Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • ELECTRONICS • ELECTRICAL
    • Fastening • joining
    • FLUID POWER
    • LINEAR MOTION
    • MOTION CONTROL
    • SENSORS
    • TEST & MEASUREMENT
    • Factory automation
    • Warehouse automation
    • DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
  • Learn
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Learning center
    • eBooks • Tech Tips
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars • general engineering
    • Webinars • Automated warehousing
    • Voices
  • LEAP Awards
  • 2025 Leadership
    • 2024 Winners
    • 2023 Winners
    • 2022 Winners
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guides
  • Resources
    • Subscribe
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Engineering diversity
    • Trends
  • Supplier Listings
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

US Army Field Tests Sporian Biosensor Buoy Network, Funds Phase III

By atesmeh | July 6, 2010

Sporian Microsystems, a developer of sensors and sensor systems, has received a Phase III award to continue development and testing of biosensor and wireless network technologies to detect pathogens in source waters. The effort leverages Sporian’s expertise in areas including molecular biology, optics, wireless communications, low power design and ruggedized electro-mechanical packaging.

There is a need among soldiers in austere environments for remote, near-real time detection and location of waterborne biological pathogens in potential drinking water sources. Since surface water is the primary water source for our deployed soldiers, there is a critical need to determine the extent of potability, especially in undeveloped countries, and to provide continuous monitoring of water quality.

Last year, the Sporian system was tested in Warren, MI as part of the AQUA PATH (Autonomous Querying Threat Agent Sensor for Potable Water Handling) program in cooperation with the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Alexandria, VA. In this field test, Sporian’s sensors monitored for broad E. coli, E. coli O157, and salmonella.

In the new Phase III development effort, Sporian will add new wireless communication and geolocation capabilities, integrate 3rd party water sensors, and improve the performance of its biosensor. Field testing of the upgraded system is planned for later this summer.

The biosensor is based on Sporian’s patented BioOverseer® sensor architecture which provides specific and sensitive pathogen detection in a rugged, portable package. The sensor has a modular architecture, so that it can utilize other assays to detect additional pathogens. Beyond the DoD, Sporian recognizes opportunities in environmental monitoring, water quality, agriculture, health care and homeland security applications. Sporian is working with water utilities and water testing OEMs to commercialize the sensor.

ABOUT SPORIAN: Sporian Microsystems, Inc. Sporian develops, markets, manufactures and sells a family of novel sensors, multiple sensor-suites, sensor-subsystems and sensor data-loggers. These systems communicate via wireless and wired interconnects, and they deliver several key features including small size, weight and power (SWAP) consumption and low cost. The company owns deep technical, marketing and managerial talent and a strong, differentiated intellectual property and patent base. Sporian is pursuing a product development roadmap that includes four interrelated product lines:

Environmental sensors including such parameters as temperature, vibration, humidity, shock, and chemical species present in the environment,

Biological and chemical sensors for environmental contaminant and serum pathogen detection,

Sensors, coatings and packaging for harsh, high temperature and pressure environments,

Systems to integrate sensors with signal processing, data logging, wired and wireless communications, and interface software.

ABOUT ERDC: The mission of the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is to provide science, technology, and expertise in engineering and environmental sciences in support of our Armed Forces and the Nation to make the world safer and better. The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center is one of the most diverse engineering and scientific research organizations in the world. ERDC conducts R&D in support of the Soldier, military installations, and the Corps of Engineers civil works mission, as well as for other federal agencies, state and municipal authorities, and with U.S. industry through innovative work agreements. See http://www.erdc.usace.army.mil/ for more information.

You Might Also Like


Filed Under: Aerospace + defense

 

LEARNING CENTER

Design World Learning Center
“dw
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for Design Engineering Professionals.
Motor University

Design World Digital Edition

cover

Browse the most current issue of Design World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading design engineering magazine today.

EDABoard the Forum for Electronics

Top global problem solving EE forum covering Microcontrollers, DSP, Networking, Analog and Digital Design, RF, Power Electronics, PCB Routing and much more

EDABoard: Forum for electronics

Sponsored Content

  • Sustainability, Innovation and Safety, Central to Our Approach
  • Why off-highway is the sweet spot for AC electrification technology
  • Looking to 2025: Past Success Guides Future Achievements
  • North American Companies Seek Stronger Ties with Italian OEMs
  • Adapt and Evolve
  • Sustainable Practices for a Sustainable World
View More >>
Engineering Exchange

The Engineering Exchange is a global educational networking community for engineers.

Connect, share, and learn today »

Design World
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Manage your Design World Subscription
  • Subscribe
  • Design World Digital Network
  • Control Engineering
  • Consulting-Specifying Engineer
  • Plant Engineering
  • Engineering White Papers
  • Leap Awards

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • ELECTRONICS • ELECTRICAL
    • Fastening • joining
    • FLUID POWER
    • LINEAR MOTION
    • MOTION CONTROL
    • SENSORS
    • TEST & MEASUREMENT
    • Factory automation
    • Warehouse automation
    • DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
  • Learn
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Learning center
    • eBooks • Tech Tips
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars • general engineering
    • Webinars • Automated warehousing
    • Voices
  • LEAP Awards
  • 2025 Leadership
    • 2024 Winners
    • 2023 Winners
    • 2022 Winners
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guides
  • Resources
    • Subscribe
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Engineering diversity
    • Trends
  • Supplier Listings
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. We share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising, and analytics partners who may combine it with other information you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use this website.OkNoRead more