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Title

A Distributed Transmitter for the Sensor Reachback Problem based on Radar Signals.

Authors

L. R. Varshney, S. D. Servetto.

Status

Edited volume with papers for presentations at the NSF-RPI Workshop on Pervasive Computing and Networking, April 2004.

Abstract

We consider the problem of reachback communication in sensor networks. In this problem, a large number of sensors are deployed on a field, to measure the state of some physical process that unfolds over the field and to then cooperatively send this information back to a distant receiver for further processing. We formulate the problem as a multiple-input, single-output (MISO) system, and develop a time-division scheme based on transmission of simulated radar echoes. Information is encoded in the spatial electromagnetic reflectivity function of virtual point reflectors, and decoded with a conventional range radar receiver. Transmitter diversity and the use of pulse compression radar waveforms are exploited for both increased reliability and increased data rate. Information theoretic and simulation-based performance characterizations are also presented.

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Download presentation at the workshop (PDF file).