Personal computer based home automation system

Personal Computer BasedHome Automation SystembyGeorge F. HellmuthCommittee Chairman: Dr. FJ. RicciElectrical Engineering(abstract)The systems englOeenng process is applied in the development of thepreliminary design of a home automation communication protocol. The objectiveof the communication protocol is to provide a means for a personal computer tocommunicate with adapted appliances in the home.A needs analysis is used to ascertain that a need exist for a home automationsystem. Numerous design alternatives are suggested and evaluated to determine thebest possible protocol design. Coaxial cable, fiber optics wire, infrared, and thehome power line are each evaluated to determine which would best serve as thecommunication medium for the communication protocol. A personal computer anda dedicated computer are compared to determine which computer configuration willbe used to control the communication protocol. The final design choice which isconsidered is the LAN protocol type. CSMA/CD and Token Bus are evaluated todetermine which protocol type will best support the home automation system.The results of the system engineering process is a preliminary design for ahome communication protocol that will use the home power line, a personalcomputer, and a CSMAlCD LAN protocol to provide a home communicationprotocol.