Getting To Know The Industrial Grade Raspberry Pi For IoT

Raspberry Pi recently introduced an advanced version of its software with industrial strength. The new version of this mini-computer will mainly focus on implementation of Raspberry Pi in Internet of Things (IoT) projects. The board as well as kickstarter campaign for this one has been designed by a highly experienced designer duo called Andrew O’Connell and Gavin Leyfield. The IoT board was created by this team as a response to the non-availability of options when it came to economical IoT hardware in a complete range. As they like to point out, “We started our journey looking for something we couldn’t find an affordable industrial style single board computer complete with IO suitable for remote sensor-to-cloud data logging application.”

The duo made a company called Embedded Micro Technology. They have accomplished their prime objective through creation of a feature-rich IoT motherboard enriched with MyPi. Their main aim was to support IoT when they created this module. Some of the noteworthy features of this machine include:

mPCle socket for 3G/4G modems, some of those even have their own GPS functions.
Full speed uSD card for high level storage along with hinged type socket that makes it more reliable.
Dual HD Raspberry Pi that is compatible with camera interfaces.
A wide 9-23 VDC power input.
USB RS232/RT/HDMI Video Out/User Status LEDs.
10/100 Ethernet + Dual USB 2.0 Ports.

Embedded Micro Technology has also build a new series with add-on cards that will save time usually wasted in hardware development for some common applications like ADC, CAN-Bus, or Narrow Baand RF. MyPi is equally compatible with Raspberry Pi HAT boards (Hardware Attached On Top) to take care of present abilities of Raspberry Pi. The design is now compatible with almost all board enclosure options produced by Hammond Manufacturing.

It is true that Raspberry has several other features that match the abilities of MyPi, the limitations of this system posed biggest challenge to its creators. As they explain further, “We were frustrated by the lack of options available. Off-the-shelf solutions tended to be expensive, tied into propitiatory cloud platforms, or just lacking in the core features we needed.” This frustration is a lesson that most engineers need to learn from. If you have requirement for something, chances are bright that you are not the only one with that desperation. The MyPi Kickstarter Campaign has collected a fund of £7, 786 till date.