USB Sensor Network for Industrial Applications

ABSTRACT:
This paper proposes a universal serial bus (USB) solution
for sensor networking. First, network architecture has
been presented to have, as its primary objective, its
integration with existing infrastructure. For this reason,
a USB-to-Ethernet gateway has been introduced. Then,
many aspects of industrial applications have been
considered to realize a suitable solution. Insulation
problems and low-cost implementation have been
tackled. Working prototypes of each network
component have been defined and realized: USB host +
gateway, USB insulator, and USB hub. Several
commercial USB devices can be used as sensors. Finally,
some experiments have been carried out: Timing
performances, network activities, and power
consumption have been tested.