The Vespa velutina, an invasive hornet species originating from Southeast Asia, has significantly impacted biodiversity in Western Europe, particularly threatening local insect populations and beekeeping industries. This thesis presents the design and development of an ultra-ligh
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The Vespa velutina, an invasive hornet species originating from Southeast Asia, has significantly impacted biodiversity in Western Europe, particularly threatening local insect populations and beekeeping industries. This thesis presents the design and development of an ultra-lightweight tracking device to locate and eradicate Vespa velutina nests, thereby mitigating their ecological and economic impact. The project was divided into three subgroups focusing on different subsystems of the project. The primary objective was to create a tracking system that is lightweight, cost-effective, and capable of transmitting a stable signal over a well known distance. The transmitter design utilized a Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) resonator-based oscillation circuit operating at a frequency of 433.92 MHz, chosen for its frequency stability and efficiency. The MS412FE battery is discussed to power the system, selected for its low weight and adequate discharge current. The Atmel ATTiny9 was implemented to modulate the signal using ON-OFF Keying, ensuring minimal power consumption and weight. Extensive simulations and testing were conducted to validate the design, ensuring the desired performance metrics. The final tracking device weighs less than 250 mg, operates within a license-free frequency band, and has a signal range meeting the 500 meters requirement in open field conditions. The results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the designed tracking device in locating Vespa velutina nests. This system can be a solution for environmental agencies and beekeepers to keep the Vespa velutina population under control, preventing any further damage to the biodiversity.