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EMB DDEMBEDDED TECHNOLOGHNOLOG Y MUL
embedded connectivity within the IoT and discusses how multi-protocol technologies are bridging the ga
Matt embe
ttC tt Cook,, fra fra beddedconnec iectivty gap, bri ginggre O
ranchiisechsemanager ageratSolidSta ywithi
gap,bringing greater usabi ty
ne of the great advantages of the IoT is the lack of constraints,
particularly with regard to
communications protocols, allowing designers and users to select the one (or several) that work best for any given application. Yet, with that flexibility comes challenges as operation can be restricted as one device cannot directly connect and communicate with another. The essence of the IoT interoperability challenge is that no single
communications protocol is ideal for all applications. Depending upon a number of factors including the network
topology, size range, data rate, whether a universal standard is req whether native IP support
is required, uired and
various different protocolsmay be selecte d.
Availability of a suitable power source is another key consideration for selecting a protocol, especially asm sensing devices are placed
in remote or any IoT
inaccessible areas where an adequate power sourcemay not be readily available.
In reality, there is rarely protocol required for inclu
sion in an IoT only one
device, whether in a home or an industrial environment. S ome devices such as wearable devices only require a point-to-point connection to transfer limited information via Bluetooth,
data useWiFi.Where a sig whereas other devices tha
number of similar devices t processmore
(for example nificant
light fixtures in a warehouse) are installed, they are likely to have their ownmesh network, based on a protocol such as ZigBee, ormaybe a proprietary mesh network protocol.
While thesemay work p erfectly well with thismulti-protocol arrangement, there are certain limitations when devices are unable to communicate due to the lack of a common protocol. One example of this would be within a warehouse environment where the lighting is controlled by a ZigBee or
30 30 DECEMBER JANUAR 201 ECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 | ELEC RO ELECTRONICS CS
not possible. In order to address this issue, multi-protocol radios are now available that are able to communicate in several protocols, thereby delivering greater convenience for the user.
One of the leadingmulti-protocol solutions available is theWireless Gecko range of Energy Friendly Radios (EFR) fromSilicon Labs, Inc. These highly
integrated solutions are based on an ARM Cortex-M4 processor running at 40MHz
Figure 2: The IoT requires networking
Figure 2: The IoT requires networking
coexistence as shown ini home
coex stence as shown in this example of a smarthis example of a smart home
Figure 3: Figure 3:
There are various modes depending upon the
needs of the applicationt needs of he application
here are various modes for multifor multi-protocol radios,-protocol radios, depending upon the
reaterusability and conveni
Solid State Supplies focuses on the chal nges that exi eIoT
tate Supplies fo foc yandconve encetoendusers
Tanddiscusseshow nv
venience to end users
and are capable of runningmultiple protocols including T Bluetooth and propri
(either Sub-GHz or 2.4GHz). proprietarymesh network.
In this scenario, it would be useful to be able to configure or adjust the setting of the lighting via a smartphone or tablet but, as these devices commonly only have Bluetooth orWiFi, direct communication is
Figure 1: Figure 1:
The IoT is based upon multiple communications
multiple communications protocols, leading to interoperability hallenges
he IoT is based upon protocols, leading to
interoperabilit challenges
TheWireless Gecko devices include up to 1024kB of Flashmemory and 256kB RAMand an integrated low current DC/DC converter with on-board energ y management. They also include a sensor interface andmixed-signal control logic allowing themto sense and control the world around them.
of RA
Silicon Labs offer both System-on- Chip (SoC) andmodular solutions that meet the needs of different user groups, ensuring the fastest time-to-market and requiring limited RF knowledge. Modules’ costs are offset by lower R&D and test costs, especially in lower volume applications The combination o f competitive prices and various size ranges oftenmakes thema preferre d choice.
. SUPPOR SUPPORT TOOL OOLS
Alongside the hardware, Silicon Labs also offers a comprehensive support suite. ‘Simplicity Studio’ is a PC-based
application that includes an application builder, network analyser, energy monitor,modemcalculator and packet
data sheets, referenc supplied in the form configurator. Additio
of application notes, nal support is
As the leading tech driver libraries.
nical distributor of emanuals and
Silicon LabsWireless Gecko products in the UK, Solid State Supplies conduct regular training seminars on Silicon Labs products throughout the UK. These comprehensive sessions are free of charge and are very ‘hands-on’ in nature Delegates will spendmore tim e at a bench than in the conference room, working through real-world examples and writing / debugging example code.
.
www.sssltd.com 01527 830800
Solid State Supplies
www.sssltd.com
ge owm ro
ocusesonthechallenges that ex t wth prot
otocol technol giesare THE POTENTI L OF THE I
MULTI-PROTOCOL RADIOS UNL CK THE POTENTIAL OF THE IOT
PROTOCOL RA DIOS UN LOC K existwith rebri gingth e
etary protocols hread, ZigBee,
/ ELECTRONICS
ELECTRONICS
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