Data acquisition device for the instrumentation of a structure

CA 03097249 2020-10-15 WO 2019/202155 PCT / EP2019/060247 1 DATA ACQUISITION DEVICE FOR THE INSTRUMENTATION OF A FIELD OF THE INVENTION STRUCTURE The invention relates to a data acquisition device, intended to vehicle instrumentation (land vehicle, aircraft, rail vehicle) or industrial equipment (electric power generation equipment).

STATE OF THE ART Instrumentation consists of installing on-board sensors and acquisition devices on vehicles or industrial equipment to be tested, in order to carry out measurements during test procedures or quality controls.

The data can for example be physical data (shocks, vibrations) or environmental data (temperature, humidity, pressure).

Data acquisition devices collect and format the data from the various sensors.

FIG. 1 schematically represents a first example of a known acquisition device.

The acquisition device comprises a frame and a series of electronic modules capable of being inserted into the frame like drawers.

The frame includes side walls delimiting an insertion opening and a bottom wall.

The side walls are provided with slides in which the electronic modules can be inserted.

The device further comprises an electronic connection card fixed to the bottom wall inside the frame.

The electronic card includes a series of connectors.

Each electronic module is inserted in one of the slides and is electrically connected to the electronic card via one of the connectors.

This device allows the assembly of different electronic modules suitable for acquiring and processing signals coming from different sensors according to the needs.

A disadvantage of this device is that it is bulky, so that it generally cannot be installed close to the sensors.

Thus, CA 03097249 2020-10-15 WO 2019/202155 PCT / EP2019/060247 2 cables must be installed to connect the various sensors to the acquisition device.

In addition, the frame must be fixed to the structure to be instrumented using an adapter plate and fixing screws.

As a result, the device is bulky and its installation requires the provision of cable passages and the drilling of holes in the structure to be instrumented for the insertion of the fixing screws.

Thus, the instrumentation of the vehicle or of the equipment to be tested can significantly modify the performance of the vehicle or of the equipment.

This impact of the instrumentation on the performance of the vehicle or the equipment to be tested must generally be evaluated, prior to the tests, in order to correct the measurements obtained when possible.

Furthermore, once the vehicle or the equipment to be tested has been instrumented, it is generally not possible to easily modify the configuration of the sensors, the acquisition device and the wiring, for example when it is desired to add a captor.

FIG. 2 schematically represents a second example of an acquisition device.

The acquisition device comprises a series of electronic modules.

Each module includes an individual box.

The casings of the electronic modules are assembled together to form a stack, and the electronic modules are connected together by means of connectors.

Such a device is generally less bulky than the device shown in Figure 1.

However, this device also has the drawback that it must be fixed to the structure to be instrumented by means of an adapter plate and fixing screws.

In addition, cables must also be installed to connect the various sensors to the acquisition device.

Thus, as with the device of Figure 1, the device shown in Figure 2 does not allow easy modification of the configuration of the sensors, the acquisition device and the wiring once the vehicle or the equipment to be tested has been instrumented.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION CA 03097249 2020-10-15 WO 2019/202155 PCT/EP2019/060247 3 An object of the invention is to provide a data acquisition device which has a reduced size and impact on the structure at instrument, and which can be used in severe environmental conditions.

This object is achieved in the context of the present invention thanks to a data acquisition device comprising:

- a box comprising a side wall delimiting a cavity, - a plurality of electronic modules capable of being stacked in the cavity along a stacking direction, each electronic module having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, and comprising a first set of conductive tracks extending over the first face, and a second set of conductive tracks extending over the second face, the first set of conductive tracks comprising at least one conductive track dedicated to the transmission of a data, and the second set of conductive tracks comprising at least one conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the data signal and electrically connected to the conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the data signal of the first set of conductive tracks via an electrical connection passage extending inside the electronic module, - one or more connection block(s), each block connection being arranged between two adjacent electronic modules of the stack to establish an electrical connection between each track of the first set of conductive tracks of one of the electronic modules and a corresponding track of the second set of tracks of the other of the electronic modules , and - a pressing member capable of applying a compression force to the electronic modules, parallel to the stacking direction, the compression force tending to deform each connection block by increasing a dimension of the connection block in a radial direction , perpendicular to the stacking direction, so as to maintain each connection block resting against the side wall of the housing.

