11.1 Hardware platforms (e.g., MICAz, TelosB, Arduino)

Wireless sensor networks rely on hardware platforms like MICAz, TelosB, and Arduino. These microcontroller-based systems form the backbone of sensor nodes, providing processing power, memory, and communication capabilities essential for data collection and transmission in various applications.

Each platform offers unique features and trade-offs. From low-power consumption to versatile programming options, understanding these hardware choices is crucial for designing effective sensor networks that can operate reliably in diverse environments.

Microcontroller Platforms

Popular Microcontroller Options

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Top images from around the web for Popular Microcontroller Options

• 

  Ultra-low power, dual-band wireless microcontrollers from TI - Electronics-Lab.com View original

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• 

  Advances in Information Provision from Wireless Sensor Networks for Irrigated Crops View original

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• 

  Wireless Sensor Networks and the Tower that Breathes View original

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• 

  Ultra-low power, dual-band wireless microcontrollers from TI - Electronics-Lab.com View original

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• 

  Advances in Information Provision from Wireless Sensor Networks for Irrigated Crops View original

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• MICAz is a popular choice for wireless sensor networks due to its low power consumption and support for the ZigBee protocol
• TelosB is another widely used platform that features an IEEE 802.15.4 compliant radio and a USB interface for programming and data collection
• Arduino boards, such as the Arduino Uno, are versatile microcontroller platforms that can be easily programmed using the Arduino IDE and support a wide range of sensors and peripherals
• Microcontrollers are the central processing units of sensor nodes, responsible for executing the node's firmware, processing sensor data, and managing communication with other nodes (ATmega128L, MSP430)

Memory Considerations

• Memory capacity is a crucial factor in sensor node design as it determines the amount of data that can be stored and processed locally
  • Limited memory resources often require efficient data storage and processing techniques
  • MICAz and TelosB nodes typically have 128KB of program flash memory and 4KB of RAM, while Arduino Uno boards have 32KB of flash memory and 2KB of RAM

Sensor Node Components

Core Components

• Sensor nodes are the fundamental building blocks of wireless sensor networks, consisting of a microcontroller, radio transceiver, sensors, and power supply
• Radio transceivers enable wireless communication between sensor nodes, allowing them to exchange data and coordinate their activities (CC2420, CC2500)
  • The choice of radio transceiver depends on factors such as frequency band, data rate, and power consumption
• Sensor interfaces allow the microcontroller to collect data from various sensors, such as temperature, humidity, light, and motion sensors (I2C, SPI, analog inputs)

Power Management

• Power management is critical in wireless sensor networks to ensure long battery life and reliable operation
  • Techniques such as duty cycling, where nodes alternate between active and sleep modes, can significantly reduce power consumption
  • Energy harvesting methods, such as solar panels or piezoelectric generators, can be used to supplement or replace batteries in some applications

Physical Characteristics

Form Factor Considerations

• Form factor refers to the physical size, shape, and layout of a sensor node
  • Compact form factors are often desired to facilitate deployment in various environments and minimize the impact on the monitored system
  • The choice of form factor depends on the specific application requirements, such as the need for unobtrusiveness, robustness, or ease of installation
• Examples of common form factors include:
  • Coin-sized nodes (Mica2Dot) for highly compact deployments
  • Matchbox-sized nodes (MICAz, TelosB) for general-purpose applications
  • Custom-designed enclosures for specific environmental conditions or mounting requirements