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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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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.

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Wall mountable devices for Industrial IoT applications

Wall mountable devices for Industrial IoT applications

Wall mountable IoT devices are famous for their ability to function as standalone devices in industrial environments with less human intervention. Norvi SSN devices are such devices made for automation and IoT applications focused on monitoring sensor values or parameters from external devices.These devices also can be mounted on the poles.

The underlying wireless sensor technology in Norvi’s wall mount IoT nodes enables data collation with minimized manual effort. The nodes are embedded with ESP32 chips and are capable of delivering  sink and source switchable inputs.

The sensor nodes come in different I/0 configurations, offering flexible combinations. These wi-fi enabled sensor nodes are easier to configure and program.The devices come equipped with isolated digital inputs for added protection and this helps to eliminate potential threats from harmful data sources. 

Norvi’s wall mountable IoT devices offer analog inputs for industrial applications. The model which supports 4-20mA analog inputs are for electronic signaling. The node can carry sensor information, as well as control signals, to the valve or other process modulating devices.

The 0-10V model on the other hand, is a more straightforward method of transmitting analog signals. These models are recommended solely, if the underlying automation device is incapable of handling higher range signals, like 4-20mA signals.

These wall mountable devices withstand extreme climates and the industrial environment conditions. They are durable as well as shock-resistant and can also perform at higher altitudes.

To know more about the Norvi SSN lineup – www.norvi.lk

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Norvi IoT devices – The industry ready I/O controllers for automation and IoT applications

Industrial IoT Devices

Norvi IoT devices are ESP32 integrated industrial controllers which come with a number 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. The inputs can come from several sources. In general cases, the source of input can pose a potential threat to the system, but the Norvi devices ensure isolated digital inputs for added protection.

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. 

With the Norvi relay model, it becomes simple to control the industrial appliances. When it comes to digital outputs in this relay model, both relays and transistor outputs perform the same task. However, compared to transistors, switching can be far slower in relays, and relays emit clicking sounds. Moreover, relays also have a larger appetite for current consumption. The transistors are smaller in size and silent in operation and affordable. 

Setting up the Norvi devices only require lesser wiring, which offers more flexibility to management of the device. Also the sinking and sourcing capabilities within Norvi industrial ESP32 IoT devices ensures that current flows in either direction. Hence the machines are capable of switching inputs between sink and source functions. 

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Industrial IoT Nodes with WiFi LTE NB-IoT LoRa communication

Industrial ESP32

As one of the most affordable and efficient microcontroller technologies, the ESP32 SoC add a new dimension to industrial IoT. The Wall mount nodes from NORVI are equipped with well-defined communication options as they are designed using multiple processors. Moreover, these wall mount sensor nodes also support NB-IoT, LoRa, as well as communication over Wi-Fi.

For totally battery powered applications, the devices are offered with STM32L series micro-controller. Here the batteries can operate for a long time altogether before they are required to be replaced.
Moreover NORVI has offered sensor nodes with built-in battery and solar charging for continuous operation. These devices are designed to operate for years with just 6 hours of sunlight.

Their main focus is to monitor parameters, or any sensor values emitted by external devices. The sensor nodes come in different I/0 configurations offering flexible combinations depending on your requirements. Further, these wi-fi enabled sensor nodes are easy to configure and program catering to different criteria.

These devices are programmable with Arduino and ESP-IDF providing flexibility to system integrators.

The sensors come with prebuilt red and green indicator lights to convey any operational errors. All of these excellent features are packed in these lightweight wall mount sensor nodes that can be placed as needed.

From a convenience point of view, the wall mount ESP32 nodes are easy to install as standalone devices in industrial settings. Users can choose to mount these on the wall or the poles depending on the specific requirements.

Lastly, the wall mount ESP sensor nodes are designed specifically to withstand the harsh climates and conditions of the industrial environment. They are robust as well as shock-resistant and can operate at higher altitudes as well.

Industrial IoT Product Range https://norvi.lk/products/

ESP32 Sensor nodes https://norvi.lk/product/ec-m11-eg-cx/
ESP32 Solar powered devices https://norvi.lk/product/ec-m11-eg-cx/

STM32L Series Low power sensor nodes https://norvi.lk/product/ec-m12-bc-cx/
STM32L Series Low power solar charging sensor nodes https://norvi.lk/product/ec-m12-bc-cx/




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Customized Devices for IoT Applications

Very few Industrial IoT products are designed to effectively enable customization. Also, custom IoT application development projects must take into consideration a number of factors before their commencement. In case projects are undertaken without due consideration then there is a high possibility that the sensors may fail to function as expected.

