Avnet Memec - Silica, an Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT) company, today
announced the launch of the Visible ThingsTM platform for the
development of Internet-of-Things (IoT) systems and applications.
Targeting a wide range of industrial markets, Visible Things is a highly
flexible and comprehensive evaluation and development platform for
edge-to-enterprise IoT projects.
The platform delivers tested, proven, secure and integrated hardware and
embedded software to connect smart sensors and embedded devices via
gateway solutions or low-power wide-area networking technologies
(LPWAN), right through to the cloud and enterprise software applications.
“With Visible Things we are one of the first distributors in the market
offering a highly flexible edge-to-enterprise solution devoted to enable
fast and easy development of industrial IoT applications,” said John
Jones, director of innovation at Avnet Memec - Silica. “Unlike other
supplier specific solutions which consist of a headline part with the
rest of the building blocks left for the customer to optimise, Visible
Things was developed based on best-in-class technology regarding
function, cost and long term availability.”
The platform provides a unique set of benefits
such as
-
Fast deployment due to integrated and tested features
-
Highest degree of flexibility with a range of smart sensor and
connectivity options
-
Simple ‘out of the box’ setup and experience
-
Lowest power solution
-
Size, cost, power and production optimised to closely match the end
product
The platform supports short-range connectivity to a gateway, and Wi-Fi-,
3G and 4G cellular communications to the cloud and enterprise software
applications. It also supports the SIGFOX and LoRaWAN IoT networks.
These networks have been designed with specific features such as secure
low-cost narrowband information messaging to meet the requirements of
the IoT and smart city, machine-to-machine and industrial applications.
Avnet Memec - Silica will continue to augment the Visible Things IoT
evaluation and development platform with new hardware and software
technology options in the coming weeks and months, including a new chip
that integrates a secure element for deployment in smart sensor edge
devices.
Starter Kits
To help users get up and running quickly with their IoT project, there
are three reference-design starter kit boards available at launch, each
managed by ARM Cortex based microcontrollers:
The first kit comprises: a smart sensor board including Bluetooth Smart
connectivity and a range of sensors including motion,
temperature/humidity and light/proximity; a gateway board, which manages
all the necessary connectivity to the cloud service via Wi-Fi; and a
mini-USB cable. A GSM peripheral module with embedded SIM and
SIM-connector options is available as an expansion option to the gateway
board to enable cellular connectivity up to cloud enterprise software
services. The starter kit is exclusively available from Avnet Memec -
Silica now at a resale price of 199€.
The second and third kits are designed for use with the SIGFOX and
LoRaWAN networks, and include respective SIGFOX and LoRaWAN module
sensors, with each board also integrating additional motion and light
sensors. IoT application messages can be exchanged with the cloud
service without the need to communicate via a gateway.
Also available in the Visible Things platform is a mobile app that runs
on iOS and Android and provides users with easy access to local hardware
configuration and also supports connection to cloud services. The app
also provides a quick start guide to make it simple to connect and
configure the system from edge to enterprise.
Cloud Service
The Devicepoint cloud service is a key element of the Visible Things
platform. Underpinned by IBM software components and run by partner
company Spica Technologies, the Devicepoint cloud service builds upon
data from sensors and edge devices with contextual information, plus
data from other sources to deliver real-time analysis and long-term
business intelligence. Connecting via the gateway, or directly to a
SIGFOX or LoRaWAN network, the platform provides instant visualisation
of sensor data in a simple standard cloud solution, allowing users to
take appropriate action such as turning on actuators in industrial
control systems. Further customisation is also available for the
management of sensor data for analytics, reporting and workflow
management.
More information can be found at www.avnetmemec-silica.com/visible-things.
About Avnet Memec - Silica
Avnet Memec - Silica is the European semiconductor specialist of Avnet,
Inc., one of the leading global distributors. Customers may expect
state-of-the-art technologies, comprehensive technical support and
advanced supply chain and logistics services. Avnet Memec - Silica is a
partner of leading semiconductor manufacturers and innovative solution
providers over many years. With a team of more than 200 application
engineers and technical specialists, Avnet Memec - Silica supports
projects all the way from the idea to the concept to production. For
more information, visit www.avnetmemec-silica.com.
Avnet Memec - Silica
Anja Woithe, +49 (0)8121 774-459
Senior PR Manager Avnet EM EMEA
Anja.woithe@avnet.eu