Abstract: An ad hoc method is provided for synchronizing a wireless network. The method involves broadcasting a first signal including a join message from a first node (FN). The method also involves saving a first timestamps in a memory device internal to the FN after broadcasting the first signal. The method further involves generating a signal including a join response message after receiving the first signal. The join response message is comprised of a second timestamp indicating a local time during which the first signal was received at the second node (SN). The method also includes the step of determining an initial time offset by computing a difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp. The method further includes the steps of generating a request to send (RTS) message at the FN. The FN uses the initial time offset in conjunction with the RTS message to asynchronously communicate with the SN.

Abstract: An ad hoc method is provided for synchronizing a wireless network. The method involves broadcasting a first signal including a join message from a first node (FN). The method also involves saving a first timestamps in a memory device internal to the FN after broadcasting the first signal. The method further involves generating a signal including a join response message after receiving the first signal. The join response message is comprised of a second timestamp indicating a local time during which the first signal was received at the second node (SN). The method also includes the step of determining an initial time offset by computing a difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp. The method further includes the steps of generating a request to send (RTS) message at the FN. The FN uses the initial time offset in conjunction with the RTS message to asynchronously communicate with the SN.

Abstract: A sensor system includes N sensor system modules that each include respective sensor function modules for processing and communicating signals from at least one external detector. M slave modules selectively control power to the sensor function modules. M and N are integers greater than one. A master power control module serially controls the M slave modules via a bus based on functions of the sensor function modules.