DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2016.55
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/1581
Date of Award
6-2016
Degree Name
MS in Electrical Engineering
Department/Program
Electrical Engineering
Advisor
Vladimir Prodanov
Abstract
This thesis focuses on the design and implementation of a new, inexpensive, and less complex system for a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Internet of Things (IoT) platform. The hardware aspects focus on a new chip called the ESP8266 which contains both microcontroller and WiFi connectivity capabilities in an extremely affordable package. The system uses the Arduino IDE to program the ESP8266, which is known to be an extremely user-friendly environment. All other software is both free and easy to use. Past methods of creating IoT projects involved either expensive hardware, often ranging from $50-$100 per node, or complicated programming requiring a full computer, or a constant connection to an immobile power source. This method costs as little as $2.50, can last for months or even years off of batteries, can be smaller than a quarter, and only requires a few lines of code to get data moving, making this platform much more attractive for ubiquitous use.