Open architecture for WSN based on runtime reconfigurable systems and the IEEE 1451

Abstract

The ubiquitous and plug-and-play characteristics are fundamental in the development of future wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Runtime reconfigurable systems have also proven to be of interest improving the development of WSNs, at the expense of increasing notably the cost, complexity, and power consumption of the WSN mote, as well as potentially overloading the network. These inconveniences make challenging the introduction of runtime reconfigurable hardware in WSN platforms. This paper suggest a possible solution to this issue, by presenting an open architecture for the development of a simple WSN mote based on a runtime reconfigurable hardware platform (the TelosB node and a Programmable System on Chip device). The IEEE 1451 family of standards is used in cooperation with the TinyOS operating system to improve the scalability and flexibility of the proposed WSN mote. The viability of the entire system is shown through the development of an environmental sensor network for monitoring and supervising a natural park.