CA 03097249 2020-10-15 WO 2019/202155 PCT / EP2019/060247 4 In such a device, the transmission of data between the various electronic modules is carried out thanks to the dedicated conductive tracks present on the faces of each module.

Thus, the electrical connection of an electronic module of the stack is ensured by the other modules, and not thanks to an electronic card or specific wiring.

As the connection block(s) is (are) held in abutment against the side wall, the connection block(s) immobilizes the electronic modules in the housing.

The electronic modules are thus protected against vibrations and shocks.

Therefore, the acquisition device can be used for data acquisition under severe environmental conditions.

In one embodiment of the invention, the conductive tracks are arranged so that when the electronic modules are stacked in the cavity, regardless of the stacking order of the electronic modules in the cavity, the conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the data signal on the second face of one of the modules faces the conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the data signal from the first face of another adjacent module in the stack, to propagate the data signal from one module to another through the entire stack.

As the electronic modules can be stacked in the box in any order, without their functions being modified, it is possible to easily reconfigure the device: simply add and/or remove one or more modules( s) electronic(s) as required.

The proposed device may also have one of the following characteristics:

- at least one of the electronic modules is capable of generating the data signal, - the first set of conductive tracks comprises at least one conductive track dedicated to the transmission of a synchronization signal, and the second set of conductive tracks comprises CA 03097249 2020-10-15 WO 2019/202155 PCT / EP2019/060247 at least one conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the synchronization signal and electrically connected to the conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the synchronization signal of the second set of tracks via an electrical connection passage extending inside the electronic module, the tracks being arranged so that when the electronic modules are stacked in the cavity, the conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the synchronization signal on the second face of one of the modules faces the conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the synchronization signal on the first side of another of the modules, - l The first set of conductive tracks comprises at least one conductive track dedicated to the transmission of a power supply signal, and the second set of conductive tracks comprises at least one conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the power supply signal and electrically connected to the conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the power supply signal of the second set of tracks via an electrical connection passage extending inside the electronic module, the tracks being arranged so that when the electronic modules are stacked in the cavity , the conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the power supply signal on the second side of one of the modules faces the conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the power supply signal on the first side of another of the modules, - the first set of conductive tracks comprises at least one conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the data signal, a conductive track dedicated to the tra nsmission of the synchronization signal and a conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the power supply signal, and the second set of conductive tracks at least one conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the data signal, a conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the synchronization and a conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the power supply signal, electrically connected respectively to the conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the data signal, to the conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the synchronization signal and to the conductive track dedicated to the transmission of the power supply signal of the first set of conductive tracks, via electrical connection passages extending inside the electronic module from the first face as far as the second face, - the pressing member comprises an elastic return element, such as a compression spring for example the, - the acquisition device comprises a first end plate, the pressing member being disposed between the body of the cap and the first end plate, so that the pressing member applies the compressive force on the electronic modules via the first end plate, - the acquisition device comprises a second end plate, and the electronic modules are arranged between the first end plate and the second end plate, - the housing has an aperture, the acquisition device further comprising:

