Investigation and Implementation Ultra-Low Power PIC-Based Sensor Node Network with Renewable Energy Source and Decision-Making Unit

Abstract

Advancing technology has enabled the production of smaller, more energy efficient and cheaper electronic components. Therefore, previously existing many computer and electronics science-engineering ideas have become feasible. One of them is the technology of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), which has become the realization of the necessary technical requirements applicable today with low energy consumption. First, the sensing tasks and the potential sensor networks applications have explored, and reviews of factors influencing the design of sensor networks have provided. Then, the communication architectures for sensor networks have been outlined. PIC-based microcontrollers have used in the design of the sensor nodes. The design of the sensor node has supported with ultra-low power nanowatt technology for very low-cost design. Processing, memory and wireless communication units have integrated on to the sensor nodes and sensors to be used in the designed system which have allowed to be connected to any kind of sensor node. The designed sensor node’s operating system has written with the PIC C language, and PIC operating system has allowed different features such as measuring humidity, temperature, light sensitive and smoke sensor. Computer software has developed for data that can be recorded and monitored from a central location. Decision-making unit has created in the software algorithm and hardware modules for the implementation of decisions taken by the developed sensor nodes. Developed PIC-based sensor nodes have supported a unique voltage unit with renewable energy sources such as solar panel, rechargeable battery, and supercapacitor for energy production and saving. The results of this study are expected to be helpful for the development of WSN especially with renewable energy sources.