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NORVI Solutions for GSM LTE Connectivity

NORVI Solutions for GSM LTE Connectivity
https://norvi.lk/product/esp32-gsm-series/

Why GSM / LTE in IoT ?

https://norvi.lk/product/esp32-gsm-series/

In the 21st century, IoT connectivity has become a very important thing in many sectors. From human to human and machine to machine and machine to human, IoT application connectivity has become important. From wired and wireless mediums, used for IoT applications to establish connectivity. But wired connectivity has limitations when it comes to remote locations, and the cost increases to develop infrastructure. In this case, GSM/ LTE based IoT applications have become a popular solution. The main reason for using GSM/ LTE based IoT applications is that most GSM/ LTE modems globally use signal bands in GSM, GPRS, WCDMA, LTE-FDD, LTE-TDD. Especially when it comes to NB-IoT based IoT applications, GSM/ LTE are more suitable. Also, GSM / LTE integrated IoT applications consume low power, initial setup is easier, and costs low cost.

Solutions provided by NORVI GSM Series. 

The NORVI GSM series has multiple applications based on IoT. There are SIM800L & QUECTEL EC21-G, two cellular modem types used for implementing NORVI GSM series products. SIM800L integrated NOEVI devices support Quad-band, DTMF, MMS, MUX Functions, Embedded TCP/UDP protocols, 850/900/1800/1900MHz cellular bands, and 12/10 GPRS multi-slot class. When it comes to QUECTEL EC21-G, two cellular modem support on Worldwide LTE, UMTS/HSPA(+) and GSM/GPRS/EDGE, DTMF, MMS, MUX Functions, Embedded TCP/UDP protocols, 850/900/1800/1900MHz cellular bands, 12/10 GPRS multi-slot class.

Applications of GSM based IOT Devices

  • Wireless IoT Gateways.
  • Data transmission over cellular networks.
  • WiFi to GSM Bridge.
  • MQTT Gateway.
  • Remote machine monitoring and controlling.
  • Logistic and Store house management.

As a wireless IoT gateway case, GSM based NORVI IOT Devices can be used for communicating with multiple devices as a cluster. For data communication with a central server case from a remote location, cellular networks can be used because the modems integrated into the NORVI GSM series support multiple globally recognized cellular bands. For establishing communication between wifi medium media and GSM transmission as a bridge application. As well as control devices via MQTT Gateway provide advantages for industrial and home consumer applications. In an industrial environment,  installing GSM based NORVI IOT devices with multiple machine functions can be controlled with a single button press. Furthermore, a large number of  industrial machines’ status data can be monitored from a single screen. NORVI GSM based IOT devices can be used to automate & monitor the environmental conditions in store  houses and track logistics on a large scale.

Finally NORVI GSM series is a very good low cost wireless communication solution specially for industrial applications. 

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GSM Connectivity for IOT Applications

GSM Connectivity for IOT Applications.

From domestic level applications to industrial applications, IoT technology applies. But the major issue with IoT applications is continuous connectivity. If the device is located outside of the range of Wi-Fi or wired connectivity, the long range communication means are considered, Especially when IoT devices installed  in remote locations need connectivity. But to overcome this issue, GSM and LTE technologies have been integrated with modern IoT devices. Through GSM & LTE enable cellular IoT. Weather monitoring on remote cultivation fields, harvest storing facilities, industrial machine monitoring, air & sound quality monitoring in industrial zones, city traffic management, transport fleet tracking & monitoring, logistic management, and healthcare operations can all be done with GSM & LTE connected IoT devices. 

NORVI GSM series have provided good solutions for the above mentioned issue. 

NORVI GSM Series: Options for GSM and LTE modems.

NORVI GSM series include simcom SIM800L series to enable cellular connectivity. The SIM800 version includes the Quad-band GSM/GPRS option. DTMF, MMS, MUX Functions, Embedded TCP/UDP protocols for packet data transmission, support frequency Bands 850/900/1800/1900MHz, GPRS multi-slot class: 12/10. 

