Master's thesis

Completed by Martin Bornhold in May 2016.

As a rule, the task of sensor nodes is to collect measurement data from one or more sensors and make it available for retrieval. In most cases, the sensor nodes should work autonomously, which requires their own power supply. The measurement data is often retrieved via a wireless network such as wifi. To ensure smooth interaction between the individual components, the sensor node is controlled by software. This software is executed on the sensor node. A central problem of sensor nodes is the longevity of the power supply, as the sensors, the wireless interface and the sensor node itself consume power. The acquisition costs also play a major role, as many sensors often have to be deployed in harsh environments and the loss of individual sensors cannot be ruled out.

The aim of this work is to evaluate mobile phones for use as sensor nodes and to develop a prototype (hardware and software). The idea behind this is that most of the mobile phones currently available (used/new) can be upgraded with software and have a USB port. Their purchase price, especially for used devices, is also low. They also have a long-range radio interface thanks to mobile radio. For the permanent power supply, the mobile phone should be charged by solar cells. The USB port should be used to connect the sensors.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Oliver Theel

Robert Schadek