CSR---EHS Rapid Efficient Implementation of Communication Protocols for Embedded Systems

North Carolina State University, Raleigh NC

Investigators

Abstract

Many embedded systems rely upon communication systems to exchange information and coordinate activities in distributed applications. Developing communication systems which are fast, reliable, energy-efficient and error-free is a challenge due to the many trade-offs involved. Software implementations are often inefficient due to poor coding practice. This project is developing new ways to develop and implement communication protocols for embedded networks using a building-block approach. A tool is being developed which offers a collection of commonly used protocol components which the developer tunes and interconnects as needed for the application. The tool then generates an efficient program from these components using software thread integration. The tool also estimates protocol performance and computational requirements, allowing system designers to have quick feedback on the impact of design decisions. A major goal of this project is making rapid prototyping of embedded communication systems accessible to non-specialist researchers and practitioners, as well as to address real-world problems. Two specific applications are being used to promote these interdisciplinary goals. The first application is ultrasonic marine biotelemetry, which enables the analysis of movement, physiological function and behavior of marine organisms. One team member is a marine biologist with extensive experience in this area who is defining requirements and guiding testing. The second application is structural health monitoring (SHM) of bridges using wireless sensor networks. Another team member is collaborating with civil engineers on an SHM project, and leverages the sensor network protocol experience gained.