a cap comprising a body capable of closing the opening of the housing, and a connector extending through the body of the cap, the connector being capable of being connected to a communication cable, for transmitting the data signal between one or more of the electronic modules arranged inside the cavity and remote equipment located outside the case, - the acquisition device comprises a first end plate arranged between the cap and the stack, and the first end plate has a third face and comprises a third set of conductive tracks extending over the third face, the tracks of the third set of conductive tracks being on the one hand electrically connected to the connector and being able on the other hand to be electrically connected to the tracks of the first set of conductive tracks or of the second set of conductive tracks of one of the electronic modules, CA 03097249 2020-10-15 WO 2019/2021 55 PCT/EP2019/060247 7 - the acquisition device comprises a flexible electrical connection cord connecting the tracks of the third set of conductive tracks to the connector, - each connection block is formed from an anisotropic electrically conductive material having high electrical conductivity (i.e. a low electrical resistance, typically less than 1 Ohm, for example a few milliohms) in a first direction parallel to a stacking direction of the electronic modules and a low electrical conductivity (i.e. say a high electrical resistance, typically greater than 109 Ohms, for example of the order of a few Gigaohms) in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the electronic modules, so as to establish the electrical connection between each track of the first set of conductive tracks of one of the electronic modules and a corresponding track of the second set of tracks of the other electronic modules, - the anisotropic electrically conductive material comprises a non-conductive matrix and a plurality of electrically conductive elements dispersed in the matrix, the electrically conductive elements being capable of conducting electrical signals in the first direction only, - the matrix is formed from an elastomeric material, - each electronic module comprises a first electronic card having the first face on which the first set of conductive tracks extends, a second electronic card having the second face on which the second set of conductive tracks extends , and one or more electronic component(s) arranged between the first electronic card and the second electronic card and connected to one of the tracks of the first set of conductive tracks and to one of the tracks of the second set of conductive tracks, - one of the electronic components is capable of receiving a input electrical signal containing measurement data via the track of the first set of conductive tracks to which the electronic component is connected, to apply processing to the data measurement, and to generate an electrical output signal containing the measurement data processed via the track of the second set of conductive tracks to which the electronic component is connected, - one of the electronic components is a battery capable of generating a voltage between the track of the first set of conductive tracks to which the electronic component is connected and the track of the second set of conductive tracks to which the electronic component is connected, - one of the electronic components is a sensor capable of generating an electrical measurement signal containing measurement data, such as for example a vibration sensor, an acceleration sensor, an acoustic sensor, a sensor r temperature sensor or a pressure sensor, - each electronic module comprises a coating material filling the space between the components and the electronic boards, - each module comprises side walls extending between the first electronic board and the second board electronics, so as to delimit with the first electronic card and the second electronic card a protective enclosure containing the electronic component(s), - the tracks of the first set of conductive tracks and of the second set of conductive tracks are circular and arranged concentrically, - the housing comprises a side wall of cylindrical shape of revolution surrounding the cavity.

The invention also relates to a data acquisition system, comprising:

a plurality of acquisition devices as defined above, suitable for being fixed in different places of a structure to be instrumented, and a data concentrator suitable for being connected to the different acquisition devices via communication cables or via links CA 03097249 2020-10-15 WO 2019/202155 PCT/EP2019/060247 9 wireless to receive measurement data signals from the various acquisition devices.

In one embodiment of the invention, the acquisition system further comprises a plurality of sensors adapted to be fixed to the structure to be instrumented, each sensor being connected to one of the acquisition devices to transmit data from measurement to the acquisition device.

PRESENTATION OF THE DRAWINGS Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description which follows, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and must be read in conjunction with the appended figures, among which:

- the already commented figure 1 schematically represents a first example of a data acquisition device of the state of the art, - the already commented figure 2 schematically represents a second example of a data acquisition device of the state of the art, - figure 3 schematically represents a data acquisition device, in accordance with a possible embodiment of the invention, - figure 4 schematically represents a cap of the acquisition device, - Figure 5 schematically shows, in sectional view, an electronic module forming part of the data acquisition device, - Figure 6 schematically shows a first face of an electronic module, - Figure 7 shows schematically, a second face of the electronic module, - figure 8 schematically represents a connection block arranged between two adjacent electronic modules, - figure 9 rep schematically shows another connection block arranged between two adjacent electronic modules, CA 03097249 2020-10-15 WO 2019/202155 PCT/EP2019/060247 - figures 10 to 14 schematically show different functions that can be provided by a module electronics, - figures 15 to 18 schematically represent various functions that can be provided by an end assembly 5 including a cap of the acquisition device, - figure 19 schematically represents a data acquisition system comprising a plurality of acquisition devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT In FIG. 3, the data acquisition device 10 represented comprises a casing 11, a plurality of electronic modules 12 and a plurality of connection blocks 13.

Housing 11 includes two end caps 14, 15 and a body 16.

The body 16 comprises a side wall 17 of generally cylindrical shape, for example cylindrical of revolution, having an axis X.

The side wall 17 has two free edges 18, 19 delimiting two end openings.

Each cap 14, 15 is adapted to be introduced into one of the openings and to be fixed to the body 16, for example by screwing or by any other means.

The side wall 17 delimits a cavity 20 capable of receiving the electronic modules 12 and the connection blocks 13.

Cavity 20 extends between the two openings of housing 11.

The electronic modules 12 and the connection blocks 13 are capable of being introduced inside the cavity 20 of the casing via one of the openings.

In addition, the electronic modules 12 and the connection blocks 13 are suitable for being stacked in the cavity 20 according to a stacking direction parallel to the axis X of the box 11.

