System design considerations for sensor network applications

Systems research in the emerging space of wireless sensor networks has exploded. Researchers have deployed nodes composed of a wireless radio, MEMS sensors and low power computation for applications from medical sensing to volcanic monitoring. We must consider several requirements - including the need for inexpensive, long-lasting, highly reliable devices coupled with very low performance requirements - when designing devices for wireless sensor networks. An untethered, fully-integrated node that operates off of energy scavenged from the ambient environment is the ultimate goal. We take an application-driven approach to the design of a wireless sensor network node. Our approach addresses the event-driven nature that is characteristic of many sensor network workloads. We have completed a detailed architectural analysis of this space using a full-system simulator and RTL model. From this analysis, we chose to implement a design that best achieves the power goals and performance requirements of wireless sensor network applications.