Energy system
Concepts
Waspmote has 4 operational modes:
On: Normal operation mode. Consumption in this state is 17 mA.
Sleep: The main program is paused, the microcontroller passes to a latent state, from which it can be woken up by all asynchronous interruptions and by the synchronous interruption generated by the Watchdog. The duration interval of this state is from 32 ms to 8 s. Consumption in this state is 30 μA.
Deep Sleep: The main program pauses, the microcontroller passes to a latent state from which it can be woken up by all asynchronous interruptions and by the synchronous interruption triggered by the RTC. The interval of this cycle can be from seconds to minutes, hours, days. Consumption in this state is 33 μA.
Hibernate: The main program stops, the microcontroller and all the Waspmote modules are completely disconnected. The only way to reactivate the device is through the previously programmed alarm in the RTC (synchronous interrupt). The interval of this cycle can be from seconds to minutes, hours, days. Almost all devices are totally disconnected from the battery: only the RTC is powered through the battery, from which it consumes 7 μA.
Operational Mode
Consumption
Microcontroller
Cycle
Accepted interruptions
On
17 mA
On
-
All interruption sources
Sleep
30 μA
On
Depends on INT source
All interruption sources
Deep Sleep
33 μA
On
1 s – 31 days
All interruption sources (RTC always used)
Hibernate
7 μA
Off
1 s – 31 days
Only RTC
On the other hand, each module (radio, sensor board, etc) might have up to several operation modes.
On: Normal operation mode.
Sleep: Some communication modules permit to set up sleep modes so as to save energy (depends on each module).
Off: By using Waspmote's digital switches (controlled by the microcontroller), the module is switched off completely. This mode has been implemented by Libelium as an independent layer of energy control, so that it can reduce consumption to a minimum (~7 μA) without relegating to techniques implemented by the manufacturer.
For complete information about interruption types and their handling, see the "Interruption" chapter.
Related API libraries: WaspPWR.h, WaspPWR.cpp
All information about the programming and operation of interruptions can be found in the Interruptions Programming Guide.
All the documentation is located in the Development section in the Libelium website.
Before setting Waspmote to a low-power consumption mode, it is always recommended to switch any communication module off.
Sleep mode
In this mode, the main program is paused, the microcontroller passes to a latent state, from which it can be woken by all asynchronous interruptions and by the synchronous interruption generated by the Watchdog. When the Watchdog Timer is set up, the duration interval can be programmed from 16 ms to 8 s. Consumption in this state is 30 μA.
In this mode the microcontroller stops executing the main program. The program stack where all the variables and log values are stored keep their value, so when Waspmote returns to on mode, the next instruction is executed and the variable values are maintained.
Figure: From on to Sleep mode
The following example would set Waspmote in the Sleep mode for 32 ms. The microcontroller would be in a state of minimum consumption waiting for the synchronous interruption from the Watchdog:
Deep Sleep mode
In this mode, the main program is paused, the microcontroller passes to a latent state from which it can be woken by all the asynchronous interruptions and by the synchronous interruption launched by the RTC. The interval of this cycle can go from seconds to minutes, hours, days. Consumption in this state is 33 μA.
In this mode the microcontroller stops executing the main program. The program stack where all the variables and log values are stored keep their value, so when Waspmote returns to on mode, the next instruction is executed and the variable values are maintained.
Figure: From on to Deep Sleep mode
Hibernate mode
In this mode, the main program stops, the microcontroller and all the modules are completely disconnected. The only way to reactivate the device is through the previously programmed alarm in the RTC (synchronous interrupt). The interval for this cycle can go from seconds to minutes, hours or days. Almost all devices are totally disconnected from the battery: only the RTC is powered through the battery, from which it consumes 7μA.
In this mode the microcontroller does not store any values from variables or from the program stack. When leaving the Hibernate state the microcontroller is reset, so the setup and loop routines are run as if the main switch were activated.
Figure: From on to Hibernate mode
The Hibernate mode requires the physical Waspmote's hibernate switch to be put in "enable" position. It is necessary to follow the next steps when executing the program for the first time after uploading it to Waspmote:
Connect the battery.
Switch Waspmote on.
Wait for the red LED to light on and turn the hibernate switch to the "enable" position while the red LED is on.
Once the hibernate switch is in the "enable" position, the green LED must blink to indicate that the program is running.
The following example would set Waspmote in the Hibernate mode for 2 days, 1 hour and 30 minutes. The microcontroller would be switched off waiting for the RTC to switch the device on again with a synchronous interruption.
Related API libraries: WaspPWR.h, WaspPWR.cpp
All information about the programming and operation of sleep modes can be found in the Interruptions Programming Guide.
All the documentation is located in the Development section in the Libelium website.
Lifetime of the sensors
Libelium sensor probes are designed to increase lifetime of sensors when they are used outdoors. However, each sensor has a different lifetime depending on environmental conditions, usage and many other factors that Libelium cannot control.
It is suggested to use a solar shield with sensor probes which are going to be installed in places where sunlight is present. Besides, always use sensor probes following all recommendations given in this guide, to ensure the best lifetime.
The next table shows an appropriated lifetime of sensors which for physical limitations may expire:
Sensor probe type
Lifetime
Gas sensors
3 months – 2 years
Humidity and Temperature (Sensirion)
6 months – 2 years
Solar radiation
1 year – 2 years
Soil moisture
1 year – 2 years
Gas sensors may require replacement for optimal accuracy. Some of sensor probes like Particle Matter, presence (PIR), ultrasound or solar radiation require a periodic maintenance due to dust and dirt and environment particles may affect to right measurements.
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