Ultra-Low Power WSN Node with Integrated THP Sensor

Abstract

MEMS-based integrated temperature, humidity and pressure (THP) sensor has the advantages of small size, low cost, easy integration and is a highly advanced apparatus of identity, reliability and easy production. The principle and structure of the integrated THP sensor are analyzed in this paper in short, and it also provides the measuring methods and circuits in detail. The outcome of measurement verifies excellent performance of the integrated THP sensor. Based on the MEMS-based integrated (THP) sensor and relevant measurement circuit, an ultra low power consumption wireless sensor network node for environment monitoring was designed. The design consists of three major goals to enable experimentation: minimal power consumption, easy to use, and enhanced software and hardware robustness. What hardware components were selected and how integrated in order to achieve these goals is discussed in this paper. Using Silicon C8051F121 microcontroller, Chipcon IEEE 802.15.4-compliant radio CC2420 or CC1020, USB, RTC, the module power consumption is less than current platforms while providing better performance and greater throughput.