An ultra-low power MEMS-based two-channel transceiver for wireless sensor networks

This paper explores the design and implementation of a low-power two-channel transceiver using micromachined resonators. Wireless sensor networks require transceivers that are small, cheap, and power efficient. RF-MEMS resonators are utilized to accommodate these constraints. The prototype 1.9GHz transceiver, designed in 0.13 /spl mu/m CMOS, operates at 1.2V and consumes 3mA in receive mode and transmits 1.6dBm with 17% efficiency. The two 40kb/s channels achieve a sensitivity of -78dBm with a 10 /spl mu/s receiver start-up time.