Computer: PicoRadio Supports Ad Hoc Ultra-Low Power Wireless Networking

T echnology advances have made it conceivable to build and deploy dense wireless networks of heterogeneous nodes collecting and disseminating wide ranges of environmental data. An inspired reader can easily imagine a multiplicity of scenarios in which these sensor and actuator networks might excel. The mind-boggling opportunities emerging from this technology indeed give rise to new definitions of distributed computing and user interface. Crucial to the success of these ubiquitous networks is the availability of small, lightweight, low-cost network elements, which we call PicoNodes. These nodes must be smaller than one cubic centimeter, weigh less than 100 grams, and cost substantially less than one dollar. Even more important, the nodes must use ultra-low power to eliminate frequent battery replacement. We envision a power-dissipation level below 100 microwatts, as this would enable selfpowered nodes using energy extracted from the environment—an approach called energy-scavenging or harvesting.1