IoT devices, device, sensor, actuators

Question 1

What is a device?

Answer 1

is an embedded computer, which can be characterized as having several properties, such as;
- Computational capability: typically 8-, 16-, or 32-bit working memory and storage.
- Power supply: wired, battery, energy harvester, or hybrid.
- Sensors and/or actuators: used to sample an environmental variable and/or exert control (e.g., flicking a switch, tuning a motor).
- User Interface: display, buttons, or other functions for user interaction.

Question 2

What is a gateway?

Answer 2

A device that mediates the communication between IoT devices and networks. It also enables protocol conversion between different devices and networks. A gateway typically includes multiple networking technologies and serves as a translator between different physical interfaces and protocols, e.g., IEEE 802.15.4 or IEEE 802.11, to Ethernet or cellular.

Question 3

Sensor

Answer 3

Collects data. These are simple or complex devices that typically include a sensor that converts physical properties, such as temperature, into electrical signals. These devices include the necessary transformation of analog electrical signals into digital signals, e.g. processing for simple calculations and possibly communication functions to transmit the digital representation of the physical property and to receive commands. A video camera is another example of a complex sensor that can detect and recognize people. Devices that measure and record different types of data from their environment. Examples include temperature and motion sensors.

Question 4

Definition of microcontroller

Answer 4

A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated circuit chip. It is designed to control other devices and systems, often in embedded applications such as sensors, household appliances or vehicles. E.g. the Arduino Nano.

Question 5

Components of microcontroller

Answer 5

It contains one or more CPUs along with memory, clocks, and timers, programmable input/output peripherals (kan konfigueras för att hantera olika typer av data och signaler, analoga eller digitala).

Question 6

The function of the microcontroller

Answer 6

Runs program code, enhances sensors signal, and sends commands to sensors and actuators.

Question 7

Different types of IoT Applications

Answer 7

Consumer IoT: home applications, voice assistance and light fixtures.

Commercial IoT: mostly used in the healthcare and transport industries.

Military things (IoMT): mostly used for the application of IoT in the military field, e.g. for surveillance.

Industrial IoT (IIoT): used with industry applications, such as in the manufacturing and energy sectors.

Infrastructure IoT: used connectivity in smart cities. Infrastructure sensors and management systems, e.g., traffic, and energy consumption.

Question 8

Basic microcontrollers

Answer 8

A simple microcontroller that handles basic tasks like controlling and monitoring sensors and communication. Low power applications, sleep and Idle power modes, simple application sensor, local comms. Apps: home-alarms/smart-meters, thermostats. Basic devices are often intended for a single purpose, such as measuring air pressure or closing a valve.

Question 9

Advances microcontroller

Answer 9

A more complex microcontroller that handles advanced tasks such as real-time data processing, signal processing and security. Complex comm protocols LTE, local data management (edge computing cable), gateway functionality, memory ROM/flash and RAM, high power consumption, few low power modes, Apps: Car remote monitoring, Oil/gas pipe, robotics.

Question 10

How do IoT devices work?

Answer 10

Different IoT devices have different functions, but they work in similar ways. They consist of physical devices containing processors (CPU), network adapters and embedded software (firmware). These devices connect to networks through protocols, such as DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol), to automatically obtain network settings and communicate with other systems.

Question 11

Describe IoT (Internet of Things)

Answer 11

A system in which common objects (e.g. sensors, devices and machines) are connected and can communicate and share data via networks, enabling remote monitoring and automation. Are things/objects such as physical objects equipped with sensors and electronics to sense and communicate with their environment, e.g. PPG sensors or cameras. The ability of devices to collect data from their environment through built-in sensors, such as temperature, light or movement.

Question 12

Embedded software

Answer 12

Software embedded in sensors and other IoT devices to control data collection and communication.

Question 13

What are the different dimensions of IoT?

Answer 13

• Sensor devices and parameters (temperature, humidity, respiratory, speed).
• Miniaturization of IoT devices.
• Sensor Data enhancement and communication.
• Data analytics and cybersecurity.
• Actuating correct actions.

Question 14

Which layers are included in the IoT reference model developed by ITU-T standards?

Answer 14

Application layer, service and application support layer, network layer and the device layer. The layers have associated management and security capabilities.

Question 15

What is the application layer in the IoT reference model?

Answer 15

The layer within the IoT architecture that provides applications used by end users for specific purposes, such as smart home apps or health monitoring systems.

Question 16

What is the service and application support layer in the IoT reference model?

Answer 16

A layer that provides general and specific functions such as data storage and processing, to support the operational efficiency of IoT applications.

• Generic support capabilities: are common capabilities which can be used by different IoT applications, such as data processing or data storage.
• Specific support capabilities: are specific functions that meet the requirements of different applications. Specific service capabilities tailored to specific application domains, such as e-health or telematics.

Question 17

What is the Network layer in the IoT reference model?

Answer 17

supports network and transport capabilities. Responsible for providing network connectivity and managing mobility, authentication and transportation of data within the IoT system.

• The layer provides networking capabilities: such as Mobility Management, Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA), and
• Transport Capabilities: such as connectivity for IoT service data.

Question 18

What is the device layer in the IoT reference model?

Answer 18

This layer supports the functions of devices and gateways.

• Device capabilities: Devices can directly communicate with the network and use the functions of the network layer. They can also communicate via gateways, create temporary (ad hoc) networks and save energy by going into sleep mode when not in use.
• Gateway capabilities: features include multi-protocol support and protocol conversion to bridge network layer functions and device communication functions.

