Zigbee-based intra-car wireless sensor networks: a case study

There is a growing interest in eliminating the wires connecting sensors to the microprocessors in cars due to an increasing number of sensors deployed in modern cars. One option for implementing an intra-car wireless sensor network is the use of ZigBee technology. In this article we report the results of a ZigBee-based case study conducted in a vehicle. Overall, the results of the experiments and measurements show that ZigBee is a viable and promising technology for implementing an intra-car wireless sensor network.

Introduction

Wireless sensor networks have been implemented in various monitoring applications such as industrial, health, environmental, and security. Recently, vehicular applications have entered the list due to several important considerations. As the number of sensors used in modern cars keeps increasing, the cost and weight associated with their integration also increase. If the wires can be replaced with a suitable wireless technology, sensors can communicate with the control unit (microprocessor) in a wireless fashion. It is anticipated that such a solution could lead to significant benefits in reducing cost, providing an open sensor network architecture that will be scalable as the number of sensors keep increasing, and reducing the weight of the car, which will enhance fuel efficiency. While several wireless technology options seem plausible, it is not clear what the optimum choice is.