Sensor node integrates multiple sensors with Bluetooth 5/Bluetooth LE SoC

ROHM and Kionix have introduced the RoKi Sensor Node, a key component in the new RoKi IoT Platform. The sensor node uses Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF52840 Bluetooth 5/Bluetooth LE advanced multiprotocol SoC, providing better throughput and longer range compared to the Bluetooth 4.2. It also offers better coexistence with other wireless devices, and an improved broadcast capacity enhancing beacon functionality. A key feature of the sensor node is its focus on power, both regarding flexibility and low power consumption. It can be run by a rechargeable Li-Polymer battery, replaceable coin cell batteries, or via MicroUSB. The automated power consumption system of the Bluetooth 5 SoC, and the configurable power management modes of the sensors, make the device a long-running, low power consuming system with a small footprint. The active time is approximately eight hours of typical usage, and an estimated standby time of 200 hours. The node comes in a compact (42mm x 67mm x 22mm) housing and has a programmable RGY LED, expansion ability with extended I/O connectors, and 64Mb of flash memory. The sensor node comes with a mounting accessory, so it can attach to surfaces with screws or connect a watch band for wearing it on the wrist. Software packages supporting the device include a Windows GUI with visualisation and data logging capability, a Python-based CLI, and an Android Data Logger App. The sensor node can be used with the Arm Mbed design tool, as well as Nordic’s nRF5 SDK, that enables secure over-the-air device firmware updates (OTA-DFU).