Further, another version of NORVI GSM series includes QUECTEL EC21. By this series enable Worldwide LTE, UMTS/HSPA(+) and GSM/GPRS/EDGE coverage, DTMF, MMS, MUX Functions, Embedded TCP/UDP protocols for packet data transmission, support frequency Bands 850/900/1800/1900MHz, GPRS multi-slot class: 12/10. 

Advantages and uses of features offered by NORVI GSM Series.

The NORVI GSM series is powered by ESP32-WROOM-32. Due to the low power consumption of this ESP32-WROOM-32 microcontroller, the energy cost is low. ESP32-WROOM-32 provides Wifi and bluetooth low energy as connectivity options.One major advantage of NORVI GSM is the integrated mini USB port that can be used to program the ESP32-WROOM-32 microcontroller. Furthermore, NORVI GSM series devices and Digital Inputs and Analog Inputs are able to use collected readings from digital & analog sources.The Transistor Outputs, Relay Outputs can be used for controlling machine-based systems (Ex:Motors).

The integrated RS485 enables communication with most industrial machines. Hence, the NORVI GSM series can be used in many industrial applications. The w5500 supported ethernet port enables wired network connectivity. This option can be used if the device is away from the wireless connectivity range or wireless connectivity fails. Integrated microSD card slots can be used as a data storage option.

The cellular modem installed in NORVI GSM series is an advantage when used as Wireless IoT Gateway, WiFi to GSM Bridge, MQTT Gateway. Also, clients can monitor the device from any remote location because of cellular connectivity. To have better signal strength for cellular modem, an external antenna has been integrated on the NORVI GSM device. The built-in buttons and OLED display on the front panel are programmable via an ESP32-WROOM-32 microcontroller. Hence, users can implement programs for ESP32-WROOM-32 for buttons to give inputs and display values via the OLED display. The DIN rail mount option is useful to install the device properly in an enclosure to suit the installation environment. 

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Ladder Logic Programming in NORVI Controllers

What is a PLC?

A Programmable logic controller (PLC) is a special purpose computing device designed for use in industrial control systems and other systems where the reliability of the system is high. The goal of a PLC was to replace electromechanical relays as logic elements with a solid-state digital computer with a stored program that could simulate the connectivity of numerous relays to execute specific logical tasks. But today they have scaled and are being used by all kinds of manufacturing processes including robot based lines.

What is Ladder Logic?

Ladder logic is one of the most widely used PLC programming languages in industry. It is a graphical programming language for PLCs that uses symbols that are similar to those used in wiring diagrams. It’s simple to understand and use, and has been adopted since the early days of Programmable Logic Controllers.

Replacing PLCs in Industrial Applications with Microcontrollers

Microcontrollers are tiny computer devices containing one or more processor cores, memory devices, and programmable special and general purpose input and output (I/O) ports on a single chip. They are employed in a variety of everyday devices, particularly in situations where just specified repeated actions must be completed.

The introduction of microcontroller-based boards in recent years has increased interest in embedded systems, allowing a large number of people to enter the realm of microcontrollers. This has expanded not just the number of people who utilize microcontrollers, but also the range of applications for which they are employed. They’re currently being used in a variety of applications where microcontrollers were previously thought to be ineffective, ranging from small DIY computers to sophisticated control systems. This has raised questions as to why microcontrollers aren’t utilized instead of PLCs. The main arguments kept are,

  • PLCs are built to survive harsh conditions, while microcontrollers aren’t. As a result, they are unsuitable for commercial use.
  • Industrial sensors and actuators are often constructed to the IEC standard, which specifies a range of current/voltage and interfaces that may or may not be directly compatible with microcontrollers, necessitating the purchase of additional hardware.

NORVI Controllers Solution

Norvi Industrial controllers are programmable IoT devices based on micro-controllers. Unlike the usual controllers, these devices are designed with ruggedness and the ability to withstand extreme conditions, which makes them ready for industrial applications.Also they are designed according to the IEC standard which is usually at a range of current/voltage and interfaces for industrial applications.

Programming these devices is made easier by allowing users to code them using simple platforms such as the Arduino IDE, which includes step-by-step instructions. Depending on the model, these ESP32-based devices are equipped with digital and analog I/O, allowing them to detect digital logic states and analog inputs. Variety of models in the Norvi lineup are capable of measuring the environmental factors like flow rate, pressure, temperature and offer analog inputs (for dedicated voltage/current measurement) at the industrial level. 

