Application of IEEE 802.15.4 Based Wireless Sensor Network on Low Power Consumption Train

Abstract

The existing train basically adopts wired network such as CAN, MVB and WTB networks (conforming to the IEC 61375 protocol) connected to the sensor, actuator and controller. These wired sensor networks have the advantage of mature technology and reliable work but they are also limited by cost and volume of the sensor. Besides, monitoring nodes are difficult to arrange and wire, and the maintenance cost is too high to expand network monitoring. With the rapid development of big data and artificial intelligence nowadays, these technologies become a hot topic in the field of research on intelligent train while demanding for backup of large amounts of perception data. The current wired sensor network, however, is difficult to meet the increasing demand of train intelligence for the perception system. The wireless sensor network technology adopts distributed network protocol which supports self-organization of the network and reconfigures the network automatically in case of partial nodes failure. Without limitation of wiring, the networking process becomes rather convenient. The rapid development of MEMS technology makes miniaturization of sensor nodes possible, which can be easily embedded in every part of the car body structure. On a basis of IEEE 802.15.4 technology, this paper introduced the key technology and application field of train wireless sensor network with low power consumption, such as wireless communication technology with low power consumption and short distance, sensor technology with low power consumption and technology of energy collection and storage. The focus is on the issues such as reliability and real time of the wireless sensor network protocol which is based on IEEE 802.15.4 technology in case of train environment. Related research directions are also pointed out.