Characterizing the RF Performance of the eZ430-Chronos Wrist Watch

Authors

Francisco J. Mora-Becerra, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Pedro Sathler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Jay D. Carlson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Eric T. Psota, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Lance C. Pérez, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2014

Citation

Electro/Information Technology (EIT), 2014 IEEE International Conference on Year: 2014

Comments

©2014 IEEE

Abstract

The Texas Instruments eZ430-Chronos development kit is a popular wireless platform for researchers, commercial developers, and hobbyists. Built into the form factor of a standard wrist watch, the Chronos is ideal for wireless body area networks (WBANs), indoor localization, and activity detection. Many of these applications requires knowledge of the RF performance of the platform, which has never been characterized by Texas Instruments nor any third parties. Here, we provide experimental data characterizing the RF performance of the eZ430-Chronos watch in various configurations, including when worn by a person while sitting, standing, and reaching. The RF performance of the Chronos watch is compared with an Angelos Ambient wireless mote that uses a common type of ceramic chip antenna. Our results indicate the Chronos has excellent omnidirectionality and reasonably good RF gain in all tested configurations.