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SpotCore: a power-efficient embedded processor for intelligent sensor networks

Published: 11 June 2007 Publication History

Abstract

Sensor platforms designed with mobility in mind, such as body networks, have inherent scalability problems arising from the conflicting demand for high processing capabilities (to collect, compress, and filter data) and the need for low-power, resource-constrained hardware. This paper presents a CPU design which seeks to optimize processing for a sensor network by improving performance in a power-efficient and scalable manner. We demonstrate the crucial design decisions and trade-offs required in developing such a processing platform and demonstrate that a minimalist design saves power without adverse impact on performance. In addition, we address the problem of scalability in a multithreaded environment through the development of a novel scheduling algorithm implemented directly in hardware.

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Published In

cover image Guide Proceedings
BodyNets '07: Proceedings of the ICST 2nd international conference on Body area networks
June 2007
143 pages
ISBN:9789630621939

Sponsors

  • Create-Net
  • ICST
  • AICT

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ICST (Institute for Computer Sciences, Social-Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering)

Brussels, Belgium

Publication History

Published: 11 June 2007

Author Tags

  1. embedded systems
  2. low-power
  3. microprocessors
  4. schedulers
  5. sensor networks
  6. threads

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