Design and evaluation of a custom ZigBee platform
Date
2011-11-02
Authors
Fizzotti, Dino
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Abstract
Wireless sensor networks o er signi cant advantages over wired solutions, including
savings in installation and maintenance costs. The ZigBee stack speci es additional
application and networking layers to be used with the IEEE 802.15.4 low-rate
wireless personal area network standard. A custom hardware and software platform
is detailed, and measurements are performed to characterise the platform. Packet
Error Rate (PER) measurements for both a star network and a multi-hop network
show that the PER increases as the number of devices simultaneously transmitting
increases. The maximum goodput (data payload bits transmitted over time) attained
is 37 kb/s. Latency measurements show an increase in microcontroller clock
speed will reduce message generation and deconstruction processing time. Device
lifetime estimations show the signi cant e ect of the chosen regulator's quiescent
current, reducing device lifetime when using a 9 V, 500 mAh battery from 49 days
to 8 days when excluding regulator current. Valid sensor results require monitoring
the device power supply, as a failing power supply in
uences sensor measurements
whilst successful radio transmission is still possible. Devices lasted up to 71 % of
the predicted lifetime.