Smart Sensor Framework: A Pressure Sensor for Smart Home Applications

Abstract

Smart home automation applications require a dense information network for proper func-tionality. Air-conditioning or filtration systems, for example, must detect airflows caused by openwindows and doors. An unambiguous detection of such airflows can be performed by a distributedsensor network. Current off-the-shelf sensors often lack processing and communication units, resulting in a large design assembly of discrete integrated circuits (ICs) on one printed circuit board (PCB)that requires additional power supply. Distributing such designs within a home without interferingwith the existing surroundings proves to be difficult in terms of acceptance and usability. This paperpresents a solution by offering an integrated design that includes a microelectromechanical system(MEMS) pressure sensor element along with an analog to digital converter (ADC) and a customizableand programmable processing unit. The integration leads to a smaller overall footprint and reducedpower consumption, which positively affects the acceptance rate of distributed smart sensor networksfor home automation. Clear interfaces between the components ensure an extensible and adaptablesystem design suitable for further smart sensor applications, resulting in a smart sensor framework.