Paddy French

The main approach to achieve the ultimate goal of the programme is to expand the precision into a wider range of applications and increase the level of autonomy of the S&A systems. To achieve this we need to re-examine the chain of materials, devices and packaging in combination with improved read-out and communication.  Many sensors with high precision have limitations when operating in harsh environments.
Examples are high precision temperature sensors that maintain the precision up to 120oC, or devices which deteriorate when exposed to radiation. Modern applications require S&A systems with improved performance, reduced dependence on external factors, and simpli-fied, efficient and reliable ways of information exchange.

The aim of this programme is to initiate and support a systematic and coordinated scientific and technological research effort in the multi-disciplinary S&A field, targeting the essential generic issues of autonomous sensors and systems including built-in signal and data (pre)processing capabilities (e.g. signal conditioning, self-testing, auto-calibration, filtering and data compression); self-rehabilitation; self-powering; efficient communication capabilities; adaptability to working-environment variations. Such capabilities are crucial for enabling sensor performance, and reducing the efforts and associated development risks when integrating this new class of high-performance sensors in complex industrial-, space-, healthcare-, home-, etc., equipment.