Exploring the design, development, connectivity, security, and more aspects of IoT devices

Internet of Things: A Comprehensive Guide to its Engineering Principles and Applications

The Internet of Things (IoT) is reshaping our world. But behind every sleek wearable, responsive gaming controller or cutting-edge VR headset lies a monumental challenge: balancing powerful performance with minimal energy consumption. This balance is not just a technical hurdle; it's a race to unlock the next wave of connected innovation.The <a href="https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/nordic/nordic-blog/b/blog/posts/nrf54l-series-now-widely-available-for-development">nRF54L series</a>—an impactful lineup of ultra-low-power SoCs from <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/">Nordic Semiconductor</a>, together with software resources and utilities offers a comprehensive toolkit for IoT developers that is as versatile as it is efficient. Think longer battery lifetime, seamless wireless connectivity, and tools that let developers prototype, test, and deploy faster than ever before.&nbsp;This article looks at how the nRF54L series is empowering engineers to design for tomorrow. We'll explore its innovative developer-first approach, diving into the reasons why it's becoming the foundation of next-gen IoT development.&nbsp;<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sgWforKsFLI?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-28="true" id="899979566" title="Nordic Semiconductor Share Exciting Updates on the nRF54L Series at #CES2025"></iframe> <h2 data-element-id="headingsMap-5-0">Section 1: Why Choose the nRF54L Series?</h2>The right hardware for the IoT can make or break the success of a product. Nordic Semiconductor's nRF54L series offers a combination of ultra-low power consumption, advanced processing performance, and variety of supported wireless technologies. This series includes the nRF54L15, nRF54L10, and nRF54L05, providing a broad class of IoT applications with scalable solutions that allow developers to tailor designs to meet their needs without sacrificing performance.<h3 data-element-id="headingsMap-6-0">Flexibility of Choice for Tailored IoT Solutions</h3>The nRF54L series gives developers the choice of selecting the right SoC for their application. The nRF54L15 is the powerhouse of the series, equipped with 1.5 MB of non-volatile memory (NVM) and 256 KB of RAM. A 128 MHz Arm® Cortex-M33 processor ensures smooth performance and makes it the top choice for demanding, high-performance IoT applications, such as advanced wearables or industrial devices.&nbsp;The nRF54L10 and nRF54L05 provide smaller memory options with the same MCU capabilities, peripherals set, and multiprotocol radio for projects that prioritize cost-efficiency and compact designs. The nRF54L10 strikes a balance with 1 MB of NVM and 192 KB of RAM, while the nRF54L05, with 500 KB of NVM and 96 KB of RAM, caters to lightweight IoT applications like sensors and simpler remote devices. All SoCs in the series are available in pin-to-pin compatible package options, ensuring smooth scalability across different product lines. While the entire product line shares the same compact physical dimensions, the nRF54L15 distinguishes itself by being the only variant available in the ultra-small WLCSP package.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzM0OTYzMDE0NTk1LW5SRjU0TC1OZXh0LXdpcmVsZXNzLVNvQ3MyLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The nRF54L15 brings enhanced security, greater processing power, and more features but with lower power consumption for extended battery life. &nbsp;<h3 data-element-id="headingsMap-7-0">Ultra-Low Power Consumption</h3>One of the defining features of the nRF54L series is its ultra-low power consumption, achieved through Nordic Semiconductor's proprietary technologies, such as low-leakage RAM and a low-power oriented architecture.&nbsp;This power efficiency does not come at the cost of wireless performance. These SoCs feature operating voltages from 1.7V to 3.6V along with advanced sleep modes, which significantly extend battery life and increase battery lifetime, a critical advantage for devices deployed in remote or hard to access locations.The series integrates a multiprotocol 2.4 GHz radio supporting Bluetooth® 6.0, Thread, Zigbee, IEEE 802.15.4-2020, and proprietary protocols with data rates of up to 4 Mbps. The nRF54L15 achieves a sensitivity of -104 dBm at 125 kbps for long-range Bluetooth applications, ensuring reliable connectivity even in challenging environments.<h3 data-element-id="headingsMap-8-0">Packed with Advanced Features</h3>The nRF54L series is not only energy efficient but comes with features that make development easier and functionality better. A 128 MHz RISC-V coprocessor can handle additional time-critical tasks in parallel with the main processor. A comprehensive peripheral set is available to developers with a 14-bit ADC, high-speed serial interfaces, PWM units, and a Global RTC (Real Time Clock) that operates in ultra-low power sleep modes.Another standout feature is security, as the SoCs are built using Arm's TrustZone® technology offering secure execution environment. Additional hardware protection features, such as tamper detection, cryptographic accelerators, and secure key management, ensure that devices are protected against emerging threats.<h2 data-element-id="headingsMap-9-0">Empowering Developers Through Comprehensive Resources</h2>Nordic Semiconductor has created an ecosystem of tools, training programs, and community engagement to empower developers at every stage of the product lifecycle.<h3 data-element-id="headingsMap-10-0">Developer-Friendly Tools and Support</h3>Nordic Semiconductor provides QuickStart, a guided experience for developers familiar with Nordic's development tools. QuickStart allows users to quickly evaluate the board by programming precompiled software. This enables a swift "Hello World" experience by establishing a connection with the nRF Connect for Mobile application on Android or iOS.Nordic Semiconductor also provides access to the Nordic Developer Academy, which is a hub of extensive online training courses. These resources cater to varying levels of expertise, from foundational IoT development principles and foundations of supported wireless technologies, including a dedicated course for Bluetooth Low Energy, to advanced optimization techniques. The Developer Academy provides a flexible and accessible learning platform, enabling developers to learn at their own pace and deepen their understanding of the nRF54L series and the broader IoT perspective.Moreover, <a href="https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/nordic/nordic-blog/b/blog/posts/nrf54l-series-now-widely-available-for-development">Nordic's DevZone</a>, an active developer community, further enriches the development experience by providing a platform for developers to connect, share knowledge, and seek assistance from their peers and Nordic experts. Developers can gain valuable insights, troubleshoot challenges, and discover unique solutions to complex problems by interacting with Nordic’s Tech Support other members of the community. This collaborative environment creates a sense of shared learning and accelerates the development process through the collective expertise of a diverse group of engineers&nbsp;and serves as an open and accessible to all technical support.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzM0OTYxNjM4NTg2LUxlYXJuaW5nX1BhdGhzX0RldkFjYWRlbXktMTUzNng4LmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Nordic Semiconductor also provides access to the Nordic Developer Academy, which is a hub of extensive online training courses.<h3 data-element-id="headingsMap-11-0">nRF Connect SDK and Development Kit (DK)</h3>The nRF54L15 Development Kit (DK) is a versatile tool for working with the nRF54L15, nRF54L10, and nRF54L05 wireless SoCs. The nRF54L15, directly integrated into the board along with emulation support for other models, makes this single-board kit a cost-effective solution for developers to access the complete functionality of the series. The nRF Connect SDK contains a comprehensive suite of software modules, libraries, and pre-built samples, allowing developers to easily explore and optimize the capabilities of the nRF54L15. &nbsp;<h3 data-element-id="headingsMap-12-0">Interoperability and Low-Latency in Action: Focus on Exceptional User Experience in End Products</h3>Interoperability and responsiveness are very important when designing next-generation IoT devices, particularly for applications requiring instantaneous feedback and interactivity. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is the primary focus of the nRF54L Series, alongside other wireless protocols for smart home and other applications. Nordic Semiconductor, renowned for its SoftDevice Bluetooth controller within the Bluetooth stack and commanding over 40% market share of all qualified BLE designs, sets the benchmark for seamless interoperability. This expertise ensures that end products built on the nRF54L Series deliver reliable and swift connections with third-party BLE-enabled devices and mobile phones.For use cases where the throughput and capabilities of standardized protocols like BLE may fall short, the nRF54L Series also provides a proprietary protocol options with up to 4 Mbps throughput. While this requires Nordic devices at both ends (limiting compatibility with mobile phones), it opens doors for high-performance applications, such as gaming controllers and virtual reality (VR) headsets. These devices demand exceptional responsiveness and low latency to deliver immersive experiences. For instance, the nRF54L15’s optimized architecture ensures ultra-fast signal processing and communication, minimizing delays. This capability is critical for gaming, where even a millisecond of lag can disrupt accuracy and immersion, and for VR, where real-time responsiveness is necessary to prevent motion sickness and maintain engagement.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzM0OTYxNzAxNTg4LTEwODBweC0yNDg3X2NsaW5lX3ZyX3N0dWRpb18yMDE5MDMxOC5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The nRF54L Series provides the capability critical for gaming, where even a millisecond of lag can disrupt accuracy and immersion, and for VR, where real-time responsiveness is necessary to prevent motion sickness and maintain engagement.<h2 data-element-id="headingsMap-13-0">Conclusion</h2>The nRF54L series offers a unique blend of flexibility, cutting-edge technology, and comprehensive developer support and empowers engineers to&nbsp;solve the design challenges of the modern world in a simpler and more effective way. The nRF54L series provides a robust foundation for creating innovative and impactful solutions, whether for gaming, wearables, industrial IoT, or any other application that demands excellent energy efficiency and performance.Ready to innovate? Visit Nordic Semiconductor's <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/">website</a> to explore the nRF54L product line, access developer resources, and accelerate your IoT journey today!<h2 data-element-id="headingsMap-14-0">References</h2><ol><li>nRF54L Series now widely available for development. Nordic Semiconductor. Dev Zone. Available at: <a href="https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/nordic/nordic-blog/b/blog/posts/nrf54l-series-now-widely-available-for-development">https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/nordic/nordic-blog/b/blog/posts/nrf54l-series-now-widely-available-for-development</a> (Accessed on December 15, 2024)&nbsp;</li></ol><ol start="2" type="1"><li>Development kit for the nRF54L15, nRF54L10, and nRF54L05 wireless SoCs. Nordic Semiconductor. Available at: <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Development-hardware/nRF54L15-DK">https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Development-hardware/nRF54L15-DK</a> (Accessed on December 15, 2024)</li><li>Bluetooth Low Energy Fundamentals. Dev Academy. Available at: <a href="https://academy.nordicsemi.com/courses/bluetooth-low-energy-fundamentals/">https://academy.nordicsemi.com/courses/bluetooth-low-energy-fundamentals/</a> (Accessed on December 15, 2024)</li><li>nRF54L15 DK Hardware. Nordic Semiconductor. Available at: <a href="https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ug_nrf54l15_dk/page/UG/nRF54L15_DK/intro/intro.html">https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ug_nrf54l15_dk/page/UG/nRF54L15_DK/intro/intro.html</a> (Accessed on December 15, 2024)</li><li>Nordic Semiconductor's next generation nRF54L15 SoC to power' world's smallest' Bluetooth 6.0 compliant module. Nordic Semiconductor. Available at: <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Nordic-news/2024/11/KAGA-FEI-ES4L15BA1-module-integrates-nRF54L15-SoC">https://www.nordicsemi.com/Nordic-news/2024/11/KAGA-FEI-ES4L15BA1-module-integrates-nRF54L15-SoC</a> (Accessed on December 15, 2024)</li><li>nRF54L15 System-on-Chip. Ultra-low-power wireless SoC. Available at: <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF54L15">https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF54L15</a> (Accessed on December 15, 2024)</li><li>nRF54L15 | nRF54L10 | nRF54L05 Preliminary Datasheet. Available at: <a href="https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ps_nrf54L15/page/keyfeatures_html5.html">https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ps_nrf54L15/page/keyfeatures_html5.html</a> (Accessed on December 15, 2024)</li><li>nRF54L Series: First Impressions and Comparison with the nRF52 Series. Novel Bits. Available at: <a href="https://novelbits.io/nrf54l15-unboxing-first-impressions/">https://novelbits.io/nrf54l15-unboxing-first-impressions/</a> (Accessed on December 15, 2024)</li></ol>

