October 2018System Integration & Control Systems Design
RS Components has launched an IIoT development kit for the Harting modular industry computing architecture (MICA) edge computer. The kit is a simple plug-and-play system that enables fast digital condition monitoring of multiple sensor inputs from machinery. IP54 protection makes it suitable for long-term use in factory automation environments as well as for prototyping and evaluation.
Condition monitoring using physical measurements such as temperature and vibration is an efficient way to improve the operation of machinery and plants. Changes in machine behaviour can be identified quickly and appropriate action taken. However, it can be expensive to integrate suitable monitoring equipment into existing industrial systems.
The IIoT kit integrates a Bosch CISS multiple sensor unit with a MICA edge computer. Firing up the software requires only a few simple steps, so sensor data is acquired almost immediately.
The compact, IP54-rated CISS sensor unit can be attached to any surface and can measure up to eight physical parameters: temperature, humidity, vibration, change of position, pressure, light, magnetic field and acoustics. The robust, IP67-rated MICA computer can be installed right next to machinery, without the need for a control cabinet. MICA connects to the sensor unit and local network via industry standard connectors.
Sensor data is displayed in MQTT format via the integrated browser-based NodeRed dashboard. Data can be analysed and stored in any IT system or IoT platform. A Microsoft Azure Cloud gateway is preinstalled and configured using NodeRed.
RS offers several ways to power the MICA CISS IIoT kit, depending on the operating environment. Engineers with access to a benchtop power supply should purchase a simple M8 A-coded power lead, wiring guidelines are included with the development kit. Engineers without benchtop power will need a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) plugtop power supply and an RJ45 Ethernet cable.
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