Understanding IoT edge gateways and their benefits

IoT gateways play a key role within the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem – working as the bridge between IoT devices and the cloud. Get the right gateways in the right place and you achieve both seamless communication – and high levels of security. But IoT gateways often operate right at the edge, in challenging environments. In this article we outline what challenges industry faces when deploying IoT gateways and explain how Compulab’s IoT product line meets these needs.

What is an IoT edge gateway?

An IoT gateway is a physical device that connects industrial IoT devices, such as sensors and actuators, to the cloud or central data servers. You can see an IoT gateway as a bridge, facilitating communication and making sure data is transmitted securely and efficiently.
The gateway gathers data from multiple IoT devices, each of which may use any one of a variety of different communication protocols. It translates those different protocols into a common language that can be understood by the cloud and other systems you’re connecting to.

An IoT gateway can also filter out irrelevant data, reduce noise, and perform initial processing tasks to reduce the amount of data sent to the cloud, saving bandwidth and storage. Finally, gateways encrypt and securely transmit the processed data to the cloud or other designated destinations.

The challenge of IoT gateways in industrial settings

So far so good, and it does sound similar to the job of a network gateway in general. However, there are a couple of unique requirements for an IoT gateway, and much of it has to do with the unique environments of IoT devices.

As we’re seeing IoT being integrated into many industries and applications, this variety of settings presents different requirements that demand significant flexibility from the IoT gateways:

• Device Interfaces – support a variety of interfaces ranging from RS485 and RS232 to digital I/O, Bluetooth and CAN bus.
• Network Infrastructure – compatibility with existing network setups, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi and LTE.
• Environmental Conditions – operating reliably in harsh conditions with wide temperature ranges and resistance to shock, vibration, dust, and humidity.
• Application Software – support diverse software environments and providing robust software development tools.

It means that industrial users that depend on IoT should be mindful when choosing an IoT gateway, ensuring it has the right feature set to meet the unique requirements of the IoT environment at the edge.

How Compulab IoT edge gateways meet these requirements

Within industrial IoT, characteristics such as reliability, flexibility and longevity are often critical requirements. At Compulab we understand these unique challenges and we’ve designed our IoT gateway range to survive even the toughest IoT deployments. Here’s how Compulab gateways stand out:

Rich Set of Interfaces

Compulab gateways, such as the IOT-GATE-iMX8 and IOT-GATE-iMX8PLUS, provide extensive connectivity options, including dual Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, LTE/4G, and variety of interfaces – RS485, RS232, CAN bus, DIO and Bluetooth. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of industrial devices and systems.

This ability to connect to a wide mix of devices all using different protocols is particularly important when an IoT project is integrated into a legacy system – and when new IoT devices are added into a unified network.

Modularity and Configurability

Our gateways are highly modular, allowing users to customize the hardware configuration to meet specific project requirements. For example, IOT-DIN-IMX8PLUS can be expanded with stackable I/O modules, supporting up to 12 RS485 / RS232 ports or 64 digital I/O channels.

This flexibility makes it easy to adapt the gateway to different use cases and installations. Modularity is essential for scalability and futureproofing, enabling companies to expand their IoT infrastructure as needed without undergoing significant overhauls before expansion.

Industrial Grade Quality

Designed for reliability and 24/7 operation, Compulab edge gateways feature fanless designs, rugged housings and and wide operating temperature ranges (-40°C to 80°C). This robust specification is backed by a 5-year warranty.

Our gateways are built to withstand harsh industrial environments, ensuring long-term durability and performance. Industrial-grade quality is vital for maintaining continuous operations in environments where equipment failure can lead to significant downtime and financial loss.

Advanced Security

Compulab gateways include features such as secure boot, TPM (Trusted Platform Module), and hardware watchdogs to enhance security and reliability.
These features protect against cyber threats and ensure continuous operation, even in the event of hardware or software failures. High reliability is critical in industrial settings where data integrity and system uptime are paramount for operational efficiency and safety.

Long Term Availability

At Compulab, we guarantee long-term availability. Our devices are available for up to 15 years from launch, ensuring continuous supply for project expansion and maintenance.

This long-term availability is crucial for industrial applications that require stable and reliable hardware support over many years, reducing the risk of obsolescence and ensuring continuity.

Open Software Architecture

Compulab gateways support both Debian Linux and Yocto BSP. We also offer support for popular IoT frameworks such as Docker, Microsoft Azure IoT, and Node-RED, enabling easy integration and development of custom applications.
Our IoT edge gateways employ a fully open software architecture. It allows for greater flexibility in software development and integration, making it easier to implement and update IoT solutions.

Conclusion

IoT environments are often found right at the edge, and therefore have unique environmental and communication requirements that lie outside the specifications of standard networking equipment. Ability to handle diverse protocols, perform edge computing, and provide robust security are essential for successful IoT implementations. Compulab IoT gateways offer the right mix of capabilities to address these needs, making them an ideal choice for industrial IoT applications. 

