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First industrial gateways series based on new ESP32 chips

The newest addition to TECHBASE’s Industrial IoT Ecosystem is a lightweight, but powerful energy-efficient and fully capable automation controller series, called Moduino – an industrial computer for remote data control and management, equipped with latest ESP32 compute module, wide range of serial, digital and analog inputs/outputs and wireless communication interfaces. This cost effective solution is perfect for end-point devices.

Moduino is powered by ultra-low power Dual-Core Tensilica LX6 240 MHz processor with 512KB RAM (up to 4MB) and 4MB SPI flash memory on-board. Integrated Wi-Fi/BLE modem and extra wireline/wireless interfaces make the Moduino micro-computer a versatile addition to Industrial IoT solutions offered by TECHBASE company. For more complex installations and for those, who need high integration capabilities, the Moduino devices can easily work remotely with existing ModBerry gateway for data accumulation and monitoring, to perform specific actions before sending the data to cloud services. The Moduino-ModBerry installation can work as standalone Ecosystem (for example via MQTT), providing fog-computing to any installation.

Wireless solution

Both Moduino X1 & X2 offer built-in Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 4.2 and support for LoRa, Sigfox, LTE cat. M1, NarrowBand-IoT (LTE cat. NB1) modems. Currently the support of ZigBee modems is under development. Moduino is equipped with standard U.FL (IPEX) external antenna connectors, allowing the device to reach up to 1km range (for Wi-Fi modem) and expanding the range for other wireless interfaces.

Battery and AC powered

Two multi-sized units X1 and X2 represent diversified approach to IIoT installations for remote data access & management. The main difference between Moduino X1 and it’s larger brother Moduino X2, apart from size, is a battery power support for X1 due to lower energy demand, making it independent from local power grid – perfect for remote installations and scattered objects monitoring. Both solutions can be powered by regular power supply with UPS support (LiPo & Supercapacitor batteries), offer wide range of serial, digital and analog inputs/outputs assisted with support of wireless communication interfaces.

Operating systems & software

Use of ESP32-WROVER compute module adds the support for real-time operating systems (compared to most Raspberry Pi based Linux and Windows OS versions), and openness of the Espressif’s platform to Moduino industrial automation controller. Thanks to enormous community of ESP32 and Arduino users and developers, the Moduino can now adapt existing software solutions, tools and programming environments,  for example:

  • ESP-IDF (Espressif IoT Development Framework)
  • Zephyr Project (scalable RTOS)
  • Arduino (C++)
  • MicroPython
  • Mongoose OS
  • etc.

End-point sensors

The Moduino device is a comprehensive end-point controller for variety of sensors located throughout any installation. It fully supports temperature and humidity sensors and new ones are currently developed, e.g. accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, etc.

MEET MODUINO X SERIES

 

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LoRa & NarrowBand-IoT now available for ModBerry series

We proudly announce that ModBerry series devices now supports LoRa and NarrowBand IoT (NB-IoT) modems via extension modules. The new interfaces allows the devices to fully integrate with new networks and systems.

LoRa – Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) or Low-Power Network (LPN) is a type of wireless telecommunicationwide area network designed to allow long range communications at a low bit rate among things (connected objects), such as sensors operated on a battery. The low power, low bit rate and intended use distinguish this type of network from a wireless WAN that is designed to connect users or businesses, and carry more data, using more power.

Read more about LoRa

New addition to wide range of communication protocols is NarrowBand IoT:

NarrowBand IoT (NB-IoT) is a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) radio technology standard developed to enable a wide range of devices and services to be connected using cellular telecommunications bands. NB-IoT is a narrowbandradio technology designed for the Internet of Things (IoT) and is one of a range of Mobile IoT (MIoT) technologies standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). NB-IoT focuses specifically on indoor coverage, low cost, long battery life, and enabling a large number of connected devices.

Read more about NB-IoT

CHOOSE YOUR DEVICE

 

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Media wrote about ModBerry industrial computer series

Information about our new ModBerry devices spread around the world:

Feel free to read latest articles about Compute Module 3 and newest addition to ModBerry series.

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ModBerry industrial computer expands to new platforms

Raspberry Pi based industrial computer, ModBerry 500 series expands to new platforms, setting new trends on the industrial automation market. ModBerry family offers now a variety of new processing units, wider range of possible applications due to much higher performance than before.

ModBerry M1000

Intel-based industrial computer

The first unit that entered the ModBerry series is a device called ModBerry M1000, utilizing the capabilities of UpBoard platform. New solution uses Quad-core Intel Atom x5-Z8350 processor with 4x 1.44GHz frequency (boost up to 4x 1.92GHz), up to 4GB RAM and 64GB eMMC on board. The new platform also features USB 3.0 and Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000Mbps for faster communication and supports new operating systems, e.g.: Windows 10, Yocto, Ubuntu, Ubilinux, Android 6.0.

