IoT connected devices can be broadly divided into three categories:
1)
Devices connected directly to remote infrastructure
Technologies like GPRS, CDMA allow our smartphones or IoT devices to connect directly to telecom towers. With the emergence of LPWAN technologies such as Sigfox, LoRa and NBIOT, the interconnection and communication between devices can be realized at low power consumption, low communication rate and close distance. These devices allow IoT-connected devices to roam without necessarily being tied to a specific location.
2)
Devices that connect to the local gateway and in turn connect to the remote infrastructure
Local IoT devices can be connected to the gateway through wireless technology (such as WiFi) or wired technology (such as LAN, IO-Link, PLC, etc.). With this approach, multiple devices can be connected to the cloud through a single connected gateway. Typically, these technologies have very high data rates and are used for high bandwidth applications such as Internet browsing, online video or audio, etc. The advantage of this approach is that you can remotely control or monitor multiple devices in your home, office or industrial facility. Therefore, it is also used in many control applications for IoT devices. However, since they rely on gateways, they cannot be moved around like the first method.
3)
Devices connected locally to a smartphone or to each other (with or without an internet connection)
Technologies such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, Thread, and Bluetooth Ultra Low Energy [BLE] enable point-to-point communication over shorter distances. In many cases, they use the phone as the cloud gateway. The advantage of short-range communication is that it can work independently without any requirements for cloud networks.
With the advent of Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), connectable devices (such as mobile phones or laptops) usually provide multiple connection methods, such as Bluetooth Low Energy [BLE], Classic Bluetooth, WIFI, GPRS, etc. However, most IoT devices are usually designed to complete a specific task, and only one of the above three communication methods is usually used, which also limits the usability of these devices. Product life and multi-purpose properties.
Optimized double join
The optimized architecture combines long-range and short-range technologies, and can be a milestone in the penetration of IoT devices into a wide range of applications. Remote connections allow communication with the communications infrastructure and even roaming. Short-range technology in the same device enables independent short-range communication to meet a wide range of requirements.
Bluetooth Low Energy [BLE] is an incredibly short-range technology that complements long-range connectivity in a variety of use cases. BLE enables direct short-range connectivity, while long-range connectivity provides cloud connectivity for IoT devices.
Some of the features that BLE implements in IoT devices include
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User Interface
BLE-connected devices connect to smartphone apps, allowing users to interact with the device in an intuitive way. This could also reduce the number of buttons or displays required for the device, making it cheaper, lighter, and waterproof or dustproof.
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Configurability
BLE can also be used to configure a device to behave in a certain way. Allows configuration on the user side, eliminating the need for device manufacturers to customize products at the factory. The device can even be configured with various custom functions, such as a pedometer that works according to the wearing position, setting an alarm, or toggling an LED. Even industrial products such as LED drivers can be configured using BLE to suit the type of LED configuration consumers need
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local monitoring
The BLE-based interface enables direct monitoring of sensor data without cloud connectivity. This is especially important where fast local response is required. It can also be used to optimize data costs, as users can decide what data needs to be sent to the cloud and what data needs to be monitored locally
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diagnosis
Often, when a device fails, a service engineer needs to open the device or connect a cable to the device in order to gain access to the device. This is complicated and limits the creativity and functionality of the device. For example, a device may not be waterproof if it has open ports and can be easily opened with screws. The BLE interface facilitates wireless access to the device in the event of a failure of the primary system and the BLE interface is enabled. In many cases, BLE may not be available to the user and can only be activated for diagnostic purposes.
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Firmware upgrade
The firmware upgrade feature allows device firmware to be updated after shipment. This is important for delivering new features and bug updates even after the device ships. With firmware upgrades, device functionality can also be configured according to the use case. Firmware upgrades are also an important diagnostic feature.
BLE can be complemented with other long-range technologies such as GPRS or LPWAN to provide long-range connectivity. Sigfox is an important multi-purpose low-power long-range technology. When a BLE SOC drives a Sigfox radio, a wide range of new features and use cases can be enabled with minimal increase in power consumption, form factor and price. Sigfox is an LPWAN technology that provides global cloud, long-range connectivity and extremely low power consumption. Sigfox devices can be connected freely worldwide without any independent agreement with network operators and without roaming charges.
Some functions can be achieved by implementing remote technology in the same device. Let’s see what’s possible with Sigfox.
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Remote monitoring
Sensor data can be sent to the cloud using the Sigfox network without the need for a local gateway. The device can upload data directly to the Sigfox gateway operated by the Sigfox operator. These gateways directly enable connections up to several kilometers.
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data aggregation
Data from gas meters, water meters, or other sensors needs to be aggregated into the cloud for consolidation, billing, or analysis. Long-term data sent over the Sigfox network can be used for this purpose.
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Track and locate
Tracking and positioning is one of the most widely used IoT device use cases. If precise positioning is required, GPS coordinates can be sent to the cloud via the Sigfox network. Many use cases, such as fleet monitoring, accept an accuracy of several kilometers. In such use cases, the Sigfox network itself can use triangulation for positioning without the need for a GPS signal. Sigfox has introduced a new feature called Monarch to identify radio services and manage radio frequency changes according to local regulations. With this feature, devices can roam across borders and stay connected at all times.
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event notification
When someone uses BLE to unlock, it also needs to use a separate network to record the information in the cloud. Events such as door opening, crossing sensor thresholds, burglar alarms, fire alarms, etc. also need to work independently of the local interface. A device with the right sensors, logic and Sigfox radios can easily achieve this goal.
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Diagnosis and assistance
IoT devices can alert via the Sigfox network if assistance is needed or if some part of the device fails. Sigfox also allows downstream messages to be sent to configure the device and provide relevant data in diagnostic mode.
STMicroelectronics has introduced a unique solution to combine BLE and Sigfox radios into a common solution. Dual radios provide remote connectivity via Sigfox and smartphone connectivity via BLE. Smartphone connection to Sigfox devices supports user interface [UI], over-the-air firmware update [FUOTA], direct configuration and control.
STDES-MONARCH is certified by Sigfox and provides all necessary design documentation and software free of charge. This reference design embeds both the BlueNRG-2 low-power BLE system-on-chip (SoC) and the S2-LP narrowband ultra-low power sub-1GHz transceiver.
ST’s BlueNRG-2 is an ultra-low power BLE 5.0 certified wireless processor that supports seamless sensor connectivity, Privacy 1.2, Secure Connect 4.2, data length extension, 8dBm output power and connectivity to IoT
BLE Mesh connection supports connecting multiple BLE devices through the Mesh network of the IoT solution. With the introduction of Mesh solutions, it is possible to connect devices even if they are not in direct range of the network.
The S2-LP is a high-performance ultra-low-power RF transceiver for RF wireless applications in the sub-1GHz frequency band. It can be programmed to operate at sub-1GHz frequencies in the 413-479 MHz, 452-527 MHz, 826-958 MH, 904-1055 MHz bands. S2-LP supports different modulation formats: 2(G)FSK, 4(G)FSK, OOK and ASK. The S2-LP’s telecommunications RF link budget is greater than 140 dB and complies with applicable regulations around the world, including Europe, Japan, South Asia, India, China, and the United States.
in conclusion
As IoT use cases evolve, more connectivity options will be required for the same device. This will enhance the usability, versatility and reliability of the equipment. The combination of BLE SoCs driving sub-1Ghz radios is expected to gain momentum as it enables additional connectivity without sacrificing cost, power consumption and form factor. STMicroelectronics has used the architecture in two world-class radio technologies and has seen great response from customers.