CEO Season GroupSG Wireless is a full-stack IoT provider and EMS provider that are vertically integrated Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS).
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The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to revolutionize businesses and personal life—but why hasn’t it done so already? This includes improving safety and health through emergency gateway systems, temperature monitoring in warehouses via temperature sensors or any other form of tracking.
A combination of hardware, software and firmware is required to develop an IoT ecosystem. The physical result is a device that collects, transmits, analyzes and monitors data, and then reacts accordingly.
IoT projects that don’t properly plan and execute both the hardware and software can go sour. These are the four key points to remember when choosing hardware parts for an IoT project.
1. Connectivity
You should first consider the specifications of your project. What is your project and what do you need it to be? Whether it be a sensor, beacon, gateway or actuator, connecting to the cloud will be required so data can be transferred to a platform where you’ll work with measurable data for analyses. You have the option to connect wirelessly using short- and long-range technologies or network cables.
You can choose your connectivity based on the data rates you receive over a short or long distance. Long-range connectivity could include a low power wide-area network (LPWAN), which consists of LoRa and Cat M1 as well as NB-IoT. Such connectivity has many advantages, such as a longer distance than 2km in urban settings, wide area network, and low-powered.
LPWAN is a new technology that allows IoT projects both to operate long-distance as well as low-power consumption. Previously, they could only select one. LPWAN can also be used for asset tracking or monitoring. This includes gas detectors in warehouses and equipment tracking at hospitals. Bluetooth and Zigbee can provide short-range connectivity with data ranges of up to 100 m and 70 m, respectively. The data range determines the pricing.
You can choose to either make a new board or buy pre-made modules for connectivity. There are two options for designing a board from scratch: you can get lower prices per piece and mass-produce volumes. However, this comes with higher design costs and a longer design process. Modules have a finely tuned connectivity section that is optimized for performance. It is also certified (e.g. with FCC) to reduce development costs.
The scale of the expected volumes is typically the basis for deciding between custom and modular design. Some companies may choose to use a modular design approach at the proof of concept stage. However, they can then move to custom designed at lower volumes.
2. The Memory Size and Processing Power
An IoT device’s memory size and processing power depend on whether the device is processing real-time data directly or through gateways. Edge analytics devices, for example, would need more processing power and memory than devices that convert readings.
3. Types of batteries
After selecting connectivity, processing power and memory size, the next thing to think about is the type and size of the battery. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are the most stable and popular for IoT projects. They are also used in smartwatches, phones and other devices. They have a high density and low self-discharge, making them ideal for small devices—for example, sensors that stay idle for long periods.
You can add-on options to prolong battery life. These include renewable energy sources like solar, wireless or kinetic energy. You can use solar-powered energy to power outdoor IoT devices such as those that monitor agriculture or the marine system. These devices must be resistant to extreme temperatures, humidity, and UV long-term exposure. For this reason, urethane panels made of incombustible glasses fiber are necessary.
Let’s sum it up: Choose your power source and batteries based on what your device requires in each environment.
4. Device Enclosure Design Through Design For Manufacturing
Design for manufacturing (DFM) is a process that ensures the hardware is perfect. There are certain criteria that must be met within this process, including adhering to the water-resistance and dust-proof ratings.
It is important to choose the right material. The choice between plastic or metal will affect the radio signal strength and the network. The aesthetics of the device can be just as important as the material. One example is that a device may need a certain finishing. This would require considering the manufacturing methods, such as plastic injection molding and 3D printing.
IoT projects can be a smart way to solve problems. However, it requires a lot of attention to detail, especially with regards the hardware. Ask yourself the following questions: What problem are you trying to solve? And what are you trying to track? What specifications do this IoT device need? It can be customized, tested and used to create your project. Then you’ll have to worry about the firmware and applications.
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