More precisely, the electronic modules 12 and the connection blocks 13 are stacked alternately with each other so that each electronic module 12 is located between two connection blocks 13 in the stack.

Each electronic module 12 is capable of carrying out a function which is specific to it.

For example, electronic modules may include CA 03097249 2020-10-15 WO 2019/202155 PCT/EP2019/060247 11 one or more sensor(s) (such as an accelerometer or a pressure sensor for example), data processing, a memory and a battery.

The electronic modules 12 can also include an intermediate module, ie an electronic module which does not fulfill any specific function, but which is used to complete the stack, in the case where the cavity 20 has a predetermined volume and where the number of electronic modules 12 necessary does not completely fill the space of the cavity 20.

Each cap 14, 15 comprises a blanking piece 21, 22 suitable for being fixed on the body 16 to close one of the openings and an end plate 23, 24.

Once the caps 14, 15 are fixed on the body 16, the stack consisting of the electrical modules 12 and the connection blocks 13 is located between the two end plates 23 and 24.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the cap 14 includes a connector 25 extending through the closure piece 21 and a pressing member 26.

The pressing member 26 is arranged between the closing part 21 and the end plate 23 of the cap 14. The pressing member 26 is able to apply a compression force F on the stack, parallel to the direction stack to maintain the electronic modules 12 and the connection blocks 13 in compression against each other. The pressing member 26 applies the compressive force F to the electronic modules 12 via the end plate 23.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the pressing member 26 may include an elastic return element, such as a compression spring for example.

The cap 14 further comprises a flexible electrical connection cord 27 connecting conductive tracks of the end plate 23 to the connector 25.

CA 03097249 2020-10-15 WO 2019/202155 PCT/EP2019/060247 12 The connector 25 is able to be connected to a communication cable, to transmit signals between one or more of the electronic modules 12 arranged inside of the cavity 20 and remote equipment located outside the box 11.

Figures 5 to 7 schematically represent an electronic module 12.

The electronic module 12 has the shape of a cylindrical pellet.

In the example illustrated in Figure 5, the electronic module 12 comprises a first electronic card 28 having a first flat face 29 and a second electronic card 30 having a second flat face 31, opposite the first flat face 29.

The flat faces 29 and 31 extend perpendicular to the stacking direction.

The electronic module 12 further comprises a first set of conductive tracks 32 extending over the first face 29, and a second set of conductive tracks 33 extending over the second face 31.

The electronic module 12 also comprises a plurality of electrical connections 42 arranged between the two electronic boards 28 and 30 and each extending from the first face 29 to the second face 31 so as to connect the tracks 32 and 33 two by two. .

The electronic module 12 further comprises a plurality of electronic components 34 arranged between the two electronic boards 28 and 30 and connected to some of the electrical connections 42.

The electronic module 12 may further comprise one or more intermediate boards 35 arranged between the first electronic board 28 and the second electronic board 30, and supporting the electronic components 34.

The electronic module 12 further comprises a coating material 36 filling the space between the components 34 and the electronic cards 28, 30, 35.

In this way, the electrical connections 42 and the electronic components 34 are protected from mechanical stresses (vibrations, shock, pressure variations) and ambient humidity by the coating material 36.

Furthermore, the coating material 36 can be chosen to make the electronic module 12 watertight.

CA 03097249 2020-10-15 WO 2019/202155 PCT / EP2019 / 060247 13 Alternatively, each module 12 may comprise side walls extending between the first electronic card 28 and the second electronic card 30, so as to delimit with the first electronic card and the second electronic card a protective enclosure containing the electrical connections 42 and the electronic component(s) 34.

As illustrated in Figure 6, the first set of conductive tracks 32 comprises a plurality of circular conductive tracks 37 arranged concentrically in a first pattern.

As illustrated in Figure 7, the second set of conductive tracks 33 comprises a plurality of circular conductive tracks 38 arranged concentrically in a second pattern.

The second pattern is identical to the first pattern.

The first set of tracks 32 is identical from one electronic module 12 to another.

Likewise, the second set of tracks 33 is identical from one electronic module 12 to another.

Furthermore, in the example illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the first set of tracks 32 is symmetrical to the second set of tracks 33.

