Traineeship Energy efficient wireless communication network

At imec, System Integration

(MSc student 6-9 months)

Low-power is one of the key demands requested by wireless autonomous nodes or wireless autonomous transducer solutions (WATS). A WATS node contains an energy scavenger system that converts ambient energy into usable electrical power (see Figure below). Furthermore, a power module will convert the highly irregular energy flow from the energy scavenger further into regulated energy suitable to charge an energy storage device, or to directly power one of the WATS node module, i.e. sensor, analog-to-digital converter (ADC) or signal processor. Subsequently, a radio module will allow communication with external receivers.

A key issue is to combine the individual WATS nodes in a network. In this case, communication over a large area range is enabled. This however means that data has to be communicated from the sensor node to the Central Node (start network) or between the sensor nodes (mesh network).  In order to have autonomous functioning of a WATS node in a network for the longest period of time possible it is important to predict the most energy-efficient network path.

Assignment

The assignment is to create a Matlab simulator where different network topologies and energy-efficient network protocols can be investigated. The simulator should be component-based in such a way that different communication schemes, radios and prediction algorithms can be tried and tested giving an approximated overall power consumption estimate.

Candidate background

The ideal candidate has experience in Matlab and a basic understanding of low power communication standards and signal processing. The main location to execute the assignment can be either at the TU/e or in the Holst building at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, depending on the student’s preference.

For all inquiries, please contact:

Ms Sandra Maas, Management Assistant Human Resources.
Telephone number: +31 (0)40 40 20 500.

Application form