Components of Artificial Neural Networks Realized in CMOS Technology to be Used in Intelligent Sensors in Wireless Sensor Networks

The article presents novel hardware solutions for new intelligent sensors that can be used in wireless sensor networks (WSN). A substantial reduction of the amount of data sent by the sensor to the base station in the WSN may extend the possible sensor working time. Miniature integrated artificial neural networks (ANN) applied directly in the sensor can take over the analysis of data collected from the environment, thus reducing amount of data sent over the RF communication block. A prototype specialized chip with components of the ANN was designed in the CMOS 130 nm technology. An adaptation mechanism and a programmable multi-phase clock generator—components of the ANN—are described in more detail. Both simulation and measurement results of selected blocks are presented to demonstrate the correctness of the design.