IoT reference platform from embedded systems firm Abelon Systems aims to cut product development times
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the inter-networking of devices embedded with electronics (including sensors, actuators and network connectivity) and software that enables those devices to collect and exchange data.
Underpinning this is the emergence of reliable, low – power monitoring and data acquisition technology. Abelon Systems has now released its IoT Reference Platform, which supports a wide variety of communications technologies including the new Bluetooth 5 standard, and a range of sensor types. The platform has two main variants; one for tracking mobile assets and the other for data acquisition or monitoring of static assets.
By bringing together all the hardware building blocks on one PCB the IoT Platform allows rapid prototyping and development of new designs, so new products can be realised much more quickly. Abelon has also created framework applications for mobile, MS Windows and cloud applications.
The hardware is Bluetooth 5-ready, and full support will be available on release of the Bluetooth 5 firmware stack, which is scheduled for the first half of 2017.
Ian Smith of Abelon
Several local radio standards are supported, including the low power, longer – range Sigfox. GSM and Wi-Fi support is also available, as is proprietary ISM band communications using commercially available modules.
There is inertial measurement via an accelerometer, gyrometer and magnetometer, and interfaces for temperature, humidity and other sensors.
Large flash data storage means long term data acquisition and recording requirements can be met.
Ian Smith, managing mirector at Abelon, commented; “The IoT platform gives us the ability to create a range of asset tracking, data acquisition and remote monitoring products. For our customers it mean reduced risk and much shorter time to market, so it is potentially transformational for their business models.”
WheelTrax is the company’s first product to be based upon this platform, which has already been used for several customer products. The new product is currently in development and the company anticipates having units ready for trial this summer. In December 2016 Abelon received a SMART Award grant for Feasibility R&D to help bring the product to market.
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