Sensors Gain Internet Connectivity

Sensor Synergy and Lantronix combined forces to develop state-of-the-art sensor interfaces that include advanced embedded device server technology

Hether sensors are stand-alone, connected to PLCs, interfaced to PCs or tied directly to networks, these devices can be found in a multitude of electronics that affect daily life - from washing machines to windshield wiper blades.

Although there are a number of ways to add sensor data to a system, designers and users want to keep the sensor-to-system interface process as easy as possible, and, in many cases, users want this information to be accessible via the Internet.

Sensor Synergy is committed to helping the industry simplify the task of connecting sensors and actuators to the Internet and local networks.

Many manufacturing and commercial enterprises have identified communication barriers within their organisation that can ultimately be traced lack to the lack of sensor connectivity or incompatible interfaces.

In order to facilitate the process, Sensor Synergy has developed unique software and hardware tools to implement lowcost sensor-to-Internet interfaces.

These products can be used for monitoring and control of industrial processes, environmental control or other monitoring applications through standard web browsers or other web-based tools.

In recent years, the IEEE's (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering) approval of multiple standards, coupled with the increase of factory automation suppliers differentiating themselves by developing different communications protocols, has resulted in over 50 different hardware and software interface protocols.

What initially was an opportunity for factory automation suppliers to provide enhanced new features to their customers has become a challenge for sensor manufacturers.

It is increasingly difficult to develop sensor solutions that will interface with all applicable protocols.

To help alleviate this problem, smart sensor technology pioneer, Sensor Synergy, developed a near-universal sensor-to-Internet solution utilising Lantronix Device Networking technologies.

Solving this industry dilemma, Sensor Synergy developed its NEEM unit.

It includes several state-of-the-art hardware and software technologies such as the latest mixed signal microcontroller technologies, high-resolution analog-to-digital convertors, networking protocols, IEEE smart sensor interface technologies and a micro-web server using Lantronix Device Server technology.

Sensor Synergy's NEEM uses patented interface technology to transform conventional sensors into "smart sensor like devices".

Making the process of adding Ethernet connectivity faster and more economical, Sensor Synergy employed the Lantronix Micro Device Server.

The Micro100 gives OEMs the ability to embed proven mainstream Ethernet connectivity by enabling most any device with a serial (UART) interface (TTL) to connect to Ethernet networks.

Lantronix device networking products provide all of the elements needed for network connectivity - a processor, real-time operating system (RTOS), a robust TCP/IP stack, a web server and a network connection.

By utilising the compact Micro100, a fully integrated device networking solution, Sensor Synergy was able to concentrate on its core competency of connecting sensors and actuators to the Internet and local networks.

utilising an off-the-shelf solution also helped Sensor Synergy speed its time to market and lower its development costs.

The Micro100 provides Sensor Synergy's NEEM application with command line interface capabilities that allow for the storage of web pages, the use of special tunnel features, and the creation of customisable end-user interface software.

To top it off, the micro web server feature of this solution requires no software maintenance fees or custom programming since it can directly serve HTML and Java files to networks without the assistance of PCs or other central service computer systems.

An additional benefit is that Lantronix technologies offer flexibility in network connectivity.

This frees up the systems supplier to concentrate on its core business while creating a product that is easy for the end-user to use.

The Micro100 Advantages include:.

* Minimal network engineering required - With very little effort, minimal development resources and in a fraction of the time required to develop an in-house solution, OEMs can add full Ethernet connectivity to their products allowing them to be managed over a network or the Internet.

* Compact Size - Measuring only 1.6 inches x 1.9 inches, the Micro100 can easily fit into almost any size serial device that would benefit from network connectivity.

* Flexibility - Manufacturers can offer products with or without Ethernet networking capabilities simply by adding or removing the board.

Seamless transition to wireless - With the same pinout, manufacturers can easily offer products with either Ethernet and/or the 802.11 b/g wireless by simply replacing the Micro100 with the Lantronix WiMicro.

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