To read more about ModBerry M1000 solution, download PDF datasheet: http://a2s.pl/products/ModBerry/ModBerry_M1000_EN.pdf

ModBerry M700

Advanced automation controller

New and more economic addition to ModBerry series is a new ModBerry M700 using the NanoPi platform as a computing module. M700 is powered with Quad-core Cortex-A7 @ 1.2GHz processor, 1GB RAM and 8GB eMMC on board with microSD slot for storage extension. The new device also features GbLAN, wide range of inputs/outputs and built-in communication protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) with external antenna for many industrial applications. Every ModBerry series computer is equipped with industrial terminal block and sturdy casing with DIN rail mounting.

To read more about ModBerry M700 solution, download PDF datasheet: http://a2s.pl/products/ModBerry/ModBerry_M700_EN.pdf

ModBerry 400

Compact and affordable industrial solution

Last but not least, due to high demand for cheap and capable industrial devices, is the youngest member of ModBerry family, called ModBerry 400. The device is powered by Quad-core Cortex-A53 @ 1.2GHz processor, as its predecessor – ModBerry 500 M3, but offering limited inputs/outputs for economical applications, such as temperature or energy meter monitoring, protocol converting or data logging. Its features can be extended with additional modules or modems for specific use-cases, requiring particular protocol or wireless data transfer technology, e.g.: ZigBee, LTE/3G/GPRS, LoRa, NarrowBand IoT and many more.

To read more about ModBerry 400 solution, download PDF datasheet: http://a2s.pl/products/ModBerry/ModBerry_400_EN.pdf

More information

The iMod Ecosystem guarantees a quick start and full use of the ModBerry computer, without the need to write complicated software. One of the main advantages of the iMod Ecosystem is its ease of use and variety of available functionalities. It is a combination of cloud services with web-based user interface and industrial devices, fully manageable remotely.

TECHBASE provides solutions for industrial automation, telemetry, remote access and integration with IT systems. The company has been actively developing its competences in the market. Due to an innovative approach – based on the use of cutting-edge technologies, open standards and easy to maintain products – the company has earned the trust of Customers all over the world.

TECHBASE’s mission is to provide our Customers with tools, which will shorten and simplify the process of system implementation. With open architecture and high level of configurability, maintenance of a system is not expensive anymore.

Read more about all ModBerry Industrial Solutions at: http://modberry.techbase.eu/

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TECHBASE upgrades the ModBerry 500 industrial computer with CM3

ModBerry 500/9500 M3 is an upgraded ModBerry 500/9500 Linux-based industrial computer series, using latest Compute Module 3 from Raspberry Pi. ModBerry is a series of industrial computers which you can easily adapt to your needs by choosing from the available options.

ModBerry 500 / ModBerry 9500

Upgraded ModBerry industrial computer series use latest Compute Module 3, powered by Quad-core Cortex-A53 1.2GHz processor, 1024MB LPDDR2 RAM and 4GB Flash eMMC. The module increase the device’s performance up to ten times, maintaining low power consumption and optimal price of the solution. ModBerry features industrial protocol support, e.g. Modbus, M-Bus, SNMP, MQTT and the possibility to add new protocols with ease.

ModBerry protocol modularity

ModBerry 500 hardware modularity

The main features of ModBerry Industrial Computers series are the extension capabilities to increase input/output number, add up to 4 internal wireless communication modems and modules, support additional features such as accelerometer or opto-isolation options.

ModBerry 500 series offers wide range of industrial interfaces e.g.: digital inputs/outputs, analog inputs/outputs, relay outputs, serial RS-232/485 ports, Ethernet, 1-Wire, CAN, USB 2.0, HDMI, LTE/3G/GPRS, NarrowBand IoT/LTE, GPS, ZigBee, WiFi, Bluetooth, LoRa and many more via extension modules.

ModBerry hardware modularity

Raspberry Pi based industrial computer ModBerry expands to new platforms, setting new trends on the industrial automation market. ModBerry series offers now a variety of new processing units, wider range of possible applications due to much higher performance than before. We introduced ModBerry M700 based on NanoPi platform, Intel-based ModBerry M1000 with UpBoard computing module and latest ModBerry 400 to complete Raspberry Pi platform with economical device for further upgrades with extension modules.

