Chapter 2
The concept of Internet of Things (IoT)
Course Outline:
Module Description Duration Cognitive Level
Outcomes (Hours)
CO1 Explain the concept of Internet of Things.
M1.01 Differentiate Internet of Things and machine to 4 Understanding
machine communication.
M1.02 Explain IoT architecture and its platforms 6 Understanding
M1.03 List various challenges in IoT 4 Understanding
Contents:
Introduction to IOT:
Definition - Internet of Things, Machine to Machine (M2M)communication. M2M v/s. IOT.
Introduction to IOT, Understanding IoT fundamentals,IOT Architecture. Various Platforms for IoT,
Challenges in IOT.
2.1.Preamble
This IoT tutorial provides basic concepts of the Internet of Things (IoT). The tutorial covers
topics at the basic level. Considering that the course is interdisciplinary, you have to
presume that the students sitting in front of you do not possess fundamental knowledge
of computing or electronics, even otherwise.
2.2.Definition
IoT stands for Internet of Things. Devices or equipment (things) for daily use are connected
to the internet for access and control.
Example: security cameras, smart watches, televisions, door locks, home security
systems, connected vehicles, etc. Not limited to the example, but anything and
everything can be part of the internet or can be IoT.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The term "Things" in the Internet of Things refers to anything and everything in day to day
life which is accessed or connected through the internet.
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Fig: 2.1 Internet of Things
Let us discuss few examples.
Smart watch: A very familiar application is a smart watch, which many of us use. A smart
watch has many sensors like a heart rate monitor, oximetry sensor, ambient light sensor,
accelerometer (to sense body motion, steps, and sleep), gyroscope (body orientation and
angle), pressure sensor, temperature sensor, body temperature sensor, GPS, body
temperature sensor, etc. A smart watch is often connected to your smart phone through
protocols like Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.
Fig: 2.2Wearable devices
A smart watch or wearable technology can be used for lifestyle applications (weight,
calories burned, heart rate, speed, etc.). The users will have their activity monitored via
sensors and input some of the data themselves (food eaten), which can then be
communicated to a smart phone and to the provider's cloud service. The data then gets
processed, making it useful for the user to understand. This is fed back into either the
paired smart phone or the wearable itself, depending on the type of display.
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A modern connected car
Fig: 2.3 Connected car
Any modern vehicle that is equipped with internet connectivity can be called a connected
car. Currently, automobile companies use two kinds of systems in connected cars:
embedded and tethered systems. An embedded vehicle will be equipped with a chipset
and built-in antenna. Higher-end versions of cars are usually equipped with this feature.
Such cars will have a 4G or 5G mobile SIM card inserted into their electronics. The tethered
system will be equipped with hardware that connects to the driver’s smart phone. Android
auto or car-play applications are very popular in the automobile community. A connected
vehicle that can access or send data, download software updates and patches, and connect
with other devices is an example of IoT.
2.3.Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication
Machine-to-machine is a term for technology that lets machines talk to each other and do
things without people helping them. This works with AI and machine learning, which help
the machines communicate and make their own choices. At first, M2M was used in
factories and industries to control machines from far away using software like SCADA and
remote monitoring. Now, M2M is used everywhere in healthcare, business, insurance, and
more. It’s also the basis for the Internet of Things (IoT), where lots of devices connect and
share information.
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2.4. Are IoT and M2M the same? (IoT vs. M2M)
Although some use these terms interchangeably, M2M and IoT have distinct differences.
Think of IoT as a bigger concept, while M2M is a part of it. Often, machines communicate
directly, either on their own or via M2M. The IoT, on the other hand, is a network of
different systems that work together.
Moreover, M2M connects or interacts with devices directly, while IoT uses the internet to
link them and establish a connection. In simple terms, machine-to-machine helps manage
processes, while IoT goes beyond that, enhancing businesses and user experiences. For
instance, M2M might help a vending machine alert someone that it’s low on snacks. On
the other hand, with IoT, the vending machine could even predict your favorite snacks and
offer them to you. Remember, IoT expands on M2M, making it even more powerful.
To elaborate on the concept of M2M communication, let us look at the example of a smart
watch.
