Abstract
This paper describes the implementation of a distributed data acquisition network based on the 80C592 microcontroller from Intel. Each Station is connected in a hierarchical way to form a tree topology. The lower level network stations, designated by Slaves, are dedicate to the data acquisition and the generation of control signals. The upper level, Masters, are responsible for the communications control. Both networks uses a CAN - Controller Area Network - Bus, for Data Transferring, and the global Network is also connected to a PC, via CAN. A device router, NetManager, was implemented to support total intrinsic requirements at the communication level. This type of connection allows total configuration from a personal computer, PC, in which runs a software application developed for Windows(TM) environments. The tests performed at the laboratory, with transmission rates varying from 40Kbits/s to 1Mbits/s, showed that the communications were performed without errors for cable lengths of 1100m to 40m, respectively. This system is now being installed in a set of environmental chambers and greenhouses located on UTAD, where it will be monitored and controlled the air temperatures and humidities, the CO2 and ammonia concentrations and the radiation level.

Abstract

Abstract
Recent developed button heat pulse probes (BHPP) demonstrated a great potential for soil water content measurements. This new probe compared to conventional heat pulse probes (HPP), does not use needles, and measurement accuracy is significantly improved. This new design, with the possibility to assembly the probe and electronics in the same package, with low-cost, and with less power consumption compared to conventional HPP, make it suitable to be connected to wireless data acquisition systems in precision agriculture. The probe was tested in agar to demonstrate the potential advantages of the button heat pulse sensor for soil water content measurements. It was possible to have an 0.5 °C temperature rise with only 156mW of power consumption, a ten times power reduction in heat-pulse soil water content measurements. These tests showed the potential use of the button heat pulse sensor for the determination of soil water content. © 2010 IEEE.

Abstract
This work describes the development and implementation of a grid of self-powered multi-functional probes (MFPz) for small-scale measurements of different soil properties, as being part of a wireless sensor network. The measurement principle is based on the heat-pulse method for soil moisture and water flux measurements and in a Wenner array for soil electrical conductivity. To promote the deployment of these sensing devices across large areas, such as irrigation fields, the ZigBee standard has been adopted as a multi-hop, ad-hoc network enabler. The core of the MTPz device is a wireless microcontroller (with a built-in ZigBee stack) that builds upon an IEEE 802.15.4 radio device. A 7.2Ah NiHM battery that is charged by a solar panel powers the MFPz device. Experimental results have proofed the reliability of the MFPz, regarding power consumption, connectivity and data agreement with known soil samples, as a cost-effective solution for environment monitoring.

Abstract
In this paper we present a software tool to be used in residential/household generic power circuitry analysis and simulation, under non-linear loads. This tool can both be used by electrical engineers and by students of electrical engineering. It has an easy-to-use, friendly interface, and can be used to teach design techniques or as a laboratory tool to study the applicability of known methods to real world practical situations. Also, the users may supply their own data. The simulated results are very close to the measured ones.

Abstract
The metabolic disorder which entails the absent or reduced control of blood glucose in the body by means of insulin dependence (Type1) or intolerance (Type 2) affects more than 366 million people in 2011. This represents an increase of 28% new cases in one year. Diabetes Mellitus has become the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries, and continues to increase in numbers and significance, as economic development and urbanization lead to changing lifestyles characterized by reduced physical activity, and increased obesity. Ambient Assisted Living (AAL), is based on a set of technologies which aims to provide an enhanced support to people's daily life, namely the offer of new solutions for healthcare to improve the quality of life of the population and reduce costs associated with healthcare. This paper presents a Bluetooth prototype low power battery-less wireless sensor communication system capable transmitting the information to a mobile phone or wrist wireless phone. The purpose of the system is to gather routine information from the glucose monitoring system proposed by Leal, et al and interact with systems like Ambient Assisted Living from Martins, et al. (C) 2012 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of the Scientific Programme Committee of the 4th International Conference on Software Development for Enhancing Accessibility and Fighting Info-exclusion (DSAI 2012)