General Purpose Wireless Communication System Using Data Acquisition

A sensor-enabled and RFID-integrated, Wireless Data Acquisition System (WDAS) that has similar functionality as multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems for health-care applications has been developed, simulated and implemented. The system can accept various measurements via sensors placed on patients or elders and transmit information wirelessly to base station at a remote location. A microcontroller is used to control and process the signals submitted from sensor-enabled RFID devices using sequential logic. Processed signals are then sent to single receiver and transmitter pair instead of conventional MIMO antenna systems. This reduces the cost significantly in comparison to existing systems. It has been shown that the data transmitted from measurement locations can be acquired at the base station located 20 mile away. Data acquisition system (DAQ) is used to determine the measured value, apply the required statistics and display information to health-care professional at the base station. The system developed can be used for health-care applications including nursing homes in rural areas where access is difficult.