The nRF54L series from Nordic Semiconductor provides a versatile, ultra-low-power SoC toolkit for IoT developers, enabling enhanced battery life, seamless connectivity, and faster prototyping, positioning it as the foundation for next-generation IoT development.

Powering IoT Innovation with the nRF54L Series: Ultra-Low Power Solutions for Next-Gen Devices

Optical LSR is a transparent and flexible thermoset material that is increasingly replacing glass in various optical applications. Discover more about it in this Insight video.

What is Optical Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) ?

<h3 data-pm-slice="1 1 []" id="isPasted">The Sphera Simulation: A Supreme Tool in Drone and Robotics Development</h3><h4>Revolutionizing Testing, Modeling, and Optimization in Complex Engineering Environments</h4>The Sphera Simulation stands as a revolutionary platform in the field of drone and robotics development, delivering unmatched capabilities for modeling, testing, and optimization. Unlike conventional simulation systems, which often suffer from limited customization or generic dynamics, Sphera integrates advanced photorealistic visualization, precise physical modeling, and highly adaptable sensor configurations. These features empower engineers to craft high-fidelity digital twins that mirror the intricate behaviors of real-world systems, thus minimizing reliance on costly and time-intensive hardware trials.Unparalleled Algorithm Development and EfficiencySphera transcends standard simulation platforms by providing a robust and versatile environment for algorithm development. Developed by Dr. Yam Geva, who holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, and Omri Eitan, an accomplished software engineer, Sphera facilitates the rapid iteration of advanced algorithms. Compared to traditional testing frameworks, which often require significant hardware deployment or field trials, Sphera accelerates the transition from conceptual design to operational implementation. This streamlined workflow not only reduces development timelines but also significantly mitigates financial and operational risks, setting Sphera apart as a premier tool for algorithm refinement.While other alternative systems offer basic functionalities, they lack the depth of customization and photorealistic capabilities that define Sphera. For example, Sphera’s ability to simulate intricate environmental conditions, such as sea motion, wind dynamics, and variable visibility, ensures that it meets the rigorous demands of cutting-edge drone navigation and control algorithms. These features render Sphera particularly advantageous for developers seeking precision and reliability in complex scenarios. <img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1734329607553-Sphera+by+Robotican+-+Weather+change+control.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Enhanced Presentation and Stakeholder EngagementBeyond its technical prowess, Sphera is an invaluable asset for external engagement. The platform’s capacity to generate photorealistic simulations and elaborate operational scenarios allows organizations to present their technologies with clarity and impact. Stakeholders, including clients, investors, and collaborators, can experience a visually immersive demonstration of system performance under real-world conditions. This level of engagement not only builds trust but also fosters deeper collaboration and alignment on project objectives. Compared to generic simulation tools, Sphera’s advanced visualization capabilities significantly elevate the quality of stakeholder presentations. <img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1734329323628-photo_9_2024-10-14_17-04-54.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Daily Integration in Advanced WorkflowsThe Sphera simulation platform has become an indispensable tool in daily engineering workflows. Its exceptional image quality and dynamic fidelity provide unparalleled input for image-processing algorithms, ensuring high accuracy in system evaluation. Unlike conventional platforms, Sphera’s seamless integration with widely used development tools, such as Visual Studio (VS), enables engineers of all experience levels to adopt it with ease. Furthermore, Robotican’s dedicated technical support enhances the platform’s reliability, ensuring uninterrupted operations in demanding applications.Adaptability for Specialized RequirementsSphera’s flexibility is another key factor that distinguishes it from competing platforms. When unique operational needs arise, such as those encountered by DroneLander, the Sphera framework can be tailored to meet specific requirements. Robotican’s responsive and professional support ensures that the platform evolves alongside user innovations. This adaptability underscores Sphera’s commitment to serving as a versatile and forward-looking tool for diverse engineering challenges. <img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1734329359319-%D7%9B%D7%9C%D7%91+%D7%A1%D7%A4%D7%A8%D7%94+-+frame+at+0m14s.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Advanced Environmental Modeling for Complex ScenariosOne of Sphera’s most critical strengths lies in its ability to simulate complex environmental conditions with exceptional accuracy. By incorporating dynamic factors such as sea motion, wind effects, and lighting variability, the platform enables thorough testing of image-processing and navigation algorithms under highly realistic scenarios. This capability is particularly valuable for missions involving drone landings on maritime platforms, where environmental unpredictability poses significant challenges. Compared to other simulation tools, Sphera’s comprehensive environmental modeling provides an unmatched level of realism, reducing the likelihood of costly errors during physical testing.Moreover, Sphera’s continuous availability ensures that it remains an integral component of daily development workflows. Whether used for minute-by-minute testing or long-term project evaluations, the platform delivers consistent performance, enabling engineers to refine their designs without disruption.ConclusionThe Sphera Simulation is a transformative tool that sets a new standard for drone and robotics development. By offering a fully customizable and photorealistic environment for testing, it empowers organizations to innovate with unprecedented efficiency and confidence. In comparison to other systems, Sphera’s advanced modeling capabilities, adaptability, and robust support infrastructure firmly establish it as the supreme solution for addressing the complexities of modern engineering challenges. For any organization seeking to push the boundaries of technology, Sphera is not merely a tool but a catalyst for innovation.

