Internet of Things (IoT) devices are becoming an increasingly integral part of industrial processes and applications. They provide valuable insights into machines, equipment, and environments, helping businesses improve efficiency, productivity, safety, and decision-making. However, designing and deploying IoT solutions can be complex, time-consuming, and expensive, requiring a range of components, tools, skills, and expertise. That's why STMicroelectronics has developed the STEVAL-IHT006V1, an all-in-one Industrial IoT (IIoT) platform that simplifies and accelerates IoT development.

What is the STEVAL-IHT006V1?

The STEVAL-IHT006V1 is a complete and compact IIoT system-on-module (SoM) that contains all the essential hardware, firmware, and software for building IoT applications. It is based on the STMicroelectronics STM32L4+ microcontroller unit (MCU), which combines high performance, low power consumption, and advanced security features. The SoM integrates multiple sensors, wireless connectivity, and energy harvesting capabilities, enabling it to collect data from various sources and transmit it to the cloud or a local gateway.

What are the Features and Benefits of the STEVAL-IHT006V1?

The STEVAL-IHT006V1 includes the following components and functionalities:

STM32L4+ MCU with Arm Cortex-M4 core, 2 MB of flash memory, 640 KB of SRAM, and cryptographic acceleration

Comprehensive sensor suite, including temperature, humidity, pressure, proximity, gesture, and color sensors

Multi-radio wireless connectivity, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Sub-GHz, and NFC/RFID

Ultra-low-power STM32L4+ MCU and LPS22HH MEMS pressure sensor for energy harvesting from ambient light, temperature, and vibration

Antenna diversity for optimized radio performance and range

Audio codec for voice and sound recording and playback

16 MB of quad-SPI flash memory for data logging and firmware updates

Power management unit with battery charging, voltage regulation, and energy harvesting management

USB and JTAG debugging interfaces

The STEVAL-IHT006V1 also comes with a comprehensive software package that includes examples, libraries, middleware, and tools for connecting to various cloud services and platforms, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and IBM Watson. The software supports both native and web-based interfaces, enabling developers to create web applications, mobile apps, and desktop programs with ease.

The main benefits of the STEVAL-IHT006V1 are:

Easy to use and deploy: The STEVAL-IHT006V1 is a plug-and-play solution that requires no complex wiring, assembly, or configuration. Developers can simply connect the board to a power source and start collecting data, sending commands, and monitoring devices through the cloud or a gateway. The SoM is also compatible with various development environments, such as STM32CubeIDE, Keil MDK, and IAR Embedded Workbench.

Low power consumption and long battery life: The STEVAL-IHT006V1 is designed for energy efficiency and can operate in ultra-low-power modes, consuming less than 1 uA in standby mode. The SoM can also harvest energy from the environment, reducing the need for external power sources and increasing the lifetime of batteries or supercapacitors.

Robust and secure: The STEVAL-IHT006V1 is built on STMicroelectronics' high-quality and reliable components, ensuring stable and accurate operation in harsh industrial environments. The SoM also incorporates advanced security features, such as secure boot, runtime protection, and secure firmware update, which protect against malicious attacks and unauthorized access.

Customizable and extensible: The STEVAL-IHT006V1 is a flexible platform that can be customized and extended to meet specific application requirements. Developers can add or remove sensors, interfaces, or components, modify firmware and software, and integrate with other systems or protocols.

What are the Applications of the STEVAL-IHT006V1?

The STEVAL-IHT006V1 is suitable for a wide range of IIoT applications, such as:

Asset tracking and monitoring: The STEVAL-IHT006V1 can be used to track and monitor the location, condition, and status of equipment, vehicles, and goods in real-time. The SoM can collect data from GPS, accelerometers, temperature and humidity sensors, and transmit it to the cloud or a gateway using BLE or Sub-GHz wireless protocols.

Environmental monitoring: The STEVAL-IHT006V1 can be used to measure and analyze environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and light intensity, in indoor and outdoor settings. The SoM can collect data from multiple sensors and send it to the cloud for further processing and visualization.

Industrial automation and control: The STEVAL-IHT006V1 can be used to automate and control industrial processes, such as production lines, supply chains, and logistics. The SoM can act as a smart gateway that connects to various sensors, actuators, and devices, and executes local or cloud-based commands.

Healthcare and wellness: The STEVAL-IHT006V1 can be used to monitor and manage health and wellness-related data, such as vital signs, physical activity, and sleep patterns. The SoM can transmit data to medical professionals, caregivers, or patients, and provide insights and alerts based on machine learning algorithms.

How to Get Started with the STEVAL-IHT006V1?

The STEVAL-IHT006V1 can be ordered from STMicroelectronics' distributors or directly from their website. The board comes with various documentation and resources, including datasheets, user manuals, application notes, and community forums. Developers can also access free and premium online courses and training programs to learn more about the STEVAL-IHT006V1 and IoT development.

To start prototyping with the STEVAL-IHT006V1, developers can follow these steps:

1. Setup the development environment: Install the STM32CubeIDE or other compatible IDE and configure the debugger and compiler settings.

2. Connect the board to a PC: Use a USB cable to connect the board to a PC and power it up.

3. Load the example code: Use the IDE to load the example code that corresponds to the desired application from the software package.

4. Modify the code: Modify the code to fit the specific requirements of the application, such as adding or removing sensors, changing the wireless protocol, or modifying the data format.

5. Compile and upload the code: Compile the code and upload it to the SoM using the IDE and the debugging interface.

6. Monitor the data: Use the cloud dashboard or a local gateway to monitor and visualize the data collected by the board and control the connected devices.

With the STEVAL-IHT006V1, developers can accelerate IoT development and bring their ideas to market faster and with less risk. The SoM provides a comprehensive and reliable solution that integrates hardware, firmware, and software, and is customizable, extensible, and secure. Whether you are a hobbyist, a startup, or a large enterprise, the STEVAL-IHT006V1 can help you tap into the power of the IoT and transform your industrial processes and applications.