Fig: 2.4 M2M vs IoT
The smart watch communicates with the mobile phone on its own as and when needed. It
is usually connected using a blue tooth or, sometimes, WiFi. The communication of
smartwatches or wearable devices with smart phones is termed M2M. Data that is
gathered from the smart phone is sent to the cloud space of the smart watch manufacturer
through internet protocol using internet services. The collected data is stored, processed,
and sent to the health monitoring application for the user. Thus, data collected using M2M
communication and connectivity to the internet together form the IoT. Hence, M2M is not
a different technology from IoT, but M2M, together with connected devices, forms IoT.
Which means M2M is a part of IoT.
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2.5. Understanding IoT fundamentals
There are multiple devices or things that form part of IoT. Things communicate with
themselves or with the gateway called M2M. Different protocols like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,
ZigBee, LoRa, etc. They exchange data in a gateway for connecting to the internet. A
gateway can be a Wi-Fi router. In some cases, like a smartwatch, the smart phone acts as
the gateway connecting the device to the internet through the mobile network. The
collected information is sent to the IoT cloud for processing and analysis. There are
applications running on the cloud platform for data processing and analysis. A user
interface is also provided through applications that receive information from the cloud.
Protocols are methods or rules for communication. Example Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, internet
protocol etc.
2.6. IOT Architecture
There are different phases in the architecture of IoT but they can vary according to the
situations but generally, there are these four phases in the architecture of IoT
Fig: Architecture of IoT
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Sensing Layer: The first stage of IoT includes sensors, devices, actuators etc. which collect
data from the physical environment, processes it and then sends it over the network. In
the case of a smart watch, various sensors like heart beat sensor, GPS, temperature sensor,
accelerometer, gyroscope etc. collect data which is to be sent to the network.
Network Layer − The second stage of the IoT consists of Network Gateways and Data
Acquisition Systems. DAS converts the analogue data (collected from Sensors) into Digital
Data. Network layer uses M2M protocols and internet protocols to transfer data.
Data Processing Layer − The third stage of IoT is the most important stage. Here, data is
pre-processed on its variety and separated accordingly. After this, it is sent to Data Centers.
Application Layer − The fourth stage of IoT consists of Cloud/Data Centers where data is
managed and used by applications like agriculture, defense, health care etc.
2.7. Various Platforms for IoT
As in IoT, all the IoT devices are connected to other IoT devices and application to transmit
and receive information using protocols. There is a gap between the IoT device and IoT
application. An IoT Platform fills the gap between the devices (sensors) and application
(network). Thus, we can say that an IoT platform is an integrated service that fulfills the
gap between the IoT device and application and offers you to bring physical object online.
There are several IoT Platforms available that provides facility to deploy IoT application
actively. Some of them are listed below:
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Amazon Web Services (AWS) IoT platform: Amazon Web Service IoT platform offers a set
of services that connect to several devices and maintain the security as well. This platform
collects data from connected devices and performs real-time actions.
Microsoft Azure IoT platform: Microsoft Azure IoT platform offers strong security
mechanism, scalability, and easy integration with systems. It uses standard protocols that
support bi-directional communication between connected devices and platform.
Google Cloud Platform IoT: Google Cloud Platform is a global cloud platform that provides
a solution for IoT devices and applications. It handles a large amount of data using Cloud
IoT Core by connecting various devices.
IBM Watson IoT platform: The IBM Watson IoT platform enables the developer to
deploy the application and building IoT solutions quickly. This platform provides the
following services:
Artik Cloud IoT platform: Arthik cloud IoT platform is developed by Samsung to enable
devices to connect to cloud services. It has a set of services that continuously connect
devices to the cloud and start gathering data. It stores the incoming data from connected
devices and combines this information. This platform contains a set of connectors that
connect to third-party services.
Bosch IoT Suite
Bosch cloud IoT Suit is based on Germany. It offers safe and reliable storing of data on its
server in Germany. This platform supports full app development from prototype to
application development.
ThingWorx in Internet of Things
The ThingWorx platform is a complete end-to-end technology platform that is designed for
industrial IoT. It facilitates the tools and services that are required to develop and set-up
connectivity, analysis, production of other aspects of IoT development.
