Micro-MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) Radio Technology

When low-cost wireless nodes are combined with novel communication and application layers as well as sensing hardware, the resulting wireless sensor network (WSN) can provide a degree of fidelity for data collection and control not previously possible. For this reason, WSNs can be found in a tremendous range of applications from environmental monitoring to security and surveillance as well as building control and manufacturing automation. At the same time, sensor nodes must function under severe constraints, particularly in terms of power consumption. Seeking to provide further reductions in power consumption per transmitted bit, research has shown that multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology can provide an increase in spectral efficiency for a given amount of power consumed. Looking towards the practical development of such a system, we propose technical solutions for each system element. These include selection of the multiple-antenna coding method, physical layer waveform, low-power medium access control (MAC), and novel small-footprint antenna designs. In particular, these technologies are addressed in the context of power consumption per hardware element that would be used for practical implementation. For this effort, Toyon has teamed with Professor Ronald Iltis from the University of California, Santa Barbara.