Wireless Sensor Network Platform for Intrinsic Optical Fiber pH Sensors

Abstract

This paper explores the potential of creating a hybrid wireless sensor network (WSN) through the establishment of a generic WSN platform, which allows for the effective integration of a number of novel optical fiber (wired) sensors. The aim is to maximize the potential of a sensor system created using advanced optical sensor techniques coupled to the WSNs. In this design, each wireless mote in a WSN is configured as a generic platform for ease of integration of the optical fiber sensor modules. In the work carried out, a typical configuration is used comprising a LED light source, a filter, a photodiode, and an amplifying circuit. Thus, each mote is able to record and process the signals generated from the optical fiber sensors and transmit the data obtained on the measurements made wirelessly to a base station. To verify both the hybrid concept and the effectiveness of a generic platform established, the system is tested using an intrinsic pH optical fiber sensor developed by some of the authors and especially chosen to be integrated into the platform. When the sensor is subjected to a range of solutions with varying pH values from 1 to 9, the sensor data generated from the system are collected at the base station. The experimental results obtained confirm the functionality of the platform designed, and its ability to allow real-time optical fiber sensor data monitoring, processing, and transmission. The success of the creation of this type of hybrid WSN platforms thus opens up new sensing opportunities using a wide range of optical fiber sensors, thus showing a potential impact on some measurement applications where conventional WSNs cannot meet the systems requirements.