More precisely, in this example, the first set of tracks 32 is identical to the second set of tracks 33 Each of the first set of tracks 32 and of the second set of tracks 33 can comprise between 3 and 10 tracks.

In the example illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the first set of tracks 32 and the second set of tracks 33 each comprise 9 separate tracks, numbered from 1 to 9.

Each track is dedicated to the transmission of a predetermined signal.

In the example illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, tracks n 1 and n 3 are dedicated to the transmission of synchronization signals (called CLK and FSYNC ), tracks n 2 and 9 are dedicated to the transmission of synchronization signals supply (called VCC and GND ) and tracks n 4 to 8 are dedicated to the transmission of data signals (called SCLK , D_AOUT , D_AIN , I2C_SCL , I2C_SDA ).

CA 03097249 2020-10-15 WO 2019/202155 PCT / EP2019 / 060247 14 The conductive tracks 37 and 38 are thus arranged so that when the electronic modules 12 are stacked in the cavity 20, each of the conductive tracks n 1 to 9 of the second face 31 of an electronic module faces a corresponding conductive track n 1 to 9 of the first face 29 of an adjacent electronic module in the stack.

In this way, the signals are propagated from one electronic module 12 to another through the stack, regardless of the stacking order of the electronic modules 12 in the cavity 20.

Furthermore, the first end plate 23 has a first bearing face 39 directed towards the stack.

The first end plate 23 comprises a third set of conductive tracks extending on the first support face 39.

The third set of conductive tracks is identical to the second set of conductive tracks 33 shown in Figure 7.

The flexible electrical connection cord 27 connects the tracks of the third set of conductive tracks to the connector 25.

The conductive tracks are thus arranged so that when the electronic modules 12 are stacked in the cavity 20, each of the conductive tracks n 1 to 9 of the first face 29 of the electronic module 12 located at the first end of the stack faces a conductor track n 1 to 9 corresponding to the first bearing face 39 of the first end plate 23.

Thus, the tracks of the third set of conductive tracks are on the one hand electrically connected to the connector 25 and on the other hand connected to the tracks 37 of the first set of conductive tracks 32 of the electronic module 12 located at the first end of the stack.

Similarly, the second end plate 24 has a second bearing face 40 directed towards the stack.

The second end plate 24 comprises a fourth set of conductive tracks extending over the second support face 40.

The fourth set of conductive tracks is identical to the first set of conductive tracks 32.

The conductive tracks are thus arranged so that when the electronic modules 12 are stacked in the cavity 20, each of the conductive tracks n 1 to 9 of the second face 31 of the module CA 03097249 2020-10-15 WO 2019/202155 PCT / EP2019 /060247 electronic 12 located at the second end of the stack faces a corresponding conductive track n 1 to 9 of the second support face 40.

The tracks of the fourth set of conductive tracks are thus connected to the tracks 38 of the second set of conductive tracks 33 of the electronic module 12 located at the second end of the stack, opposite the first end of the stack.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, each connection block 13 has the shape of a disc and is able to be arranged between two adjacent electronic modules 12 of the stack.

More precisely, the connection block 13 illustrated in FIG. 8 is placed between a second face 31 of a first electronic module 12A and a first face 29 of a second electronic module 12B placed facing the second face 31.

The connection block is able to establish an electrical connection between each track 37 of the first set of conductive tracks 32 of the first electronic module 12A and a corresponding track 38 of the second set of tracks 33 of the second electronic module 12B.

Each connection block 13 is formed from an anisotropic electrically conductive material having a high electrical conductivity (that is to say a low resistance, for example of the order of 1 ohm) in a first direction parallel to the direction of stacking of the electronic modules 12 (that is to say parallel to the direction of the axis X) and a low electrical conductivity (that is to say a high resistance, for example of the order of 1012 ohms) in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the electronic modules 12, so as to establish an electrical connection between each track 37 of the first set of conductive tracks 32 of the electronic module 12B and a corresponding track 38 of the second set of tracks 33 of the module electronic 12A.

The anisotropic electrically conductive material may comprise an electrically non-conductive matrix, formed for example of an elastomeric material, and a plurality of electrically conductive elements dispersed in the matrix, the elements CA 03097249 2020-10-15 WO 2019/202155 PCT/ EP2019/060247 16 electrically conductive being capable of conducting electrical signals according to the stacking direction only.

