An antenna sensor is an electronic device that possesses the dual capability of simultaneously performing both communication and sensing functions [10]. This unique characteristic distinguishes them from traditional devices that typically handle only one of these tasks.
Understanding Antenna Sensors
Unlike separate antennas for communication and dedicated sensors for environmental detection, antenna sensors integrate these roles. This means the same device can transmit or receive signals for communication while also interacting with its surroundings to detect specific parameters or changes.
Key Capabilities
The core feature of an antenna sensor is its dual capability:
- Communication: Transmitting or receiving radio frequency (RF) signals.
- Sensing: Interacting with the environment (e.g., detecting changes in temperature, humidity, strain, or chemical presence) and often encoding this information into the communication signal itself.
Benefits Highlighted
According to the reference [10], using antenna sensors offers several advantages, especially in the context of planar microwave sensors:
- Minimized System Components: By combining two functions into one device, the overall number of parts required for a system can be significantly reduced.
- Simple Configuration: The integrated nature leads to a less complex setup compared to systems using separate communication and sensing units.
- Passive Operation: Antenna sensors can often operate passively, meaning they may not require a dedicated power source at the sensing location, relying instead on energy harvested from the interrogation signal.
- Low Cost: The simplified structure and component reduction can contribute to a lower manufacturing cost.
Applications
While the provided reference focuses on their definition and benefits within planar microwave sensors, the concept of integrated communication and sensing opens up possibilities in various fields, including:
- Wireless sensor networks
- Remote monitoring
- Structural health monitoring
- Logistics and tracking
By leveraging the ability to communicate sensed data wirelessly from a single, potentially passive, and low-cost unit, antenna sensors offer an efficient approach to data acquisition and transmission.