Revolutionizing Testing, Modeling, and Optimization in Complex Engineering Environments

The Sphera Simulation: A Supreme Tool in Drone and Robotics Development

In my last blog on AI and Machine Learning (ML) I emphasized that AI and ML would transform the IoT, not in 10 or even five years from now, but on product roadmaps coming to market within the next couple of years. I’d like to ‘up’ the urgency on that prediction. AI and ML aren’t a couple of years away, they are here. Not a tool of the future, but a dynamic force driving innovation and change now. &nbsp;Any question about whether there is going to be a big role for AI and ‘Edge AI’—where AI and ML is performed locally rather than sending data up to the Cloud—in the IoT has been dispelled.&nbsp;<h2>The ML and TinyML difference for Edge AI</h2>When we talk about AI in the IoT, I want to make it clear that, for the foreseeable future, we are really talking about ML and the stripped-down TinyML variant.&nbsp;ML adopts a model-based approach that relies on learning, trial and error from captured data. There’s a learning component (‘training’) that happens where there is an abundance of compute power like in the Cloud, and an on-the-fly predictive component (‘inferencing’) that in many cases can be so lightweight that it can run on small, embedded devices.&nbsp;As data is gathered, one can continuously re-do the training part and update the predictive part to get more accurate. As such, any attached sensor will continuously get better at monitoring what it is supposed to be monitoring.&nbsp;AI in the IoT also needs to be performed as close to the sensors as possible, all the way to the edge, on increasingly capable devices in terms of compute power. But devices that will still, by and large, be battery powered. And so much more resource-constrained than if they were plugged into the mains power grid.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Three types of AI learning for the IoT&nbsp;</h2>We are also primarily talking about three types of IoT AI: supervised learning, reinforcement learning, and unsupervised learning. And the three main uses cases are ‘three Vs’ as Arm coined the term: vibration (anomaly detection and movement classification), voice (using audio recognition as a sensor), and vision (using image recognition as a sensor).&nbsp;The only difference being how much the ML model can learn on its own: running from very little (supervised) all the way through to autonomous learning (unsupervised) when given the right model to start with. Right now, ML can be run locally at the edge on IoT platform devices like Nordic’s latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF54H20">nRF54 Series</a>. You can optimize ML on a constrained device by using ML accelerators, achieving performance that can rival much more powerful devices and far outperform traditional MCUs. Once you have trained the basic model, which will typically take a day on a desktop PC, the inferencing side of things can accelerate hugely using AI-optimized algorithms.&nbsp;Nordic’s nRF54 Series was built for running optimized ML on constrained edge devices in just this way. It is around 25 percent more powerful than market-leading microprocessors and consumes 20 percent less energy than the lowest energy microprocessors in AI and ML edge computing applications.&nbsp;This means Nordic has enabled the advantages of edge computing, AI, and ML to be accessible to the broadest range of customers and applications.&nbsp;<h2>The edge computing,&nbsp;AI&nbsp;and ML advantage&nbsp;</h2>There are five primary advantages to customers. The first is latency. If you need real-time or near real-time responsiveness you must compute and take decisions locally. This also enables your AI and ML to perform quicker decision making.&nbsp;&nbsp;The next benefit is bandwidth. Edge computing reduces the reliance of having to maintain continuous network or Cloud connectivity that incur huge data overheads and data costs.&nbsp;The third benefit is privacy. Transmitting sensitive or personal data to the Cloud raises privacy concerns. Local edge processing and storage means better control over data confidentiality. This will help minimize the potential for security breaches.&nbsp;The fourth benefit of operating at the edge is cost. Cloud-based AI is significantly more expensive because it costs money to transmit a lot of data to and from the Cloud, and then pay for all that Cloud computing capability on top. Processing at the edge, in comparison, is free of such recurring operating costs.&nbsp;The fifth, and perhaps most important benefit, is energy efficiency. The world simply does not have enough resources for everything to be run in the Cloud. Smarter edge devices minimize power consumption, making them more environmentally friendly and beneficial for combating climate change.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Ultra-low power connectivity leadership</h2>No company in the world does ultra-low power connectivity like Nordic. And no SoC does energy-efficient edge AI computing like the Nordic nRF54 Series. The latest advances in AI and ML acceleration that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Nordic-news/2023/08/Nordic-to-acquire-AI-ML-technology-in-the-US">Nordic’s Atlazo acquisition</a>&nbsp;has brought to our internal R&amp;D capabilities will only further extend our leadership in edge AI and ML.&nbsp;In my view, this development signifies a pivotal transformation for Nordic, elevating its identity far above being just a wireless connectivity or Bluetooth company within the IoT landscape, but also offering a seamless integration platform for AI in the IoT.&nbsp;

AI in the IoT also needs to be performed as close to the sensors as possible, all the way to the edge, on increasingly capable devices in terms of compute power. 

AI and machine learning goes mainstream

In this episode, we discuss how on board diagnostic (OBD) ports came to be in modern cars and how they are being leveraged today for bring internet of things (IoT) to the automotive realm.

Podcast: From Diagnostics to Connected Cars: The OBD Evolution

Understanding the role of programmable automation in the field of industrial applications, its architecture, implementations, benefits, and standing amongst other types of industrial automation techniques.

What is Programmable Automation

<div data-coolorigin="https%3A%2F%2Fcloud.rosariot.com%2Fcool%2Fclipboard%3FWOPISrc%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fcloud.rosariot.com%252Findex.php%252Fapps%252Frichdocuments%252Fwopi%252Ffiles%252F18482_oc4ufmk6haci%26ServerId%3D59a26488%26ViewId%3D4%26Tag%3D4f27f88328695857" id="isPasted">The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming industries worldwide, offering innovative solutions and new business opportunities. However, running an IoT business requires more than just developing connected devices; it demands a strategic focus on value creation, security and seamless integration into customer workflows. At &nbsp;IoT Stars, a panel discussion took place featuring IoT thought leaders Jaap Groot (Ignion), Ellen Boehm (Keyfactor), Ryan Carlson (Soracom) and Leonard Lee (Next Curve, moderator).&nbsp;What does it take to turn IoT innovation into a thriving business? The experts shared their insights on overcoming challenges, creating meaningful value, and driving profitability in the ever-evolving IoT landscape.&nbsp;<h2><a name="_n12radirnwsu" target="_blank"></a>Understanding IoT Businesses</h2>Ryan Carlson emphasized that the concept of "IoT businesses" can be misleading.&nbsp;"There are no IoT businesses; there are just businesses,"Carlson underscored the importance of focusing on the core business value rather than the technology itself. For him, success in IoT lies in understanding the "Play, Potential, and Plan":Play: Identify what makes your product successful. What makes it valuable to customers?Potential: Explore opportunities for adoption, scalability, and lateral applications. Can I tweak the software and get into other use cases, adding additional sensing&nbsp;Plan: The This is where most companies start. Think of a engineering plan, &nbsp;deployment plan, or sales plan. However, all of these plans don’t make any difference unless the Play can be properly answered. According to Carlson, the Play is where &nbsp;people need to spend more time, and that means getting more out in the field, finding out where people have challenges, and where we can remove the friction in a secure way.<h2><a name="_jur2fiy91dgm" target="_blank"></a>Focusing on Use Cases and Value</h2>Jaap Groot advocated for a shift in mindset from technology to value-driven applications. "When I was in the TU in Eindhoven in '89, we put a data center in a truck to do navigation. Today that’s called IoT, but it’s still navigation!". Maybe things haven’t changed too much since then, of course the technology became more sophisticated but the value to the customer is still the same. He emphasized that successful IoT ventures must prioritize solving real-world challenges, generating revenue and ultimately contributing to customer happiness.<h2><a name="_7iz10vz3el5x" target="_blank"></a>Security by Design</h2>As more devices connect to networks, the risk of vulnerabilities increases. Ellen Boehm highlighted the importance of prioritizing security from the outset. "Any of these things that we connect create a weak point in the network," she warned. She urged IoT manufacturers to familiarize themselves with the <a href="https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/cyber-resilience-act" target="_blank">Cyber Resilience Act</a> (CRA), which will enforce stringent security compliance by 2027. Non-compliance could lead to substantial financial penalties, underscoring the need for updatable software and robust security measures.<h2><a name="_da1kj9nwy7bp" target="_blank"></a>Seamless Integration: The Key to Adoption</h2>For IoT to achieve widespread adoption, connected solutions must integrate seamlessly into users' workflows. Carlson noted that the best connected experiences are often invisible, citing the concept of "<a href="https://enchantedobjects.com/" target="_blank">enchanted objects</a>" as an example. "The very best connected experiences are the ones you don’t even know you’re using," he explained, encouraging IoT developers to move beyond gimmicks and focus on creating meaningful, frictionless user experiences.<h2><a name="_eh4xffra3h5n" target="_blank"></a>Bringing It All Together</h2>Leonard Lee summarized the discussion with a reminder of the ultimate goal: aligning IoT solutions with business priorities. "At the end of the day, it’s all about the business!" he concluded.The key to success in the IoT space lies in a shift of focus: Stop talking about technology, stop talking about IoT. Talk about the value (or the "Play" as Carlson stated") understanding what makes your solution valuable in the first place while designing for security and ensuring seamless integration. Upcoming IoT Stars networking events are taking place during MWC Barcelona and Embedded World Nuremberg.&nbsp;<a href="https://iotstars.com/#YyuiWwUYCwUAhcMzaaFuuIAGZjMTRKpce" target="_blank">Sign up</a>&nbsp;to stay updated about the latest technologies, news and events in the ecosystem.</div>

