THE INTERNET OF THINGS SUPPLEMENT
3) Ultra-reliable mesh networking at extremely low power At the network level, MicroPnP integrates with Linear Technology’s SmartMesh IP embedded wireless mesh networking. SmartMesh IP is a commercial implementation of the Timeslotted Channel Hopping (TSCH) mode of IEEE 802.15.4e, and combines its performance with meshing capabilities and the ease of use of IPv6. To ensure high data reliability in the
face of RF interference, multi-path fading, and other environmental factors, TSCH combines a reservation-based Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) scheme with channel hopping. By continuously monitoring the state of the network, and optimising the TSCH schedule for every device, a MicroPnP network can run autonomously for a decade on a single pair of AA-batteries.
4) Avoiding vendor lock-in through open standards and protocols The MicroPnP protocol stack on every device is fully compliant to IEEE, IETF and IPSO standards, and therefore easily integrates with third-party solutions. At the link layer, SmartMesh IP uses IEEE 802.15.4e TSCH, while the traditional IPv6-ready IoT ‘upper stack’ is composed of IETF-6LoWPAN, UDP, and CoAP. In addition, every MicroPnP peripheral adopts the IPSO data model that tackles the interoperability problem between heterogeneous devices and third-party applications. The IPSO data model defines a common Object Model, consisting of a URL template and standardised set of data types that enables application software to meaningfully interact with devices, including software in other devices.
5) Effortless application development and integration Finally, a suite of software libraries (available in JavaScript, Java, and NodeJS) provide programmatic access MicroPnP- enabled networks, while allowing for the establishment of NAT-proof connections between end-user applications and MicroPnP devices. As these libraries integrate directly with
the MicroPnP software stack on every device, network gateway, and cloud element, they empower everyone to build complete IoT systems in minutes. The typical model of installing and
operating a network of MicroPnP devices is as follows (Figure 2): Once a sensing or actuation peripheral
has been plugged in, the MicroPnP application board automatically detects and derives its type. Afterwards, it requests a suitable driver to the managing entity running in the cloud.
/ ELECTRONICS
marketability, and ease of use. The ten semi-finalists presented their prototype for an industrial jury at the Designers of Things conference in Silicon Valley in December 2015. Beyond the IPSO Challenge, MicroPnP is
PERIPHERAL DRIVER INSTALLATION AND NETWORK INTEGRATION Whenever the managing entity receives a driver installation request, it automatically downloads and installs the device driver on the requesting device. Upon completion, the peripheral is made available for use within the network. Finally, the set of reusable software
libraries drastically eliminates development costs. These libraries provide global bidirectional access between remote clients and individual MicroPnP devices. Using these libraries, IoT end- users are offered an easy, but powerful way to rapidly build applications.
Figure 2: The MicroPnP model
being deployed in various sensing scenarios worldwide that range from home energy profiling to data centre optimisation (Figure 3), industrial facilities (Figure 4), or even farms. For example, in a data center context, Plug-and-Play sensors, such as temperature, humidity, and AC power monitoring sensors, provide a detailed understanding of energy flows in the environment along with monitoring of appliance power consumption, while Plug-and-Play actuators allow for automatic control of appliances. Next to energy management scenarios,
Figure 3:
Energy management for data centre optimisation
MicroPnP devices are used to monitor machinery and associated factory infrastructure (Figure 4), providing detection and real-time alerts for leaks or irregular machine behaviour. In this situation, the MicroPnP mesh network provides an extremely reliable and extensible communications medium that can extend to cover huge industrial facilities, while operating for up to a decade on a single pair of batteries. Finally, MicroPnP provides intelligence
for precision livestock farming. Farm efficiency is enhanced through Plug-and- Play sensors and actuators that install in minutes to provide live, high-resolution data on animal conditions including: feed consumption, water use, temperature, humidity, air quality and pollution. Applications for the Industrial Internet
of Things are expected to be deployed in dynamic scenarios and operate reliably for long periods over time. However, most users struggle with the inherent complexities and costs of existing IoT sensing solutions. The MicroPnP platform presented in this
MicroPnP was awarded third place in the
IPSO Challenge 2015, which evaluated IoT applications and prototypes on their innovation, breadth of applicability,
Figure 4: Facility monitoring
article combines a decade of academic research with leading industry wireless networking technology. To drastically reduce the total cost of ownership for industrial sensing and control systems, it offers zero-configuration Plug-and-Play sensing and actuation peripherals that can be managed from the cloud and that easily integrate with traditional systems. In addition, this solution provides managers with a real-time overview of network operation and device status. This level of energy management and
networking has resulted in a ten-year battery life while retaining over 99.999% network reliability and strong end-to-end security as demanded by the industry.
Linear Technology (UK) Ltd.
www.linear.com 01628 477 066
ELECTRONICS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017 S9
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