Modelling and simulation techniques for highly integrated, low-power wireless sensor networks

B. Otis, S. Gambini, R. Shah, D. Steingart, E. Quévy, J. Rabaey, A. Sangiovanni-Vincentelli, P. Wright
2007 IET Computers & Digital Techniques  
The design of state-of-the-art low-power wireless sensor nodes involves the convergence of many technologies and disciplines. Submicron complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices, micro-electro-mechanical system filters, on-and off-chip electromagnetic elements, sensors and thin-film batteries are some of the technologies that will enable pervasive systems such as wireless sensor networks. High system complexity requires the use of many simulation environment during design:
more » ... simulators, mechanical finite element analysis, behavioural and transistor-level circuit simulators, electromagnetic (EM) simulators, thin-film battery simulators and network simulators. It is shown that highly integrated, self-contained systems require multiple-domain simulations to uncover complex interactions between domains. Specific examples of block-and system-level design methodologies used in low-power wireless systems are presented here. Bottlenecks in the current methodology will be identified with an eye towards improving the scope and resolution of system-level simulations.
doi:10.1049/iet-cdt:20050214 fatcat:q55jf54g7bhmndq6xisv2ayxim