Mobile apps play a crucial role in the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, serving as interfaces through which users can interact with and control IoT devices. Several IoT devices used in consumer electronics, home automation, logistics and inventory, and others are controlled or managed through mobile applications. For example, users can rely on an app…
What are the top machine-learning frameworks for microcontrollers
Machine learning (ML) is becoming increasingly important for microcontrollers because it enables smart and autonomous decision-making in embedded systems. The many Internet of Things (IoT) applications — often called “smart devices” — only become intelligent thanks to ML. Microcontrollers are commonly used in edge computing devices where data is processed locally rather than being sent…
What are the top weather APIs for the IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of billions of smart devices working with countless Internet-enabled digital services. One such service is weather forecast. Weather APIs integrate weather data with smart devices, websites, and online platforms. Several IoT applications use weather data, such as smart clocks, temperature control systems, as well as travel and…
How to encode & decode JSON data in Arduino for IoT
JSON and XML are the most common data serialization formats. The Internet is a hub of billions of different devices, applications, and services. These devices and applications are built in different programming languages and around diverse platforms. For all these entirely different devices and applications to effectively communicate with each other, data is serialized and…
How to design an IoT-based smart alarm
We might not always appreciate them, but that morning wake-up alarm is important for everyday life. It ensures we wake up in time for work, school, meetings, appointments, or other essential tasks. Alarms can also help us keep a regular sleep/wake schedule. In this project, we’ll use the Internet of Things (IoT) to set a…
How to manage data on ESP32 for IoT projects
ESP32 is a powerful 32-bit controller that clocks at speeds 160~240 MHz. Designed for IoT, the controller has on-chip Wi-Fi (40 MHz), Bluetooth 4.0, Bluetooth Low Energy, CAN, and an Ethernet interface. With 34 GPIO, 18 analog pins, 16 software PWM channels, 4 SPI ports, 2 I2C ports, 2 I2S ports, and 2 UART ports,…
How to make HTTP requests using Arduino for the IoT
One essential step in developing Internet of Things (IoT) applications is setting up communication between the IoT devices and a web server or services. IoT devices communicate with a web server, service, or an API through HTTP requests. An HTTP request is a message sent by a client to a server in the context of…
What is IFTTT and how does it work?
Automation has extended from industrial settings to homes and offices, with smart home devices and appliances becoming a part of our everyday lives. One challenge in the automation sector is creating flow and unity between the vast diversity of devices and applications. Automation has been further affected by various online services such as SaaS (Software…
How to send email alerts from Arduino/ESP8266/ESP32 through IFTTT
IFTTT plays a significant role in the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. As IoT involves the interconnection of various devices and platforms, IFTTT provides a simple and user-friendly platform for devices to integrate together and automate embedded applications. IFTTT provides a cross-platform integration of among a multitude of platforms, brands, and standards, bridging the “things”…
How to operate an A7672S 4G modem with a computer
As 5G is in full swing in the telecom segment, 4G modems are fast occupying the embedded space. The 4G GSM modems are useful in embedded systems for several reasons. 1. They provide a high-speed wireless connection to the internet. This allows embedded systems to access and process data in real time, which is essential…
How do you list Raspberry Pi’s users?
Raspberry Pi (RPi) is a popular microcomputer used for embedded systems design, hosting high-level applications that run over an operating system. Many of these applications have multiple active users with different permissions and access to system resources. As a result, there may be situations when it’s important to know what users are sharing the device.…
A guide to bipolar junction transistors
The term transistor is derived from the words “transfer and “resistor.” The first semiconductor transistor was invented to replace the triode as an amplifier device, a vacuum tube with three electrodes. The transistor was smaller, lighter, and cheaper than a vacuum tube triode. It also proved easy to construct and had no heat losses like…
How to convert Arduino into a Modbus device
Modbus is a widely used communication protocol and an open-source industrial networking standard. Developed in 1979 by Modicon (now Schneider Electric), Modbus has become a standard in the automation and industrial control systems (ICS) industries. The communication protocol is known for its simplicity and easy-to-follow troubleshooting feature. It uses a master-slave or client-server communication model,…
What are the types of drones and how are they classified?
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones play a significant role across various industries and sectors. They’re proving adaptable, reliable, and effective. For example, drones provide transportation in logistics and delivery, search and rescue, infrastructure inspection, precision agriculture, disaster response, mining, urban planning, security, surveillance, and space exploration. There are many different types of drones, classified…
How to design an audio player for toys
Toys have come a long way from basic dolls and wooden blocks. In today’s tech-savvy world, electronic toys have become integral to childhood play. This includes interactive tablets, electronic games, and robotic devices. Several toys incorporate sophisticated technologies to engage, educate, and entertain kids. One of the features of many modern toys is audio. From…
The top ESC firmware of 2023
An electronic speed controller (ESC) is a device that controls the speed of an electric motor. ESCs are typically used in remote-controlled vehicles or aircraft, electric scooters, robotics, and drones. In a drone, the flight controller sends signals to the ESC, telling it which direction and speed the motor must rotate. The ESC uses these signals…
The top long-range Bluetooth modules of 2023
Bluetooth, which offers short-range wireless technology, is now standard on most smart devices, including wireless headphones, smart watches, remote controls, game controllers, and many more. Most of these devices are designed to operate with smartphones or computers. Audio streaming, file sharing, peripheral devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart home devices are some common…
How LTE, LTE450, and VoLTE work with GSM modems
As of March 2023, there are 92 countries with active 5G, the 5th generation mobile network. Here’s a breakdown per country. The 5G network is accessible to about: 25.2% of the population in India 40% of the population in the U.S. 55% of the 40% of the population in the UK 60% of the population in…
The Apollo missions — humanity’s giant leap to the moon
Recently, the Indian space agency ISRO successfully soft-landed a spacecraft on the lunar south pole. This makes India the first country to land a spacecraft on the challenging southern region of the moon, where there is a high probability of finding ice and resources for future human spaceflight missions to deep space. India aspires to…
What materials are used to build robots?
The advent of robots has carried forward a legacy that originated with the Industrial Revolution. Since the introduction of the first industrial robot in the 1950s, robotics has undergone several decades of evolution. These conventional machines have since permeated nearly every industry, with the innovation of soft robots now changing the game. Soft robots are…