ModBerry remote management

The iMod platform guarantees a quick start and full use of the ModBerry computer, without the need to write complicated software. One of the main advantages of the iMod platform is its ease of use and variety of available functionalities. Due to the available SDK, the platform can be extended with new, dedicated functionalities.

iMod can be installed directly onto ModBerry device or using external PC outside the installation (iModBOX). The third option is using dedicated hosting server to host the iMod software (iModHOST).

iModCloud Ecosystem

Another product is iModCloud software-service, which enables full control of ModBerry/iMod devices. Together they form a stand-alone solution – iModCloud Ecosystem, a combination of cloud services with web-based user interface and industrial devices, fully manageable remotely.

iModCloud can be hosted externally, using stable DELL servers to host the cloud service.(iModCloudHOST). For higher data security or depending on project features, iModCloud can be hosted internally, inside the installation (iModCloudBOX) hosted by the dedicated Mini-PC or from portable memory stick (iModCloudSTARTER).

More information

TECHBASE provides solutions for industrial automation, telemetry, remote access and integration with IT systems. Since 2012 the company has been actively developing its competences in the market. Due to an innovative approach – based on the use of cutting-edge technologies, open standards and easy to maintain products – the company has earned the trust of Customers all over the world.

TECHBASE’s mission is to provide our Customers with tools, which will shorten and simplify the process of system implementation. With open architecture and high level of configurability, maintenance of a system is not expensive anymore.

To read more about ModBerry 500 M3 solution, download PDF datasheet: http://a2s.pl/products/ModBerry/ModBerry_500M3_EN.pdf
Read more about all ModBerry Industrial Solutions at: http://modberry.techbase.eu/

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Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) brings savings and efficiency

The main difference between well known Industry of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is the place of application and approach to the role of user. IIoT focuses on increasing the profit, efficiency and safety of data used in any industrial application. Company’s main investment into IIoT is made to ultimately lower the global cost of bussiness activity and avoid any unnecessary maintenance costs.

The basic Internet of Things (IoT) objectives include management of facilities for User’s greater convenience and time saving. Smart homes, health monitoring and almost every aspect of human life is = covered more and more by IoT accessories and applications, but they mainly focus on end-user experience. The Industrial IoT looks far beyond that and brings profits and savings to manufacturing and maintenance level.

Companies can also benefit greatly by seeing it as a tool for finding growth in unexpected opportunities. In the future, successful companies will use the Industrial Internet of Things to capture new growth through three approaches: boost revenues by increasing production and creating new hybrid business models, exploit intelligent technologies to fuel innovation and transform their workforce.
© Accenture

The benefits of using  IIoT devices and complex solutions improve bussines efficiency (e.g., improved uptime of systems and remote monitoring of parameters) through easy maintenance and cloud management.

The new means of control are called Ecosystems, entwining the whole structure of industrial installation and software platforms to unleash unimaginable powers of existing industries. Coexistance of human controlled, cloud management utilities and devices, result in unprecedented levels of productivity.

The IIoT is defined by Accenture as “a universe of intelligent industrial products, processes and services that communicate with each other and with people over a global network”. This connected web is becoming increasingly ubiquitous across a wide range of industries, from oil and gas, utilities and transportation through to the medical field.

While these devices can be very beneficial for organisations and consumers every day, even greater value may be derived by using analytics to generate insights from the vast datasets generated by IIoT.

Research by Accenture and General Electric found that industrial organisations see a considerable upside in IIoT as a complement to big data analytics. More conservative forecasts in this research estimate that this activity could be worth $500bn by 2020.
© ComputerWeekly

See also:

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ModBerry 500 M3 with Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 out now!

We are proud to announce that our newest device ModBerry 500 M3 is now available to order. ModBerry 500 M3 is an upgraded ModBerry 500 industrial computer series, using latest Compute Module 3 from Raspberry Pi. Used module increase the device’s performance up to ten times, maintaining low power consuption and optimal price of this solution. ModBerry features industrial protocol support, e.g. Modbus, M-Bus, SNMP, MQTT and more. Read full specification in ModBerry 500 M3 datasheet below:

Download ModBerry 500 M3 Datasheet

Main features of ModBerry 500 M3:

  • Quad core Cortex A53 processor @ 1.2 GHz with Videocore IV GPU
  • 1GB LPDDR2 RAM
  • 4GB eMMC Flash
  • Full Modbus/M-Bus/SNMP/MQTT protocol support
  • Wide range of wired and wireless communication protocols (Wi-Fi, 3G/LTE, GPS, Bluetooth, ZigBee, etc.)
  • Industrial-grade components and casing with DIN rail mounting

Compare with other solutions

Watch ModBerry website for upcoming updates. More industrial solutions coming in 2017!

