Fraunhofer IIS Institut f. Integrierte Schaltungen

The positioning of people and objects is becoming increasingly relevant, especially for current and future IoT-applications. Communication technologies with the possibility of positioning often offer the added value.

The combination of the Fraunhofer positioning competence locadis and common communication technologies makes it possible to manage the high requirements of IoT-positioning solutions. 

Locadis®- Taking Positioning to the next Level

Locadis is a field strength based positioning technology for cellular communication networks. Based on collected reference values, a precise positioning for indoor and outdoor areas are possible. The patent-protected process is used as a software-based solution in many environments.

The infrastructure-based Locadis technology is suitable for existing communication technologies such as WLAN, BLE, MIOTY or 5G. Especially for existing IoT-networks, positioning can be easily and cost-effectively integrated.

Positioning in Massive IoT-networks

The use of locadis is particularly suitable for applications in which security, data integrity and massive multi-node operation are required. Locadis can be used to create a comprehensive, continuous position for heat maps, trajectories or routing, as well as to provide point location for guided tours, evacuation or emergency calls.

By combining locadis technology with various communication technologies, it is possible to serve current and future IoT- positioning solutions in Smart City and Industrial IoT sectors now.

Under the theme »IoT-based Process Management«, the Fraunhofer IIS works on projects for the use of IoT data (Internet of Things) for analysis and control of spatially distributed processes in production and logistics. Methods of process mapping, which are based on IoT systems, enable a comprehensive view on procedures of physical processes and provide the data basis for process mining methods as process analysis, -control and -optimization.

IoT Devices as data source for Process Mining

Automated, real-time data collection during the process execution is provided by IoT technologies, resulting in large amounts of sensor data. A model-based or AI-based generation of events extracts the process-relevant information. Afterwards, process-mining techniques are used to analyze the processes, identify deviations or optimization potentials within the operational processes.  After the deduction of recommendations for action, a feedback in the process is following. Automated production planning based on objective data is enabled. IoT devices such as smart tags, RTLS or wearables offer more efficient task processing and new interaction options for process control.

Research at Fraunhofer IIS covers both the application as well as the technological development of the following topics:

• Usage of IoT devices as a data source in physical processes
• Process step and event detection through model-based or AI-based processes
• Process Mining
• Feedback in the process by IoT devices
• Decentralized process control by IoT devices

Process step evaluation of small-scale ceramic production by IoT devices

SME's usual small-scale manual production processes consist of many spatially distributed process steps and place high demands on material flow control. In the INWIPRO project, the production progress is monitored in real time by smart tags. Thereby a consistent production plan can be controlled flexibly and efficiently. The smart tags accompany the production parts through the entire, several-week production. Current position, environment and, above all, process status information are collected. This allows an optimized production planning, which adapts processes to changed conditions such as machine.

Find out more: https://www.iis.fraunhofer.de/en/ff/lv/dataanalytics/tech/process-mining.html

Modern hybrid radios switch automatically back and forth between analog VHF, digital DAB+, and Internet streaming. By always looking for the best way to receive a radio program, they allow passengers to enjoy uninterrupted listening as they travel. The technology also provides users with an easy way to enjoy their favorite local shows outside of the respective broadcast areas.

Hybrid infotainment-system functionality of this kind is possible through the integration of Fraunhofer software components. They provide radio platforms with the versatility to operate in various markets or vehicle categories and ensure uncompromising sound quality.  The software solution for hybrid car radios includes data decoders that deliver images, text messages, and other information in addition to the audio content. For that purpose Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS provides a corresponding full-stack solution that incorporates everything from baseband decoding to audio playback and a web-based user interface.

This implementation enables parallel processing of multiple inputs in real time, as well as access to the corresponding components via low- and high-level interfaces (C++ and REST-API). In addition, the hybrid radio implementation includes a client for IP-based streaming.

Efficient Networks in Vehicles for Data Rates up to 16 Gbit/s

Using the 16 Gbit/s physical layer for a simple twisted pair wireline data transmission, it is possible to transfer data at rates of 16 Gbit/s in real time. The new high-speed is ideal for high-bit-rate data streaming with real time requirements used in driver assistance systems with machine vision, but also for connecting mobile devices as well as for multimedia applications in vehicles.

