow analysis
on site without the need for large data storage mediums or post-processing.
- Sample Rate: 32 Hz
- 1 external channel per unit
- The units can support any resistive sensor type
- Approximate Size: 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm x 3.0 cm (pictured external battery unit)
MicroSGU™
Micro-Miniature Strain Gauge Unit
Programmable initiation triggers a single acquisition event. Capable of recording on to non-volatile memory up to 13 minutes
of data from each channel for post-acquisition wireless download.
- 250-Hz Sample Rate
- 2 external sensors per unit
- The units can support any resistive sensor type
- Approximate Size: 5.5 cm x 4 cm x 2.8 cm
MicroTAU™
Micro-Miniature Tri-Axial Accelerometer Unit
Programmable initiation triggers for two consecutive acquisition
events. Capable of recording to non-volatile memory up
to 9 minutes of data from each channel for post-acquisition
wireless download. Multiple units can be programmed for
synchronous acquisition.
- 250-Hz Sample Rate
- 3 Internal tri-axial sensors per unit
- Approximate Size: 5.5 cm x 4.0 cm x 2.8 cm
MicroWIS™-CO2
Micro-Miniature Wireless Instrumentation System for Carbon Dioxide Measurement
A wireless data acquisition system for near-static CO2
measurements. The sensor element uses a Non-Dispersive Infrared
Diffusion (NDIR) method for measurement.
- Sample Rates: One sample per 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours
- Accuracy: ± 200 ppm or 5% of reading, which ever is greater
- Battery Lifetime:
- 166 days at 1 sample per hour and 2 minute warm-up
- 34 days at 1 sample per hour and 10 minute warm-up
- Approximate Size: 3.5 cm x 6.4 cm x 8.6 cm
MicroRecorder™
Micro-Miniature Data Acquisition Recorder
An autonomous store-and-forward data recording system. 128kbytes
of non-volatile memory can store over one month of data (at
1 sample per minute) with a wired download. Programmable acquisition
initiation.
- 1/hour–1/second Sample Rate
- 1 channel per unit
- The units can support any resistive sensor type
- Approximate Size: 3.3 cm x 3.3 cm x 1.5 cm replaceable battery unit
MicroWIS™
Micro-Miniature Wireless Instrumentation System
A real-time asynchronous wireless transmission system. Immediate
graphical representation and storage on a PC.
- 1 channel per unit
- 100 units per system
- The units can support any resistive sensor type
- Sample Rate: 1/hour–0.25 Hz
- Approximate Size: 3.3 cm x 3.3 cm x 1.5 cm replaceable battery unit
MMA
Micro-gravity Measurement Apparatus
MMA constantly monitors micro-vibrations in the International
Space Station. MMA will help correlate any anomalies in micro-g
experiments with ISS vibrations.
- External Tri-Axial Accelerometer
- Sample Rate: Programmable up to 1.2 kHz
- Resolution: Better than 2 micro-g
- Accuracy: Better than 10 micro-g
PSAW
Programmable Surface Acoustic Wave Correlator
Invocon has teamed with NASA and Sandia National Labs to
develop an ultra low power Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
radio based on a programmable Surface Acoustic Wave (PSAW) correlator.
The PSAW will perform the primary function of the down converter,
demodulator, and baseband processor in a conventional (DSSS)
receiver, but with no power consumption. The correlator
forms a passive matched filter for symbol detection and
possibly symbol generation.
SCAT
Sensor Control and Acquisition Telecommunications (SCAT)
NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) sponsored Invocon's development
of "next generation" data acquisition and communications
networking concepts to be deployed in, on, and around space
structures under construction.
SIGHT
Site Inspection of Gas Mains by Helical Tomography
A robot developed to internally map the wall thickness of
pipes, forming a tomogram image of the cross-sectional area
of the pipe.
SMES
Wireless Data Acquisition system for Structural Monitoring and Evaluation
Designed for the U.S. Department of Transportation to measure
the performance of bridge structures under transient loads.
Up to 60 sensors on a bridge can measure stress/strain, vibration,
and temperature.
RAID
Radiation Alert Immediate Device
Invocon’s
Radiation Alert Immediate Disclosure (RAID) device is a real-time
active radiation badge with wireless communication capability.
RAID is designed to simplify radiation monitoring for personnel
and equipment. It accomplishes this by providing real-time feedback
of the radiation environment and by using simple interfaces.
- On-board processing provides immediate feedback
- Measures deposited energy
- Distinguishes between Alpha, Beta, and Gamma *
- Wireless communication enables simple set up and data retrieval
- Real-time user feedback:
- Activity/Error LED indicates when RAID is in
monitoring and
communicating or when an error condition exists - Alarm LED indicates that a user-selectable threshold
has been
exceeded
- Activity/Error LED indicates when RAID is in
monitoring and
- Small size and weight simplifies integration
REMS
Radiation Environment Monitor for Spacecraft
Invocon’s
Radiation Environment Monitor for Spacecraft (REMS) is a real-time
active radiation monitor designed for mounting externally on
spacecraft. REMS is designed to simplify radiation monitoring
for satellites and other vehicles for scientific data collection
as well as root cause analysis for anomalous behavior. It accomplishes
this by providing real-time feedback of the radiation environment
and by using simple interfaces.
