Sensor device and secured wireless communication protocol for air quality sensor devices

A method for secured and power-efficient communication between a sensor device and a control device operable in an air-quality system, wherein the sensor device comprises:

• a radio circuit configured to wirelessly communicate with the control device, wherein the communication is facilitated using an air-quality communication protocol;
• an array of air-quality detectors;
• a microcontroller;
• a building management system (BMS) integration module enabling integration of the sensor device with a building management system, wherein the BMS integration module includes at least a transceiver distinct from the radio circuit and a co-processor distinct from the microcontroller, the transceiver being adapted to at least one of transmit and receive information using at least one BMS protocol and the co-processor being adapted to process BMS data pertinent to the sensor device, the BMS integration module being coupled to the microcontroller;
• and
• a memory coupled to the microcontroller, the memory containing instructions that, when executed by the microcontroller, configure the sensor device to execute the method, comprising
• receiving, during a first time period, a wake-up signal, wherein the wake-up signal includes at least a packet number;
• transmitting, during a second time period, an acknowledgment (ACK) signal, wherein the ACK signal is sent in reference to a synchronized time slot and a packet number;
• transmitting, during a third time period, at least sensor reading data of at least one air quality detector, wherein the sensor reading data is encrypted using at least an encryption key;
• receiving, during a fourth time period, a sleep signal;
• and
• entering into a sleep mode upon receipt of the sleep signal.