A general multi-sensor node in wireless sensor networks

The existing sensor nodes have many problems for the secondary development. In this paper, based on the sensor node previously developed by us, we design and implement a new type sensor node with modular and reconfigurable characteristics. In particularly, the new sensor node is composed of main board and expansion board. Some common modules such as processor, RF circuits, power supply are located in main board. Some other modules such as kinds of sensors that are frequently changed according to different application requirements are put in the expansion board. We design a connector module to connect different modules with standard interfaces that support various sensors to ensure the flexibility to meet different demands of various applications. Furthermore, we design a software framework for the sensor node, and propose an adaptive data processing mechanism for some application scenarios. Finally, we illustrate the performance and functionality of the new multi-sensor node through the detail experiments by setting up an experimental testbed.