Design and Implementation of Embedded Sensor Network for an Automated Radio Telescope

This paper presents a real-time implementation of an embedded sensor network for an automated radio telescope. The sensor network consists of accelerometers, digital motor temperature sensors, azimuth and elevation encoders, ambient temperature and humidity sensors, and an over the air wireless updating system for the microcontroller. A super loop software architecture was used to collect sensor data and update the control room operation. A custom PCB was designed for the sensor that houses the microcontroller, a wireless communication module, and peripheral circuit components. A laboratory test setup was built to collect sensor data and emulate the actual system operation. The test results validated the sensor network and system operation.