The concept of “Internet of Things” (IoT) It has spread exponentially in the last decade and is now an essential part of everyday life. For IoT refers to the network of digital and electronic devices interconnected, able to communicate with each other and collect and transfer data without direct interaction with man.
These connections facilitate and speed effectively exchange data to support a wide range of operations and activities.
To date, there are over 16 billions of devices connected and operating globally, the equivalent of 2 devices per person, and is a number expected to grow in coming years, to touch the 41 billion by 2020.
The most common examples are the IoT devices for "smart home",such as programmable thermostats and equipment remotely controllable, but the IoT industry has applications in almost every area of the economy, from trade to, from health care to public safety.
The areas of application of the IoT
The advanced capabilities of IoT technology is incorporated in many areas, including:
- Residential: this area includes all devices and systems for automation and automation, for example, for remote control of lighting equipment, heating, household appliances, of entertainment and surveillance systems.
They are also included wearable devices, as a smartwatch and goggles for virtual reality. - Sanitary: are part of this category all those devices to the health and well-being of the person, from products for physical activity monitoring technologies that monitor and record vital data of patients.
- Public Safety and Transportation: in addition to cars and smart roads for traffic flow management, The IoT technologies are implemented in urban infrastructure in order to improve security and public services.
This is for example the electronic systems for the real-time indication of the arrival and departure times of public transport, of smartphone applications for payment of the parking ticket, and devices in support of the authorities to monitor criminal activities. - Industrial: in this area, The IoT applications, also called machine-to-machine (M2M), They are taken to improve and increase production efficiency, to monitor machinery and to optimize inventory operations.
- Energy and environment: the IoT devices also find application in the field of power distribution, energy monitoring (such as smart meters) and environmental conditions.
These are just some of the countless examples of current applications and potential benefits of the Internet of Things technologies.
The technical challenges
In addition to the practical benefits, the exponential growth in the number of devices connected to the network also involves an assessment from a technical point of view.
These products, indeed, incorporate wireless technologies and electronic components which poses different challenges in terms of design and compliance Market regulations.
The realization of these complex systems primarily involves the selection of a wireless communication protocol suitable for the characteristics and purpose of use of the products. Some of the most common communication technologies adopted by the IoT manufacturers are: WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, GSM, UMTS, LTE, SRD.
Manufacturers not only are having to properly deploy wireless applications to their product, but also have to consider all aspects of electromagnetic disturbances and related security devices that integrate various functions (analog, and digital radio). This can be difficult in the process of designing and debugging, especially in case of malfunctions and difficulties in identifying the source of the problem.
From a regulatory point of view, The IoT devices must make a proper use of the radio spectrum, They must not emit too much noise and being too sensitive to interference from devices, and must ensure user safety from hazards both electrical and electromagnetic.
Sicom Testing assists companies in the IoT sector, providing evidence of pre-compliance and testing, electromagnetic compatibility tests, Certification of radio equipment, full service certificazione CE and technical investigations, nonché di post-produzione e controllo dei lotti.
To request more information on this topic, write to info@sicomtesting.com
or call +39 0481 778931.
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