2.8. Challenges in IOT
1. IoT security
From the beginning, IoT devices have been notoriously vulnerable to cyber-attacks. There
are countless examples of IoT devices being hacked to misuse or access other parts of a
network.
2. Coverage
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To transmit and receive data, IoT devices need a network connection. Lose the connection,
and you lose the device’s capabilities. While there are numerous IoT connectivity solutions,
they are all best suited for different types of coverage.
For example, WiFi is a common choice for IoT connectivity. But your devices can only
operate within a short range of a router, and you can only deploy your devices at locations
that have WiFi. When the infrastructure is not available, you must either pay to build it or
outfit your devices with a backup solution that already has coverage.
3. Scalability
IoT businesses often have hundreds or thousands of devices in the field. The largest IoT
manufacturers have millions of devices deployed around the world. The larger the scale of
your operations, the more overwhelming device management become.
4. Interoperability
Not all IoT devices and solutions are compatible with each other or with your business
applications. Adding new hardware and software to the mix may require you to make a
chain reaction of changes to keep the functionality you need while accommodating the
new technology.
5. Bandwidth availability
Radio Frequency (RF) bandwidth is a finite resource the entire world must share. Even with
billions of connected devices, there is more than enough to go around. But when too many
of these devices use the same frequency bands in the same location, their signals interfere
with each other.
A common example of this is WiFi in apartment buildings. Every resident with a WiFi router
creates a separate network that uses the same frequencies (usually 5GHz or 2.4GHz). Since
they are so close together, their signals can easily interfere when everyone tries to use
these frequencies simultaneously.
6. Limited battery life
Most IoT devices have small batteries. This is mainly because the devices are often
incredibly small—and new generations of IoT technology are trending smaller and more
efficient devices and components. Larger batteries could restrict a device’s use cases or
limit where and how the device can be installed.
Chapter 3
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Arduino-based prototyping boards
Course Outline:
Module Description Duration Cognitive Level
Outcomes (Hours)
CO2 Illustrate Arduino-based prototyping boards.
M2.01 Interpret microcontrollers. 2 Understanding
M2.02 Explain Arduino based prototyping boards. 7 Understanding
M2.03 Demonstrate Raspberry pi and its features. 6 Understanding
Contents:
Prototyping Boards: Microcontrollers -Block diagram, example for microcontrollers.
Prototyping boards - Arduino Uno, Arduino Nano, NodeMCU-Block diagram. Raspberry Pi -
Specifications and features, block diagram.
3.1. Microcontrollers -Block diagram
A microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer on a single integrated circuit (IC)can be
programmed to control specific tasks within electronic systems. It combines the functions
of a central processing unit (CPU), memory, and input/output interfaces, all on a single
chip.
Microcontrollers are widely used in embedded systems, such as home appliances,
automotive systems, medical devices, and industrial control systems. They are also used
in consumer electronics products, such as gaming systems, digital cameras, and audio
players.
A typical microcontroller consists of a processor core, volatile and non-volatile memory,
input/output peripherals, and various communication interfaces. The processor core is
responsible for executing instructions and controlling the other components of the
microcontroller. The memory is used to store data and program code, while the
input/output peripherals are used to interact with the external environment .
Microcontrollers are programmable, which means that they can be customized to perform
specific tasks. The programming languages used to write code for microcontrollers vary
depending on the manufacturer and the type of microcontroller. Some of the commonly
used programming languages include C, C++, python and assembly language.
Block diagram of a microcontroller
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Fig 3.1: Block diagram of a microcontroller
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU performs arithmetic operations, manages data flow, and generates control signals
in accordance with the sequence of instructions created by the programmer. The
extremely complex circuitry required for CPU functionality is not visible to the designer.
There are 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, and 64-bit core microcontrollers available. The selection of
a microcontroller depends on the application for which the processor is selected.
