FPGA-Based Bridge Stress Structure Detection System

Vibrating string sensors are widely utilized in bridge stress monitoring systems due to their high precision and robustness in measur­ing structural strain and stress. This paper proposes an advanced bridge stress monitoring system based on Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Advanced RISC Machines (ARMs) as core pro­cessing units, enabling efficient and reliable operation. The system architecture comprises four integral subsystems: a data acquisition module, an FPGA-based data processing unit, a data transmission framework, and a comprehensive data management subsystem. The FPGA subsystem, implemented using the Altera Cyclone IV EP4CE10E22C8N device, integrates critical modules including an excitation signal generator, a sweep signal controller, a frequency meas­urement unit, and a top-level system coordinator. These modules collectively enable precise frequency signal measurements from vibrat­ing string sensors, achieving a measurement accuracy of 99%. The ARM subsystem, based on the STMicroelectronics STM32F407 microcon­troller, manages data communication protocols, system-level control operations, and user interface interactions, ensuring seamless hardware-software integration. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system exhibits high stability, reliability, and strong resistance to interference. These attributes make it highly suitable for practical applications in bridge stress monitoring. The system's modular design and scalable architec­ture further enhance its adaptability to various monitoring requirements, offering valuable insights for engineers and researchers in the field of structural health monitoring. This work provides a robust reference for the development of intelligent transportation systems and large-scale infrastructure monitoring applications.