Modular kit boosts cloud-based prototyping

Article By : On Semiconductor

The modular kit features NCS36510 SoC, 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 core, connectivity protocols and configurable platform for end-to-end IoT deployment.

On Semiconductor has developed a modular IoT development kit in a configurable rapid prototyping platform which will enable engineers to evaluate, develop and release IoT systems in the shortest possible time. Covering both hardware and software elements, these features will reach a wider industry necessitating IoT connectivity: environmental monitoring, healthcare, home/building automation, industrial control and wearable electronics, according to the company.

The IDK’s baseboard features the NCS36510 SoC, a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 core that runs the ARM mbed OS. By attaching different daughter boards to the Wi-Fi enabled IDK baseboard, various connectivity protocols enabled by the company’s ultra-low power radios (SIGFOX, Thread, EnOcean, Wireless Mbus, Bluetooth Low Energy, ZigBee, PoE, CAN, etc.), sensors (temperature, moisture, ambient light, proximity and pressure, along with heart rate monitoring and bio sensor interfaces) and actuators (with stepper and brushless motor driving, plus the ability to drive LED strings) can be added to the system. Present also are support for implementing security, including encryption, secure debug, secure boot and authentication.

 

Figure 1: On Semiconductor's modular, configurable prototyping platform IoT Development Kit.
 

Complimented by an Eclipse-based IDE that includes a C++ compiler, debugger and code editor, the IDK features a library of apps and use cases to facilitate end-to-end IoT process. Aside from the cloud software platform, other IoT cloud service providers can be used via MQTT and REST protocols.

Designers can utilise the IDK product recommendation tool and the available daughter boards for their specific design configurations. Available daughter boards include SIGFOX, PoE and CAN connectivity; motion, ambient light, and touch pad sensing; and stepper motor, BLDC motor and dual LED driver actuation. EnOcean, Thread and Wireless Mbus support is set to be available in Q2 2017 alongside temperature, moisture, proximity and pressure sensing devices, while the BLE is planned to follow in Q3 of 2017.