The Things Network (TTN) Smart Sensor provided by MCCI is a state-of-the-art sensor used for various IoT applications. Designed to integrate seamlessly with LoRa networks, the sensor offers superior long-range and low-power wireless capabilities, allowing connection even in remote areas. It achieves this effectively using the LoRaWAN (Low Range Wide Area Network) technology.
The TTN Smart Sensor (Mcci) works by detecting changes in its environment based on the type of sensor implemented (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure, etc.). The sensor uses LoRa's modulation technology that enforces a long-range communication wavelength, permitting sensors to transmit data over a broader area.
Following detection, the sensor data is collected before it is converted into an electrical signal. This signal is then processed and transmitted over a LoRaWAN network to your chosen platform or application where it can be decoded and interpreted.
Installing the TTN Smart Sensor involves hardware and software setup.
For the hardware setup:
Mount the sensor in the desired location. Ensure it is positioned correctly based on the variable you want to measure (e.g., temperature sensors are to be kept away from heat sources, humidity sensors not in direct sunlight, etc.).
Connect the sensor to a power source.
For the software setup:
Ensure you have LoRaWAN software running on your device and connect the sensor to the software.
Configure the device on the TTN platform to begin receiving payloads.
The TTN Smart Sensor uses the LoRaWAN protocol, offering benefits such as low power consumption, long transmission ranges, and scalability. With LoRaWAN, your sensor can transmit data across several miles, even in built-up urban areas where signal interference is common. The sensor achieves low power consumption by remaining in sleep mode until it needs to transmit data, allowing battery life to last years.
Due to its power-efficient design, the TTN Smart Sensor's power consumption is low. In sleep mode, where the microprocessor and other parts of the device are inactive, the sensor uses very little power. Power is mainly consumed during active data transmission but, given the infrequent nature of such transmissions, overall power consumption remains low.
TTN Smart Sensor (Mcci) can be used in a variety of applications such as:
As efficient as the TTN Smart Sensor is, it has some limitations:
Transmission Frequency: Constant transmission can decrease the sensor's lifespan due to increased power consumption. LoRaWAN's duty cycle restrictions also limit how often data can be sent.
Internet Dependency: The sensor needs an Internet connection to transmit data to the cloud platform. Without this connection, data collection and analysis is impaired.
Physical Barriers: Although LoRaWAN sensors are designed for long-range communication, physical barriers like buildings or other infrastructures may limit this reach.
Data Throughput: The amount of data the sensor can send is limited, a trade-off for its low power consumption and long-range capabilities. Ideal for applications that require small, infrequent data transmissions.