What This Document Is
This is a detailed theoretical guide accompanying a laboratory experiment for Electronic Techniques for Engineering (ELENG 100) at the University of California, Berkeley. It focuses on the emerging field of wireless sensor networks, specifically exploring a system known as “Smart Dust.” The material provides a foundational understanding of the components, operation, and network architecture of these miniature sensing devices. It’s designed to prepare students for hands-on work with real-world sensor technology.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is essential for students enrolled in ELENG 100 who are undertaking the Smart Dust Lab. It’s also valuable for anyone interested in learning about the principles behind distributed sensor systems, wireless communication, and embedded systems. Engineers and technologists working with IoT (Internet of Things) devices, data acquisition systems, or wireless networks will find the concepts presented here highly relevant. Reviewing this material *before* the lab will maximize your understanding and ability to interpret experimental results.
Topics Covered
* Fundamentals of wireless sensor networks
* Architecture of a “Smart Dust” mote
* Components of a wireless transceiver system
* Microcontroller and memory functions within a sensor node
* Analog-to-digital conversion for sensor data
* Network topology and data communication pathways
* The role of a base station in data collection
* Introduction to TinyOS operating system
What This Document Provides
* A comprehensive overview of the hardware elements comprising a Smart Dust mote.
* Detailed descriptions of key components like temperature and illumination sensors.
* Illustrative figures depicting network topologies and mote construction.
* Information regarding commercially available Smart Dust hardware.
* An explanation of how motes autonomously establish network connections.
* Context on the development and application of the TinyOS operating system.
