High-temperature sensor interface and network
First Claim
1. A sensor network comprisingat least two sensors having analog signals;
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one or more electrical components capable of operating at temperatures greater than at least 135°
C. for analyzing and digitally converting the analog signal of at least one sensor;
a communication device for transmitting the modified and digitally converted signal; and
a common communication pathway for transmitting the modified and digitally converted signals from both of the at least two sensors.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is a sensor interface or network of interfaces that utilizes high-temperature electronics to operate at elevated temperatures for applications that include but are not limited to aircraft and automobile engines, vehicle frames, refineries, nuclear and chemical production plants, and in downhole drilling for petroleum and natural gas. The interface or network provide connectors for a variety of sensors with analog and digital outputs, and can in turn provide data to an automated electronic control system or a monitor. Because the sensor interface may be placed in so-called “hot zones” nearer to the sensors being monitored than other systems that use conventional electronics, the sensor interface can increase noise immunity, increase reliability, decrease cost, reduce weight, and increase space.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A sensor network comprising
at least two sensors having analog signals; - and
at least two sensor interfaces each comprising at least one sensor connector for connecting one of the at least two sensors having analog signals; one or more electrical components capable of operating at temperatures greater than at least 135°
C. for analyzing and digitally converting the analog signal of at least one sensor;a communication device for transmitting the modified and digitally converted signal; and a common communication pathway for transmitting the modified and digitally converted signals from both of the at least two sensors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A sensor network comprising
at least two sensors having analog signals; - and
at least two sensor interfaces connected by a common communication pathway, each sensor interface comprising at least one universal sensor connector for connecting one of the at least two sensors having analog signals or a set of fully integrated connectors capable of connecting to more than one type of sensor; one or more electrical components capable of reliably operating at temperatures greater than at least 200°
C. and vibrations of 60 g'"'"'s at a frequency of 4,000 Hz for analyzing and digitally converting the analog signal of at least one sensor; anda communication device for transmitting the modified and digitally converted signal; wherein the common communication pathway is for transmitting the modified and digitally converted signals from both of the at least two sensors, and the common communication pathway is further connected to a controller or monitor. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification