Electrical Engineering MA, Sensor Networks, 7.5 credits

Aim

The course aims to provide an understanding of the opportunities offered by wireless sensor networks and how they are structured with respect to hardware and routines for network communication.

Course objectives

After the course the student shall be able to:
- Exemplify applications of sensor networks, as well as analyze what requirements these applications place on the underlying hardware and networking technologies.
- Describe properties of wireless communication, such as path loss and other phenomena that lead to signal interference.
- Describe relevant MAC protocols, routing protocols and network topologies for wireless sensor networks, as well as analyze their impact on system performance.
- Compare different methods for the reduction of energy consumption in wireless sensor networks.
- Search, analyze and summarize relevant scientific literature in an application domain of sensor networks.
- Implement wireless sensor networks by programming realtime operating systems for embedded systems, as well as verify system functionality.

Content

The course includes:
- Applications of sensor networks and technologies necessary for hardware and software implementation
- Architectures of wireless sensor devices
- Network topologies
- Sources of interference in wireless communication
- Protocols for Multiple Access Control in wireless sensor networks
- Routing in wireless sensor networks
- Methods for the reduction of energy consumption in wireless sensor networks
- Programming of wireless sensor nodes

Entry requirements

Electrical Engineering BA (AB), 60 credits, including digital electronics, analog electronics and embedded system programming.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

This course contains lectures, group seminars and laboratory sessions.

Examination form

I103: Literature study, Written Assignment, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

L103: Laboratory exercises, 3 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)

R103: Report with oral and written examination, 3 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

Grading criteria for the subject are available at www.miun.se/gradingcriteria.

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Examination restrictions

Students are entitled to three examination opportunities within one year according to the examination format given in this version of the course syllabus. After the one-year period, the examination format given in the most recent version of the course syllabus applies.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

Other information

This course cannot be included in the same degree as EL024A, EL014A or ET014A.