Digi International, a global provider of machine-to-machine (M2M) and IoT connectivity products and services, introduced Digi Connect Sensor, a battery-powered, enterprise-ready, cellular gateway solution for wireless connectivity at locations with either no power or low power.
In offering a plug-and-play solution, Connect Sensor allows for remote sensor monitoring to be deployed in environments previously considered too harsh, remote or not economically viable. The cellular gateway solution can accommodate off-the-shelf sensors, including flow, level, pressure and environmental conditions.
Because it provides remote monitoring without the need for additional infrastructure, power supplies or third-party applications, Digi Connect Sensor is suitable for energy, water, industrial and government installations that need to expand monitoring capabilities due to oversight requirements, or to increase operational efficiencies, as well as to implement Industry 4.0 or Smart City initiatives.
With cellular connectivity at each sensor and with low cellular data usage rates, Connect Sensor eliminates the need to configure local wireless networks and makes it cost-effective for data backhaul.
Connect Sensor also works with Digi’s Connect Wizard, a mobile application for this type of battery-powered gateway. The application uses a Bluetooth connection to provide local installers, technicians or drivers with instant feedback on sensor values via Android and iOS smartphones or tablets.
Key features of Connect Sensor include:
• Flexible power source options: Features a long-lasting, non-rechargeable battery with two to three-year average life, sleep mode to conserve power between sensor readings and the option to power from an external source using the internal battery as backup power. As a result, users can make the device self-powered, or take advantage of existing power supplies, including solar.
• Cellular choice: For global connectivity, Connect Sensor is available in 3G HSPA+ with 2G fallback. North American users can also choose an LTE CAT 1 version.
• Supports LTE CAT 1: With support for LTE CAT 1, the band specifically created for IoT and M2M communications, Connect Sensor devices require less power and are optimized for data transfer.
• Sensor variety and flexibility: Multiple I/O options and simultaneous connections offer solution flexibility to address multiple sensor-based environments. Connect Sensor can work with virtually any 4/20mA, Analog Out, Digital Out or Pulsed Output sensor, and can power multiple external sensors, eliminating the need for external supplies or batteries.
• Enterprise-grade security: Security may be implemented at the device, transport and platform level.
• Appropriate for harsh environments: Features weather-proof NEMA 4 enclosure to protect sensors from the elements, as well as ATEX Group 2 and UL Class 1 Division 2 ratings.
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