Embedded Wireless Solutions with Connected Device- Explained!
Well, we all are aware that there are numerous challenges in any business in terms of automation and data management.
With the transformation from industry 3.0 to 4.0, IoT has played a key role in developing embedded wireless solutions. There is a massive demand for embedded devices with IoT.
But, fret not, we do have a solution for all.
IoT is nothing but a simple concept of connecting devices via the internet, to exchange and manage data in the blink of an eye. These wireless connectivity with embedded devices have contributed to the smart revolution
Do you think these devices work smartly all by themselves?
Though the role of 5G networks is still a tittle-tattle in the IoT revolution, there are already standard RF technologies driving now. Let’s give you insights into the important types of wireless technologies.
Wireless Communication Technologies for IoT
Transmitting and receiving information is the main aim of developing embedded software wireless solutions. IoT peripherals and devices are distributed where physical connections aren’t possible in any environment. That’s where RF connectivity comes into the picture. Radio Frequency (RF) helps to enable higher frequency signal transmission throughout the IoT stack.
So, let’s check the options and their uniqueness in the wireless technologies for IoT.
1. Bluetooth
Those little hands-free earpieces connected to your phone were launched a while ago, but Bluetooth is not restricted to only this. This technology is used in medical and industrial devices within a short-range.
It uses less power and is ideal for embedded systems such as wireless headphones, mic, speakers, medical equipment, and other smart connected wearables.
The wireless technology, Bluetooth, uses a variety of protocols. Bluetooth communication protocols fall under the ‘hot stack’ that deals with high-level data.
2. Z-Wave
You may not hear this name every day, but it is one of the popular wireless technologies for IoT devices. Z-Wave is a special wireless connectivity protocol for embedded systems designed for home automation and connectivity.
The widespread use of Amazon’s Echo is one of the good examples of tech-savvy Z-Wave technology. It can range up to 30 meters and operate below the 1 GHz frequency band. For example, smart doors, fire alarms, blinds, front-door locking systems, etc.
3. WiFi
Another popular IoT wireless technology that provides high data transmission in homes and businesses. The latest Mesh WiFi systems 6 consists of the main router that connects to a modem and sends signals with nodes and embedded WiFi modules around the house to attain full coverage.
This WiFi router embedded system has improved the bandwidth and speed of smart connected home devices and appliances.
4. Zigbee
Zigbee is like Bluetooth that requires a bridge to pass the device data to the internet. Though that range is a little longer than Bluetooth, and power consumption is higher too.
It is used in industrial applications and sensors like lighting controls, HVAC control, fleet applications, building automation systems, etc.
5. LPWAN Networks
LPWAN or local self-managed networks are the most common IoT connectivity technologies, great for wireless devices that don’t need time and high bandwidth like a water meter, asset tracking for manufacturing industries and environmental monitoring.
Here we end with the commonly used technologies while developing embedded wireless solutions. Now, let us shift to reasons, to choose embedded connectivity for design.
Reasons to Design a Wireless Embedded Systems
IoT is the bridge for the rapid increase of wireless applications in the industry. There are two ways to introduce wireless designs. One is to upgrade the traditional embedded devices via an interface like USB, or the second-best approach is, embedded wireless in your device.
Let us consider the reasons below why the second option is popularly chosen and followed today.
Integrated Solutions
Integrating IoT networking protocols in the embedded devices means housing all the connections in the hardware though not exposing them to the exterior elements for keeping the aesthetics intact.
To prevent the external elements from being exposed to water, dust, vibration, and any other factors that may destroy your embedded wireless solutions, embedded wireless is the best option in terms of durability.
Compatibility
External wireless brings compatibility issues featuring software that isn’t compatible with other OS or devices’ software. Alternatively, designing with embedded wireless solutions mean embedded and software integrated with the host device.
You have the advantage of custom software integration without arbitrary hardware components.
Use of Interface
As mentioned above, external wireless uses USB, where the ‘U’ is universal. You may find at least one USB port in the hardware devices for a developer to connect. It does not give a developer the ability to connect to another wireless device.
Using embedded wireless solutions means connecting to other interfaces like SDIO or PCI-E. This helps to leave the USB ports accessible for other use. It leverages wireless communication over other available interfaces.
We believe that these reasons are enough to understand that wireless embedded systems should be built at the early stage of development rather than upgrading them later.
Now comes the what type of applications fall under this category. Let us help you with a few.
Examples of Wireless Communication Devices
Versatile and adaptable, embedded systems are found even in the smallest devices today. To reduce human intervention, embedded wireless solutions have become a significant part of our lives.
Compact size and sample design have given way to industrial applications like smart cities, IoT retail, farming, telehealth, etc. You may find the below examples of wireless embedded systems very interesting to read.
Smart Cities/ Smart Home
One of the best and most talked-about applications is smart home automation and smart city. Smart homes are a blend of intelligence and entertainment. For example, an electricity meter to gauge water usage, connected surveillance systems for security, AC control via apps, etc.
And, when it comes to transforming smart cities, imagine embedded systems eliminating daily challenges people face like smart waste management, traffic management, and more.
IoT Retail Shops
Have you heard of the biggest eCommerce giant- Amazon Go? It’s the best example of technology in bridging the gap between online shopping and retail stores.
Consider buying products from online stores without paying at the same time and deducting from the Amazon wallet. And, the icing on the cake is not to stand in a long queue and step out picking products from the shelves. It is all done automatically with the help of an app or automated systems in the retail stores. If this technology fetches more patronage, it is sure to become a norm in the future.
Farming Industry
Farming has been on edge by implementing IoT. Several tools a farmer can use for farming will help in drip irrigation, understanding crop patterns, drones for surveillance, water distribution, etc.
Smart Wearables
Wearables remain a hot topic even today. These devices serve a wide range of purposes like fitness trackers, wellness apps, EHR systems app, mHealth apps, etc. The users or the business both can benefit from wearable devices.
Telehealth
Though telehealth hasn’t flourished completely, it has the potential to rise in the market. Such devices include digital communication of remote monitoring, diagnosis, video consultations, medicine delivery, medical imaging etc.
There are several other examples where IoT has shown its importance. These were just a few examples of today’s IoT applications developed with embedded wireless solutions.
Does an Idea of Developing a Embedded Wireless Solutions Cross Your Mind?
As per Fortune Business Insights, the IoT market will reach USD 1,854.76 Bn in the next seven years with a CAGR of 25.4%.
With this piece of information, you must be sure of how IoT is rapidly evolving. After reading this article, you may want to bring about a macro shift in how you live or work.
If you already have an embedded device and are looking for a wireless upgrade or want to develop new embedded wireless solutions for your business, reach out to the best product development company at the earliest.
FAQs
There are multiple examples of embedded systems like central heating systems, digital watches, GPS trackers, Health and Fitness trackers, Dishwashers, Smartphones, ATM Machines, Routers and so on. These devices and appliances work with an in-built embedded system.
Embedded systems are used in multiple electronic devices that include smartphones and WiFi routers. Many developers create new products that are based on WiFi technology and that connect to wireless points. The fully integrated WiFi connectivity solutions help developers provide cost-effective IoT products.
Embedded systems are a subset of the internet of things. These embedded devices are integrated with IoT devices and connected via the internet to produce the best digital product development. Objects like sensors, processors of hardware/ software, APIs together create a connected environment.