Wireless Sensor Networks

April 4th, 2006

A Technical Report:
Wireless Sensor Networks and How They Work

Prepared for
Ann Holms
University of California Santa Barbara

Prepared by
Ethan Culler-Mayeno
University of California Santa Barbara

Abstract
Wireless sensor networks are a budding technology with the potential to change the way that we live. This report explains the workings of each network as a system of tiny computers called motes and the parts of the network. Furthermore, this report goes on to explain the parts of each mote, including a portion on MEMS technology to show the development of motes.

Table of Contents
Introduction........................................................................................................1
WSNs: How do motes make up a system? ........................................................1
How do motes communicate with each other? ......................................2
What safety mechanisms are in place? ..................................................3
How do WSNs communicate with the user? .........................................3
Parts of a Mote ...................................................................................................4
Sensors ...................................................................................................4
Power Source ……….…………………………………………………4
Radio ......................................................................................................5
Electronic Brain .....................................................................................5
Mote Base ..............................................................................................5
Mote: Theory of Operation ................................................................................5
MEMS Technology............................................................................................6
What Is

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