At the end of the day, it’s all about the business

The first rule of IoT: you do not talk about IoT

<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Wireless/DECT-NR" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DECT NR+</a>&nbsp;(NR+) is a wireless connectivity standard and the world's first operator-free 5G technology specifically engineered from the ground up to address the previously unmet needs of the industrial IoT.&nbsp;It’s the only IoT-focused standard that allows industrial and professional users to build private networks that can scale to massive levels from node densities of one hundred to a million per square kilometer, without subscriptions and at low ownership costs. NR+ is a mid-range 1-3 km technology that uses the global, license-exempt 1.9 GHz frequency spectrum and fills a missing gap between short-range, wireless IoT technologies like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Wireless/Bluetooth-Low-Energy">Bluetooth</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Wireless/WiFi">Wi-Fi</a>, and long-range wireless IoT technologies like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Wireless/Low-power-cellular-IoT">cellular IoT</a>.&nbsp;As well as being designed to operate with the same seamless and secure performance as cellular networks by offering over 99.99 percent uptime reliability, NR+ also provides exceptional resilience against blind spots and interference, thanks in part to its robust physical layer and operation in the less congested 1.9 GHz frequency band.&nbsp;<h2>Early NR+ adopters&nbsp;</h2>Prime early adopter industrial IoT markets include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Applications/Smart-metering">smart utility metering</a>&nbsp;and smart city applications such as street-lighting and traffic management. However, the potential application range of NR+ is vast and includes automation and robotic control, smart factories, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/applications/audio">audio</a>&nbsp;applications in challenging environments such as large arenas and stadiums.&nbsp;For massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC), industrial IoT is typically served by the cellular IoT LTE-M and NB-IoT standards. But the use of 5G in industrial IoT has stalled due to a lack of low latency solutions, access to private spectrum, and commercial challenges. As the first operator-free 5G technology, NR+ is set to solve this and bring industrial IoT back on track.&nbsp;<h2>The DECT NR+ difference&nbsp;</h2>Cellular IoT addresses many of the needs of industrial IoT, but it doesn't cover them all. It perfectly complements DECT NR+ but they are not the same wireless technology. NR+ is very much designed for static, private, medium-range applications within a boundary of up to 3 km between nodes. Cellular IoT, on the other hand, is long-range and global. This makes cellular IoT perfect for remote monitoring and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Applications/Asset-tracking">asset tracking</a>&nbsp;worldwide using public networks in a way that NR+ isn't designed to do.&nbsp;Cellular IoT offers global ubiquity, security, and reliability. As cellular networks are public, however, they can become congested. That means the available bandwidth and latency can temporarily decrease, and the end user has no control over these fluctuations.&nbsp;This is a low concern for mMTC applications, however, for certain industrial use cases the latency and bandwidth requirements must be much more predictable. A cost-efficient way to do this has been lacking before now.&nbsp;In contrast, NR+ can be deployed using a network of easy-to-install private sink nodes (base stations or gateways) that create a self-healing, self-forming mesh network, all at no cost to use. As a private network, NR+ can guarantee quality of service, providing the ultra-reliable bandwidth and low latency that many industrial applications require. However, when it comes to tracking mobile assets or sending data to the Cloud via a gateway, cellular IoT serves as the ideal complement to NR+.&nbsp;<h2>Don't&nbsp;wait, NR+ is here today&nbsp;</h2>NR+ is a radio standard poised to unlock new capabilities for industrial IoT in a way that is both technologically advanced and commercially viable. By partnering with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/">Nordic Semiconductor</a>, you can begin developing industrial IoT applications today. The standard, the hardware, the software, and the development tools—all the necessary components are already in place.&nbsp;NR+ has bandwidth allocation in almost 100 countries worldwide outside of Asia and some parts of Africa and the Middle East. NR+ reuses known, proven techniques from the cellular world to achieve ultra-reliable data transmissions in point-to-point, star, and mesh networks.&nbsp;Nordic understands and is fully invested in NR+ and has been integral in helping the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dect.org/">DECT Forum</a>&nbsp;to formulate the NR+ standard. As a result, Nordic is the first semiconductor company to provide silicon chips that can run NR+, the proven&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Wireless/Low-power-cellular-IoT/Products?lang=en#infotabs">nRF91 Series</a>. Nordic NR+ customers also benefit from using the same trusted development tools and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Development-software/nRF-Connect-SDK">nRF Connect SDK</a>&nbsp;that Nordic’s existing customers are accustomed to.&nbsp;&nbsp;And as an open global standard backed by a growing ecosystem of companies and vendors, NR+ is here to stay. This provides a degree of future-proofing that far surpasses any proprietary alternative.&nbsp;The key takeaway is that DECT NR+ has effectively secured a valuable frequency spectrum. One that can support a radio standard that will deliver unmatched quality of service at low cost. Because this capability has been missing before now, I predict NR+ will accelerate digitalization across many industrial IoT use cases like never before.&nbsp;

DECT NR+ (NR+) is a wireless connectivity standard and the world's first operator-free 5G technology specifically engineered from the ground up to address the previously unmet needs of the industrial IoT. 

