Dual-band sensor–antenna design for low energy consumption/cost wireless sensor nodes

摘要

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) consist of nodes with a limited power source. Reducing the energy consumption is an effective way to extend the lifespan of the sensor node. In this contribution, a new approach of designing of a new class radio frequency sensor-antenna for low energy consumption and low-cost wireless sensor nodes is proposed. Unlike the architecture of a conventional wireless sensor node, the proposed approach does not require any processor device that consumes power. It consists of integrating a capacitive sensor in a narrowband antenna that can send raw information, through its operating frequency which can be tuned depending on the value of the physical parameter to measure. As a result, a corresponding table between the resonant frequency of the sensor-antenna and the measured physical parameter is obtained. Furthermore, by using a dual-band antenna, the proposed configuration is able to measure, simultaneously, two physical parameters. A prototype of the sensor-antenna has been simulated and its behaviour has been validated with measurements. From the obtained results, it can be noted that the use of the proposed sensor-antenna can be a good alternative to reduce considerably the complexity and hence the cost of wireless sensor nodes for WSN applications.