When subjected to a compressive force, the connection blocks 13 tend to deform.

More precisely, the thickness of the connection block 13 measured along the stacking direction tends to decrease, while the radius of the connection block 13, measured along a radial direction, perpendicular to the stacking direction, tends to increase.

The connection blocks 13 thus occupy the space between the electronic modules 13 and the end plates 23 and 24, and bear against the side wall 17 of the box 11.

In this way, the connection blocks 13 immobilize the electronic modules 12 in the casing 11, protect the electronic modules 12 against vibrations and shocks.

Each connection block 13 has an annular outer surface.

As illustrated in Figure 3, each connection block 13 is dimensioned so that, under the effect of the compression force F, the connection block 13 undergoes radial expansion.

This has the consequence that the annular outer surface of the connection block 13 is pressed against the cylindrical inner surface of the side wall 17.

The material of the connection block 13 is crushed against the inner surface of the side wall 17.

In this way, the connection blocks 13 separate the electronic modules 13 in a sealed manner.

The electronic modules 13 are thus protected from humidity or the penetration of contaminants inside the cavity 20.

Furthermore, the connection blocks 13 can be formed from a material which makes it possible to conduct the heat which can be generated by the electronic modules 12 towards the side wall of the casing, in order to dissipate the heat towards the outside.

To further improve heat dissipation, housing 11 may include fins arranged on the outer surface of side wall 17.

FIG. 9 schematically represents another example of connection block 13 which can be arranged between two adjacent electronic modules 12.

The connection block 13 has an annular shape.

The acquisition device further comprises a connector 41 arranged in the center of the connection block 13.

Due to the arrangement of the conductive tracks 37 and 38 on the faces of the electronic modules 12, the electrical signals such as the synchronization signals, the power supply signals and the data signals are transmitted from one module 12 to the other. through the stack, regardless of the order of the electronic modules 12 in the stack.

Each electronic module 12 can propagate the data signals, the synchronization signals or the power supply signals in the following way:

- the electronic module 12 transmits the signal between a track 37 of the first set of conductive tracks 32 and a corresponding track 38 of the second set of conductive tracks 33, without using or processing the signal, - the electronic module 12 transmits the signal between a track 37 of the first set of conductive tracks 32 and a corresponding track 38 of the second set of conductive tracks 33, and at the same time uses the signal to operate its electronic components.

Figures 10 to 14 schematically represent various examples of functions that can be provided by an electronic module 12.

In Figure 10, the electronic module 12 is a sensor module.

The electronic module comprises a sensor able to generate a data signal including measurement data (for example an accelerometer or a pressure sensor).

The electronic module transmits the data signal between a track of the first set of conductive tracks and a corresponding track of the second set of conductive tracks.

The electronic module uses a synchronization signal to synchronize its electronic components which require it (typically the analog/digital conversion components), while transmitting the synchronization signal between a track of the first set of conductive tracks and a corresponding track of the second CA 03097249 2020-10-15 WO 2019/202155 PCT/EP2019/060247 18 set of conductive tracks.

Likewise, the electronic module uses a power signal to supply its electronic components, while transmitting the power signal between a track of the first set of conductive tracks and a corresponding track of the second set of conductive tracks.

In FIG. 11, the electronic module 12 is a data recording module.

The electronic module includes a memory configured to store data from the data signal.

The electronic module transmits the data signal between a track of the first set of conductive tracks and a corresponding track of the second set of conductive tracks.

The electronic module uses the power signal to power its electronic components, while transmitting the power signal between a track of the first set of conductive tracks and a corresponding track of the second set of conductive tracks.

Moreover, the electronic module transmits the synchronization signal between a track of the first set of conductive tracks and a corresponding track of the second set of conductive tracks, without using or processing the signal.

In FIG. 12, the electronic module 12 is a processing module.

The electronic module is configured to process the data signal it receives and to generate a processed data signal.

The electronic module uses the power signal and the synchronization signal to power its electronic components, while transmitting the power signal and the synchronization signal between tracks of the first set of conductive tracks and corresponding tracks of the second set of conductive tracks .

In FIG. 13, the electronic module 12 is a power supply module, one of the electronic components of which is a battery.

The electronic module is configured to generate a power signal.

The electronic module transmits the data signal between a track of the first set of conductive tracks and a corresponding track of the second set of conductive tracks, without using or processing the signal.

