Energy efficient embedded systems and their application in wireless sensor networks

Abstract

Abstract Embedded systems are specialised electronic systems that perform limited number of fixed operations and are used in many application areas. Such systems are based on using microprocessors for their implementation. Embedded systems are usually part of other systems where they are embedded into some embedding systems. They have to be efficient in electrical energy consumption, size of program code, time of operation, weight and cost. Embedded systems are inexpensive and are used in almost every electronic product or other electronic systems. Many embedded systems are mobile systems supplied by batteries and the available electrical energy must be used efficiently as much as possible. Application areas where embedded systems are used and where minimal consumption of energy is required are battery powered wireless sensor networks. The methods for reduction of energy consumption and for power management in embedded systems are considered and described in this paper. The accent is given on design and application of energy efficient embedded systems in wireless sensor networks and on possibilities to reduce energy consumption in such systems. The methods for energy harvesting, that are very attractive and very useful in wireless sensor networks applications, are also considered and described. One practically implemented battery supplied wireless sensor network for application for environmental data acquisition and monitoring in agriculture is described in the paper.