Energy efficient modulation and MAC for asymmetric RF microsensor systems

Wireless microsensor systems are used in a variety of civil and military applications. Such microsensors are required to operate for years from a small energy source. To minimize the energy dissipation of the sensor node, RF front-end circuitry must be designed based on system level optimization of the entire network. This paper presents several energy minimization techniques derived from the unique properties of a practical short range asymmetric microsensor system. These include energy efficient modulation schemes, appropriate multiple access protocols, and a fast turn-on transmitter architecture.