A Novel Low-Power Time Synchronization Algorithm based on a Fractional Approach for Wireless Body Area Networks

Time synchronization is a topic of interest for any distributed system and it is of particular relevance in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), especially when it is necessary to keep a strong level of time synchronization among the data coming from different nodes, which are then employed to perform a posteriori data-fusion and data-merging operations. A special case of WSN is constituted by Wireless Body Area Networks (WBAN). The paper introduces the Fractional Low-power time Synchronization Algorithm (FLSA), a lightweight and ultra-low-power time synchronization algorithm conceived for Wireless Body Area Networks. The core of the proposed approach is the fractional-time concept, borrowed from Phase-Locked Loops theory, that allows achieving fine timer corrections. Moreover, an heuristic routine managing the on/off switching of the radio section of the device allows to dramatically decrease the power consumption. The mathematical discussion, along with a set of experiments is presented, proving the benefits associated with the proposed algorithm. AuthorOpen access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at repository@u.library.arizona.edu