ZIGBEE DATA ACQUISITION (DAQ) MODULE FOR THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY BAJA RACING TEAM

By Joseph S. Neiss

Abstract:
The project is to develop a sensor data acquisition (DAQ) module that can communicate
with a PC using the IEEE 802.15.4 Zigbee protocol. The data collected can be used by
the Cornell University Baja Racing Team to assist in optimizing their mechanical design for
SAE Mini-Baja competitions.

The technical approach will require the design, fabrication, integration and testing of a
DAQ sensor circuit board, the development of a Zigbee data packetization scheme, and a
user-friendly interface to analyze the captured data on a Windows XP personal computer.

Integration testing consists of DAQ Module POST tests and Base Station Console
simulation testing with Baja vehicle system testing occurring in Spring 2009.

Deliverables will include a DAQ schematic, bill of materials, board layout, PC interface
code, and a prototype of the DAQ Module. The Master of Engineering Design Report will
serve as the technical reference and user’s manual.

Full report (pdf)