A wireless sensor network powered by microwave energy

Emily Adams, Ayman Albagshi, Khaleel Alnatar, Gregory Jacob, Nathan Mogk, Alexis Sparrold, Michael W. Marcellin, Hao Xin

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

Systems that monitor environments often rely on cumbersome wires to supply power to the sensing equipment or batteries that require monitoring and replacement. As technologies continue to advance, the use of self-sustaining, wireless powering becomes more essential to satisfy challenging requirements that necessitate continuous measurement and general functionality. This paper focuses on the creation of a wireless sensor network with emphasis on the implementation of wirelessly charged sensing nodes by utilizing microwaves. Three subsystems make up this "proof of concept" wireless sensor system: a power transmitting base station, three sensor nodes, and a communication base station. Interfacing and power regulation are of the utmost importance in order to ensure all of the subsystems are able to communicate with one another and power all necessary functions. The power transmitting base station transmits microwaves to the nodes. A rectenna on each node converts the transmitted microwaves into DC power. Each node contains sensors to monitor the temperature and light of the environment. For the communication aspect of the system, Zigbee protocol, which belongs to IEEE 802.15.4 protocol, is used fore wireless communication between the base station and the nodes. Through the combination of power regulation, microwave energy, and radio transmission, users are able to utilize this system to collect environmental sensor data wirelessly.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalProceedings of the International Telemetering Conference
Volume48
StatePublished - 2012
Event48th Annual International Telemetering Conference and Technical Exhibition, ITC/USA 2012 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Oct 22 2012Oct 25 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Instrumentation
  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Signal Processing

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