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Home > Research > NSF-REU > Projects > Programmable System on Chip

Programmable System
on Chip (PSoC)


Wireless Smart Sensor Nodes
Based on PSoC


 


Faculty Sponsors: Mequanint Moges, Farrokh Attarzadeh

Motivation

The development of the smallest and least expensive Programmable System on Chip (PSoC) mixed signal array microcontroller is one of the premier markers of technological achievements today. One of Cypress' current generation semiconductor productions makes it ideal for a variety of industrial and consumer control applications, including but not limited to large scale sensor arrays, security sensor and control and smart temperature, pressure and flow sensors. The aim of this project is to implement a scalable architecture of smart sensor systems by integrating the state of the art features of the PSoC controller such as ADC/DAC and the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication user module to the sensing devices. This higher level integration of sensing devices allows them to respond to relevant information from different environments unlike the classical sensing solutions where specific problems for only one process or control are solved.


Project Description

The study will implement a scalable architecture of smart sensor featuring a multidisciplinary approach of sensing systems and networks with a reliable and fast operation for intelligent data collection, processing and communication. In this case the PSoC can be used to acquire data in one mode while using IrDA for communication to send the collected data to a destination. It will also extend compatibility of our existing sensor network testbed and software platform available in the ISGRIN lab with the current reconfigurable PSoC. Applications include wireless smart temperature measurement as well as medical applications such as pulmonary function and reaction time measurements.


Undergraduate Opportunities

The new level of integration of sensor devices with PSoC will foster creativity and give opportunities to students to understand how things work and make them better. In this regard the students will:

  1. Become familiar with the principles and technology of PSoC and other similar state-of-the art technology products
  2. Build and demonstrate a prototype software defined or smart sensor system that acquires data, then using a communication system sends data to a host at high speed based on "intelligent" decisions
  3. Have the opportunity to get real world experience as they develop new and novel ways to utilize the PSoC device in sensor applications.
This will also lead to a possible publication of their works at various conferences, workshops and even participation in student design contests.