Abstract
In this work, a low power datalogger with a wireless connection is described. The datalogger can be used as a portable and stand-alone device, as well as a wireless sensor network node. A flexible architecture, which combines a microcontroller with external local buses (data and address) and a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), has been used. The system has two special characteristics: one of them is the high resolution of A/D converters; the second is based on the incorporation of a non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM) that allows fast access to stored data and a low consumption. Storing data in an NVRAM implies an extra security level for the maintenance of data even when the batteries of the system have been exhausted. The complete glue logic has been integrated into a Zero-Power CPLD in order to reduce size. In addition, in each specific application, the CPLD allows the implementation through hardware of some interfaces to sensor module, saving computation time.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.21.3.10044
Highlights
In many applications, data acquisition must be developed in places where an electrical connection is not available or where its access is difficult to reach
If the application does not use the real-time clock (RTC) to return the microcontroller to active mode, the non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM) can be disconnected from the system supply
This block is composed by an MSC1210 microcontroller from Texas Instruments and an LC4064ZC complex programmable logic device (CPLD) from Lattice Semiconductor [13]
Summary
Data acquisition must be developed in places where an electrical connection is not available or where its access is difficult to reach. The motes from the companies Crossbow [5] or Moteiv [6] are included, where characteristics such as a small size or a low consumption are essential in their design These devices have a lower performance in the data acquisition module, and they include low-cost sensors which are not useful for applications where a sensor with a high precision is required. Another essential feature of this design is based on the development of a flexible architecture that allows the system evolution without being limited to a specific microcontroller, and maintaining a low consumption This is achieved using a microcontroller, with data and address buses external to the chip, so that it allows the addition of coprocessors and peripherals mapped in the microcontroller memory in future prototypes. With a power supply of 5 V, the A/D converter input range is increased
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