Design optimisation of a wireless sensor node using a temperature-based test plan

Abstract

The introduction of Big Data and Internet of Things has allowed the rapid development of smart farming technologies. Usually, systems implemented in smart farms monitor environmental conditions and soil parameter to improve productivity, to optimize soil conservation, to save water and to limit plant diseases. Wireless sensor networks are a widespread solution because they allow to implement effective and efficient crop monitoring. At the same time, wireless sensor networks can cover large area, they can ensure fault tolerance and they can acquire large amount of data. Recent literature misses to consider the testing of the hardware performances of such systems according to the actual operating conditions. The effects of a harsh environment on the dynamic metrological performances of sensor nodes are not sufficiently investigated. Consequently, this work deals with the electrical design optimization of a sensor node by means of thermal test used to reproduce the actual operating conditions of the nodes. The results of the node characterization through thermal tests are used to improve the node's design and consequently to achieve higher performances in harsh operative conditions.