Precise realtime current consumption measurement in IoT TestBed

Abstract

Background: The Internet of Things, similar to wireless sensor networks, has been integrated into daily life of almost everyone. These wearable, stationary, or mobile devices are in multiple locations, collecting data or monitoring and executing certain tasks. Some can monitor environmental values and interact with the environment, while others are used for data collection, entertainment, or even life-saving. To achieve the wireless part of the system, the majority of sensor nodes are designed to be battery-powered. While battery power has become increasingly ubiquitous, it tends to increase the global carbon footprint of electronic devices. This issue can be mitigated by employing some form of energy harvesting so that batteries can be refilled and the gadget lasts longer, but this does not alter the reality that batteries are still used and eventually discarded. Methods: In this paper, the authors emphasise the significance of power consumption in battery powered devices. To be able to monitor devices power consumption, one of the measurable parameters is current. When users know the exact current consumption, they can decrease it by polishing the program or tweaking the duty cycle, making radio transmit less data or less frequently, thus decreasing overall power draw. Results: In order to simplify current consumption monitoring, the authors have developed a testbed facility that provides real-time current consumption measurements, which may be used to enhance the duty cycle and battery life of the aforementioned devices. Conclusions: While minimising total current consumption is a great way to extend the battery life and, thus, the carbon footprint, the primary culprit in the Internet of Things is the radio communications. This transmission is the primary source of current consumption. By determining the exact amount of current drawn during transmission and adjusting it, users can significantly extend battery life.