A 3D miniaturised programmable transceiver

Abstract

Purpose

To describe the development of a three dimensional programmable transceiver system of modular design for use as a development tool for a variety of wireless sensor node applications.

Design/methodology/approach

As a stepping‐stone towards the development of wireless nodes, sensor networks programme was put in place to develop a 25 mm cube module, which was modular in construction, programmable and miniaturised in form factor. This was to facilitate the development of wireless sensor networks for a variety of different applications. The nodes are used as a platform for sensing and actuating through various parameters, for use in scalable, reconfigurable distributed autonomous sensing networks in a number of research projects currently underway in the Tyndall Institute, as well as other institutes and in a variety of research programs in the area of wireless sensor networks.

Findings

The modular construction enables the heterogeneous implementation of a variety of technologies required in the arena of wireless sensor networks: Intelligence, numerical processing, memory, sensors, power supply and conditioning, all in a similar form factor. This enables rapid deployment of different sensor network nodes in an application specific fashion.

Research limitations/implications

Characterisation of the transceiver module is ongoing, particularly in the field of the wireless communication platform utilized, and its capabilities.

Practical implications

A rapid prototyping and development cycle of application specific wireless sensor networks has been enabled by the development of this modular system.

Originality/value

This paper provides information about the development work and some potential application areas made available by the implementation of a miniaturised modular wireless sensor node for use in a variety of application scenarios.

Citation

O'Flynn, B., Bellis, S., Mahmood, K., Morris, M., Duffy, G., Delaney, K. and O'Mathuna, C. (2005), "A 3D miniaturised programmable transceiver", Microelectronics International, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 8-12. https://doi.org/10.1108/13565360510592162