Radio frequency signal reception via distributed wirelessly networked sensors under random motion

Abstract

This research investigates the reception of radio frequency signals using wirelessly networked autonomous sensor nodes under random motion. Emphasis is placed on investigating effects of random motion on sensor array beamforming. Novel techniques to conduct array operations in spite of the node motion are offered. Conflicting priorities of energy consumption and array operational requirements are addressed to demonstrate performance of the proposed solutions. The issues of node management in a beamforming application, degradation of beamforming performance due to element motion, the need for a weight reset time determination method, and the effect of unsteady element orientation in network communications are explored for system implementation. Examination of Doppler shift due to node motion demonstrated that its impact is negligible on beamforming performance. The management system proposed for the wireless sensor network enabled sensor operation while preserving node energy. Analysis of independent node motion on beamforming performance produced a relationship between motion and gain percent change on aim point. A novel methodology was offered to determine weight reset times with elements in motion. Investigation of unsteady antenna orientation produced an innovative method to mitigate communications degradation. Each proposal proved superior to alternate approaches in terms of performance and energy conservation.