- On-board processing provides immediate feedback
- Distinguishes between Alpha, Beta, and Gamma *
- Low power minimizes host requirements
- Small size and weight simplifies integration
TMS™
Tension Measurement System
A data acquisition system that monitored the performance
of nylon dispersion bridles of a parafoil under transient loads,
specifically to be used in parachute drop tests for the X38
vehicle preliminary flight tests. The TMS data acquisition
units measure tension on the dispersion bridles and ambient
temperature data on the parafoil structure.
- Sample Rate: Programmable to 10 Hz and 50 Hz
- 1 channel per unit
- The units can support any resistive sensor type
- Approximate Size: 7 cm x 5 cm x 4 cm
UltraWIS™
Ultrasonic Wireless Instrumentation System
Invocon is currently in Phase II of a NASA Small Business
Innovation Research (SBIR) program to assist in locating leaks
within pressurized spacecraft with minimal expenditure of vehicle
or crew resources. The UltraWIS units monitor an entire habitation
structure as part of a network of ultrasonic sensors.
- 8 Ultrasonic sensors per unit
- Sample Rate: 100 kHz
- Approximate Size: 5.0 cm x 5.0 cm x 2.5 cm
UVOSPS
Un-tethered Velocity of Sound Profiling Sensor
Invocon has recently begun a Phase II Department of Defense (DOD) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to assist the US Navy in measuring the water column sound velocity. The sensor system is a stack of miniature probes that are periodically released to sink and send both temperature and depth back to the host-buoy.
VMMS
Video Micro Movement Sensor
A camera for testing and inspection. The camera can take
still pictures intended for periodic inspections or operate
as a video camera to detect movement. At a distance of 2 feet, the camera can
track movement of a target to within 1 mm.
- Video Frame Rate: 60 Hz
- 1 CMOS active pixel image sensor per unit
- Approximate Size: 4.4 cm x 5.4 cm x 3.2 cm
WAIS™
Wireless Airborne Instrumentation System
A real-time, highly synchronous analog-to-analog or analog-to-pseudoPCM
networked system. Programmable sample rates, filters, offsets,
and gains on all inputs. Synchronization between samples
on remote units is ± 300 ns.
- Up to 12-kHz Sample Rate. Aggregate system throughput is 86k Samples per Second
- Up to 16 sensors per unit
- Up to 8 units per system
- Maximum 64 channels per system
- Modules can support resistive, capacitive, and voltage sensor types
- Approximate Size: Expandable from 13.7 cm x 8.9 cm x 7.7 cm
WATS™
Wireless Autonomous Telemetry System
A real-time, synchronous, analog-to-digital system that wirelessly
transmits data for graphical representation and storage.
- 20-Hz Sample Rate
- 1 channel per unit
- 5 channels per system
- The units can support any resistive sensor type
- Approximate Size: 3.3 cm x 3.3 cm x 1.5 cm replaceable battery unit
WB MicroTAU™
Wide-Band Micro-Miniature Tri-Axial Accelerometer Unit
Programmable initiation triggers over a 10-minute acquisition
and non-volatile storage. Post acquisition download is
either USB or wireless.
- 20-kHz Sample Rate
- 3 External Accels per unit
- 1 External RTD per unit
- Approximate Size: 6.9 cm x 5.3 cm x 3.3 cm
WCCN
Wireless Command and Control Network
The WCCN system is a highly-configurable wireless network for monitoring and distributing logical signals between remote locations. Originally designed to control the activation and triggering of remote cameras, the WCCN units have 19 digital input/output channels. Each channel can be configured as an input, input with pull-up, output, or LED sink.
- Configureable via USB
- Rugged enclosure with filtered connector for aviation applications
- Internal Lithium Polymer Battery supports > 1 day of continuous low-latency operation
WDAS
Wireless Data Acquisition System
A "smart" wireless network flown as a Development
Test Objective (Program RME1330) on two Shuttle missions. This
system served as a foundation for future Shuttle and ISS systems.
WFCS
Wireless Flight Control System
A proof-of-concept system to control of aircraft with radio
frequency links between the pilot controls and the flight control
surfaces on the wings. The requirement involved the design
of suppressed carrier, spread spectrum, high redundancy, data
links that could be demonstrated first on a ground-based test
bed and later flown on a NASA research aircraft.
WIS™
Wireless Instrumentation System
A high accuracy and resolution data acquisition system that
transmits data and configuration information wirelessly. Unit-to-unit
start of acquisition is synchronous up to ± 300 ns. Adaptive configurable
routing.
- Programmable Sample Rates: 4.5 Hz to 1 kHz, or 12-hour to 2-second sample periods
- Up to 64 channels per unit
- Approximate Size: Expandable from 9.0 cm x 15 cm x 11 cm
WISP
Wireless Instrumentation Sensor Processor
Designed to gather and process data from airframes that would
be used to predict failures in critical airframe structures.
The processing uses complex, real-time, mathematical transformation
that must differentiate normal airframe behavior from the behavior
of the structure containing the flaw.
WSDS
Wake Shield Data Acquisition System
Developed to gather pressure experienced on the surface of
the satellite when the RCS (Reaction Control System) jets on
the Shuttle were fired during rendezvous and grappling operations.