Smart SensorDVB: sensor network development boards with smart antennas

As sensor nodes reach cubic millimeter dimensions, it will become more difficult to achieve efficient wireless communication in sensor networks due to size, cost, and power constraints. In this paper we show that the use of smart antennas in millimeter-scale systems is necessary, achievable, and highly desired. A proposed design for sensor network hardware platforms supporting smart antennas is given. Termed SensorDVB, these platforms are small, modular, inexpensive, and built entirely from commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) components. Each platform occupies less than 33 cubic centimetres and is equipped with onboard processing, sensing, and radiofrequency (RF) communication.