Why DECT NR+ is what industrial IoT has been crying out for

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming industries by connecting devices and enabling real-time data collection, analysis, and automation. However, the total cost of ownership (TCO) of IoT systems is often underestimated, especially when it comes to the crucial aspect of battery life. While upfront costs, such as hardware, software, and deployment, are well understood, the ongoing maintenance and replacement costs—largely driven by battery life—can quickly escalate if not properly addressed.<h3 id="isPasted">The Importance of Battery Life in IoT Systems</h3>Battery life is a critical factor in the design and deployment of IoT devices, particularly those intended for remote or hard-to-access locations. A device with a short battery life requires frequent maintenance, which can significantly increase the TCO due to the cost of battery replacements, labor, and potential downtime.<h3>1. Operational Disruptions</h3>Frequent Maintenance: IoT devices with poor battery life necessitate frequent visits for battery replacements, especially in large-scale deployments where devices are scattered across vast areas. This leads to higher labor costs and potential service disruptions.Downtime Costs: In critical applications, such as healthcare or industrial monitoring, downtime caused by battery failure can result in significant operational and financial losses. The cost of downtime must be factored into the TCO, as it can affect productivity, safety, and customer satisfaction.Imagine you have 10,000 IoT devices deployed for tracking, with an expected battery life of five years. This estimate is often based on dividing the battery’s capacity by the average current use, relying on typical scenarios from the datasheet. However, in reality, batteries will deplete at different rates, leading to replacements. Over five years, you might need to replace each battery twice, potentially costing you $6 million (10,000 devices x 2 replacements x $300 per replacement). For mission-critical IoT solutions, the stakes are even higher. According to <a href="https://www.the20.com/blog/the-cost-of-it-downtime/">Gartner</a>, IT downtime can cost up to $5,600 per minute, making battery reliability crucial. The question is: who bears these costs—you or your customer?<h3 id="isPasted">2. Environmental Impact</h3>Increased Waste: Batteries contribute to environmental waste, and frequent replacements exacerbate this problem. Not only is there a direct financial cost associated with purchasing new batteries, but there is also a growing concern about the environmental impact of battery disposal. Regulatory pressures may also add to these costs.Sustainability Concerns: Companies are increasingly being held accountable for their environmental footprint. Poor battery management in IoT systems can tarnish a company’s reputation, leading to potential financial penalties or loss of business due to unsustainable practices. Starting July 18th, 2024, the European Commission enforces <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R1781&qid=1719580391746">new regulations</a> to boost energy efficiency in products across the EU. Part of the EU’s Green Deal, these rules aim to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, encouraging manufacturers to create more sustainable and cost-effective products.<h3>The Role of Hardware and Software in Battery Life Optimization</h3>Prioritizing battery life requires a holistic approach that encompasses both hardware design and software development. Neglecting this aspect during the development phase can lead to significant long-term costs.<h3>1. Hardware Design</h3>Energy-Efficient Components:&nbsp;Selecting low-power components is crucial for extending battery life. This includes processors, sensors, and communication modules that consume minimal energy, especially when the device is in standby mode.Battery Technology:&nbsp;The choice of battery technology can have a major impact on longevity and reliability. Lithium-ion batteries, for example, offer higher energy density and longer life cycles compared to older technologies like nickel-cadmium, but they may come at a higher upfront cost. However, even with the most high energy density battery it’s impossible to utilize 100% of a battery’s capacity. You can get close if you match it well with the power behaviour of the application. A poor match between the device and battery can be costly. Our extensive testing reveals that, on average, 30-50% of a battery’s capacity often goes unused due to inefficiencies.<h3>2. Software Optimization</h3>Power Management: Efficient software design can significantly reduce power consumption. For instance, using low-power modes, optimizing communication protocols, and minimizing data transmission can extend battery life. Energy-optimized firmware updates can also enhance power efficiency over time.Data Handling: Reducing the frequency of data transmission and processing data locally (edge computing) rather than sending it to the cloud can conserve energy. Optimized software for energy efficiency can prolong the intervals between maintenance visits, thus reducing TCO.<h3>The Consequences of Neglecting Battery Life</h3>Ignoring battery life during the development of IoT systems can lead to several negative outcomes:<h3>1. Increased Maintenance Costs</h3>Frequent Replacements: As mentioned, the need for constant battery replacement drives up costs. This&nbsp;<iframe id="67248eb861f14f2f2bc1d734" width="250" class="specs-iframe" height="440" src="https://wevolver.com/iframe/specs/silicon-labs-siwx917-dk2605a-wi-fi-6-bluetooth-le-dev-kit?iframe=true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe> is particularly burdensome for large-scale deployments, where the cumulative cost of replacements can quickly surpass initial hardware investments.Logistical Challenges: Managing the replacement of batteries across numerous devices in different locations can be logistically complex and costly, leading to inefficiencies and higher operational costs.<h3>2. Reduced Device Lifespan</h3>Premature Failure: Devices designed with no focus on battery validation for specific application may experience premature failure caused by bad battery batches or behaviours in temperatures. As a result, this shortens their lifespan, leading to earlier replacements and increasing the overall TCO.<h3>3. Customer Dissatisfaction</h3>Service Interruptions and Product Recalls:&nbsp;Short battery life can lead to frequent service interruptions, particularly in consumer-facing applications. This can result in customer dissatisfaction, negative reviews, and potential loss of business.<h3>Conclusion: A Strategic Approach to Long Battery life and Low Cost of IoT</h3>Battery life heavily influenceses the TCO of IoT systems, making it a critical consideration in the product development phases. By prioritizing energy-efficient hardware and software, companies can reduce operational disruptions, extend device lifespans, and minimize environmental impact. Failing to do so not only inflates the TCO but also risks damaging a company’s reputation and bottom line.In the rapidly evolving IoT landscape, where devices are becoming more ubiquitous to operations, ensuring long battery life is not just a technical concern — it’s a strategic imperative. By addressing this issue proactively, organizations can maximize the return on their IoT investments while maintaining operational efficiency and sustainability.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing industries through connectivity and automation, but underestimated battery life costs can significantly inflate the total cost of ownership (TCO) over time.

