Wireless Interconnects for Environmental Sensing Applications

Data collection electronics used for monitoring meteorological and oceanographic sensors onboard remote vessels and/or at coastal facilities can be significantly enhanced by the development of wireless enabled monitoring systems, especially those with implementation costs and performance characteristics comparable to current 'wired' approaches. Furthermore, all situations where a reliable, low cost wireless link can be established in lieu of wires/cables could easily result in major savings to the NOAA. Eliminating sensor cables often eliminates the most common failure point in data acquisition / measurement systems. However, the benefits associated with wireless interconnects cannot be realized until the numerous technical challenges related to implementing wireless links are overcome. The proposed Phase I program will first focus on determining candidate cables for replacement and the overall system impact. This includes compatibility issues, power requirements, system bandwidth and range capabilities and the possible problems associated with RF transmissions. Requirements for those wireless links will be documented and used to evaluate the usefulness of COTS wireless technologies. Luna will draw conclusions about the feasibility of wireless links on typical NOAA stations, and will offer creative ideas and a plan for adapting COTS products and/or developing new technologies and methods to meet the special requirements