Nordic Bluetooth LE solar-powered asset tracker can operate for up to three weeks in total darkness
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French embedded systems developer InVirtus Technologies has launched its ‘EosFlex’ and ‘EosFlexMini’ asset tracking devices for ultra-low power locationing using Bluetooth LE wireless connectivity. Powered by Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF52810 SoC, the compact tags measure just 19 by 31 mm, and are easily attachable to key resources using a self-adhesive backing. Equipped with a photovoltaic (PV) ‘solar’ panel, the tags harness energy from the environment to operate efficiently without requiring battery replacements, even in low-light conditions.
The system employs ‘ivScan’ receivers—available in ‘Chronos’ and ‘Poseidon’ variants—to act as Bluetooth LE receivers and scan for and detect ivBeacon EosFlex tags. The tags communicate their location data via the Bluetooth LE connectivity enabled by Nordic’s nRF52810, which features a 2.4 GHz multiprotocol radio with extended range.
Valuable insights into tracked usage patterns
In addition to location tracking, the EosFlex and EosFlexMini tags include an accelerometer and temperature sensor, providing valuable insights into tracked asset usage patterns and operational conditions. When an ivScan receiver detects a tag, its data is uploaded to InVirtus Technologies’ dedicated Cloud-based platform, enabling users to visualise and monitor their assets in near real time.
The nRF52810 SoC’s 2.4 GHz multiprotocol radio provides a robust performance profile, offering up to +4 dBm power output and -96 dBm sensitivity (1 Mbps Bluetooth LE) for a 100 dBm link budget. Moreover, the radio still maintains ultra-low power consumption, with a peak power draw of just 5.8 mA TX (0 dBM, 1 Mbps) and 6.1 mA RX (1 Mbps).
Nordic SoC efficiency allows operation up to three weeks even in total darkness
“The EosFlex tags resemble RFID tags but offer a significantly greater range thanks to Nordic’s Bluetooth LE connectivity,” said Raphael Pantais, CEO of InVirtus Technologies. “The power efficiency of the Nordic SoC was also key to the indoor geolocation system as it can continue to function independently under low light conditions—down to 30 lux for the standard version and 60 lux for the mini version—without requiring battery replacement. Even in total darkness, these tags can operate for up to three weeks, ensuring reliable performance.”
From the InVirtus Technologies web platform, users can visualise asset locations and analyse historical data to optimise order monitoring, identify bottlenecks and streamline asset retrieval. It also provides features such as configurable alerts for specific events such as asset movement, prolonged inactivity, or stock levels falling below a specified threshold.
Complementing the web platform, InVirtus’ iOS and Android mobile app enhances field asset tracking through Bluetooth LE detection – as well as simplifying asset tag pairing. Users can locate a tag by using the app to activate its LED, trigger a buzzer, or employ the ‘hot/cold’ function to filter and search for tags based on proximity.
nRF Connect SDK simplifies application code development
“We developed our custom application code using Nordic’s nRF Connect SDK, which greatly simplified and expedited the creation of a reliable Bluetooth LE-based solution,” Pantais says. “Nordic’s comprehensive technical documentation, reference designs and responsive application engineering support were invaluable in ensuring a smooth development process.
“Additionally, the use of the Power Profiler Kit II (PPK2) for current measurements and various development kits for testing further enhanced and streamlined the development workflow.”
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