A new simple approach to the design of digital algorithm for simultaneous reactive-power and frequency estimations of local system is presented. The algorithm is derived using the weighted-least-square method. During the algorithm derivation, a pure sinusoidal voltage model was assumed. Cascade finite-impulse-response (FIR) comb digital filters are used to minimize the noise effect and to eliminate the presence of harmonics effect. The most important point of this paper is the mathematical model that transforms the problem of estimation into an overdetermined set of linear equations. The investigation was simplified because the total similarity to the state of the problem of the active-power and frequency estimations was noticed. The only difference is the adaptive phase shifter applied to the voltage signal. In addition, coefficient-sensitivity problems of the large-order FIR comb cascade structure are overridden by using a multirate (decimation) digital signal processing technique. Even more, by using antialiasing filters, the parameter estimation accuracy is improved. The effectiveness of the proposed techniques is demonstrated by both simulation and experimental results. The algorithm shows a very high level of robustness, as well as high measurement accuracy over a wide range of frequency changes.

This paper proposes an accurate and computationally efficient time-domain implementation of the IEEE Standard 1459-2010 for power measurements. The most important parts are adaptive low- and bandpass finite-impulse-response (FIR) filters that extract dc and fundamental components, respectively. In addition, coefficient sensitivity problems of the large-order FIR comb cascade structure are overridden by using a multirate (decimation) digital signal processing technique. Even more, by using decimation antialiasing filters, the parameter estimation accuracy is improved. The symmetrical components are estimated through adaptive transformation matrix of phase shifters. The algorithm convergence provided a fast response and adaptability. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is demonstrated by simulation results. The algorithm shows a very high level of robustness and high measurement accuracy over a wide range of frequency changes.

Self-powered sensors are gaining a lot of attention in recent years due to their possible application in the Internet of Things, medical implants and wireless and wearable devices. Human breath detection has applications in diagnostics, medical therapy and metabolism monitoring. One possible approach for breath monitoring is detecting the humidity in exhaled air. Here, we present an extremely sensitive, self-powered sensor for breath humidity monitoring. As a power source, the sensor uses electromagnetic energy harvested from the environment. Even electromagnetic energy harvested from the human body is enough for the operation of this sensor. The signal obtained using the human body as a source was up to 100 mV with an estimated power of 1 nW. The relatively low amount of energy that could be harvested in this way was producing a signal that was modulated by an interdigitated capacitor made out of electrochemically activated aluminum. The signal obtained in this way was rectified by a set of Schottky diodes and measured by a voltmeter. The sensor was capable of following a variety of different respiration patterns during normal breathing, exercise and rest, at the same time powered only by electromagnetic energy harvested from the human body. Everything happened in the normal environment used for everyday work and life, without any additional sources, and at a safe level of electromagnetic radiation.

The key equipment for performing aerodynamic testing of objects, such as road and railway vehicles, aircraft, and wind turbines, as well as stationary objects such as bridges and buildings, are multichannel pressure measurement instruments (pressure scanners). These instruments are typically based on arrays of separate pressure sensors built in an enclosure that also contains temperature sensors used for temperature compensation. However, there are significant limitations to such a construction, especially when increasing requirements in terms of miniaturization, the number of pressure channels, and high measurement performance must be met at the same time. In this paper, we present the development and realization of an innovative MEMS multisensor chip, which is designed with the intention of overcoming these limitations. The chip has four MEMS piezoresistive pressure-sensing elements and two resistive temperature-sensing elements, which are all monolithically integrated, enabling better sensor matching and thermal coupling while providing a high number of pressure channels per unit area. The main steps of chip development are preliminary chip design, numerical simulations of the chip’s mechanical behavior when exposed to the measured pressure, final chip design, fabrication processes (photolithography, thermal oxidation, diffusion, layer deposition, micromachining, anodic bonding, and wafer dicing), and electrical testing.

The existing instruments for aerodynamic pressure measurements are usually built around an array of discrete pressure sensors, placed in the same housing together with a few discrete temperature sensors. However, this approach is limiting, especially regarding miniaturization, sensor matching, and thermal coupling. In this work, we intend to overcome these limitations by proposing a novel MEMS multisensor chip, which has a monolithically integrated matrix of four piezoresistive MEMS pressure-sensing elements and two resistive temperature-sensing elements. After finishing the preliminary chip design, we performed computer simulations in order to assess its mechanical behavior when measured pressure is applied. Subsequently, the final chip design was completed, and the first batch was fabricated. The used technological processes included photolithography, thermal oxidation, diffusion, sputtering, micromachining (wet chemical etching), anodic bonding, and wafer dicing.

This article deals with the implementation of the P-Class PMU compliant with IEC/IEEE Standard 60255-118-1:2018 by usage of a multiple-resonator (MR)-based approach for harmonic analysis having been proposed recently. In previously published articles, it has been shown that a trade-off between opposite requirements is possible by shifting a measurement time stamp along the filter window. Positioning the time stamp in a proximity of the time window center assures flat-top frequency responses. In this article, through simulation tests carried out under various conditions, it is shown that requirements of the IEC/IEEE Standard 60255-118-1:2018 can be satisfied by the second and third order MR structure for particular conditions of the time stamp location.