If Norvi Controllers are micro-controller based products then how Ladder programming becomes possible with them?

The open source project by Leonardo Fernandes that generates Arduino code for ESP32 based micro-controller devices has given a solution for this. It’s a desktop based Java application developed with Eclipse IDE + WindowBuilder plug-in.

We have written a step by step application note on how to program ladder logic for Norvi controllers. –https://www.instructables.com/Ladder-Logic-Programming-for-ESP32-Based-Controlle/

Also check this link to know more about the open source project by Leonardo Fernandes. –https://github.com/leofds/iot-ladder-editor

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NORVI Controller vs ESP32 Devkit v1

NORVI IIOT & NORVI ENET are  home and  industrial IOT base solutions that were manufactured by ICONIC DEVICES (PVT) Limited Sri Lanka. Both these NORVI IIOT & NORVI ENET categories belong to the NORVI controller family. ESP32 Devkit v1 is developed for prototyping IoT applications implementations that were similar to NORVI IIOT & NORVI ENET. ESP32 Dev kit v1 is popular in IoT prototyping activities. NORVI IIOT, NOVI ENET & ESP32 Devkit v1 embedded systems were based on ESP32-WROOM32 SoC  that have a 32 bit dual core processor, 4MB flash memory for storing the program or other required data. Also these devices have 520KB SRAM. Moreover these systems have  wireless connectivity of WIFI 802.11 b/g/n & Bluetooth v4.2 low. When it comes to programming these devices, the interesting fact is the program can be done according to customer requirements with support of the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF, & ESP32 libraries. 

Since the NORVI controllers were made for industrial IoT applications both NORVI IIOT & NORVI ENET device categories have many built-in communication options. Specially NORVI IIOT has a built-in RS-485 port that follows Modbus industrial communication protocol. Except that NORVI ENET with Ethernet ports that make advantage for ESP32 base Ethernet implementation. But you cannot see RS-485 or Ethernet in  ESP32 Devkit v1 as built-in options. If you need to include RS-485 or Ethernet facilities in ESP32 Devkit v1 that may take extra cost and time for setup. This is one disadvantage compared to NORVI controllers connectivity capability.
Built-in expansion ports can be used for integrating expansion modules for the main NORVI controller. That is a huge advantage compared to ESP32 Devkit v1 because there was no such option.
When installing NORVI controllers in a place or integrating expanding modules these devices included standard Din-Rail mounting methods. If this case comes toESP32 Dev Kit v1 users must have to buy mounting parts. To improve the wireless connectivity range NORVI IIOT category devices included external antenna installation. Hence,  NORVI IIOT category devices can be installed in remote locations and because of external antennas the software updates can be pulled to the device from a remote location. But ESP32 Dev Kit v1 does not have this type of capability.
To operate smoothly with industrial machines the NORVI controllers  I/O were designed for compatibility with industrial voltage levels by isolated 24V with added special power protection. In both NORVI IIOT & NORVI ENET categories have 24V sink or source Digital inputs, NORVI IIOT  category devices have relay and transistor base outputs. Specially, these relay outputs possibly handle 5A range current. Some devices belonging to NORVI IIOT & NORVI ENET categories have 4-20mA analog inputs or 0-10V analog inputs. NORVI IIOT category devices have 12 bit & 16 bit resolution when it comes to analog inputs.
Furthermore, NORVI ENET category devices have 16 bit analog input resolution. ESP32 Dev Kit v1  inbuilt analog and digital input or output have no such capability compared to NORVI controllers inputs & outputs. Also, NORVI controllers have built-in buttons on the front panel to provide inputs. For Display the parameters NORVI IIOT category devices have inbuilt 0.96 inches OLED display or TFT  display, NORVI ENET category devices have only inbuilt 0.96 inches OLED display. The OLED display uses I2C communication protocol and the TFT display uses SPI communication protocol. Compared to ESP32 Dev Kit v1, the inbuilt display in  NORVI controllers is a good advantage. The built-in RTC with battery backup and micoSD card slot is another specialty of NORVI Controllers. This option was included in all devices in NORVI ENET category and few devices in NORVI IIOT category. You cannot see this type of special option in ESP32 Dev Kit v1. The NORVI IIOT & NORVI ENET categories devices have IP20 for IP degree of protection. Most important thing is the features, digital and analog I/O s, RS-485 communication port, the display, RTC, built-in buttons in NORVI controllers can be programmed according to user requirement. To save the program into Flash memory in ESP32-WROOM32 chipset both NORVI IIOT & NORVI ENET categories devices have USB ports. That means NORVI controllers are USB programmable. The NORVI controllers above discussed expansion supported for LoRa Communication (REYAX RYLR 896) , Nb-IoT (BC95 Module), Temperature (MAX31856) and LoadCell (HX-711). 