Question 19

Describe the security capabilities in the IoT reference model

Answer 19

The security layer contains various security functions needed by the other layers.

• General functions: these include support for authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) and message security, which means that data is both integrated and confidential.
• Specific features: these are tailored to specific applications, such as security for mobile payments.

Question 20

Describe the management capabilities in the IoT reference model

Answer 20

generic and specific capabilities are distinguished here.

• Specific capabilities: deal with application specific requirements.
• Generic capabilities: perform functions for specific applications, including device activation, deactivation, remote access, device status, software updates, topology and traffic management.

The management layer is responsible for fault detection, accounting, configuration, security and for performance of device and software components.

Question 21

How does the data flow and operational view work in the different layers of the IoT system?

Answer 21

• Cloud layer: is responsible for large-scale data processing, business intelligence and data storage in IoT systems. This is where the processing of large amounts of data takes place.
• Fog layer (gateways): Local networks and gateways that handle data analysis and reduction, control and response.
• Edge layer (gateways): Handles real-time data and processing close to the source where the data is generated, such as industrial processes and devices that collect large volumes of data.
• Data origination: The source of the data being collected from sensors, controllers and actuators. This is where the data flow in the IoT system begins.

Question 22

What are the factors to consider in the design of an iot system?

Answer 22

• Real-time data collection, is necessary for critical applications such as fire and flood warnings or factory monitoring.
• Non-realtime IoT sensing, collection of data where immediate response is not necessary, e.g. in agriculture, logistics or solar plants.
• Data integrity
• Cloud data storage: Generic capabilities - accuracy of sensed data at system level. Specific capabilities - operational efficiency of sensor devices.
• Sensor fusion and multi-sensor systems and analysis.

Question 23

Smart features and efficiency in IoT

Answer 23

• Response and accuracy to physical parameter change.
• Realtime and periodic sensing.
• Sensors signal enhancement.
• Cost and size of IoT equipment.
• Standards compliance and interoperability.
• Energy foraging (energy is collected by the environment - Solar, wind, heat).
• Operational efficiency - The efficiency of IoT system operation, including energy efficiency, fault reporting and diagnosis, and safety measures. Idle-sleep mode.

Question 24

Cyber-physical world

Answer 24

integrating sensor data with physical systems to predict future conditions and make informed decisions.

Question 25

Cyber-physical systems

Answer 25

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) combine digital control with physical devices to monitor and manage real-world systems. IoT and IIoT connect these physical components for communication. In CPS, software and hardware work closely together in real time, like in autonomous vehicles or medical systems.

Question 26

Time-critical applications

Answer 26

Applications that are sensitive to delays and must deliver data within specified time limits. Example: Industrial control includes real-time process monitoring and control, Mobility automation includes automated guided vehicles and Autonomous control refers to autonomous control of machines and equipment.

Question 27

Give an example of lage scale IoT networks

Answer 27

IoT-based smart agriculture. Systems for monitoring light, temperature, humidity and soil moisture in crop fields using connected sensors. Automation and optimization of irrigation system water use.

Question 28

Sensor fusion

Answer 28

Sensor fusion involves combining data from multiple sensors to get a more accurate and complete picture of the environment. By using the strengths of different sensors, the limitations of individual sensors can be overcome and the accuracy, reliability and robustness of the information can be improved by combining data.

Question 29

How does the IoT architecture work?

Answer 29

IoT devices collect data from sensors (temperature, sound, motion). Sensor data can be gathered through both wired and wireless networks. The data is then sent to a gateway, which acts as an intermediary. It collects data from multiple devices and translates protocols, as sensors and IoT devices use various communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee, so that the information can be understood by other systems. If data processing occurs near the sensors, directly on the gateway or another local device like an edge server, this is called edge computing. Alternatively, the gateway can send the processed or raw data to the cloud, known as cloud computing.

Question 30

Key features in mobile IoT system development

Answer 30

• Communication range: how close to a mobile operator’s gateway does my device have to be? Are there indoor vs outdoor (or line-of-sight) and cost considerations for the choice of wireless IoT network I need to be aware of?.
• Power Efficiency: Is my hardware connected to a consistent and reliable power source? Or is it off-grid and connected to solar &/or battery? How long must the device last on battery power? Availability, Is there a sleep or idle Mode?
• Continuous availability: can my device shut down completely when local power fails or should it continue to record data while on a backup power source? Can other sensors autonomously replace the function of a faulty sensor? cooperative sensor-fusion.
• Life cycle management: environmental sustainability and recyclable IoT devices.

Question 31

Actuators

Answer 31

These devices use a converter to change electrical signals into physical actions, like turning on a switch or moving a motor. They may also have communication abilities, store commands, process data, and convert digital signals to analog. Actuators use commands to control physical systems, such as opening a valve or heating water.

Question 32

How do sensors work in combination with the Internet of Things (IoT), and what are the different steps from a sensor picking up a signal to the signal being processed and transmitted wirelessly?

Answer 32

Sensors detect physical phenomena like light, pressure, and temperature, converting them into electrical signals. These signals are then digitized for digital processing. During this process, sensors may pick up extra noise, so signal enhancement methods are used to clean the data. The sensor data is wirelessly sent to a central database (CDB) using a radio transmitter. Stable wireless standards ensure efficient data transmission between sensors and other devices.