Likewise, the electronic module transmits the synchronization signal between a track of the first set of conductive tracks and a corresponding track of the second set of conductive tracks, without using or processing the signal.

In FIG. 14, the electronic module 12 is an intermediate module.

In this case, the electronic module does not fulfill any specific function, apart from adapting the total size of the stack to a desired dimension.

The electronic module transmits the data signal, the synchronization signal and the power signal between a respective track of the first set of conductive tracks and a corresponding respective track of the second set of conductive tracks, without using or processing the signal.

Figures 15 to 18 schematically represent different functions that can be provided by one of the caps 14 or 15.

In FIG. 15, the cap 14 is a passive cap, that is to say that it fulfills no specific function.

In this case, the tracks of the third set of conductive tracks are electrically connected to the connector.

Thus, the connector receives the data signal, the synchronization signal and the power signal.

These signals can be transmitted via a communication cable or wireless connection to remote equipment located outside the device housing.

FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrate embodiments of the cap, in which the cap is active, that is to say it fulfills a function of its own.

In FIG. 16, the cap 14 includes a conversion component, capable of converting the data signal which propagates through the various modules of the stack in a first format into a data signal having a second format, different from the first format.

The data signal in the second format is capable of being broadcast over a communication cable or via a wireless connection to remote equipment located outside the device housing.

The conversion component is also capable of carrying out an inverse conversion, that is to say of converting a data signal in the second format into a data signal in the first format.

In FIG. 17, the cap 14 includes a conversion component, capable of converting the synchronization signal which propagates through the various modules of the stack in a first format into a synchronization signal having a second format, different from the first format.

The synchronization signal in the second format is capable of being broadcast over a communication cable or via a wireless connection to remote equipment located outside the case of the device.

The conversion component is also suitable for carrying out an inverse conversion, that is to say converting a synchronization signal in the second format into a synchronization signal in the first format.

In FIG. 18, the cap 14 includes a conversion component, capable of converting the power supply signal which propagates through the various modules of the stack in a first format (for example a first voltage level) into a signal power supply having a second format (for example a second voltage level), different from the first format.

The power supply signal in the second format is capable of being broadcast over a communication cable to remote equipment located outside the case of the device.

The conversion component is also suitable for carrying out an inverse conversion, that is to say converting a power supply signal in the second format into a power supply signal in the first format.

A cap fulfilling several of the three functions illustrated in Figures 16 to 18 could of course be envisaged.

FIG. 19 schematically represents a data acquisition system.

The data acquisition system shown includes a plurality of data acquisition devices 10 and a data concentrator 50.

The data acquisition system comprises a plurality of sensors fixed in different positions to a structure to be instrumented.

Among the sensors, some sensors may be separate sensors 110, distinct from the data acquisition devices 10.

In this case, each sensor 110 is fixed to the structure to be instrumented and is connected to an associated data acquisition device 10.

The sensor 110 is connected to the associated acquisition device via a communication cable or a wireless link in order to transmit measurement data generated by the sensor 110 to the associated data acquisition device 10 .

Among the sensors, other sensors can be integrated into data acquisition devices 10.

In this case, the sensor is part of an electronic module of the data acquisition device 10.

The data acquisition devices 10 can be fixed to the structure to be instrumented (for example to a strand of cable or to a tubing) in a simple way, by means of cable ties or self-locking cable ties (such as cable ties plastic commonly called tyraps or metal), without screws or drilling.

The assembly and disassembly of each acquisition device 10 can be carried out without tools, which allows a rearrangement of the acquisition assembly according to needs.

Each data acquisition device 10 is connected to another data acquisition device 10 or to the data concentrator 50 via a communication cable 60 or via a wireless link 70 (for example a radio frequency link).

Data concentrator 50 can also be connected to other data acquisition devices 80.

The data concentrator 50 is configured to receive data signals coming from the various acquisition devices 10 and 80 and to carry out the aggregation (with its own locally acquired data), the filtering (i.e. say to the selection of data from among the data it receives), to the recording of the data in a recording medium 90 and/or to the transmission of the data to other equipment, such as for example a ground station when the acquisition set CA 03097249 2020-10-15 WO 2019/202155 PCT/EP2019/060247 22 is installed on board an aircraft, via a transmission link 100.