Hardware
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Overview
insigh.io IoT node is a modular hardware device, enabling customized IoT data collection quickly and affordably:
- Its integrated functionality allows for rapid deployment, enhanced telemetry and cost-effective maintenance.
- It is equally capable of being used as a development board for implementing small PoCs or scale to enterprise IoT deployments counting hundreds of nodes.
- It is perfectly suited for unattended outdoor or indoor operation as it comes with an IP-rated enclosure (option) and supplied by various energy sources, such as batterries and solar panels.
- It can be used by non-experts, such as system integrators, installation contractors, and internal departments of non-IT companies.
- It can be deployed and configured with minimum prior know-how with the help of an intuitive web configuration application.
When used as a development board by tech-savyys (developers/makers), hardware pinout information along with an extendable open-source Micropython firmware are available for infinite customization.
insigh.io IoT node is designed with a modular architecture:
- A main board embedding the core IoT hardware elements and functionalities out of the box:
- Low-power programmable micro-controller
- Ports for connecting battery, solar panel, and USB power/data cable, with automated management
- WiFi & Cellular connectivity
- GPS for outdoor localization
- On-board diagnostic sensors (temperature, humidity) and health-checks (battery status, charging status. etc.)
- Debugging port through standard Serial or USB cable
- Memory for local sensor data storage
- Various controls and indicators like on/off switch & status LEDs
- Various expansion boards simply called “shields” that can be attached to the corresponding main board expansion ports for:
- Supporting multiple analogue and digital sensor interfaces, such as analogue voltage/current readings, digital (e.g. pulse) readings, I²C, SPI, SDI-12, Modbus-RTU, 4-20mA, etc. (sensor shield)
- Expanding connectivity options beyond WiFi/Cellular, such as LoRaWAN and Satellite IoT (connectivity shield)
- Adding your own functionalities and applications: ad-hoc customization
- A bundle of peripherals (optional) for unattended deployment and operation in the field:
- IP-rated enclosure made of ABS/PC material with PCB mounting
- Waterproof connectors for external sensors and cables (glands or specialized connectors)
- External mechanical switch for enabling/disabling the node without opening the lid
- Internal antennnas
- Vent plug
- Rechargeable battery & Solar Panel
- Cellular Connectivity SIM & Data Plan
List of Boards
Main Board
This is the “heart” of the hardware offering, as it is a “standalone” autonomous and powered IoT device.
Based on the main board, we build a complete hardware solution that perfectly fits any case. To do so, the main board exposes:
- A standard Female Headers Pin Connector for attaching one of our sensor shield, depending on the target application
- A custom Ribbon Cable Connector for (optionally) attaching one of our additional connectivity shields, depending on the network availability
Move to page Main Board to view the complete technical specifications of this board.
Shields
This is a collection of standard “ready-made” expansion boards which can be used out-of-the-box and communicate with standard sensors and networks. For each shield, visit the corresponding dedicated page.
Sensor Shields
| Shield Name | SKU | Sensor Interfaces | Typical Sector | Example Sensors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | INS-S-S-BAS | Analogue, I²C bus | Agriculture | Soil Conductivity |
| Advanced | INS-S-S-ADV | SDI-12, 4-20mA, Pulse Counter | Agriculture | Advanced Soil & Water Status |
| Enviro | INS-S-S-ENV | SDI-12, Modbus-RTU, Analogue, 4-20mA, Pulse Counter | Environmental | Extended Weather Conditions |
| Scale | INS-S-S-SCA | High Precision ADS | Waste Management | Weight (Load Cells) |
| Machine | INS-S-S-MAC | Modbus RTU, High Precision ADS | Industrial Machinery | PLC & Energy Meters |
Connectivity Shields
| Shield Name | SKU | Network | Example Applications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LoRa | INS-S-C-LOR | LoRaWAN | Smart buildings resources usage | |
| SatIoT | INS-S-C-AST | Satellite IoT based on ASTROCAST network | Environmental Monitoring in remote areas (oceans, mountains) |
There is also a series of former/inactive hardware boards that are not commercially available. Page Inactive lists these boards. Notice that interest for these boards is hanlded on an ad-hoc basis.