These applications require high data throughput using a simple, lightweight and inexpensive copper cable, combined with low power consumption and minimum latency. Consuming less than one watt for every transmitter/receiver pair, the new physical layer can transmit 16 Gbit/s over a single twisted pair cable up to 10m or a single coax cable up to 15m long. Keeping the latency to a minimum provides video data for machine vision applications and human-machine interaction tasks in real time. The universal design of this development allows a wide range of content with various requirements to be transmitted effective simultaneously, which also means that connections that used to run in parallel can now be consolidated into one pair of wires.

Similar requirements are found in production automation and robotics, i.e. in the field of environment detection and material testing, as well as at medical technology. Broadcasting that uses multiple cameras and HD or even 4k video streaming can also benefit from this technology.

Fraunhofer IIS scientists will be demonstrating an evaluation and test platform for the 16 Gbit/s physical layer at embedded world (Hall 4, Booth 4-460).

Development of smart sensor modules for mobile monitoring

At Fraunhofer IIS, we develop individual solutions for sensor technology and analysis of physiological parameter. For the detection of physiological parameters, we use e.g. electrodes, respiratory bands or capacitive sensors. So that our discrete sensor modules can record biosignals in mobile everyday life and analyze it in real time, we rely on low-power concepts as well as robust algorithms for embedded systems. The miniaturized application-oriented integration, e.g. in textiles, furniture or vehicles, allows a mobile and comfortable data recording suitable for the application scenario. For the analysis of the recorded biosignals, we preprocess the data and calculate characteristic parameters, such as heart rate or heart rate variability.

As one of the leading IC design facilities in Europe, we develop customized solutions to meet the constantly evolving requirements of industrial applications. Our work being independent of technology and manufacturer, we are able to provide our customers with optimum solutions. Our focus is on development of mixed-signal ASICs, intelligent integrated sensor systems as well as on design solutions for increasingly complex electronic systems.

Whether for industrial, communications, automotive or any other applications, we are your partner from the idea to the series production.

Development of medical control devices for In-vitro Diagnostics

Efficient testing of functional components presents a challenge during the development of IVD systems. This often can be solved only by expensive and complex laboratory setups. 

At Fraunhofer IIS, we offer efficient solutions for the development and optimization of IVD systems.  

Adapted to the functionality of the IVD device, we establish together with our customers system specifications and develop individual devices with parametric user interface. Our portfolio comprises PCB design and layout, rapid prototyping, embedded programming as well as the development of GUI or web interfaces. We also focus on the development of sensor frontends as well as on communication standards, as POCT1-A.

Machine Learning applications in embedded devices are a strongly emerging trend. A large number of AI chips has been announced, the first products for embedded AI are on the market. Current neural network architectures like deep neural networks require high computational complexity and power consumption. Neuromorphic hardware in contrast relies on massive parallel processing and performs calculations, e.g. for Machine Learning, faster and with less power. Efficient architectures for neuromorphic hardware with respect to computational performance, power consumption and chip area are therefore a key element for a widespread deployment of neural networks in embedded devices.

The Fraunhofer IIS presents different neuromorphic hardware architectures. Among them are novel approaches to bring the human neural network closer to the chip.

Self-Powered Wide-Area Network is a unique combination of a new LPWAN standard MIOTY® with Energy Harvesting for massive IoT applications like smart city and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The MIOTY® technology relies on telegram splitting dividing a compact telegram into multiple radio bursts, distributed over time and frequency. The energy harvesting technology makes use of smallest amounts of energy, like heat, light or vibration to power MIOTY® completely without cables or batteries.

Ultra-low-power technology RFicient^® for the Internet of Things

The RFicient^® WakeUp Receiver continously monitors the radio channel and reacts with a current consumption less than 3 µA within a few milliseconds. It can thus activate any IoT and sensor node as required and ensures long-lasting maintenance-free operation. The RFicient^® wireless sensors offer many new possibilities through continuous, area-wide wireless monitoring without standard and frequency restrictions. RFicient^® is therefore a key technology for the Internet of Things.