Comparison of Possible Approaches for the Development of Low-Budget Spectrum Analyzers for Sensor Networks in the Range of 2.4-2.5 GHz

TL;DR

This paper compares different hardware approaches for developing low-budget spectrum analyzers operating in the 2.4-2.5 GHz range, aimed at sensor networks and IoT systems, focusing on hardware selection, implementation, and performance analysis.

Contribution

It introduces and evaluates multiple spectrum analyzer prototypes based on microcontrollers and modules, providing insights into their design, implementation, and effectiveness for sensor networks.

Findings

Different spectrum analyzer prototypes were developed and tested.

Comparative analysis identified optimal hardware configurations.

Proposed approaches enable low-power, embedded spectrum monitoring modules.

Abstract

The article deals with the development, implementation and research of the spectrum analyzers that can be used in sensor networks and Internet systems of things. As an operating frequency range, 2.4-2.5 GHz ISM is selected. At the stage of hardware selection, a comparative analysis of existing available microcontrollers for the analysis of the spectrum, the choice of hardware interfaces, the ordering of the required modules and electrical components, as well as the input control is carried out. During development, several variants of spectrum analyzers on the basis of microcontroller and TI Chipcon CC2500 microcontrollers with USB interfaces, as well as Cypress CYWUSB6935 modules with LPT and USB interfaces, have been implemented. At the development stage, the development of the printed circuit board, its fabrication, component assembly, microcontroller programming, the verification of the assembly's robustness, making corrections, connecting to a personal computer and assembly in the case have been carried out. An analysis of existing software for collecting information on the state of the wireless broadcast is also conducted. According to the results of comparative experiments of various collections of spectrum analyzers, spectrographs for different types of signals were obtained. On these typical spectrographs a comparative analysis of the work of various prototypes was conducted. The offered approaches to building sensors on the basis of spectrum analyzers allow to create low-power modules for embedding in existing wireless information networks of enterprises for prevention of inter-channel interference and ensuring the integrity of data transmission.