Considering all these features, NORVI controllers  are more steps ahead from ESP32 Dev Kit v1. The features and functionalities of NORVI IIOT & NORVI ENET categories are revolutionary. So, these devices are very good solutions for the industrial IoT environment.

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ESP32 based Industrial Controllers

M11 E Series

What is ESP32 and Why ESP32 for IoT applications?

The ESP32 is a low-power system on a chip (SoC) series, created by Espressif Systems. The features and the specifications of this chip have made itself established as the go-to chip or module in the IoT world. With different chip models available in the market, its capabilities and resources  have grown impressively over the past years.

ESP32 is rapidly becoming a popular choice for IoT applications due to its economical prices, multiple component support design, built-in Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, and easy compatibility with Arduino and many other boards.

NORVI Controllers – bridging the gap between existing features of ESP32 and supporting Industrial applications

Even though ESP32 has great specifications for ordinary IoT applications, to use them in Industrial IoT applications, certain factors such as proper enclosure, good power supply, I/O isolations and EMI Safety have to be considered. Having realised this, NORVI Controllers is producing ESP32 based controllers for industrial automation and IoT solutions, bridging the gap between the existing features of the ESP32 and supporting industrial applications.

Features of ESP32 based NORVI CONTROLLERS

  • Variety of models for different industrial applications 
  1. Relay models
  2. 4-20 mA current sensor models
  3. 0-10V voltage sensor models and more
  • Extended Connectivity options apart from WIFI and Bluetooth
  1. RS-485, Modbus via RS485
  2. NB-IOT
  3. LORA
  4. Ethernet
  • Built-in Display and push buttons for user friendly experience.
  • Supports Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF and more for programming. Tutorials and guide for getting started with the devices.
  • Low cost devices when compared with the PLC controllers which do the same job.

 For more information and support  reach us at – https://norvi.lk/contact-us/

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Customized Product Development

CNC milling

Product customization is important for effectively servicing your customer base. Customers don’t all want the same thing or use the product in the same manner. Product customization is critical for providing a personalized consumer experience to each user group, and it can boost customer engagement and satisfaction. Having realized this, we offer customized services in the domain of Embedded Systems on PCB designing, manufacturing, assembly, machining & printing.

Why NORVI for Product Development?

  • We use top-of-the-line PCB modeling software. This ensures that we produce projects that are not only industry standard, but also simple to maintain.
  • We have ready-to-use products from which you can begin developing your design while a device is custom-made for you. Our design services have a high performance record, and we follow all well-known design standards to guarantee that there are no errors, allowing the products to reach the market sooner.
  • We believe in doing it well the first time and before the product is sent to you, NORVI employs extensive procedures to ensure that any entrapped defects are corrected. As a result, you’ll save time, money, and a tedious period of inaccurate outputs and alterations to fix them.
  • Our process has been fine-tuned for the quickest time to market. The ability to manufacture and assemble products in-house allows for greater control and speed in the production process.
  • Keeping our IoT product creation process onshore ensures hassle-free intellectual property and security, as well as the benefits of versatility and speed.
  • We guarantee perfect fit and finish, whether it’s a prototype or a production unit. We can print and cut the ideal finish for your product without limiting output volume as we have both printing and milling capabilities in-house.
  • We are dedicated to providing you with the professional assistance you need to ensure the completion of your project. 