The hidden cost of IoT: Why battery life must be a top priority

Reliable and efficient antenna technology is crucial in today’s interconnected world, with growing demands for smart connectivity across industries and applications such as IoT, smart metering, and industrial applications. However, conventional designs often fall short of meeting the technological needs of stable connectivity and seamless communications, as they often struggle to support multi-frequency bands and adapt to modern protocols like 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and LPWANs (Low Power Wide Area Networks). This incompatibility can lead to reduced device efficiency, increased power consumption, and challenges in maintaining stable connections across varied environments. To lower the complexity and costs of managing multiple antennas and components, the demand for an omnidirectional antenna among design engineers and specialists is higher than ever.&nbsp;Addressing today’s connectivity needs, Ignion's OMNIA mXTEND™ offers a multi-radio antenna solution designed to improve communication efficiency across Cellular, GNSS, and Wi-Fi/BLE networks. This device ensures efficient communication by using a high-performance, multiband chip antenna that supports a wide range of frequencies across Cellular, GNSS, and Wi-Fi/BLE technologies, allowing seamless integration and robust connectivity. Its omnidirectional radiation pattern and simplified design enable reliable performance across various applications, minimizing complexity and ensuring consistent signal quality. This is especially beneficial in industries such as asset tracking, smart metering, and industrial IoT that require a scalable antenna solution.In this article, we’ll introduce OMNIA mXTEND™ product based on Virtual Antenna® technology and go through its use cases to better understand the importance of omnidirectional linearly polarized antennas.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Current Challenges in the Antenna Landscape</h2>Fragmentation is one of the key challenges engineers face while designing antennas. If a device has to use different communication protocols, then it often requires multiple separate antennas. For example, a device that needs to communicate through GNSS, Cellular, and Wi-Fi/BLE, usually needs different antennas to handle each protocol. As a result, the cost of production will increase, the size will be bigger, and the setup will be complex.Another issue is the limited connectivity. Maintaining an omnidirectional and uninterrupted signal is especially essential for industrial IoT and smart metering in challenging areas such as remote areas or densely populated cities. Some traditional solutions rely on external antennas, which are vulnerable to mechanical damage or theft.Furthermore, as IoT networks expand rapidly, the demand for versatile and reliable connectivity solutions becomes more pressing across various industries. Manufacturers seek efficient, multiband antenna components like the OMNIA mXTEND™ to ensure their devices can seamlessly connect across different networks, simplifying production processes and reducing costs while maintaining top-tier performance in diverse and challenging environments. Conventional antennas often struggle to maintain performance across large deployments. So, to efficiently scale IoT systems, breaking barriers in antenna design is necessary.<h2 dir="ltr">Introducing The OMNIA mXTEND® multi-radio chip antenna component</h2><h3 dir="ltr">Ignion: Pioneers in Antenna Innovation</h3>With over two decades of experience leading innovation in the antenna industry, Ignion has set out to reach the goal of simplifying the process of antenna design and offering enhanced connectivity across multiple communication methods. To do so, Ignion focuses on tackling complex connectivity challenges with its adaptable, multi-band Virtual Antenna® technology [1-5], designed to streamline antenna integration across Cellular, GNSS, and Wi-Fi/BLE standards. This approach eliminates the need for custom antenna designs, cutting down development time and costs while offering reliable performance across a wide frequency range. With its continuous advancements, Ignion supports industries like IoT, automotive, and smart metering by simplifying antenna design, enabling efficient scaling, and providing dependable wireless communication that meets the advancing demands of connected applications.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr">High-Performance Multi-Radio Antenna Solution for Seamless IoT Connectivity&nbsp;</h3>Inspired by the Latin term “Omnia,” meaning "all" or "everything," OMNIA mXTEND™ represents a powerful, all-in-one solution for multi-radio connectivity. This technology combines Wi-Fi/BLE, GNSS, and Cellular capabilities within a single unit, offering seamless connectivity across diverse frequencies while simplifying design and reducing installation time.Moreover, combining multi-radio capabilities into one compact component provides consistent connectivity across a broad range of frequencies. This means that regardless of the environment or communications protocol that is in work, the chance of an interruption in connection will be much lower than before, be it in a dense urban environment or a remote and distant location. For instance, OMNIA supports multiple networks within the frequency of 790 to 960 MHz for cellular IoT, 1561 to 1606 MHz for GNSS communication, and 2400 to 2500 MHz for Wi-Fi/BLE. By mostly eliminating the need for separate antennas for different communication protocols, this solution allows the manufacturers to streamline their supply chains and minimize hardware and maintenance expenses.<h3 dir="ltr">Introducing OMNIA mXTEND™</h3>As the first-of-its-kind 3-port antenna, the OMNIA mXTEND™ is a versatile solution suitable for the creation of next-generation wireless devices by supporting Cellular Networks (4G, 5G, NB-IoT, and LTE-M), GNSS systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou), and Wi-Fi/BLE in one compact design.Furthermore, it’s a future-proof solution providing a wide range of frequencies from 400 MHz to 8000 MHz which ensures compatibility with future networks.&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzMyNTUyMzgwODEyLWlnbmlvbi1hbnRlbm5hLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><h4 dir="ltr">Specifications and technical features of the OMNIA mXTEND™ chip antenna component:</h4><ul><li dir="ltr">Compact size with dimensions of 44.1 x 14.6 x 1.0 mm3, designed for efficient use of PCB space.</li><li dir="ltr">Omnidirectional radiation pattern that offers reliable connectivity in all directions.</li><li dir="ltr">Linear polarization and support of consistent signal quality across all protocols.</li><li dir="ltr">The antenna can operate within a temperature range of -40°C to +125°C.</li><li dir="ltr">The average total efficiency of more than 55% for cellular, 75% for GNSS, and 65% for Wi-Fi/BLE</li><li dir="ltr">Peak gain of 0.9 dBi for cellular, 4.0 dBi for GNSS, and 3.5 dBi for Wi-Fi/BLE.</li><li dir="ltr">Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) is less than 2.6:1 for cellular, 1.5:1 for GNSS, and 2:1 for Wi-Fi/BLE.</li><li dir="ltr">Approximate weight of 1.23 g.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">Applications of OMNIA mXTEND™</h2><h3 dir="ltr">Asset Tracking and Logistics</h3>Asset tracking and logistics involve the monitoring and management of valuable assets as they move through supply chains or within operational environments, ensuring their safety, efficiency, and proper handling. In this context, effective communication and real-time data transmission are essential to maintain seamless tracking and improve logistical operations. The OMNIA mXTEND™ solution is ideal for these applications, providing high-performance, multiband coverage that supports the diverse connectivity needs required for reliable asset tracking.This versatile antenna technology ensures consistent and robust connections, enabling businesses to optimize their asset management systems with enhanced accuracy and efficiency. OMNIA mXTEND™ supports seamless multi-network connectivity, ensuring that assets can be tracked with precision, no matter the environment. Multi-network capabilities in OMNIA mXTEND™ are perfect for asset tracking, as it can seamlessly connect to various types of networks and ensure reliable tracking across all sorts of environments, such as underground parking lots and remote locations.Moreover, this product can significantly reduce the chance of losing assets and experiencing downtime. In addition to that, the cost of the tracking device will be much more affordable due to eliminating the need for separate antennas, and access to continuous monitoring will be achievable through a simpler process of setting up OMNIA mXTEND™. By reducing the complexity and cost of integrating separate antennas, this device streamlines the design process, allowing organizations to enhance their asset management capabilities effectively.<h3 dir="ltr">Smart Metering</h3>Long-range communication is essential in smart metering, and OMNIA easily provides that thanks to its capabilities to support different critical bands such as LTE. This makes OMNIA mXTEND™ ideal for large-scale smart grid projects. For example, its compact design and multi-frequency capability allow seamless integration into a variety of device sizes and configurations. This adaptability enables its deployment across extensive smart grid networks, supporting thousands of interconnected devices without the need for customized antenna solutions.Moreover, it ensures accuracy and security while transmitting data by providing consistent, high-efficiency signal strength across multiple frequency bands, which is crucial for real-time data collection and energy management. Its robust design minimizes data loss and signal interference, while the stable 50 Ω impedance ensures reliable connections, reducing the risk of data corruption during transmission. With stringent European regulatory standards, the OMNIA mXTEND™was developed in order to guarantee a consistent performance that ensures the safety, performance, and environmental compliance of electronic components. This includes for example RoHS certification, which restricts the use of hazardous materials, and alignment with CE marking requirements that confirm conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards in the European Economic Area.<h3 dir="ltr">Industrial IoT</h3>With OMNIA mXTEND™, managing data from interconnected systems becomes easier, thanks to its consistent, multiband connectivity that supports several wireless standards. Its strong signal and wide frequency compatibility facilitate reliable data transmission, minimizing connectivity disruptions and streamlining data management. Built for industrial durability, OMNIA mXTEND™ performs well in challenging environments like secure facilities and remote stations. By supporting multiple network types in one solution, it also reduces costs and simplifies operations, making it ideal for optimizing workflows through real-time data collection and resilient design.<h2 dir="ltr">Oxion AI Platform</h2>While you need advanced antenna technology to ensure seamless and efficient data transmission across interconnected systems, organizations need a powerful tool to process and extract value from this constant flow of data. This is where the Oxion AI Platform steps in, offering advanced analytical capabilities that enable real-time data interpretation, predictive analytics, and smarter decision-making processes.Oxion AI platform simplifies the antenna design process by using digital twin technology to offer users the tools to tweak antenna placement, change PCB size, get estimated performance, and more freely accessible in real-time.With the Oxion AI platform, users can receive immediate feedback on performance, as it leverages Ignion’s expertise of over 50 million wireless devices deployed to provide guidance and remove traditional barriers. Overall, the Oxion platform expertly guides both novices and experts from concept to market.<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2>OMNIA mXTEND™ offers an advanced approach to antenna design, overcoming the limitations of traditional antennas by enabling flexible integration and improved multiband performance. As an omnidirectional, linearly polarized solution, OMNIA is cost-effective, durable, flexible, and reliable. This innovative approach can benefit many industries and applications, such as smart metering, asset tracking, and industrial IoT.&nbsp;To ensure that even the most complex IoT solutions can be efficiently designed, the Oxion AI platform is freely accessible. It can even guide novice engineers and product developers through the necessary steps by providing real-time feedback, user-friendly simulations, and intuitive design tools that simplify the process of antenna placement and configuration, ensuring optimal performance without requiring advanced technical expertise.&nbsp;Considering it is first-of-its-kind, we can expect continuous improvements, innovations, and support for OMNIA mXTEND™ in the future. Learn more and explore the<a href="https://www.oxion.ai/">&nbsp;Oxion platform</a> to streamline your antenna integration.<table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 100%; width: 50.0000%;"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzMyNjEzODIzMDg1LWZ1bmRlZC1ieS1ldS1sb2dvLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 144px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 49.9398%;">The OMNIA mXTEND project was funded by the European Innovation Council Accelerator Program. </td></tr></tbody></table>This article was contributed to by <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/farhad.pashaei" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Farhad Pashaei</a>.&nbsp;

Efficient antenna technology is critical for IoT, smart metering, and industrial connectivity. This article explores how omnidirectional antennas are now in demand to simplify designs and enhance performance.

All in One: The Multi-Radio Antenna Technology Simplifying Multi-Network Connectivity

Real Time Production Monitoring System application in Smart Industrial Automotive Manufacturing

This article delves into the essentials of ICS, exploring the key types of industrial control systems, cutting-edge innovations, real-world applications and their critical analysis.