Industrial ESP32 allows room for configuring some level of custom data that is device-specific. This, of course, also ranges in complexity. You can configure something as simple as a name to the device or something as complex as initializing home automation device credentials.

It is important to ensure that device customization is a key component of your overall industrial IoT product plan or strategy. This will enable a more sustainable customization and lower the cost of the project.

Device customization must also incorporate including a modular hardware architecture that helps you swap or exchange different components without much hassle or extensive hardware rectification.

Customized devices bring IoT applications that are much closer to industrial client’s expectations. You can easily incorporate customizable devices like industrial ESP32 without embedding complex solutions into your core product offering. It is, however, essential to understand the complexity of including customized devices for IoT applications so that it aligns with your organization’s business model and roadmap.

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NORVI as a Data Logger with Web-access

NORVI as a Data Logger with Web-access

Other than real-time acquisition and pushing to an IoT platform, Data loggers are one method of keeping track of values and analyzing.  There are several types of data loggers used in the industrial world.
They are

1)         USB loggers which are used for Short-term trend logging with manual offload, 
2)         Bluetooth (BLE) Loggers with Wireless data access via mobile devices,
3)         Web-based Systems with Long-range wireless internet access,
4)         Wireless Sensors with Short-range centralized data collection

With the ESP32 based NORVI IIOT, you can build any of those solutions, simply and reliability, keeping the costs lower compared to other data-loggers. NORVI IIOT ESP32 Data-logger with Web-access.
NORVI IIoT offers almost all the acquisition types you need to build the Real-time data logger with web access.
1) Digital Inputs – As counters or ON-OFF status detection
2) 0 – 10V Voltage Analog Inputs
3) 4 – 20 mA Current Analog Inputs
4) Temperature Inputs
5) Load cell Inputs
6) RS-485 communication interface
7) I2C communication interface

With the above input types supported by NORVI IIOT, you have access to the real-word parameters. Next part is storing them with time stamp.
Making NORVI IIOT AE04 range an ideal solution data-logger with Web access. It has DS3231 Real Time Clock (RTC) to keep track of time and micro-SD card support providing storage facility for the data.
You can store data in the microSD card in CSV format or in a database with SQLite .
ESP32 Arduino SQLite3 library https://github.com/siara-cc/esp32_arduino_sqlite3_lib

ESP32 based NORVI IIOT enables the ability to implement wireless access for the logged data and real-time data. Combining few libraries of ESP32 Arduino you can access or view the data over WiFi .
There are several examples for ESP32 to work as a datalogger and Web-interface for real-time data.

https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp32-esp8266-plot-chart-web-server/

NORVI IIOT Product Details https://norvi.lk/industrial-esp32-norvi-iiot/

NORVI IIOT Product Datasheet https://norvi.lk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/NORVI-IIOT-Datasheet-V5-CE-.pdf

 

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NORVI Controller as a Modbus I/O over RS-485

RS-485 signals are used in a wide range of computer and automation systems. RS-485 is used for low-speed data communications in commercial aircraft cabins’ vehicle bus. It requires minimal wiring, and can share the wiring among several seats, reducing weight.

These are used in programmable logic controllers and on factory floors. Utilizing a series of dedicated interface devices, it allows PCs and industrial controllers to communicate. Since it is differential, it resists electromagnetic interference from motors and welding equipment.

RS-485 is also used in building automation as the simple bus wiring and long cable length is ideal for joining remote devices.

Almost all the NORVI controller has RS-485 connectivity standard or as an option. There are several communication protocols which is supported by RS-485, Modbus RTU and Profibus are the widely used protocols among them.



This article is about compatibility Modbus RTU with RS-485 connection on NORVI Programs.

There are several libraries which we have tested to work with NORVI Controllers.

NORVI IIOT ESP32 / NORVI Agent 1 / NORVI Agent 2
Modbus RTU Master
Library: https://github.com/bertmelis/esp32ModbusRTU
This is the perfect library for MODBUS Master on ESP32 based NORVI IIOT. We can read registers of Modbus slave devices like Energy Meters, and sensors. And we can read values from Programmable Logic Controllers as well.

Modbus RTU Slave
Library: https://github.com/JhonControl/ESP8266-Modbus-RTU-Slave-Emoncms
If you want make NORVI device work as a Modbus slave letting a Modbus master read values from NORVI this library can help you do it.
You can create a Modbus Register in NORVI controller, with just a single line of code. This is useful to make NORVI work with HMI via RS-485.

Modbus TCP Master
Library: https://github.com/bertmelis/esp32ModbusTCP
Library for implementing Modbus TCP connection over WIFI.


NORVI Arita

https://github.com/smarmengol/Modbus-Master-Slave-for-Arduino

https://github.com/yaacov/ArduinoModbusSlave