Optimal Phase Response Functions for Fast Pulse-Coupled Synchronization in Wireless Sensor Networks

Synchronization is crucial to wireless sensor networks. Recently, a pulse-coupled synchronization strategy that emulates biological pulse-coupled agents has been used to achieve this goal. We propose to optimize the phase response function such that synchronization rate is maximized. Since the synchronization rate is increased independently of transmission power, energy consumption is reduced, hence extending the life of battery-powered sensor networks. A comparison with existing phase response functions confirms the effectiveness of the method.