Wireless field-ready transducer acquisition device

The proposed innovation is a device that connects to existing, installed pressure transducers (or other transducers) and allows for remote, wireless reading of these transducers with Bluetooth enabled devices, such as laptops, mobile devices, or other field-deployable computers. When installed, the device will provide a wireless reading of the transducer. This device will have the following features: Long battery life, at least sufficient for a full day of testing for most pressure transducers “Pass through” signal and power such that the device can remain connected to a pressure transducer when also connected to a wired DAQ Adaptability to a variety of output voltage levels Adaptability to a variety of input voltages Configurable pin-outs Compatibility with most existing pressure transducers used for rocket testing Memory sufficient for device ID, onboard calibration curves, etc. Field-ready sturdy waterproof construction Adherence to low-power Bluetooth 5.0 standards External on/off switch Power - This device is now possible due to relatively recent advancements in the reduction of power for short-range communication (e.g. Bluetooth 5.0), analog to digital conversion chips, and the improvement in volumetric storage capacity of lithium battery technology. For instance, a single 18650 cell (one of the most common lithium ion cells on the market) has approximately 9 W-hr of total storage in a 2.6 inch long x 0.75 inch diameter form factor. This is more than sufficient to power a typical pressure transducer for a full working day. Data - Analog to digital conversion chips are now cheaper and lower power than ever before. Also the recent wave of DIY robotics and control (e.g. Arduino and Raspberry PI systems) have provided a market for inexpensive, low-power, integrated acquisition devices that, while likely not suitable for a final commercial product, are more than sufficient for prototyping and development purposes.

The application of this innovation is very broad. This innovation would support testing operations for numerous NASA programs, including programs that are part of the Lunar Gateway architecture. This also includes essentially any NASA program that performs ground testing involving pressure transducers.

The commercial or defense market for this innovation is essentially as broad as the market for pressure transducers, which is reportedly a $16B a year market and includes automotive, oil and gas, consumer electronic, and medical sectors, in addition to the aerospace market. The proposed innovation will increase productivity and efficiency across all of these industries.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.