Understanding IoT Components: A Deep Dive

As we know, IoT will use the existing internet infrastructure to connect objects, things, and devices other than people. IoT applications are enormous and will be used in medical, retail, military, consumer, agriculture, environmental, automotive, and industrial needs.

In the IoT network, all the devices are connected to the internet with a separate IP address. IPv4 is not enough to address the demand of internet-enabled devices in the IoT space. Hence, IPv6 was developed to address the demand for a huge number of IP addresses.

Currently, major challenges addressing the requirements of IoT devices are the deployment of IPv6 across the world and the requirement of prolonged battery life. The other requirement is an increase in the receiver sensitivity level of RF ICs and, not least, the cost. The cost of the IoT device should be less than about $5 to$6 to capture the big IoT market.

As mentioned, the IoT network consists of a front end and a back end. The back end is entirely digital internet hardware and software. The front end consists mainly of sensors. The following are IoT components used in IoT devices as well as for sensing applications. IoT components include sensors, power management devices, amplifiers, signal acquisition devices, microcontrollers, processors, battery monitoring ICs, low-power RF ICs, and more.

Sensors are used for temperature, motion, humidity, acceleration, tilt, pressure, shock, gas, pH, sound, and infrared applications.

Processors

Companies such as Freescale, Microchip, Lattice Semiconductor, and Atmel are working towards providing ultra-low-power MCUs for IoT applications. These companies are working on process technologies so that the processors are tailored to meet IoT specifications.

Battery Monitoring IC

The biggest benefit is to use battery monitoring devices so that they will turn off the device when the voltage goes below the threshold limit set by the manufacturers/users. This helps conserve power and hence the lifespan of the IoT device. One such device is STC3115 designed by ST Microelectronics.

Regulator

Another major natural resource available is ambient light. Companies are developing devices that store energy from indoor light and use this power to energize the sensors and other IoT components. One such device is ADP5090 designed by Analog Devices. This device eliminates the need for a battery for a power source. This ultra-low power regulator is the source of energy harvesting solutions.

Other than the above, there are devices such as Op-Amps that operate at a very low current of around 300nA. This helps it run for a very long period, approximately a few months, with a single battery and without any re-charging once installed. TI designed OPA2652 is one among them.

The major research is carried out in the areas wherein IoT power has to be derived locally on the IoT device using a photo-cell or thermo-electric voltage regulator.