IoT Basics and Connectivity

IoT Overview

• IoT encompasses networked sensors, actuators, and smart devices that collect and share data.
• It represents "Internet of Things," indicating the interconnection of any device, anywhere, via any network at any time.

Key Acronyms

• CPS: Cyber Physical Systems
• WoT: Web of Things
• WSN: Wireless Sensor Network
• WWW: World Wide Web

IoT Characteristics

• Security: Essential for safe data transmission and device interactions.
• Data Management: Involves sensor data collection, storage, and processing.
• Connectivity: Ensures devices can communicate across various networks.
• Device Diversity: Supports heterogeneous devices, facilitating broad integration.
• Scalability: Capacity to expand and accommodate more devices seamlessly.

IoT Building Blocks

• Smart Thing: Comprises devices like sensors, communicators, actuators, or controllers.
• IoT Gateway: Serves as a bridge between smart devices and the cloud.
• IoT Cloud: Centralized storage and processing facility for data.
• IoT Analytics: Extracts insights from collected data.
• IoT Applications: Software interfaces that utilize IoT data for various purposes.

Sensors and Actuators

• Sensors: Devices responsive to stimuli such as temperature, pressure, humidity, motion, and more.
• Actuators: Convert energy into motion and are classified as electric-based, magnetic-based, mechanical-based, or hydraulic.

Microcontroller (MCU) Components

• Primary components include:
  • Core (CPU): Executes commands and calculations.
  • Memory: Consists of RAM and ROM for storing instructions and data.
  • Input/Output (I/O) Pins: Physical connectors for device communication.
  • Peripherals: Components like timers, converters, amplifiers, and communication interfaces that assist core functions.
• Not all MCUs contain all components, showcasing variability in designs.

Educational Tools

• Simulation tools like Packer Tracer help students grasp network operations, providing cost and material advantages.