An Autonomous Data Recorder for Field Testing

Progress in the development of miniature sensors, microprocessors, compact nonvolatile “flash” memory, and battery technology allows the design of sophisticated miniature autonomous data recorders for a wide variety of inter-modal transportation applications. In some cases, requirements for data recorders are well known or already specified by law. However, in new applications for data recorders, it is not always apparent what parameters need to be measured, nor with what frequency or precision. It may be useful in early field tests to collect more data than might be justified in an operational system, to allow assessment of what data is actually most useful. Since early field tests often involve retrofit into existing vehicles, it is also useful for a field-test recorder to have its own sensors, to simplify installation. This can also enable “fleet surveys” in which a few recorders are moved from one vehicle to another. Small autonomous data recorders are also useful for gathering data during vehicle testing. In some cases they may find use supplementing conventional data recorders, because they can be distributed throughout a large vehicle with little or no wiring. Tether Applications has designed a Small Intelligent Datalogger (SID) with a variety of unusual features, including multiple on-board sensors, on-board alarm clocks for low-duty-cycle operation, and several serial-interface networking options. Its original purpose was as the core of some very small, low-cost, low-power spacecraft, but it also appears relevant for a variety of applications requiring small autonomous data recorders. It appears particularly well suited to early field-testing, where programming, installation, data recovery, and data analysis are likely to cost far more than purchase of the recorders themselves.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Web
  • Features: References; Tables;
  • Pagination: pp 61-66
  • Monograph Title: Proceedings of the International Symposium on Transportation Recorders. Transportation Recording: 2000 and Beyond, May 3-5, 1999, Arlington, Virginia

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01088094
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jan 30 2008 12:31PM