A Wireless Ad Hoc Network Communication Platform and Data Transmission Strategies for Multi-Bus Instruments

Abstract

As automatic test technology advances, the number of programmable instruments in a single test system increases. Traditional wired communication methods have a limited range and involve complex cable layouts. Single-function wireless converters provide a viable alternative, but they have limitations. These include complicated configuration, issues with multi-system collaboration, and data blocking. This paper proposes a wireless ad hoc network platform for multi-bus instruments based on a low-cost ESP-12H WiFi module. The platform supports GPIB, RS232, RS485, and CAN bus interface instrument access. It features easy configuration, ad hoc networking, and self-repairing capabilities. A relay multi-hop network with a tree topology expands capacity and coverage. Additionally, a dynamic window-receiving mode and an improved multi-priority queue ensure data transmission integrity. The experimental results show that the platform’s networking time is less than 10 s, and the coverage range reaches 50 m in complex indoor environments. It also shows good stability when running for a long time. However, due to hardware and software design limitations, the actual upload speeds fall short of the theoretical values. For example, RS232 and RS485 are about 10% slower than the theoretical values, and GPIB is about 80% slower. Further optimization is required in the future.