Experimental evaluation of wideband signals-based wireless sensor networks for industrial environments

In this paper, performance of a wireless communication system based on wideband signals has been experimentally evaluated in a point-to-point topology for potential deployment in industrial environments. A class of wideband signals based on Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) modulation has been chosen in this work. Two experimental scenarios have been considered: 1) coexistence with other wireless systems, and 2) subjection to time-varying electromagnetic interferences. The results indicate that wireless systems based on wideband CSS signals perform well in terms of bit and packet error rates as well as throughput when coexisting with other wireless systems and when disturbed by interference in the same frequency band. The results reported are of particular interest to those who develop low power and high reliability wireless systems for industrial applications, particularly in situations that already have other wireless systems in use.