CAREER: Backscatter Propagation-based Multi-hop Networks for Battery-less Devices

反向散射通信使无电池传感器、微型化（MEMS）机器人甚至纳米设备的开发和实施成为可能。然而，目前最先进的技术将通信场景限制在有源和无源设备之间的直接传输，例如在阅读器和无源标签之间的射频识别（RFID）系统中。相比之下，这个项目的目标是开发一种新的多跳网络，利用反向散射信号作为无源、无电池设备的通信。这项工作的目标包括这种无源多跳网络的数学表示，以及开发新的跨层通信协议和具有波束形成学习方法的控制方案。预期的贡献包括改进对无电池设备的多跳网络的理论理解，以及可行且实际可行的新颖的网络协议跨层优化框架。这种努力的最终结果将导致一个真正普遍的、基于反向散射的网络范例。这个提议吗?其成果包括扩展RFID系统的范围和提高其能力，以支持更大、更复杂的传感应用，同时降低成本并最大限度地减少对环境的影响（无电池运行）。此外，一系列外展活动包括通过密苏里州学生多样性项目办公室和项目引领方式（K-12外展）参与妇女和代表性不足的少数民族学生。从长远来看，研究成果将支持MEMS和纳米设备的各种应用，通过促进这些设备的通信和控制，有可能将医疗保健、制造业转变为现在被认为是科幻小说的东西。

A backscatter communication enables development and implementation of battery-less sensors, miniaturized (MEMS) robots, or even nano devices. However, the current stat-of-the-art technology limits communication scenario to a direct transmission between active and passive devices, for example in radio frequency identification (RFID) system between a reader and a passive tag. In contrast, the goal of this project is to develop a novel multi-hop network that utilizes backscatter signal as communication for passive, battery-less devices. The objectives of this work include mathematical representation of such passive multi-hop networks and development of novel cross-layer communication protocols and control schemes with learning methodology for beam-forming. The expected contributions include an improved theoretical understanding of the multi-hop network of battery-less devices and a novel cross-layer optimization framework of network protocols that are feasible and practically viable. The end result of this effort would lead into a truly pervasive, backscatter-based networking paradigm.The proposal?s outcomes include extending the range and improved capabilities of RFID systems to support larger and more complex sensing applications while lowering cost and minimizing environmental impacts (batteries-less operation). Moreover, a set of outreach activities include engagement of women and students from under-represented minorities through Missouri S&T Student Diversity Programs' office and Project Lead the Way (K-12 outreach). In long term, the outcomes will support various applications of MEMS and nano devices through facilitating a communication and control of such devices, with a potential to transform the healthcare, manufacturing into something that now is considered a science fiction.