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IoT Market growth in 2017

The Internet of Things (IoT), constantly develops in many fields, such as everyday objects, wearables, appliances, and vehicles in the cloud. The enormous growth is also expected for industrial applications. Industry 4.0 Ecosystems bloomed over last year, and upcoming 2017-2020 will be the years of further IoT expansion.

Increased sales of IoT processors and the expansion of IoT ecosystems fuel market growth in IoT analytics, which organize the information gathered from those devices into actionable data. Two key companies to watch in this field are networking giant Cisco and Amazon.

Cisco, one of the largest networking equipment companies in the world, started integrating analytics services into its hardware in 2014 through its “Connected Analytics for the Internet of Everything” initiative. Since then, the company has acquired numerous cloud and IoT companies to bolster that effort. In February, Cisco announced its intent to acquire Jasper Technologies, a leading IoT service platform for businesses and service providers.

Amazon owns AWS (Amazon Web Services), the largest cloud-based platform as a service in the world. AWS is generally known for hosting websites and data, but the company has been aggressively adding new analytics services for businesses. One such service is AWS for IoT, a new platform which enables Amazon to collect and analyze data from IoT devices for a fee.
© The Motley Fool

The annual growth in IoT fields multiplies the number of IoT devices used. It might be a huge opportunity for IT companies, but also a massive challenge for fog and cloud integration of IoT ecosystems. The fast development of these solutions and it’s influence on the market carries potentially unimaginable benefits of using Internet of Things Ecosystems.

The above summary and forecast was made in 2014. Since then, the rate of growth has increased so rapidly, that current Intel predicitons quadruples the number of connected IoT devices.

Intel estimates that the number of connected devices worldwide will surge from 15 billion in 2015 to 200 billion in 2020. That comes out to about 26 smart devices gathering data from every person in the world. Intel’s optimistic forecast could certainly be tripped up by issues with conflicting standards, privacy, and security, but investors should still keep an eye on these key companies as the overall market expands.
© The Motley Fool

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Fog Computing in IoT Security Services

Implementation of IoT technologies in control and monitoring systems should take into account increasing issues in terms of security and data protection. According to Cisco and Intel experts, the implementation of technology in the cloud is both an opportunity and a challenge:

By adopting cloud-based web security, utilities have seized on a new opportunity to harden their defenses against a high number of security breaches. 56 percent of the security professionals in utilities say they use cloud-based web security, compared with 36 percent of the respondents in other industries, Cisco reported earlier this year.

But with the ability of the cloud to connect more things in more places on the IoT, the technology also opens up new points of attack. To solve this complex issue and make the most of the IoT, utilities need to rethink where and how to deploy security.
© Intel IoT Partnership


This fresh approach can be seen in the iModCloud IoT Ecosystem, which combines robust and high-performance industrial devices, control software called iMod and iModCloud (service-in-cloud). The result is a “fog computing” solution that takes into account high value and confidentiality of data.

Many industries and utilities are adopting the IoT and cloud to analyze disparate sources of data to boost efficiency. For the utility industry, the ability to acquire and process smart grid data presents bottom-line value in addition to benefiting consumers and the environment.

Research conducted by Zpryme for Oracle Utilities found that 45 percent of utilities currently use the cloud and 52 percent plan to do so. Despite relatively high levels of adoption, the research also found persistent concerns about privacy, control and security.
© Intel IoT Partnership

Newest fog computing solutions are iModCloudBOX and iModCloudHOST. All the data logging and monitoring takes place in local or remote system, that can be placed inside or outside the installation. The data is fully encrypted and the data transfer is secured with SSL protocol.

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Challenges of Industry 4.0

According to our expert, in case of modernization of systems to the standard of Industry 4.0, enterprises represent these two positions:

  • Implementation of IoT is too difficult and we will not implement it,
  • We will do everything ourselves.

Due to the fact that each layer of the full implementation must be based on hardware, software and integration between these elements, and the development of the highest layers (User Interface, Cloud Computing) takes a minimum of one year to perform all operations on its own and does not bring the desired effect. At this time, we can see many ongoing projects on the market, without finished product ready for sale.

Moreover, it seems that the creators of the current IoT products do not always understand how to effectively sell the service. The purpose is often a mass distribution of the finished product. The final service for the end customer should be simple and ready to buy, as in the supermarket, and not by leasing, installment, complex contract options, conditions of use and security. The price of the finished product should contain calculated risks.

To meet these challenges the market has developed a need for a ready-to-use platform type Fog Computing (integrated hardware and software) such as iModCloud Ecosystem. It connects end devices (sensors, production machinery) to the logic contained in the controllers (IoT so-called gateway) with a layer of Cloud Computing (Big Data, Inference, User Interface).

Statement by our expert showed in Appendix Factory 4.0 for the December issue of Control Engineering (link below):

See also: