A “smarter” sensor module, which includes a microcontroller and some local memory in addition to the instrumentation interfaces used to collect data, is preferred for remote monitoring of complex systems. A programmable sensor module supports flexible and extensible front-end data acquisition and processing. For example, a smart sensor can use multiple interfaces and instruments to simultaneously acquire several different types of leading indicator data, using different sample rates for each. For complex target systems, this data may include discrete status outputs, parametric data values and complex waveforms. Additional instrumentation can be used to collect ambient environmental data, such as temperature, humidity and vibration levels, which are often critical inputs for CBM data analysis.

About the Technology

• Smart Sensors enable flexible, scalable, extensible data collection and fault-tolerant networks.
• Model-based Prognostics turns vast amounts of data into actionable information for operations, maintenance and logistics.
• Secure fault-tolerant networks protect critical operational data

Complex Distributed Systems

Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) and Remote Maintenance Monitoring (RMM) are increasingly recognized as essential techniques for minimizing the life-cycle cost of maintaining complex distributed systems, such as those used in defense systems, Air Traffic Control, power utilities, shipping and remote plant installations. Mikros advanced maintenance solutions use a secure network-based architectural framework to implement RMM and RCM for these systems, which often have requirements similar to our Navy applications. The systems to be monitored are at remote locations, and require a secure, robust and scalable network infrastructure for data collection and distribution. The data collected may include leading indicators such as system states and modes, parametric data from dedicated sensors; and manually collected data. Mikros uses an RCM solution for complex distributed systems based on three core pillars: smart sensors for heterogeneous data collection, flexible and scalable model-based predictive analysis methodologies, and a secure network infrastructure.