Integrated Radio-Frequency Functionality in Wireless Sensor Networks

To reduce the size, cost, and power consumption of wireless sensor networks, Williams-Pyro, Inc. proposes to develop a Radio Integrated Sensor Node (RISEN) that integrates common functionalities of communication subsystems with the RF sensing and geo-location subsystems of a wireless sensor network. we will focus on sensing, communication, and data processing (including hardware, software, and routing algorithms) to reduce the number of subsystems, thereby reducing key metrics. Important design features include * Element reconfigurability to achieve sensor and transceiver functions * Programmable sensor nodes * Open architecture to include other modalities, depending on the application * Balanced flexibility and standardization * Low-power modulation schemes and antenna design * Spread Spectrum techniques to provide Low Probability of Interference (LPI), Low Probability of Detection (LPD), and Antijam (AJ) features * Multiple operational frequencies to enable flexible RF integration * Power-efficient algorithms for different layers of the protocol stack In Phase II, we will develop a Multi-Chip Module (MCM) to transition the RF module to a Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC), and we may further transition it to a Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) implementation, depending on cost.