Masters Theses

Abstract

"This thesis focuses on the development of a robust, low power consumption and cost effective wireless data acquisition, system to be used for civil infrastructure health monitoring. The complete solution that has been developed for this application integrates micro-electromechanical sensing elements (e.g. PVDF sensor); a wireless data acquisition system based on a Bluetooth-enabled radio, a microcontroller with analog to digital conversion capabilities, a power source including a solar cell array for long term operation, and a weatherproof enclosure for on-site installation. The complementary part of the solution is a weatherproof On-site Remote Access Point (ORAP) which collects, stores, and transmits the wirelessly acquired data through the internet to a web server for further analysis. Finally, Blue-Scope which is a user-friendly front end with plotting capabilities that provides full control of the remote access point is presented.

The advantages of a distributed sensor network are described. This type of network provides coverage for a very large total space through the union or intercommunication of many wireless sensor nodes. Sizing the system for a complete coverage consists of determining the appropriate number of smart sensor nodes.

Technical challenges and problems associated with the development of a wireless distributed sensor network, various possible solutions, and the trade offs involved are discussed. These problems are classified into two categories: the design of the smart sensor cluster and the design of the solar-based power source which provides a long battery life. Design constraints, power operation modes, and the implementation of the solutions are described"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Pottinger, Hardy J., 1944-

Committee Member(s)

Cox, Norman R.
Dagli, Cihan H., 1949-

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Spring 2003

Pagination

xiii, 171 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 169-170).

Rights

© 2003 Jose Humberto Mata Hernandez, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Wireless communication systemsBluetooth technology

Thesis Number

T 8173

Print OCLC #

53115926

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