Types of Industrial Control Systems: Examples and Applications

Many IoT devices are battery-powered and one of the most important operating parameters is how long those batteries last in normal service. Maximizing battery life improves the user experience, lowers maintenance costs, and reduces wastage. &nbsp;An engineer could opt for a larger capacity battery to extend battery life, but that adds cost, volume, and weight. A better way is for the developer to take a systematic approach to IoT device design to ensure that not a single joule of energy is wasted during operation.Cellular IoT devices use either LTE-M or NB-IoT protocols. Both are designed for low power operation but are only part of the story. The cellular IoT device’s overall energy consumption is determined by the efficiency of its key elements and the application for which it is being used.<h2>Cellular IoT power saving techniques&nbsp;</h2>While not the only factor&nbsp;impacting&nbsp;battery life, radio transmission is the most significant contributor to current draw. The faster an LTE-M/NB-IoT radio can be switched on, send its&nbsp;data&nbsp;and go back to sleep, or the faster a GNSS radio can fix on a group of satellites,&nbsp;determine&nbsp;location&nbsp;and go back to sleep, the more efficient the IoT device will be.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some radio activity is necessary to ensure the cellular IoT device remains registered with and connected to the network such that data can be sent virtually instantaneously when required. However, there are several power saving techniques that can be used to minimize radio transmission time while ensuring a reliable network connection.&nbsp;&nbsp;The first is called “extended Discontinuous Reception” (eDRX). When using eDRX, the IoT device connects to the network less frequently, thus saving power by not having to turn on the radio so often. There is a trade-off: when the cellular IoT device is asleep, it is unreachable by the network - such unavailability introduces latency. The developer must decide on a suitable eDRX interval to strike a balance between power consumption and latency to suit the needs of the application.&nbsp;&nbsp;The second energy conservation technique puts the cellular IoT device into an even deeper sleep state. Called “Power Saving Mode” (PSM) the method shuts off the modem, while the device remains registered to the network. The device will be unreachable for a pre-set time but can wake up whenever needed (for example, in response to an alarm).&nbsp;<h2>nRF9151 gains from Nordic’s own power saving techniques&nbsp;</h2>eDRX and PSM are standard power saving technologies available to any cellular IoT device maker. Nordic’s renowned ultra-low power expertise has allowed it to take energy saving significantly further in its latest low-power cellular IoT solution, the nRF9151 SiP. The nRF9151 was designed from the ground up to minimize power consumption and includes full support for eDRX and PSM in addition to Nordic’s own power saving features.&nbsp;&nbsp;One example of Nordic’s technology is “reduced mobility”—which limits swapping between cells—to decrease modem activity for devices that are mostly stationary. Another is “country-specific search optimization” whereby network search parameters for 70 countries can be pre-loaded - saving the power consumed during the initial search for a network in a new location. A third is “abort network search early”; in poor radio conditions, the modem can be instructed to abort initial attempts to connect to a network and try later rather than expend energy on an extended search.&nbsp;Nordic’s nRF9151 modem also offers a “pre-evaluation of a connection” feature. Before connecting and transmitting data, the modem evaluates the estimated power consumption it would most likely use when sending data, and provides an estimate (“excellent”, “good”, “normal”, “poor” or “bad”) and information about raw parameters such as radio link quality, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), TX power and path loss. By performing this analysis of the cell downlink radio environment, the application can decide whether to send data depending on its energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;<h2>Supplementing battery power&nbsp;</h2>The design decisions made when developing the nRF9151’s included consideration for powering the SiP solely from harvested energy (such as photovoltaic (PV) power) for certain applications. No matter how intrinsically efficient the cellular IoT product might be, energy harvesting will significantly extend its battery life. And in the case of the nRF9151 SiP, energy harvesting doesn’t place any constraints on the chip’s connectivity or computational capabilities.&nbsp;However, energy harvesting might restrict the application’s duty cycle. Fortunately, the flexibility built into Nordic cellular IoT solutions makes it easy to optimize the duty cycle to meet the predicted energy reserves of the cellular IoT product’s battery.&nbsp;<h2>nRF9151 supports Class 5 output&nbsp;</h2>Another enhancement to the nRF9151 that helps extend battery life in certain applications is support for Power Class 5 20 dBm output power - complementing the existing nRF91 Series Power Class 3 23 dBm support. The additional output power support allows developers to save transmit power—helping eke out battery energy—if the Class 5 output power matches the needs of the application. This enhancement offers developers greater flexibility, broadening the scope of use cases for which the SiP can be employed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Highly efficient cellular IoT SiPs allow, for example, asset tracker manufacturers to build lightweight, compact devices with powerful processing capabilities that can run for years from a single battery charge - lowering maintenance requirements. And because battery production and disposal are dramatically reduced the environment benefits too.&nbsp;

Many IoT devices are battery-powered and one of the most important operating parameters is how long those batteries last in normal service. Maximizing battery life improves the user experience, lowers maintenance costs, and reduces wastage.  

Extending cellular IoT end-product battery life

Satellite sensors are used for Earth observation, navigation and positioning, telecommunications, military missions, and scientific research. Custom sensors have specialized capabilities, but commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products that use advanced technologies can reduce development and launch costs.&nbsp;If you’re selecting satellite sensors, consider these four factors.<ol start="1" type="1"><li>Sensor type</li><li>Performance specifications</li><li>Environmental considerations</li><li>Integration with satellite systems</li></ol>The following sections explain.<h2>#1 Sensor Types</h2>Satellites are equipped with a variety of sensors, including some that are redundant to ensure continued operations in the event of device failure. The type of sensor to select is a function of your application requirements and the device’s capabilities.<h3>Optical Sensors</h3><a href="https://www.mouser.com/c/sensors/optical-sensors/?srsltid=AfmBOopLoBeb_e87pPGBojAgJIghB1oK08NvEPMH4Vkz5TKRXeVkyrv-">Optical sensors</a> detect light within specific spectral ranges, such as visible and infrared (IR), for imaging, monitoring, and navigation. They are highly accurate, compact, lightweight, and can support high-bandwidth transmissions. For satellites with directional antennas, optical sensors are used for positioning, tracking, and alignment. For laser communications with ground stations, these satellite sensors support very fast transmissions. &nbsp;<h3>Radar Sensors</h3><a href="https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/learn/backgrounders/what-is-sar">Synthetic aperture radar (SAR)</a> sensors combine multiple radar signals collected over time as a satellite moves in orbit. They support high-resolution imaging without the use of a large antenna. Unlike optical sensors, SAR operates in the microwave range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Among their advantages, radar sensors can capture images regardless of lighting or cloud cover.<h3>Gyroscopes and Accelerometers</h3><a href="https://escies.org/download/webDocumentFile?id=1056#:~:text=Guidance%2C%20navigation%20and%20control%20systems,and%20stabilization%20of%20its%20attitude.">Gyroscopes</a> measure angular velocity and help satellites maintain their orientation in flight.<a href="https://metromatics.com.au/applications-for-accelerometers/#:~:text=Accelerometers%20in%20Space&text=Accelerometers%20measure%20the%20vibration%20and,of%20the%20vehicles%20during%20operation.">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://metromatics.com.au/applications-for-accelerometers/#:~:text=Accelerometers%20in%20Space&text=Accelerometers%20measure%20the%20vibration%20and,of%20the%20vehicles%20during%20operation.">Accelerometers</a> measure linear acceleration and can determine shock and vibration levels during launch, flight, and landing. There are also piezoelectric accelerometers, capacitive accelerometers, mechanical gyroscopes, ring laser gyroscopes (RLGs), and fiber optic gyroscopes (FOGs), each suited to specific applications.<h3>Magnetometers</h3><a href="https://www.pnisensor.com/understanding-magnetometers-and-their-uses/">Magnetometers</a> are sensors that measure changes in magnetic fields. They are essential for navigation and are used in conjunction with gyroscopes and accelerometers for attitude determination and motion tracking. Subtypes include fluxgate, optically pumped, SQUID, hall effect, magneto-resistive (MR), and Lorentz force magnetometers.<h3>Thermal Infrared Sensors</h3><a href="https://up42.com/blog/introduction-to-thermal-infrared">Thermal infrared sensors (TIR)</a> measure land surface temperatures and detect heat signatures. Unlike near-infrared (NIR) and shortwave infrared radiation (SWIR) devices, TIR technology senses emitted energy rather than reflected energy. With their high spatial resolution, TIR sensors can attribute temperature values to specific features, such as urban heat islands.<h3>Radio Frequency Sensors</h3>Radio frequency (RF) sensors detect and measure RF signals for applications that include signals intelligence (SIGINT) and environmental monitoring. By triangulating signals from multiple orbital points,<a href="https://newspaceeconomy.ca/2023/09/05/what-are-radio-frequency-rf-monitoring-satellites/#:~:text=Advanced%20RF%20sensors%20aboard%20satellites,classification%20and%20detection%20of%20patterns.">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://newspaceeconomy.ca/2023/09/05/what-are-radio-frequency-rf-monitoring-satellites/#:~:text=Advanced%20RF%20sensors%20aboard%20satellites,classification%20and%20detection%20of%20patterns.">RF sensors</a> for SIGINT can identify distinct emitters and find their precise location. For environmental monitoring, RF sensors can track signals regardless of weather conditions.<h3>GNSS Sensors</h3>Global navigation satellite system (<a href="https://www.geo-instruments.com/technology/gnss-sensors/">GNSS</a>) sensors provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning. As satellites orbit the Earth, they transmit a unique signal along with orbital parameters. Ground-based receivers use this information to calculate a user’s exact location. GNSS encompasses a variety of satellite-based systems, including the U.S. global positioning system (GPS).<h2>#2 Performance Specifications</h2>Satellite sensors differ in terms of performance specifications. Depending on the specific application, some specs may be more important than others. For example, Earth observation requires sensors with high spatial resolution to distinguish small objects on the ground from their surroundings.<h3>Frequency Range</h3>Frequency range is the range of frequencies over which a satellite sensor is designed to operate. It determines the sensor’s ability to capture specific signals, perform remote sensing tasks, or transmit and receive data. Different sensors are designed to operate within different frequency bands, such as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band within the RF portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.<h3>Resolution</h3>Resolution refers to a sensor’s ability to distinguish between closely spaced objects or fine details. There are different types of resolution, including spatial, spectral, temporal, radiometric, and angular resolution. Satellite sensors with higher resolution can acquire more data, but they also need more storage and processing power. In addition, higher resolution sensors are more expensive.<h3>Sensitivity</h3>Sensitivity refers to the ability of a sensor to detect small changes or weak signals in the quantity it’s designed to measure. Depending on the type of space sensor, this quantity could be IR or visible light, magnetic fields, temperatures, or RF signals. With SAR sensors, sensitivity determines how well the radar can detect small, reflected signals from objects on Earth’s surface. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Power Consumption</h3>Sensor power consumption refers to the amount of electrical power that a sensor uses. It includes the power that’s consumed by the sensor itself for signal detection and the power used by supporting electronics for signal amplification, processing, or transmission. Because satellites have limited power availability, sensors with low power consumption are preferred.<h3>Weight and Size</h3>Sensor weight and size are important because satellites have strict payload limitations. These specifications can also affect larger design decisions and overall sensor performance. For example, the size of an optical sensor that’s used with a satellite’s camera determines how much light the camera has available to create an image. In turn, this affects image quality.<h2>#3 Environmental Considerations</h2>When selecting a satellite sensor, consider the environment in which it will be used. Outer space exposes sensors to extreme conditions, and repairing or replacing components can be challenging.&nbsp;<ul><li>Radiation Tolerance: Space environments expose sensors to high levels of ionizing radiation, which can degrade performance over time. Choose sensors and other electronic components that are radiation-hardened.</li><li>Temperature Variations: Satellites face extreme temperature fluctuations, and sensors need to function reliably under these changing conditions. Depending on whether a satellite is in sunlight or shadow, temperatures can range from -270°C to +200°C.</li><li>Outgassing and Vacuum: Choose sensors that are built from materials that do not outgas in the vacuum of space. Outgassing, the process by which materials release trapped gasses when exposed to vacuum pressure, can cloud optical lenses and interfere with signals.</li></ul><h2>#4 Integration with Satellite Systems</h2>When selecting satellite sensors, consider how the device will integrate with larger systems that are essential for continuous operations. There are several systems that are especially critical.<h3>Data Handling and Communications</h3>Command and data handling (CDH) systems acquire, process, store, format and downlink data to ground-based assets. They include various subsystems, such as telemetry and telecommunications (TTC). For real-time or delayed data transmissions, choose sensors that are compatible with the satellite’s onboard data handling system.<h3>Pointing and Stabilization</h3><a href="https://www.satnow.com/search/antenna-pointing-mechanisms">Antenna-pointing mechanisms</a> direct a satellite’s antenna toward a specific communication target. A control system receives data that’s acquired from sensors, calculates the required rotation of the antenna, and stabilizes the device. Depending on the sensor type and application, pointing and stabilization may also be used with high-resolution cameras.&nbsp;<h3>Power Monitoring</h3>Satellites have multiple subsystems, each of which requires different amounts of power. Each subsystem must receive the correct voltage and current, and without power spikes or other anomalies that can jeopardize performance. Power monitoring systems for energy generation and storage must work with satellite sensors and support the use of onboard solar panels and batteries.Are you looking for satellite sensors? <a href="https://www.mouser.com/c/sensors/?srsltid=AfmBOoroprtuwE_0UkwpJGlpiyyQxfRCl337OHfi9U8LZ_YkVUuPqpRZ">Visit Mouser Electronics.</a>

