I am try to build a wireless sensor(right now I am using an adxl335 accelerometer with an analog output) but this project should be general for any sensor that outputs analog. The issue is that I have to first convert the analog to digital to transmit it over RF(I have a 12d,12e RF series which is a four channel Rf transmitter with reciever). But the issue is if I need to convert the analog to digital then I need a microcontroller for the CS as well as clock lines. This just adds enormously to the cost of the project as well as the number of hours I would spend assembling them together and a microcontroller for each sensor does not seem sensible at all. I am wondering what is the general route taken to make an accelerometer or any other sensor that outputs anolog wireless.
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It is very common to take an analog signal, pass it through and ADC, into a microcontoller, and out a digital radio. There are many wireless microcontrollers with integrated radios and ADCs for just this task. One example is the mc13224v that's on an Econotag. The other option would be to transmit the analog signal directly with AM or FM. |
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You may want to consider using RF transmitter/receivers that have an onboard ADC, such as the XBee series (available from https://www.sparkfun.com/categories/111). If all you want is to ADC the analog signal and transmit it, this may be your easiest option. |
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You could consider an IR transmitter Receiver link and come up with your own carrier modulation and receiver or multiplex them into one channel depending on accuracy needed and bandwidth for range but must use RF for longer range. If it is low bandwidth, you can configure an inexpensive TV RF modulator with an analog TV like signal with H sync and analog MUX all the signals using grey as o and black white as peak to peak signal and using a synchronous analog Mux send all the channels in one line at say a 20KHz rate and use a nyquist filter on each channel to prevent aliasing noise. Then use a receiver to DEMUX the analog to S&H buffered outputs Dynamic range will certainly not be as good as digital but 40dB is certainly possible with a good carrier / noise ratio. With a vertical sync you might be able to watch it on TV. ;) |
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