Development of distributed sensing systems of autonomous micro-modules

This paper focuses on the development of miniaturised modular wireless sensor networks that can be used to realise distributed autonomous sensors for future ad-hoc networks. Such modular, mobile networks are key enabling technologies in the field of ubiquitous computing and wearable electronics. The Ambient Systems team in the NMRC has adopted a phased approach to developing ultra-miniature sensor nodes with a goal of implementation of a 1 mm³ (or less) autonomous sensor module. This paper will detail the progress through phases 1 and 2. The phase 1 modules are 25mm cubes, fabricated as a 3-D stackable modular PCB, which can be mounted on mobile devices or worn on the body; they can measure acceleration, rotation, shock, elevation etc. and have an ultra low-power RF channel-shared link to a base station. There are numerous possible applications in the fields of sports, exercise, entertainment and health. Extra panels, including sensory, memory or computation can be designed and added as needed. This make the phase 1 module a powerful test platform for developing future automous sensor systems. The phase 2 modules have a much reduced form factor, approximately a 1cm cube; as well as the modularity developed in phase 1, the phase 2 form contains actuators and a PLD platform.