A LoRa-based Dual-CPU Core Salton Sea Environmental Monitoring Wireless Sensor System

Abstract

A prototype of wireless sensor system is built using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components to collect field sensor data in the Salton Sea, Imperial Valley region. The system is powered by a dual-CPU core system. The first CPU core, a low-power 8-bit microcontroller core which is running 24/7, overseeing the timing and power management of the entire system; the second CPU core, a high-power 64-bit Raspberry Pi which is connected to peripheral sensors and communication sub-systems based on the LoRa radio chip-set. The system is powered by a thin-film solar cell and Lithium rechargeable battery, housed in a water-proof casing. Power consumption profiles of different sub-systems are characterized to ensure sustainable operation of the sensor system.