Sensor networks are a promising approach and a multi-disciplinary venture that combines computer networks, signal processing, software engineering, embedded systems and security. A large class of applications may take benefits from this technology: safety and security of buildings or spaces, measuring traffic flows, environmental engineering and ecology. Sensor networks will also play an essential role in the upcoming age of pervasive computing as our personal mobile devices will interact with sensor networks dispatched in the environment.
Thanks to a high collaborative research effort funded by the CNRS, INSA Lyon and INRIA, the CITI has a strong asset in the design of wireless sensor nodes. Families of communicating sensors nodes have been developed. The characteristics are the following: Features Ultra low power CC1100 multi channel RF transceiver in the globally compatible ISM Band (315 to 915 Mhz) with an integrated on board antenna; 8 Mhz TI MSP 430 ultra low power 16 bit RISC mixed digital-signal microcontroller; 1 MB external flash memory for data storage; support for several OS (Contiki, FreeRTOS, TinyOS); two integrated photodiodes, one embedded temperature sensor and a standard ultra compact connector for optional sensor extension cards; PoLiFlex battery with linear charge management controller.