Direct-sequence spread spectrum in backscatter wireless sensor networks

Backscatter Radio is a new, emerging technology that potentially allows long-lasting Ultra-Low Power (ULP) Wireless Sensor Networks. In this technology, the power for wireless communication is provided by an external device, instead of by the sensor nodes. Unfortunately, current State-of-the-Art Backscatter technology has a very limited communication range. This thesis explores the usage of Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) in Backscatter Nodes. DSSS is a coding technique to spread the signal across a larger bandwidth. Using simulation, a case is made that DSSS indeed improves communication range, especially when there is a lot of interference from other wireless transmissions. Furthermore, an Ultra-Low Power implementation of DSSS is proposed that only slightly increases energy consumption, compared to conventional Backscatter receivers.