PRESS RELEASE Uppsala November 24, 2009

ÅAC Microtec in joint project developing wireless sensors for aircraft engines

ÅAC Microtec, Volvo Aero and Uppsala University have started a joint project aimed at developing a wireless sensor system for gas turbines. The project is funded by the Swedish Governmental Agency VINNOVA.

There is a generally recognized need for improved in-situ monitoring of parameters like temperature, strain, vibrations, pressure and stall detection in aircraft engines. The new project concerns the development of a wireless sensor system that can be productified and used for monitoring and optimized testing of such gas turbines.

The new system will be based on the patented functional miniaturization technology of ÅAC Microtec AB and the long heritage of research in sensor principles and wireless networks by the Signals and Systems group at Uppsala University.

The project will give Volvo Aero access to new technology that can have a major impact on the development of engines for flight and space vehicles. One obvious benefit is cost reduction, as development engines can be monitored by wireless sensors instead of the extensive and complicated wire systems used today. The new system will also provide new opportunities to monitor engines in service, resulting in optimized maintenance and improved safety.

“The project gives us the opportunity to test the new technology developed by ÅAC Microtec and Uppsala University in the harsh conditions of a real engine environment. In the future we hope that small wireless sensors will save time and costs in our product development work and by health monitoring of our engine components reduce maintenance cost and improve flight safety,” says Patrik Johansson, Director Business Development & Sales at Volvo Aero.

“This project is an important step in realizing ÅAC Microtec’s ambitions to utilize our miniaturization technology in industrial applications, at the same time as we continue to build on our established position in the aerospace field. It is also our first major contribution to green technology, as it will enable Volvo Aero to develop more effective and environment-friendly aircraft engines,” says Fredrik Bruhn, Vice President and co-founder of ÅAC Microtec.

For further information:

Mats Magnell, CEO ÅAC Microtec AB

Phone: +46 70 751 92 34

e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

web: www.aacmicrotec.com

About the company:

ÅAC Microtec offers products and services for robust embedded electronics systems, based on a world leading packing technology. ÅAC was founded as a spin-off from the Ångström Laboratory at Uppsala University five years ago.