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In the context of vigorously developing intelligent manufacturing, the new generation of information technology with AI as the core is accelerating its integration in the industrial field. Machine vision is one of the typical applications of AI technology in industry.

Machine vision is a comprehensive technology. A typical machine vision software system includes image capture, light source system, image digitization module, digital image processing module, intelligent decision-making module, and mechanical control execution module. In the field of machine vision, a dedicated controller using deep learning and computer vision technology can quickly identify and locate target features in captured images, accurately recognizing objects, vehicles, faces, etc. In the manufacturing industry, machine vision software, supported by dedicated controllers, can realize image acquisition, quality control, automated production, and other functions, thereby improving production efficiency, reducing costs, and minimizing human errors. Additionally, dedicated machine vision controllers are widely used in target detection and recognition, image inspection, positioning measurement, product sorting, and play an important role in predictive maintenance.

JHCTECH adheres to the strategic goal of “Scenarios empowering product innovation” and has been committed to providing product solutions that meet scenario needs for users in various industries. The machine vision dedicated controller KMDA-5611/6611 have been developed in response to this.

Let’s follow our steps to see the impressive features of these two star products!

KMDA-5611/6611 are high-performance box PC. The KMDA-5611 adopts the H310 chipset, equipped with Intel® 8th/9th generation Coffee Lake series processors; the KMDA-6611 uses the H420E chipset, equipped with Intel® 10th generation Comet Lake series processors. They offer rich I/O functions, and their moderate size makes them suitable for industries and fields such as machine vision and industrial control.

Multi-port POE+ network port design

• Simultaneous transmission of data and power, reducing the number of system cables and lowering wiring costs
• Supports connection of more vision components (high-definition industrial cameras, smart cameras, encoders, light source controllers, etc.)
• Compliant with IEEE 802.3at standard, supports advanced management functions such as remote device power control, energy consumption monitoring, fault isolation, and improving system intelligence management.

High-current power supply for USB3.0

• 8-channel high-current power supply USB3.0 interface can provide sufficient power support to more high-power devices (such as high-performance industrial cameras, sensors, LED lighting, etc.), especially suitable for machine vision applications requiring high-brightness illumination or high-speed image capture.
• Achieve fast data transmission to meet the processing requirements of large amounts of data in the field of machine vision, plug and play, convenient for device connection and replacement.

32-channel high-speed isolated DIO

• 32-bit Isolated DIO, 16-bit DI with 2.5KV Optical Isolation, supports switchable PNP and NPN modes; 16-bit DO with 2.5KV optically isolated Darlington output, built-in matching resistors, selectable according to different drive currents
• Effectively prevents ground loops, noise interference, voltage surges, etc., enhancing the overall anti-interference capability of the system and the reliability of data transmission
• Pulse cycle reaches 2ms/pulse wave, enabling fast response and precise control of various digital devices such as triggers, relays, motor drivers, and accurately collecting digital signals from sensors, encoders, and other equipment.

Modular design with easy CPU upgrades

NODE core module + PIB function carrier board + IO expansion daughter card combination design, allowing easy CPU upgrades from 6th to 10th generation

I210AT network chip, compatible with various operating systems

I210AT network chip, high stability and versatility, compatible with various operating systems

Single-sided interface, simplified application wiring

• Makes cable connections, equipment installation, and subsequent maintenance more intuitive and straightforward
• Helps reduce equipment depth, especially suitable for space-constrained industrial environments such as compact control cabinets, embedded workstations, or wall-mounted installation scenarios. This can optimize internal chassis space utilization, providing more room for arranging other critical components.

Diverse installation options

Market Directions

Productionindustri

• Industrial Robotic Arms
• Laser Cutting Machines/Engraving – Machines/CNC Machining Centers
• Dispensing Machines/3D Printers Distributed control systems
• Distributed control system (DCS)

More on JHCTECH

JHC Technology has been producing robust industrial hardware for more than 20 years.

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A partnership that benefits our customers

We have entered into a stronger collaboration and partnership with our supplier JHC Technology. Our goal is always to expand our portfolio of robust, industrial IT solutions and meet our customers’ growing needs for quality and delivery reliability. With more than 20 years of experience in the production of industrial computers, JHC provides a comprehensive range of mission-critical solutions for a variety of industries. The range includes everything from embedded box PCs and industrial panel PCs to edge AI GPU box PCs, automation controllers and single-board computers (SBCs).

Products that cover a wide spectrum of needs

The products are characterized by their unique, robust design and are particularly well suited for complex and challenging applications within automation, environmental monitoring, intelligent transport, robotics, medical systems and artificial intelligence. Their two-year product warranty and long-term supply security make them an ideal choice for companies with critical industrial needs. Contact us to learn more about how, together with JHC, we can solve your most complex technology challenges.

