I'm thrilled to impart my insights on IoT via this platform. Sharing and absorbing knowledge is the key to success, and IoT is a vast realm I aim to explore from an IT architect's viewpoint. I urge you to check out my previous articles to gain insight into the topics we'll delve into further in this piece.
Let’s take a look at the device layer
In this article, we'll examine the hardware devices that constitute the foundational layer of your IoT stack. This layer, often referred to as the "Devices Layer," is responsible for interfacing with the physical environment and collecting data.
I'll categorize these devices logically into the following groups:
- Sensors and Actuators
- Microprocessor chip
- The circuit board that houses the microprocessor chip
- Communication methodology to the network
How do sensors and actuators communicate with the internet?
Let's attempt to organize these steps sequentially. Initially, sensors gather data, which is temporarily stored before transmission to the cloud or internet. This constitutes one direction of communication, from the device to the cloud. Conversely, instructions from the cloud (represented by your application) may be sent to actuators or sensors to initiate specific actions, illustrating communication from the cloud to the device. Continuously, sensors consistently relay data to your application, facilitating the accumulation of intelligence and subsequent triggering of actions based on this information—an essential aspect of IoT. Understanding this process, it's evident that sensor data must traverse the internet, while data or directives from the internet must reach the actuators or sensors. It's presumed that most individuals are proficient in managing post-data collection events.
The need for circuit boards with embedded microprocessors
First and foremost, a foundational requirement is having a data source to commence the entire process, and sensors fulfill this crucial role. However, the question arises: how and where should these sensors be deployed and integrated into the IoT infrastructure? Where can they be installed and interconnected to access the internet?
The solution lies in utilizing a circuit board. Indeed, devices such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and BeagleBone serve this purpose impeccably. These single-board computers offer diverse processing power and functionalities. While there are no rigid guidelines dictating their usage for particular scenarios, there exist recommendations on their optimal deployment and utilization.
Arduino represents a fundamental yet highly adaptable device for IoT applications. Essentially, it comprises a circuit assembly featuring an embedded microprocessor chip. Equipped with numerous input and output slots, alongside a USB slot, Arduino operates on low power and supports singular process execution with modest processing speed.
While Arduino can be connected to a computer for programming purposes, it lacks a graphical user interface (GUI)-based Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Developers must be prepared to code within a MS-DOS or shell-like environment. Nonetheless, Arduino's foremost advantage lies in its flexibility for expansion, affordability (starting at around 10 USD), and the extensive support network available online.
Ideal for IoT scenarios demanding data aggregation from multiple sensors and subsequent action triggering, Arduino facilitates the creation of mesh networks. These networks can be established by interconnecting Arduino boards and linking them to a robust router, thereby enabling internet connectivity. Particularly advantageous for deploying a high density of sensors within a limited range, Arduino serves as a preferred option.
It's worth noting that Arduino boards come in various types, some featuring GUI-based IDEs for development. Additionally, a range of modules designed for specific purposes can be affixed onto the boards via sheaths. These modules encapsulate individual sensors or sensor groups, offering convenience and versatility. Exploring the market for ready-made modules tailored to diverse use cases is recommended.
Raspberry Pi stands as a robust counterpart to Arduino, resembling a miniature desktop computer available for approximately 35 USD. Boasting 4 USB slots, an ethernet port, an HDMI port, as well as camera and LCD interfacing ports, Raspberry Pi offers comprehensive connectivity options. While inherently lacking in intelligence, the insertion of an SD card imbues it with the necessary capabilities. The SD card houses the potent Linux operating system along with memory resources.
Distinguishing itself with an exceptional programming Integrated Development Environment (IDE) featuring a graphical user interface (GUI), Raspberry Pi can be seamlessly programmed when connected to a laptop or PC. In contrast to Arduino, Raspberry Pi overcomes the limitation of interfacing with external sensors and actuators, providing a more expansive range of connectivity options.
Raspberry Pi finds particular utility in applications requiring robust internet connectivity, such as instances where a standalone sensor necessitates updating specific readings directly to a data collection application over the internet.
BeagleBone, priced at approximately 75 USD, offers a compelling blend of the capabilities found in Raspberry Pi and the adaptability of Arduino, albeit at a higher cost. Embedded with the Linux operating system and boasting ample memory resources, BeagleBone delivers robust performance. With a swift processing cycle and an abundance of input and output pins for interfacing with external sensors and actuators, BeagleBone excels in versatility.
Its primary drawback lies in its limited USB connectivity, featuring only a single port. However, BeagleBone shines in scenarios where the functionalities of Raspberry Pi are desired but with a willingness to invest a bit more. Particularly prevalent in industrial IoT applications, BeagleBone excels in handling vast amounts of data with high-speed transmission requirements.
Here is a comparison of the three
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