A generic Simulink based model of a wireless sensor node : Application to a medical healthcare system

Wearable low power sensor nodes enable medical facilities and personnel (doctors, nurses ...) to keep an eye on a person's vital signs without altering his daily routine. This technology is mainly limited by the amount of available energy. In this work, we aim to create a Matlab/Simulink based model that helps in the design of a wireless sensor node. We will not only be able to determine the power consumption of the node, but also to pick components based on their power-efficiency. This approach will allow the user to extract maximum performance from components already available on the market. Thus it will save the time needed to develop new ones. Examples with processors and wireless communication modules are presented. Future works will aim to upgrade the model in order to include several sensors operating within a network.