For more information and support : https://norvi.lk/contact-

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Applications of NORVI Industrial IoT Devices

Industrial automation is widespread in today’s factories and businesses, and it’s impossible to picture a manufacturing line without it. Control devices and machinery with software are used in industrial automation to execute activities that were previously performed manually.Due to the digitalization of manufacturing, particularly with the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), industrial automation technologies have progressed greatly in recent years, providing more and more opportunities for businesses to benefit from automation solutions.

NORVI industrial controllers with the aim of helping the industrial manufacturers, to gain greater visibility and insights into their operations, provide IoT solutions via the programmable IoT devices. The ESP32/STM32 based NORVI devices come equipped with digital and analog I/O enabling them to detect digital logic states (for sensor reading and counting), to read analog inputs (for voltage/current measurements) and to control applications based on relay & transistor outputs. Variety of models in the NORVI lineup can be used in various applications like flow rate, pressure, and etc. Unlike traditional controllers, these devices are designed to be durable and able to withstand harsh environments, making them ideal for industrial use. They’re all built to the IEC specification, which defines a current/voltage range and interfaces for industrial applications.

The NORVI  devices come with WiFi(for ESP32 based devices), RS-485 and Ethernet connectivity as standard with GSM/LTE, NB-IoT, LoRa as additional options on request, offering a wide range of communication options. NORVI controllers can be used as modbus devices using RS-485 modbus support or modbus over Ethernet support, with the given RS-485 and Ethernet connectivity options.

NORVI IoT controllers also support MQTT protocol. Traditional automation products and protocols typically require a stringent setup and hierarchy to move data from a field sensor to a field controller, to a site network, to a PC data center, and then to the cloud. It can be difficult to create and manage these types of implementations. MQTT, which includes multiple functions to satisfy the needs of Industrial IoT, has risen to popularity as a protocol for solving this issue.

Consider a cloud-controlled device that can monitor the humidity in a farm from afar. In the case of the HTTP protocol, the system will have to send out GET requests on a regular basis to check for changes in an attribute, such as “Voltage  Variable,” and then take action based on the most recent reading.This necessitates a huge number of requests, and it isn’t entirely real-time because it is dependent on the polling frequency. MQTT allows the user to listen to the cloud and receive notifications only when a variable changes. The communication between the computer and the cloud is kept open in this manner, but data only moves when it is needed, saving battery life and network bandwidth while enhancing real-time performance.

So it is clear that MQTT-capable industrial automation devices are the latest approach for combining commercial and industrial automation with the cloud using IoT principles in a cost-effective, safe, and reliable manner. Users only need to do some basic legwork after choosing a programmable MQTT device like NORVI to create the MQTT link. Furthermore, as compared to PLC devices that perform the same role in an industrial setting, the NORVI controllers are much more affordable.

Refer to these comprehensive articles for step-by-step guidance on working with the NORVI devices. https://www.instructables.com/member/Iconic%20Devices/instructables/

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Programmable devices for IoT

Why NORVI Programmable IoT Devices
– Cut build time and consolidate the process,
– Pre- certified products
– Ability to customize I/O requirements.
– Example programs for variety of applications.

Applications :
– MQTT End device
– Modbus sensor node
– Machine / Equipment monitoring system

Checkout our product range on https://norvi.lk/products/

The introduction of micro controller-based boards has sparked a surge in interest in embedded systems, allowing a large number of people to show interest in the field of micro-controllers and IoT. This has increased the scope and applications in which they are used. The advent of easy to use micro-controller boards have increased the scope within which micro controllers are being used, especially paving a path to replace the PLCs in complex control systems.

NORVI Industrial controllers are such programmable IoT devices based on micro-controllers. Unlike the usual controllers, these devices are designed with ruggedness and the ability to withstand extreme conditions, which makes them ready for industrial applications. Also they are designed according to the IEC standard which is usually at a range of current/voltage and interfaces for industrial applications.

Programming these devices are simplified by providing the facility to code these devices using simplified platforms like Arduino IDE, with step by step guides available to the users.These ESP32 based devices come equipped with digital and analog I/O, enabling them to detect digital logic states and analog inputs, depending on the choice of the model. Variety of models in the Norvi lineup are capable of measuring the environmental factors like flow rate, pressure, temperature and offer analog inputs (for dedicated voltage/current measurement) at the industrial level. 