The Arctic Weather Satellite is collecting data in one of the regions of our planet that is most severely affected by climate change. ©OHB Sweden

Key Considerations for Selecting Satellite Sensors: Types, Performance, Environment, and Integration

How to Select Satellite Sensors: Five Key Considerations

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing how businesses operate, connecting billions of devices for smarter, faster decisions. However, scaling IoT solutions demands more than plugging devices into a network; it requires mastering IoT connectivity architectures. Let’s unleash its potential.

IoT Connectivity Architecture: Engineering Guide to Enterprise-Scale Implementation

In order to promote the development of the global embodied AI industry, the Unitree G1 robot operation data set is open sourced, adapted to a variety of open source solutions, and continuously updated:&nbsp;Open source data collection:&nbsp;<a tabindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3VhODBhSF8tQzQtdFlpaUk2blczM2t1WFdkd3xBQ3Jtc0ttTkF6bzFrSzVTbkk5elFNaXl4ZmZyQTE5VGFfbWpESlhxVS1VRklKVXozX2JrZ2ItekNReGx3Vm5QOHY2OGxER0diUUhhTWlBdmotSU9LUV9EcWV0dC00Y3pjTWpyQXlQUTU5RmZCYjhoRl9KeXhadw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Funitreerobotics%2Favp_teleoperate&v=OTWHXTu09wE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" data-immersive-translate-walked="dc553b62-3d51-4d74-bb21-9b5c19549e6f">https://github.com/unitreerobotics/av...</a>Open source learning algorithms:&nbsp;<a tabindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFVfRV9DS25fNFpSMXVpaEJicUFBV29QY2NYd3xBQ3Jtc0tuejRtek9OWDF5Qk9Fc0FRNUhzWkl0SEdDSFM4UFRHLWk2MHdOUjR3LWxwN0JlUmxGRkJ5TjhlbE83S0hlZEhDY0IxQmFiOGJaM0MxRFVtdmtta3ZMMWVCOXlQMS1WR2hJa0hla0RtVHpvZWlQc3pPZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Funitreerobotics%2Funitree_IL_lerobot&v=OTWHXTu09wE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" data-immersive-translate-walked="dc553b62-3d51-4d74-bb21-9b5c19549e6f">https://github.com/unitreerobotics/un...</a>Open source datasets and models:&nbsp;<a tabindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGh0clVCMHBNbkpPWTczdTFjSGtWNGFfLVowUXxBQ3Jtc0trV2VfWFBrLUVNNS1oM3JNR2ZEU0d0MnlYZXhBNDVQVjNfYkN1aGd1b3BMc3JHUGtNTnFBN0JSMi1CQUJHSnRUTzZMTWNIZnJNQ29IUmNtT2t1blZkRXJ3ZEtfZmRKYVdqUGk1OWNZSUl4d1g5Qk16MA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fhuggingface.co%2FUnitreeRobotics&v=OTWHXTu09wE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" data-immersive-translate-walked="dc553b62-3d51-4d74-bb21-9b5c19549e6f">https://huggingface.co/UnitreeRobotics</a>

In order to promote the development of the global embodied AI industry, the Unitree G1 robot operation data set is open sourced, adapted to a variety of open source solutions, and continuously updated.

Unitree G1 Open Source Dataset

Master the language of electronics by learning to interpret schematic diagrams, from basic symbols and conventions to complex circuit analysis.

How to Read Electrical Schematics: A Comprehensive Guide for Engineers

Unexpected shutdowns? Costly errors? SCADA systems are the solution industries rely on to stay in control. Let's understand how this system allows owners to run industries through PLCs, RTUs, and other field devices, allowing them to make smarter decisions in real-time

What is SCADA?: The Basics you Need to Know

This article explores a vital power-saving technique in digital design, covering core concepts, implementations, and the differences between fine-grained, coarse-grained, and software-controlled methods. Learn why clock gating is crucial for energy efficiency, its applications in diverse systems.

Clock Gating: Powering Down Idle Circuits

Owing to its simple and straightforward nature, Modbus RTU is the engineer and technician's go-to protocol in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. Understanding Modbus RTU is crucial for seamless communication between electronic devices and optimizing system performance. 

Modbus RTU: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Implementing the Protocol

A comprehensive technical analysis comparing High Bandwidth Memory 2 (HBM2) and GDDR6 memory architectures, examining architectural differences, performance metrics, and system integration considerations. Essential reading for system architects working with high-performance computing systems.

IoT

Internet of Things: A Comprehensive Guide to its Engineering Principles and Applications

Technical Guides

How to Read Electrical Schematics: A Comprehensive Guide for Engineers

What is SCADA?: The Basics you Need to Know

Clock Gating: Powering Down Idle Circuits

Modbus RTU: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Implementing the Protocol...

HBM2 vs GDDR6: Engineering Deep Dive into High-Performance Memory Technologies...

What is Programmable Automation