Shimmer Platform – Key Features

Shimmer is the key hardware that enables wireless sensing to be implemented into new product development, or research applications. With a team of highly experienced engineers developing firmware to ensure Shimmer operates efficiently, Shimmer is a leader in low power wireless sensing. Based on an open source philosophy, the Shimmer platform can be programmed and configured to capture data specific to your application requirements – a feature that is not associated with many propriety and closed sensor platforms.

The result is a unit that combines an on-board processor and low power wireless communication, with a small light weight form factor to make real world wearable wireless sensing a reality.

Here are key principles that underline the Shimmer solutions:

  • Flexible: Shimmer can be programmed to meet exact data capture and transfer requirements, ensuring Shimmer is tailored to meet your precise application.
  • Highly configurable: Shimmer has a suite of technologies that offer compatibility with a wide variety of sensor and system technologies:
    • Bluetooth, 802.15.4 radio, or local storage to a microSD card
    • AnEx board for connection of self designed or third party sensors
    • Pin outs on the internal and external expansion connectors are made available
  • Open source: all code and firmware is actively maintained and made available online at Sourceforge and Googlecode.
  • Raw data: Shimmer provides raw data, to allow you to have full control over the interpretation and analysis of sensed events.
  • No proprietary software: the Shimmer platform allows the user to develop specific applications to match to their project output and user interface requirements.
  • Adaptable to many use models and environments: Power profile facilitates easy integration with project needs;
    • Shimmer Research also has an OEM development program for the integration of Shimmer into existing product development projects.

Shimmer Unit – Key Features:

  • Very low power consumption:
    • Hardware: utilises the MSP430 processor, and efficient hardware components to minimise power consumption
    • Intelligent firmware to ensure low power communications and that Shimmer meets your low power requirements
  • Small form factor:
    • 53mm x 32mm x 15mm enclosure
    • Optional extension modules (ECG, EMG, GSR, Gyro, Mag) still maintain small form factor of overall enclosure
  • Light weight:
    • Shimmer baseboard and battery: 15 grams
    • Entire unit and enclosure: 22 grams
  • Soft power switching

Shimmer Unit – Main Components

  • Compact form factor, light & wearable (weight: 15 grams, volume: 53mm x 32mm x 15mm)
  • Wireless communications via Bluetooth® and 802.15.4 (WML-C46A, CC2420)
  • Offline data capture – micro SD card storage – 2 gigabytes
  • SD data bypass 8MHz MSP430 CPU (10Kbyte RAM, 48Kbyte flash, 8 channels of 12 bit A/D)
  • Open platform, driven by TinyOS
  • Internal and external connectors for expansion
  • Includes simple serial command interface for Bluetooth®
  • Integrated TCP/IP stack for 802.15.4
  • Integrated 3-axis MEMs accelerometer with selectable range
  • Integrated tilt / vibration sensor
  • Integrated Li-ion battery management
  • Supported by BioMOBIUS™ graphical software platform
  • Example LabView integration module