Inter Distance Measurement of Sensor by Time Difference of Arrival of Signals

Abstract

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are a significant technology attracting considerable research interest. Recent advances in wireless communications and electronics have enabled the development of low-cost, low-power and multi-functional sensors that are small in size and communicate in short distances. Cheap, smart sensors, networked through wireless links and deployed in large numbers, provide unprecedented opportunities for monitoring and controlling homes, cities, and the environment.In addition, networked sensors have a broad spectrum of applications in the defense area, generating new capabilities for reconnaissance and surveillance as well as other tactical applications [1]. Self-localization capability is a highly desirable characteristic of wireless sensor networks. In environmental monitoring applications such as bush fire surveillance, water quality monitoring and precision agriculture, the measurement data are meaningless without knowing the location from where the data are obtained. Moreover, location estimation may enable a myriad of applications such as inventory management, intrusion detection, road traffic monitoring, health monitoring, reconnaissance and surveillance.