Setting up the Norvi devices only require lesser wiring, which offers more flexibility to management of the device. And mainly, it is to be noted that the cost of the Norvi devices is kept in a much affordable range when compared to that of PLC devices, which do the same task in an industrial environment.

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Programmable MQTT Devices – NORVI

Programmable MQTT Devices - NORVI

The Industrial Internet of Things is a network of sensors and other devices that communicate with industrial systems, all in an effort to enhance the business operations. Manufacturing, agribusiness and oil & gas to name a few, all use a large range of sensors.These sensors transmit essential telemetry data to analytics engines, which search the data for patterns and irregularities, allowing businesses to better understand and optimize their operations.

To transfer data from a field sensor to a field controller, to a site network, to a PC data server, and then to the cloud, conventional automation products and protocols usually require a rigorous configuration and hierarchy. These types of implementations can be difficult to develop and maintain. MQTT, which includes multiple functions to satisfy the needs of IIoT, has risen to popularity as a protocol for solving this issue. MQTT is a light and energy-efficient communication protocol with a fast response time.It makes the interaction between devices efficient, regardless of the number of devices involved.It guarantees fast data delivery with low latency all while reducing CPU and RAM load.

Imagine a cloud-controlled device to measure the humidity in a farm, remotely. In the case of HTTP protocol, the device would have to continuously make GET requests to see if there’s a change in a variable, say “Humidity Variable“, and then take an action depending on the last reading. This necessitates a huge number of requests, and it isn’t entirely real-time because it is dependent on the polling frequency.MQTT allows the user to listen to the cloud and receive notifications only when a variable changes. The communication between the computer and the cloud is kept open in this manner, but data only moves when it is needed, saving battery life and network bandwidth while enhancing real-time performance.

So it is clear that MQTT-capable industrial automation devices are the latest approach for combining commercial and industrial automation with the cloud using IIoT principles in a cost-effective, safe, and reliable manner.

Norvi IoT devices are such industrial controllers that support MQTT protocol.These programmable MQTT devices come with a variety of features that make them suitable for industrial automation and IoT solutions. These devices come equipped with digital and analog I/O, enabling them to detect digital logic states and analog inputs, depending on the choice of the model.

After selecting a programmable MQTT Iot device like Norvi, only simple legwork has to be done by the users to establish the MQTT connection. Refer this detailed article on connecting the Norvi device to the IoT cloud platform Ubidots over MQTT protocol with step by step instructions.Moreover, setting up the Norvi devices only requires lesser wiring, which offers more flexibility to management of the device.

Connecting the Norvi device to the IoT cloud platform Ubidots over MQTT protocol – Article

To check the Norvi device line up –  www.norvi.lk

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NORVI IIOT as a Modbus device

Flexibility in programming

Norvi IIoT controllers come equipped with the RS-485 connectivity standard.RS-485 is a serial data transmission standard widely used in industrial implementations. Today, it has gained recognition in several automation systems.

Modbus protocol is commonly used when implementing RS-485 communication.It is a communication protocol for transmitting information over serial lines between electronic devices. A single serial cable linking the serial ports on two devices, will be the simplest configuration, where the device requesting the information is called the Modbus Master and the devices supplying information will be the Modbus Slave.There is one Master and up to 247 Slaves in a regular Modbus network, each with a specific Slave Address from 1 to 247 .

Modbus RTU is the original Modbus version that works on a master/slave terminology. It is capable of long-distance data transmission with low data rates. Modbus TCP , on the other hand is a newer version in which communication over the network occurs in the form of packets placed within the TCP/IP frames. Being a newer technology, the TCP over Ethernet offers better speed, lower error, and faster correction.

In short , the Modbus protocol helps ensuring the smooth and well-ordered progress of various machines that work in tandem to deliver the end products. Modbus drivers in the Norvi controllers ensure that the device can be up and running in just a few seconds and it does not require any complicated installation or training to function and operate them.These programmable logic controllers are light in weight and easily installed with just a few wire connections.