EcoBT: Miniature, Versatile Mote Platform Based on Bluetooth Low Energy Technology

This paper describes EcoBT, one of the first wireless-sensing platforms to support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) as their primary communication protocol. EcoBT Super-node is a full-sized node with an on-board digital accelerometer with rich expansion ports, while EcoBT Mini is the miniature version merely 8×8 mm 2 in area. Included on both nodes are a digital accelerometer with programmable threshold detection for power saving, real-time clock, magnetic switches for contactless operation, and low-load DC-DC converters for low stand-by power when used in conjunction with a rechargeable Lithium-polymer battery. The use of BLE enables direct communication with a BLE-equipped smart phone, tablet, or laptop without the inconvenience of a dongle or an extra gateway device. These two platforms share the identical microcontroller unit (MCU), enabling code sharing between them with little or no porting effort. The versatility of these platforms is being demonstrated in several real-life applications ranging from temperature tracking in shipping containers and lighting control to and several wearable medical devices.