SmartMesh IP wireless sensor networks are known for delivering >99.999% data reliability at ultra-low power, with routing nodes <50µA. But some applications call for nodes to be roaming within the wireless network. Enter SmartMesh IP Blink Mode, an ultra-low power roaming node capability that can reduce the average power consumption of wireless sensor nodes to less than 3 µA of power
Blink Mode is a new mode of operation in the SmartMesh IP software where:
- The node usually sleeps (i.e. the radio is off, and not participating in the mesh network)
- Other SmartMesh IP nodes within RF range of the blink node act as the routing infrastructure to relay the blink packet. These nodes must be operating in mesh mode.
- When the blink node needs to send data to the manager, it wakes up, gets synchronized, sends its ‘blink’ data packet, and then goes back to sleep.
Blink packets are conveyed securely (encrypted) and reliably (>99.999% data reliability) and are ideal for applications where frequency of data transmission is low. Blink nodes can communicate multiple times per day, even while moving around the mesh. Blink Mode is also ideal for sending an alert packet, like a sensor measurement has exceeded a safe threshold. The new Blink feature enables thousands of SmartMesh IP nodes to reliably and securely send infrequent data into a mesh-mode SmartMesh network while consuming an average of less than 3 µA.
Blink Mode is available with SmartMesh IP mote & manager products running software versions 1.4.1 or newer. For additional details, see the SmartMesh IP User’s Guide.
