Wireless sensor networks (WSN) get increasing importance in different application areas. In building automation, applications on WSN are expected to utilize a large number of nodes in a heterogeneous environment. They are too complex to be developed in the traditional way of prototyping and debugging. In fact, new techniques are needed to support the design of WSN applications efficiently. Simulation is one important method to decrease design time and to increase design quality. This is crucial for applications in building automation because very high reliability and robustness are required. In this paper major challenges of simulating wireless sensor network applications are discussed. Using a WSN simulation framework, functional simulation and the evaluation of robustness of WSN applications in building automation environments are demonstrated

Integrated circuits necessitate high quality and high yield. Defects and parameter variations are a main issue affecting both aspects. In this paper a method for characterization for statistical test is presented. The characterization is carried out for a set of digital cells using Monte Carlo fault simulation at electrical level. The results show that only a small amount of faults are being manifested as stuck-at faults. Many faults lead to a mix of different behaviours for various test sequences and parameter configurations. For a digital cell, the necessary test sequences for detecting all detectable faults are derived from the simulation results. Since the effort for the characterization is high, first investigations to reduce this effort are presented