SensiSUB gateway simplifies cloud connectivity for IoT application development

IoT expert SensiEDGE introduced a new sub-1GHz 6LoWPAN gateway to connect its wireless IoT system-on-module (SOM) devices to the cloud. The SensiSUB gateway is designed to simplify IoT connectivity from sensors to the cloud, delivering an end-to-end solution for low-power wide area networks (LPWAN) which enables cloud connectivity for sending and receiving of IoT sensor data over long-range, sub-1GHz star networks.

The gateway, together with the SensiSUB SOM (which integrates sensors, micro-controller, RF communication and power management), delivers higher range and more reliable frequency bands to penetrate walls and reduce interference. Ideal RF IoT wireless applications for sub-1GHz include smart metering, industrial lighting, and home and building automation. The long range, reduced interference and low power features of the sub-1GHz spectrum band make it a perfect fit for these IoT applications. Powered by USB, the gateway enables visualisation of sensor data via the cloud by connecting IoT nodes in a 6LoWPAN wireless sensor network to the internet via a Wi-Fi network. This is accomplished thanks to STMicroelectronics’ FP-NET-6LPWIFI1, an STM32 ODE (Open Development Environment) software function pack, which connects the device to IBM Watson IoT cloud services by means of the MQTT protocol.

As IoT applications and device numbers grow, sub-1GHz offers three key advantages over the already crowded 2.4GHz spectrum (where Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, cordless phones and car alarms already operate). Firstly, devices using the sub-1GHz spectrum handle interference better, operating on lower frequencies, with fewer existing applications using that spectrum – and the lower frequency ISM bands enable sub-1GHz transmissions to weave between buildings in an urban environment better. Secondly, compared to the 2.4GHz spectrum, they require lower power signals from the transceiver to get the same output power signal at the receiver – consuming less power and making sub-1GHz RF a good choice for battery-operated IoT sensor devices. Finally, sub-1GHz wireless transmission offers substantially more range than the 2.4Ghz spectrum, up to twice the distance.

By 2025, an estimated 70 billion connected devices, including smart lighting, learning thermostats and wearables, will be in service. Research and advisory firm, Gartner predicts IoT technology will be embedded in 95% of new electronic product designs by 2020. As seamless connectivity

becomes a standard requirement, product and system designers are having to integrate complex RF functionality into their prototypes, as well as the sensors and intelligence IoT functionality demands. SensiEDGE is making its mission to lower barriers for IoT developers worldwide. Its easy-to-use, yet powerful IoT SOM starter kits are becoming vital development tools for design engineers with limited (or no) RF expertise – as well as enabling a new generation of makers to more easily realise their concepts. The company is focused on helping makers and early-stage start-ups to prototype and build proof-of-concepts, accelerating time-to-market with off-the-shelf modules. Its tiny form factor SOMs integrate sensors, micro-controller and battery, offering an ideal solution for designers seeking to develop IoT products without dealing with hardware development and production logistics.

SensiEdge’s SOMs using ST's certified Sub-Giga modules and software solutions simplify building new IoT products, reducing development time and cost. Its SOMs offer a fully customisable solution for IoT developers who want to focus on their own applications and core competencies, rather than the underlying hardware platform or production logistics.

SensiSUB is available from reputable distributors Arrow Electronics and Mouser. For more details, visit SensiEDGE