Integrated Sensing: Generic Autonomous Platform for Sensor Systems

University Of Texas At Dallas, Richardson TX

Investigators

Abstract

0225528 Maloberti The generic autonomous platform for sensor systems, GAP4S, project aims at the development of a basic platform for sensor systems with on-board micro-battery remotely rechargeable via a MicroWave (MW) signal, full-duplex wireless Radio Frequency (RF) and MW communications, power-aware and reliable protocols. The sensing modules will ensure mobility without demanding huge communication and processing bandwidth. Moreover, the wireless interconnection shall be responsible for getting and supplying data and power in a reliable, secure, programmable manner. Power will be wireless received (microwaves) by the module, transformed, stored in an integrated battery. Power consumption of all the electronics will be reduced significantly with respect to present levels and the functionality will be managed on the basis of the amount of energy available and received. The sensor nodes will be in the footprint (with medium radii, e.g., 100 m) of a (mini) base-station that will be the entry point of a wider communication network. The project will experimentally demonstrate the co-integration of multi-sensors (optical and humidity) with a general-purpose analog interface, a digitally programmable data converter, and a smart power management section. Moreover, the project will integrate a SiGe RF uplink module with optimum control of the transmission power and with data recovery from the MW powering flow. Also, the project will identify and implement power-aware and reliable protocols that span across the wireless sensor network and the existing network infrastructure, namely the Internet. The feasibility of on-board multi-GHz antenna will be verified.