Analog-to-Digital C Converter (ADC)
Most of the microcontrollers had ADC built in. ADC converts analogue data that is collected
or acquired using sensors to digital values that can be processed by program. For example,
a temperature sensor converts the analogue value of ambient temperature to voltage, and
an ADC converts the value to digital. For an ambient temperature of 32.3°C, the sensor
gives an output value of about 0.323 volts.
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Memory
Non-volatile memory is used to store the microcontroller’s program. You will typically see
the word “Flash” (which refers to a specific form of non-volatile data storage) instead of
“non-volatile memory.”
Volatile memory (i.e., RAM) is used for temporary data storage. This data is lost when the
microcontroller loses power. Internal registers also provide temporary data storage, but we
separate functional block is not shown because they are integrated into the CPU.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is used for speed control od Dc and AC motors.
Timer
Prototyping boards - Arduino Uno
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Arduino UNO is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P. It has 14 digital
input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6 analog inputs, a USB
connection, a power jack, and a reset button. It contains everything needed to support the
microcontroller; simply connect it to a computer with a USB cable or power adapter or
battery to get started.
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Prototyping boards - Arduino Nano
Arduino nano is similar or same as UNO but with a smaller form factor.
Prototyping boards –NODMCU
The ESP8266 uses a 32-bit processor with 16-bit instructions. With 17 general purpose
input output pins, have builtin Wi-Fi.
The ESP8266 is a good option for most "Internet of Things" projects. It is compatible
with Arduino and only costs a few dollars.
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Raspberry Pi
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Specifications
• Broadcom BCM2711, Quad core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.8GHz
• 1GB, 2GB, 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM (depending on model)
• 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz IEEE 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, BLE
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 2 USB 3.0 ports; 2 USB 2.0 ports.
• Raspberry Pi standard 40 pin GPIO header (fully backwards compatible with
previous boards)
• 2 × micro-HDMI® ports (up to 4kp60 supported)
• 2-lane MIPI DSI display port
• 2-lane MIPI CSI camera port
• 4-pole stereo audio and composite video port
• H.265 (4kp60 decode), H264 (1080p60 decode, 1080p30 encode)
• OpenGL ES 3.1, Vulkan 1.0
• Micro-SD card slot for loading operating system and data storage
• 5V DC via USB-C connector (minimum 3A*)
• 5V DC via GPIO header (minimum 3A*)
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) enabled (requires separate PoE HAT)
• Operating temperature: 0 – 50 degrees C ambient
A good quality 2.5A power supply can be used if downstream USB peripherals
consume less than 500mA in total.
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Chapter 4
Sensors and Actuators
Course Outline:
Module Description Duration Cognitive Level
Outcomes (Hours)
CO3 Demonstrate interfacing of sensors and actuators with Arduino and supporting
protocols.
M3.01 Classify various sensors. 3 Understanding
M3.02 Interface sensors with Arduino. 3 Understanding
M3.03 Interface actuators with Arduino. 4 Understanding
M3.04 Classify various IoT protocols and modules. 4 Understanding
Contents:
Sensor & Actuators: Sensors - Overview, working, Analog and Digital. Various types of sensors -
Temperature, Distance, Humidity, Motion, Light and Gas. Actuators - Overview, working. Various types of
actuators - Relay, LEDs, Buzzer, DCMotor and Servo Motor. Concept of shield and modules. Interfacing of
sensors and actuators with Arduino Basics of Wireless Networking - Protocols, specification, interfacing
&application of Serial(RS232), Bluetooth(HC05), Wifi(ESP8266) .
3.1: Sensors - Overview, working, Analog and Digital.
A sensor can be defined as a device that detects changes in physical or electrical or other
quantities and by this means, generally, produces an electrical signal output as an
acknowledgement of the change in that specific quantity. We frequently use different
types of sensors in several electrical and electronic applications, which are classified as
chemical, pressure, temperature, position, force, proximity, thermal, presence, flow,
optical, sound, speed, magnetic, electric, heat, fiber-optic sensors. Primarily there are two
types of sensors - analog and digital sensors.
Analog Sensors
There are different types of sensors that produce continuous analog output signal and
these sensors are considered as analog sensors. This continuous output signal produced by
the analog sensors is proportional to the measureand. There are various types of analog
sensors; some examples are: accelerometers, pressure sensors, light sensors, sound
sensors, temperature sensors, etc.
