Wireless multi-functional sensor platform, system containing same and method for its use

A sensor system for monitoring of a medium, comprising:

• an interrogation unit for generating an induction power field and for receiving responses;
• and
• a plurality of wireless embedded sensor platforms, each including a plurality of sensor types and powered by said induction field, said platforms are disposed throughout said medium, and wherein each of said plurality of sensor types generates a respective output representative of said sensor type,
• further comprising a multi-layered substrate for mounting said sensing electronics.

A method for providing monitoring of a medium, comprising the steps of:

• providing a plurality of wireless embedded sensor platforms in said medium, wherein the medium is one of asphalt, concrete and cement, said sensor platforms having a housing defining an interior volume;
• and a plurality of sensors configured for inserting within said interior volume and for monitoring a plurality of parameters associated with said medium;
• embedding the plurality of embedded wireless sensor platforms within the medium to be monitored;
• generating a time varying magnetic field to said plurality of embedded wireless sensor platforms;
• wirelessly receiving the time varying magnetic field at said plurality of embedded wireless sensor platforms;
• powering said plurality of embedded wireless sensor platforms from the wirelessly received time varying magnetic field;
• sensing a plurality of structural, chemical and environmental conditions of the monitored medium from said powered embedded wireless sensor platforms;
• wirelessly transmitting said sensed plurality of structural, chemical and environmental conditions of the monitored environment to a receiving unit.