The platform offers integrated secure hardware and tried and tested embedded software to connect smart sensors and embedded devices via gateway solutions or low-power LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technologies, directly to the cloud and the company's software applications.
"With Visible ThingsTM “We are one of the first distributors on the market to offer a cutting-edge, highly flexible solution for businesses, dedicated to enabling the rapid and easy development of industrial IoT applications,” says John Jones, Director of Innovation at Avnet Memec - Silica. “Unlike other providers of dedicated solutions that consist of a core component with the remaining building blocks left to be optimized by the customer, Visible Things™ has been developed based on best-in-class technologies in terms of features, cost, and long-term availability.”.
The platform provides a unique set of benefits such as:
• Rapid deployment due to integrated and proven features
• Greater flexibility with a range of smart sensors and connectivity options
• Simple "out-of-the-box" setup and experience
• Lower power consumption solution
• Optimized size, cost, energy, and production to closely match the final product.
The platform supports short-range connectivity to a gateway and Wi-Fi, 3G, and 4G cellular communications to the cloud and enterprise software. It is also compatible with SIGFOX and LoRaWAN IoT networks. These networks have been designed with specific features such as low-cost, narrowband information messaging to meet the requirements of IoT and Smart City, machine-to-machine, and industrial applications.
™ evaluation and development platform with new hardware and software technology options in the coming weeks and months, including a new chip that integrates an element for secure deployment in cutting-edge smart sensor devices.
Starter Kits
To help users get up and running quickly with their IoT project, three design kit reference boards are available at launch, all powered by ARM Cortex microcontrollers:
The first kit comprises: a smart sensor board that includes Bluetooth and smart connectivity and a range of motion sensors, including temperature/humidity and light/proximity; a gateway board, which manages all the connectivity needed for cloud service via Wi-Fi; and a mini-USB cable. A GSM peripheral module with SIM connector and embedded SIM options is available as an expansion option for the gateway board to enable cellular connectivity to enterprise cloud software services. The starter kit is available exclusively from Avnet Memec - Silica at a retail price of €199.
The second and third kits are designed for use with SIGFOX and LoRaWAN networks and include respective SIGFOX and LoRaWAN sensor modules, with each board incorporating additional motion and light sensors. IoT application messages can be exchanged with the cloud service without needing to communicate through a gateway.
Also available on the Visible Things™ is a mobile app that runs on iOS and Android, providing users with easy access to local hardware settings and supporting connections to cloud services. The app also includes a quick start guide to simplify system connection and setup.
The Devicepoint is a key element of the Visible Things ™ platform . Built on IBM software components and managed by partner company Spica Technologies, the Devicepoint Cloud Service leverages data from sensors and pointer devices with contextual information, along with data from other sources, to deliver real-time analytics and long-term business intelligence.
Cloud Service
Connected via the gateway or directly to a SIGFOX or LoRaWAN network, the platform provides instant visualization of sensor data in a standard, simple cloud solution, enabling users to take appropriate actions, such as activating actuators in industrial control systems.
Extensive customization is available for managing sensor data for analysis, reporting, and workflow management.
