Mobile multifunction platform: smart, for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
Many companies are embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) and quickly realizing value from the benefits of networked structures.
We present a platform that allows economic measured values or calculations to be transmitted via the LTE mobile network to servers in companies, visualization software or cloud services. An expensive and oversized control system can be dispensed with.
IoT platforms, security technologies and cloud computing are considered indispensable for the success of the Internet of Things in most companies, according to the “IDG Internet of Things 2018 Study” by IDG Research Services. Fifty-seven percent of companies see these platforms as the most important technology for the IoT, but only 22% are currently using one.
The pioneers, as is so often the case, are the big companies. Small and medium-sized enterprises often have some catching up to do. They need to invest primarily in IT infrastructure, IoT platforms and security. In most cases, the implementation fails due to the costs for the required on-board resources or due to security issues. In the market, expensive control systems are used in conjunction with mobile routers or unstable solutions based on single-board computers. But how can this challenge be solved cost-effectively and at the same time safely according to industry standards?
Why small computers are reaching their limits in industry
The use of the simple inexpensive programmable small computers in the industry grows continuously and the advantages are obvious: it consists of a board with a few connections, it is inexpensive, Linux-based and easy to program. At first glance, it seems to be universally applicable.
For a proof-of-concept, the small computers are very well suited. In the field of industrial applications, however, these solutions often fail. In the field, they often prove to be less reliable. They have no approval, lack interfaces and setup options. The operating system is on a pluggable SD card, they are only insufficiently capable of mobile technology, and suitable cases for all the hardware are hard to find. In short, they do not meet any industry standard.
The Industrial Internet of Things is home to many applications with small applications, such as the transmission of sensor data, switching functions, filling levels, and temperature and humidity. The effort to keep the system up-to-date due to the many applications is immense.
On the user side, high scalability, independence, individuality and simple industry-standard tools are desired. In addition, there is often no network connection available on site or the use of existing local networks is excluded for data protection reasons. The solution to the problem is industrial data communication via mobile communications.
Advantages of the industrial multifunctional platform
To meet the variety of possible applications according to industry standards, MC Technologies has launched its MC 100 product family. The MC 100 base board, which can be expanded as required, is a multifunctional mobile communications platform suitable for industrial use. It impresses with slim Linux and the use of mobile data. It is inexpensive, arbitrarily expandable and easy to program in Python, Java or C/C++ as well as Node-RED.
Already pre-installed graphical development tool
The graphical development tool Node-RED makes it possible to implement use cases in the area of the Internet of Things with a simple building block principle. Simple or complex system sequences can be implemented conveniently via the graphically programmable platform – even for inexperienced programmers. IoT protocols supported by Node-RED, such as MQTT, IoT Azure, Modbus and the availability of proprietary nodes from MC Technologies, simplify the transmission of measured values, switching and meter states to company servers, visualization software or cloud services.
Software and operating system score points for flexibility
The Linux operating system preinstalled by MC Technologies also scores with flexibility. It offers extensive features like an implemented package manager. A toolchain is provided for the customer’s own developments, for example to port existing software developed in C/C++ to the MC 100.
MC Technologies also focuses on flexibility and long-term availability when it comes to hardware: The open overall system enables the adaptation of customer-specific interfaces and the connection of additional end devices, such as sensors or application-specific expansion boards.
For rapid development of applications with wireless connectivity, the MC100 GPIO has a 4G LTE modem. For the connection of smart sensors and actuators, the MC100 GPIO is equipped with digital inputs and outputs as well as analog inputs (0 – 20 mA, 0 – 10 V) and PWM outputs. To replace an oversized and cost-intensive control unit and an additional mobile radio router, the MC 100 GPIO can, for example, send sensor data to a WinCC client or a UaExpert via the industrial M2M communication protocol OPC UA.
The MC 100 Sensor Carrier also provides a fast and easy way to transmit data from distributed sensors and actuators to back-end systems. Temperature measurement via platinum measuring resistors, such as the PT1000 or PT100, the convenient transmission of data via MQTT and FTP are just one practical application example. In addition, there is sufficient computing power and free memory to perform smaller tasks locally. With all products, direct transfer of data via messengers such as SMS, email and Telegram is possible. At the same time, these services can be used to conveniently perform controls of the MC 100 with a click.
Specific boards included
As a special service, MC Technologies offers detailed consulting, exclusive programming, and the development and manufacture of specific expansion boards for customer projects. Thus, there are regular extensions of the interfaces and drivers.
IoT solutions over the mobile network are as flexible as single-board computers thanks to an open software platform, while meeting stringent industrial requirements. At the same time, they are significantly more cost-effective in a single gateway than a controller with an additional communication unit. MC Technologies’ highly scalable system platform allows the MC 100 family of devices to grow with user requirements and expectations for secure IoT solutionsfor remote monitoring and control.
From embedded systems to complete solutions
MC Technologies stands for innovative M2M/IoT solutions and individual connection technology. From the design-in process for mobile radio modules to cable assembly, the company stands by its customers as a development partner, manufacturer and distributor or logistics partner. The broad portfolio ranges from the production of individual and custom-fit electronic or electromechanical assemblies as embedded systems to complete solutions. The Hanover-based company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and stands for quality.
Published in the journal “Industrial Automation” 01/2019
