No abstract

No abstract

Wireless sensor networks are collections of autonomous devices with computational, sensing and wireless communication capabilities. Research in these networks has been growing steadily in the past few years given the wide range of applications that can benefit from such a technology. In this paper, the development of a highly modular and miniaturized wireless platform for sensor networks is described. The system incorporates a radio transceiver (operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM Band) with embedded protocol software to minimize power consumption and maximize data throughput. Additional input capability for sensor and actuator integration can be incorporated seamlessly due to the modular nature of the system. The total system is packaged in a modular 25mm cubed form factor.

Purpose -To describe the development of a three dimensional programmable transceiver system of modular design for use as a development tool for a variety of wireless sensor node applications. Design/methodology/approach -As a stepping-stone towards the development of wireless nodes, sensor networks programme was put in place to develop a 25 mm cube module, which was modular in construction, programmable and miniaturised in form factor. This was to facilitate the development of wireless sensor networks for a variety of different applications. The nodes are used as a platform for sensing and actuating through various parameters, for use in scalable, reconfigurable distributed autonomous sensing networks in a number of research projects currently underway in the Tyndall Institute, as well as other institutes and in a variety of research programs in the area of wireless sensor networks. Findings -The modular construction enables the heterogeneous implementation of a variety of technologies required in the arena of wireless sensor networks: Intelligence, numerical processing, memory, sensors, power supply and conditioning, all in a similar form factor. This enables rapid deployment of different sensor network nodes in an application specific fashion.Research limitations/implications -Characterisation of the transceiver module is ongoing, particularly in the field of the wireless communication platform utilized, and its capabilities. Practical implications -A rapid prototyping and development cycle of application specific wireless sensor networks has been enabled by the development of this modular system. Originality/value -This paper provides information about the development work and some potential application areas made available by the implementation of a miniaturised modular wireless sensor node for use in a variety of application scenarios.

No abstract