Architecture and development of an environmental acquisition and reporting system

The National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) is responsible for providing coastal and offshore meteorological measurements to the National Weather Service (NWS) for use in weather and flood forecasts and warnings. These measurements are collected using automated meteorological data acquisition systems powered by batteries and solar power. Current systems rely on 8/16-bit microprocessor technology of 1993 and earlier vintage having relatively high power consumption. This paper describes the development and architecture of a new generation replacement meteorological data acquisition system control unit, which is based on a very low power consumption, single-board computer employing a 16/32-bit microprocessor. The replacement control unit is intended to operate with meteorological sensors that meet current NWS measurement requirements. It also provides expansion capability for interface to newer, smart meteorological sensors employing serial data communications currently under evaluation. The system provides real-time, self-timed data transmissions of meteorological observations through the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) at higher data transmission rates planned for operational implementation. The new generation system continually monitors all environmental sensors and can be upgraded to allow transmissions of special observations when specific environmental conditions occur