Product category:
Plant- and Machine-Wide Communications
News Release from: Comtech M2M | Subject: uWeb Lite
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 05 October 2004
Mobile modem takes M2M communications
onboard
The uWeb Lite GSM/GPRS modem module not only includes a TCP/IP stack for ease of communication over the Internet, but also supports higher application level modes suited to M2M applications.
The uWeb Lite GSM/GPRS modem module not only includes a TCP/IP stack for ease of communication over the Internet, but also supports higher application level modes suited to M2M applications The automated mode enables the unit to wake up on an I/O change, onboard real time clock (RTC) schedule or network prompt and autonomously report I/O status via SMS, GSM or TCP/IP socket connection over GPRS and the Internet
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 28 Jun 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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This is ideal for stand-alone applications where there is no local microcontroller.
uWeb Lite supports four analogue inputs and eight digital I/Os.
It can log data from the OEM equipment over a TTL/RS232 host serial port into an onboard EEPROM.
The e-mail mode enables the EEPROM datalog to be sent as an e-mail attachment.
Likewise the FTP mode supports data transfer between the onboard datalog and central FTP server.
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A key feature of the FTP mode is the support for streaming data directly to the host serial port for large data files.
The uWeb Lite supports a wealth of features that can be used in many varied ways.
For example, OEMs deploy test machines in high-volume applications to optimise products and increase reliability prior to full release.
Typical applications include domestic appliances, vending machines etc.
The uWeb Lite enables the OEM machine to log usage, status, diagnostics and alarm data into the onboard EEPROM (over the TTL/RS232 serial port) and e-mail this as an attachment to a central application.
The central application could be a simple utility program to gather data into an Excel spreadsheet that enables reports to be generated.
This enables OEMs to understand how their products are used in the field and optimise their products and supply chain of consumables accordingly.
Another application might be an oil tank where the level needs to be measured, to aid refuelling and logistics.
In the automated mode uWeb Lite can generate an SMS on a scheduled basis (eg daily) to report the status of float switches and other sensors attached to the equipment.
However, as a result of crossing a programmed threshold level, it can automatically generate SMS exceptions that report the alarm condition, eg oil level too low.
If required, central users can poll the uWEB Lite I/O status on demand or prompt it to report its status using patented techniques.
The uWeb Lite can also aid content delivery.
Consider an electronic display in a retail environment that provides customer information or brand awareness through advertising.
Graphical based "content" can result in large files, which need to be downloaded remotely to the display to eliminate site visits.
By acting as an FTP client, uWeb Lite is able stream the file from a central FTP server directly to the attached display.
"We recognise that simple solutions work best for our customers, where solving specific core problems enables them to demonstrate the benefits of M2M technology rapidly - both internally and to their customer base", said Steve Whitehead, Technical Director, Comtech Holdings.
"uWeb Lite has been specifically designed to achieve rapid time to market with minimal investment by integrating core application level features complemented by a toolset which enables rapid application upgradability both locally and remotely".
The uWeb Lite is complemented with the release of a PC configuration tool and a development starter kit to simplify evaluation and aid design integration.
The PC configuration tool supports easy to use graphical configuration of each mode, firmware upgrade utility and test functionality to verify configuration within the PC environment.
A library of application notes with associated configuration files is available for ease of use.
The starter kit includes a uWeb Lite module, antennas, power supply, serial cable, PC configuration tool, I/O simulator board, CDROM and RS232 adapter for interfacing to the development PC.
Comtech offers design customisations for uWeb Lite, by incorporating customer and market specific application needs.
The company can provide its customers with rapid time to market at minimal investment based on a proven technology and product set.
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