Accelerometers
These are analog sensors that detect changes in position, velocity, orientation, shock,
vibration, and tilt by sensing motion are called as accelerometers. These analog
accelerometers are again classified into different types based on the variety of
configurations and sensitivities.
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Fig. 3.1: Accelerometer
These accelerometers are sometimes available as digital sensors also, based on
the output signal. Analog accelerometer produces a constant variable voltage based
on the amount of acceleration applied to the accelerometer.
Fig. 3.2: Pin out of an accelerometer
Fig. 3.3: Accelerometer with Arduino Uno
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Light Sensors
Fig. 3.4: Light Dependent Resistor
Analog sensors that are used for detecting the amount of light striking the sensors are
called as light sensors. These analog light sensors are again classified into various types
such as photo-resistor, photocell etc. Light dependent resistor (LDR) can be used as analog
light sensor which can be used to switch on and off loads automatically based on the day
light incident on the LDR. The resistance of the LDR increases with decrease in light and
decreases with increase in light. A photocell produce an analog voltage when light falls on
it.
Fig. 3.5: LDR with Arduino
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Sound Sensors
Fig.3.6: Analog Sound Sensor
Analog sensors that are used to sense sound level are called as sound sensors. These analog
sound sensors translate the amplitude of the acoustic volume of the sound into an
electrical voltage for sensing sound level. This process requires some circuitry, and
utilizes microcontroller along with a microphone for creating an analog output signal.
Fig.3.7: Analog Sound Sensor with Arduino
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Pressure Sensor
Fig. 3.8: Piezoelectric Sensor
The analog sensors that are used to measure the amount of pressure applied to a sensor
are called as analog pressure sensors. Pressure sensor will produce an analog output signal
that is proportional to the amount of applied pressure. Piezoelectric sensors are can
produce an analog output voltage signal proportional to the pressure applied to the
piezoelectric sensor.
Fig. 3.9: Piezoelectric Sensor with arduino
Analog Temperature Sensor
Temperature sensors are widely available as both digital and analog sensors. Analog
temperature sensors are thermistors. Thermistor is a thermally sensitive resistor that is
used for detecting changes in temperature. If the temperature increases, then the
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electrical resistance of thermistor increases. Similarly, if temperature decreases, then the
resistance decreases. It is used in various temperature sensor applications.
Fig. 3.10: Temperature probe LM35
Fig. 3.11: LM35 with arduino
Digital sensors
Digital Pressure Sensor:
Digital sensors work by using ADC (analog-to-digital converter) which converts the analog
input to digital pressure output. Most of the digital sensors generate I2C based digital
signals. Digital Pressure sensor is used in leak detection in gas pipes, measuring pressure
etc.
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Fig. 3.12: Digital pressure sensor
Fig. 3.13: SPI protocol
Fig. 3.14: I2c protocol
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Fig. 3.15: Digital pressure sensor with arduino
Weighing Sensors (Load cell):
Load cells are used to measure and process weight. Based on their application we have
many types of load cells. For example, the Beam Load Cells are suited for normal weight
measurement.
Fig. 3.16: A load cell with interfacing board
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Fig. 3.17: A load cell with arduino
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Chapter 4
Sensors and Actuators
Course Outline:
Module Description Duration Cognitive Level
Outcomes (Hours)
CO4 Illustrate domain-specific applications of IoT.
M4.01 Demonstrate home automation. 5 Understanding
M4.02 Explain the application of IoT in cities. 4 Understanding
M4.03 Explain the application of IoT in energy and 5 Understanding
agriculture.
Contents:
Domain Specific IoT: Introduction, Features. Home automation and security – Smart lighting,
intrusion detection, smoke and gas detectors. Cities- Smart Parking, Smart lighting, Smart Roads.
Energy- Smart grids, Smart metering. Agriculture- Smart Irrigation.
4.1. Home automation and security
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4.2. Smart lighting
4.3. Gas and Smoke Detector
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4.4: Smart Parking
4.5: Energy- Smart grids
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4.6: Smart metering
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