Unit 3 - IoT Devices

3.1 Introduction on IoT Devices

As we discussed earlier in unit 1, The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of
interconnected physical devices ("things") embedded with sensors, software,
and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data
with other devices and systems over the internet or other communications
networks.
A "Thing" in Internet of Things (IoT) can be any object that has a
unique identifier and which can send/receive data (including user
data) over a network (e.g., smart phone, smart TV, computer, refrigerator,
car, etc.).
These things can connect to the internet.
These things can be controlled remotely i.e. you can turn them on/off or
change their settings from afar.
These things can share information:
• About themselves (e.g., "I'm running low on power").
• About their surroundings (e.g., "The temperature is 25 degrees").
• About the user (e.g. step count).
Examples :
• Smart Home: You can check if you left the oven on and turn it off
from your phone.
• Factory Machine: A machine tells a computer if it needs repairs.
• Smart Car: Your car sends its location to a map service.
• Fitness Tracker: Your watch sends your step count to an app.

3.2 Basic Building Blocks of an IoT Device

An IoT device typically comprises the following core components:
• Sensors:
o These are the input devices that collect data from the physical
environment.

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 o Examples: Temperature sensors, humidity sensors, light sensors,
accelerometers, gyroscopes.
o They convert physical quantities into electrical signals that can be
processed.
• Actuators:
o These are the output devices that perform actions based on
received commands.
o Examples: Motors, relays, LEDs, valves.
o They convert electrical signals into physical actions.
• Microcontroller/Microprocessor:
o This is the "brain" of the IoT device.
o It processes data from sensors, executes programs, and controls
actuators.
o Microcontrollers are typically used in resource-constrained devices,
while microprocessors are used in more powerful devices.
• Communication Module:
o This enables the device to connect to a network and exchange data.
o Examples: Wi-Fi modules, Bluetooth modules, cellular modules,
LoRa modules.
o The choice of communication module depends on the range,
bandwidth, and power consumption requirements.
• Power Supply:
o This provides the necessary power to operate the device.
o Examples: Batteries, AC adapters, solar panels.
o Power efficiency is a critical consideration for battery-powered IoT
devices.
• Software/Firmware:
o This is the set of instructions that the
microcontroller/microprocessor executes.
o It controls the device's functionality, processes data, and manages
communication.

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 o It can range from simple embedded firmware to complex operating
systems.
3.3 Introduction to Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi is a series of small single-board computers (SBCs) developed
by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. It was initially designed to promote the
teaching of basic computer science in schools and developing countries.
However, it has become widely used in various applications, including IoT,
robotics, and home automation.
• Features:
o Compact and affordable.
o Versatile and programmable.
o Supports various operating systems (primarily Linux-based).
o Provides GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins for interfacing
with external devices.
o Offers various connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet).

Fig.3.3.1 Raspberry Pi

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3.4 Raspberry Pi (Concepts, Purpose)
• Concepts:
o Raspberry Pi is a fully functional computer on a single circuit board.
o It uses a system-on-a-chip (SoC) that integrates the CPU, GPU, and
other components.
o It runs on a Linux-based operating system, providing a familiar
programming environment.
o The GPIO pins allow the pi to interact with the real world through
sensors and actuators.

Fig.3.4.1 Raspberry Pi Pins description

• Purpose:
o To provide an affordable and accessible platform for learning
computer programming and electronics.
o To enable hobbyists and developers to create innovative projects.
o To serve as a platform for IoT applications, home automation, and
media centers.

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 o To be used in industrial applications where a small, robust, and
cost-effective solution is required.
3.5 Application Areas for Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi has a wide range of applications, including:

• IoT Projects:
o Home automation system : Tech to control your house
automatically for convenience and efficiency.
Example: Using your phone to turn on your lights before you
get home.
o Environmental monitoring stations: Systems to track and
analyze air, water, and weather conditions.
Example: A sensor in a river sending data about water pollution
levels.
o Smart agriculture systems: Using technology to improve farming
and resource management.
Example: Automatic watering systems that only turn on when
the soil is dry.
o Industrial automation: Applying IoT to make factories more
efficient and safer.
Example: Sensors on a machine that predict when it needs
maintenance.

• Robotics:
o Building and controlling robots: Designing and programming
robots to perform tasks.
Example: A small robot arm that can sort objects on a table.
o Image processing and computer vision: Enabling robots to
"see" and understand visual information.
Example: A robot that can identify different types of fruits on a
conveyor belt.

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 o Autonomous navigation: Making robots able to move around and
find their way without direct control.
Example: A robot vacuum cleaner that maps your house and
cleans it automatically.

• Media Centers:
o Streaming video and audio: Systems for playing online media
content on your devices.
Example: Using a smart TV app to watch a movie from Netflix.
o Playing games: Setting up computers or devices for running video
games.
Example: Connecting a game controller to a Raspberry Pi
running retro games.

• Education:
o Teaching computer programming and electronics: Using
hands-on projects to learn about coding and circuits.
Example: Building a simple traffic light controller with an
Arduino.
o Creating interactive learning tools: Developing engaging digital
or physical tools to aid learning.
Example: A tablet app that teaches math through interactive
puzzles.

• Home Automation:
o Controlling lights, locks, and appliances: Remotely managing
home devices for ease and security.
Example: Locking your front door using an app on your phone
when you're away.

• Security Systems:

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 o Creating surveillance systems: Building camera-based systems
for monitoring and safety.
Example: Setting up a webcam that sends alerts to your phone
when it detects motion.

• Gaming:
o Retro gaming emulation: Playing classic video games on modern
devices.
Example: Playing old Nintendo games on a laptop using an
emulator.
o Creating custom game consoles: Designing and building unique
gaming hardware.
Example: Building a small handheld gaming device with a
custom screen and buttons.

• Industrial Automation:
o Monitoring production lines: Tracking factory processes and
machine performance.
Example: Sensors on a conveyor belt counting the number of
items passing by.
o Controlling machinery: Using technology to automate and
manage industrial equipment.
Example: A robotic arm welding parts together on a car
assembly line.

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3.6 Components of Raspberry Pi
The components of a Raspberry Pi vary slightly depending on the model, but
they generally include:

Fig.3.6.1 Components of Raspberry Pi

• System-on-a-Chip (SoC):
o This is the heart of the Raspberry Pi, integrating the CPU, GPU,
and other components.
o The CPU (Central Processing Unit) executes instructions.
o The GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) handles graphics processing.
• RAM (Random Access Memory):
o This is the temporary storage used by the CPU to store data and
programs.
o The amount of RAM affects the performance of the Raspberry Pi.
• GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) Pins:

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 o These pins allow the Raspberry Pi to interface with external
devices.
o They can be configured as inputs or outputs.
• HDMI Port:
o This port is used to connect the Raspberry Pi to a monitor or TV.
• USB Ports:
o These ports are used to connect peripherals such as a keyboard,
mouse, and USB drives.
• Ethernet Port (on some models):
o This port is used to connect the Raspberry Pi to a wired network.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (on some models):
o These modules provide wireless connectivity.
• MicroSD Card Slot:
o This slot is used to insert a microSD card that stores the
operating system, applications and your files/data.
• Power Supply:
o Usually a USB-C or Micro USB port to provide power.
• Camera Serial Interface (CSI):
o A port to connect a camera module for capturing image and
video.
• Display Serial Interface (DSI):
o A port to connect a display.

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