Multi-Purpose Communication Protocol for Wired and Wireless Sensor Networks with Actuators

This paper deals with the interconnection of sensors within a sensor system. A protocol for communication between the individual sensors is described. The protocol is based on a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus implementation of the sensor system and includes the setup management, reliable data transfer, and actuator control. An appropriate message design guarantees little traffic on the bus and fast transmission for high-priority messages. As sensor systems are able to run on various communication levels, how the protocol can be transferred into other communication levels is also illustrated. This means that not only is the CAN protocol supported, but also wireless and wired Local Area Networks (LAN) as well as low level communication standards. The protocol setup is exemplarily illustrated based on a sensor network that allows all three standards and therefore the combination of the various communication protocols in one sensor network.