The Internet of Things (IoT) is set to revolutionize the world in ways we cannot yet fully appreciate across a multitude of applications and markets including consumer, automotive, industrial, transportation, energy generation, and medical and healthcare, as well as enabling smart buildings, the smart grid and even smart cities. The IoT essentially builds upon and expands the traditional machine-to-machine (M2M) paradigm: tens of billions of devices are expected to be connected to the Internet in the coming years, each with their own unique IP address.
The new possibilities offered by the IoT are open to all from the very largest of corporations to individual hardware and software developers. The IoT is being enabled by key technologies such as low-cost and low-power wired and wireless sensors and microcontrollers used at what is commonly being called the ‘edge’. These will connect via various communication technologies including Bluetooth and Bluetooth Smart, Wi-Fi, ZigBee and cellular into Internet gateways and then up into the realm of the ‘cloud’, where businesses can take advantage of vast computing resources to offer advanced data analytics services.
Digi International
A leading supplier of M2M and IoT technologies and equipment is Digi International. Digi makes a wide range of ARM-based embedded modules and radio modems based on ZigBee, 868MHz, 2.4GHz, CDMA and GSM M2M communications and offers a complete range of solutions for devices at the edge to Internet gateways up to advanced cloud services.
Example products from Digi include the XBee range of radio modules that offer RF, ZigBee and Wi-Fi connectivity options and wireless routers and gateways such as the XBee Gateway, which is a low-cost XBee module to IP solution via cellular, Wi-Fi or Ethernet options for flexible broadband connectivity. The XBee Gateway features scalable remote configuration and management of XBee networks via the company’s ‘Device Cloud by Etherios™’ solution.
The XBee Gateway can be tested and developed using the XBee ZigBee Cloud Kit (see figure 1), which fully integrates the XBee Gateway, XBee Module, Device Cloud and a sample web application in a cohesive Internet-connected solution. This kit is a powerful tool that enables developers to create Internet-connected prototypes in 30 minutes or less.
Figure 1 – Digi’s XBee ZigBee Cloud Kit
Sierra Wireless
Another leading company is Sierra Wireless, which has built a proven track record of developing proven M2M solutions across many diverse markets including energy, automotive, consumer, transportation, industrial, networking and healthcare, among others. Sierra has a comprehensive portfolio of wireless M2M devices including 2G, 3G, and 4G embedded modules and gateways that are seamlessly integrated with secure M2M cloud services.
For example, the company’s AirPrime® essential embedded wireless modules are available in PCI Minicard and scalable, compact embedded form factors and include a wide range of high-speed air interfaces to make M2M application development fast and easy. The AirLink® gateways can be deployed out-of-the-box with no programming required and comprise built-in intelligence to always stay connected in applications such as remote outdoor locations, in-vehicle applications and retail chains. AirVantage® is the company’s M2M cloud system, which is designed to simplify device management and deliver machine information.
Figure 2 – Sierra Wireless’s AirPrime Essential Modules
Bluegiga
Key short-range wireless technologies for IoT are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. A leading supplier in this area is Bluegiga, which offers innovative and easy-to-use short-range wireless connectivity solutions to OEMs, device manufacturers and system integrators. Key products in the range include Bluetooth Smart modules (or BLE the ultra low-power variant of Bluetooth), plus Bluetooth Classic and Wi-Fi products.
One example Bluetooth Smart module is the BLE113 (see figure 3), which is targeted for deployment with low-power sensors and accessories and integrates the Bluetooth radio, software stack and GATT-based profiles. The module can also host end-user applications, which means no external microcontroller is required in size/price-constrained devices. It also has flexible hardware interfaces to connect to different peripherals and sensors and can be powered directly from a standard 3V coin cell battery or a pair of AAA batteries. In its lowest power mode, it only consumes 500nA, but wakes within a few hundred microseconds.
Figure 3 – Bluegiga’s BLE113 Bluetooth Smart module
In addition to Bluetooth offerings, Bluegiga’s Wi-Fi modules are ideal for embedded Wi-Fi applications that require reliable and longer-range connectivity in an easy to integrate surface-mount package.
Solid State Supplies
Digi, Sierra Wireless and Bluegiga are represented in the UK by Solid State Supplies. Based in Redditch, Solid State Supplies is a leading distributor of semiconductors, electronics components and modules and other technologies used in IoT applications in many markets including embedded processing, control, wired and wireless communications, power management and LED lighting. IoT and M2M application development support at Solid State Supplies is available at +44 (0)1527 830800.