JHC Technology is committed to providing the highest quality products and offers a 2-year product warranty as well as long-term supply support. We look forward to offering these first-class solutions to our customers and strengthening our collaboration with JHC Technology.

A small selection of JHCTECH products

More on JHCTECH

Read more about the company JHCTECH, their history and primary focus areas.

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Press release from SolidRun – SolidRun launches Bedrock R8000 – a fanless IPC with AMD RYZEN™ embedded 8000 for generative AI and AI inferencing at the edge

SolidRun has announced the world’s first industrial PC based on the new AMD Ryzen™ Embedded 8000 series with support for multiple Hailo-10™ and Hailo-8™ AI accelerators. The combination of AMD Ryzen™ AI and Hailo AI accelerators enables unprecedented Generative AI and AI Inferencing capabilities of over 100 TOPS in a compact and ruggedized x86 edge device.

AMD Ryzen™ Embedded 8000 processor contains a 8C/16T Zen4 CPU (up to 5.1 GHz), Radeon 780M GPU with 6 WGPs/12 CU, a 16 TOPS NPU and AMD PRO technologies for enhanced security, manageability and reliability. Ryzen Embedded 8000 has an extended longevity of 10 years. Bedrock R8000’s unique modular design brings out the full range of the powerful I/O, including up to 96 GB DDR5-5600 ECC, x20 PCIe Gen 4, four 4K displays and dual USB4 40 Gbps.

Bedrock R8000 is designed in the highly-acclaimed Bedrock form factor, exhibiting remarkable passive cooling capability which allow operation at full industrial temperature range of -40ºC to 85ºC. Bedrock R8000 fits seamlessly into the modular ecosystem of the Bedrock family and can be configured using the same Networking & I/O boards (NIO), Storage & Extension boards (SX) and Power Modules (PM).
SolidRun is introducing with Bedrock R8000 new modules – NIO R8000 4X25 with 4x 2.5 GbE ports and USB4, and PM-1248 a cost effective power module supporting 12V-48V DC in.

Focus on Edge AI

“Edge AI is a rapidly-growing market that redefines hardware requirements.” said Irad Stavi, IPC Product Line Manager at SolidRun. “Bedrock R8000 stands out in addressing current and future requirements of Generative AI and AI Inferencing applications by offering best-in-class performance, unmatched scalability and modularity, reduced time-to-market thanks to standard PC operating systems, software stacks and devices, all in an extremely ruggedized, compact, energy efficient, field proven and cost effective platform. SolidRun is committed to continue enhancing the Bedrock ecosystem and will introduce more groundbreaking features later this year.”

Bedrock R8000 features

Bedrock R8000 is offered with AMD Ryzen™ Embedded 8845HS, AMD Ryzen™ 9 8945HS and other APUs in Ryzen 8000 “Hawk Point” family. CPU power can be precisely adjusted in BIOS in an extremely wide range between 8W – 54W. For Edge AI workloads, up to 3 AI accelerators can be installed with support for both the Generative-AI optimized Hailo-10™ and AI-Inferencing optimized Hailo-8™.

RAM and storage are modular with 2x SODIMMs supporting 96 GB DDR5 ECC/non-ECC, and 3 NVME 2280 PCIE Gen4x4 devices, including enterprise-grade NVME with power loss protection (PLP). RAM and storage are conduction-cooled for reliable operation at extreme temperatures.

Multiple I/O configurations are available including up to 4 displays comprising HDMI 2.1 + 3x DP 2.1, up to 4 2.5 Gbit Ethernet ports (Intel I226), optional WiFi 6E + BT 5.3, 5G or LTE modem, USB4 type-C, 4 USB 3.2 ports and a console port. All I/O is conveniently organized on a single face to simplify integration.

Bedrock R8000 supports all major PC operating systems, including most Linux distributions, Windows Desktop, Server and IoT.

Power, mechanical and thermal design

Bedrock R8000 electronic design is modular, SoM based. Power input is by an optional Power Module (PM) for supporting various deployment use cases. Three PM options are currently available 12V-24V, 12V-48V and 12V-60V.

The enclosure is made of heavy-duty machined aluminum with an anodized finish. It is offered in 3 variants – 1.0 liter enclosure for dissipating up to 30W by convection, 1.6 liter for 60W and an 0.6 liter “Tile” variant for conduction cooling. The enclosure is ideal for DIN-Rail mounting with a specially designed zero-force locking bracket.

Bedrock R8000 fanless design can handle up to 60W, which is over 3 times the cooling capacity of typical fanless PCs of similar size. Cooling innovations include liquid metal TIM, 360º stacked heat pipes, double layer chimney effect heat exchanger and thermal coupling of all internal units.
The system operates reliably over a temperature range of -40ºC to 85ºC.

Bedrock R8000 datasheet

More about SolidRun

Nord Technology has recently made a distributor agreement with SolidRun. SolidRun is known for its innovative and ground-breaking products.

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