Design a Modular Low-Power Sensor Platform
Can you make industrial sensors smarter, more flexible, and significantly more energy-efficient?
Description
Industrial IoT systems increasingly depend on sensors that operate reliably for long periods, often with limited access to power. But how do you design hardware that supports different sensors without wasting energy on components that aren't being used?
At Knowit Connectivity, we are offering a thesis opportunity focused on developing a modular, plug-and-play sensor extension for embedded and industrial IoT applications.
About the Project
The goal is to design, build, and evaluate a compact sensor extension, also known as a Sensor HAT, that allows different sensors to be connected and controlled through a common hardware interface.
A central challenge is energy efficiency. Rather than keeping every connected sensor powered continuously, the system should intelligently activate only the sensors needed for a specific measurement.
The project combines hardware design, embedded software development, power optimization, and industrial requirements.
What You Will Explore
Depending on the final scope, your work may include:
Designing a modular sensor interface and compact PCB.
Selecting power-management components and implementing independently controlled sensor power domains.
Investigating I²C, SPI, UART, and other sensor communication interfaces.
Developing a reusable driver using Zephyr OS.
Measuring energy consumption, leakage currents, startup times, and switching overhead.
Exploring industrial design constraints, including requirements relevant to ATEX-classified environments.
Conducting a preliminary Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) classification and cybersecurity gap analysis.
Who We're Looking For
This project could be a good fit if you are studying Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, Electronics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
We believe you have an interest in:
Hardware and PCB design.
Embedded programming and microcontrollers.
Low-power electronics and power management.
Sensor technologies and industrial IoT.
Hardware-software integration.
Previous experience with Zephyr OS or industrial sensor systems is valuable, but an interest in exploring these technologies is equally important.
Expected Outcomes
The thesis aims to deliver a working hardware prototype, a reusable Zephyr OS driver, and a technical evaluation of energy efficiency and design trade-offs.
You will also investigate how industrial requirements and cybersecurity considerations influence the design of connected hardware.
The final research questions, scope, and deliverables will be defined together with your supervisors to ensure a feasible and academically relevant thesis.
Interested in This Thesis?
Want to combine electronics, embedded software, and real-world engineering challenges?
Apply through our thesis application page and indicate your interest in "Modular Low-Power Sensor Platform".