Challenge
An environmental monitoring company needed sensor devices deployable across 10,000+ locations.
The solution required ultra-long battery life (5+ years on alkaline cells), rugged outdoor durability,
and reliable wireless connectivity for large-scale deployments.
Solution
- Ultra-Low Power Design: Single-cell alkaline powered system (1.5V nominal) optimized for long battery life.
- Efficient MCU: Cortex-M0+ running at 32 kHz for minimal energy consumption.
- Sensor Optimization: Temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors selected for ultra-low quiescent current.
- Wireless Communication: BLE radio transmitting data every 10 minutes, remaining in deep sleep otherwise.
- Hardware-Software Co-Design: Firmware and hardware optimized together for maximum efficiency.
- Rugged Enclosure: IP67-rated, UV-resistant casing for harsh outdoor environments.
Outcome
- Extended Battery Life: Achieved 5.2 years in real-world conditions.
- Cost Efficiency: $18 per unit in volume production.
- Large-Scale Deployment: Over 15,000 sensors deployed across multiple regions.
- High Reliability: Less than 0.1% failure rate in field operations.
