Radio Frequency (RF) Sensors
and Communications in IBS will:
• Build RF communication networks for
building controls technology
– Present compelling demonstration that:
• works reliably in diverse building
environments
• beats wired networks on cost ($300/control
point, 1/2 for material and labor for wiring)
• adapts to changes in interior building layouts
• Build capabilities for low cost RF based
sensor and controller devices
– Design low-cost RF-based integrated smart
sensors (temperature, air-flow, humidity,
smoke, CO2, CO, etc.)
mP, sensor, modem
Miniaturization
antenna
on board
battery
Attributes:
•cheap
•modular
•programmable
•flexible
LDRD FY1999 Result
Investigation of RF Transmission in Buildings
requires:
• High powered, high capital cost technology
for robust communications
• High maintenance cost for changing batteries.
Technical Solution: 2 Tier Communications
• Little modem: 312 MHz, low cost, low range
for short-distance communication
– battery operated (target: 5 years life-time)
– low power requirements, low transmission rate
– mProcessor for:
• power management strageties (i.e. go-to-sleep mode)
• signal conditioning, data reduction
• systems integration (e.g., several sensors)
• Big modem: 915 Mhz, higher cost, medium
range to relay to central controller
–
–
–
–
using power supply
high transmission rate (hundreds of kbs possible)
higher priced (hundreds of $)
Alternative: Plugs into wired networks using
Internet Protocol
Technical Solution of a 2 Tier
Communication Approach
2 Tier: Wireless
Big modem, medium range
Little modem, low range
10-20 m
2 Tier: Internet - RF
TCP/IP Interface
Little modem, low range
10-20 m
Office Ethernet