Bringing IoT expertise and edge computing to electronica

The Digi XBee3 series is designed to support IoT innovation and computing capability at the network edge. Digi XBee3 provides MicroPython programmability and dual-mode radios, with the ability to upgrade via software to Bluetooth LE, enabling local device connectivity from a smartphone or tablet. Digi XBee3 adopts a modular approach to IoT connectivity that includes options for Zigbee, WiFi, or cellular, including LTE-M and NB-IoT. Digi XBee3 enables innovative IoT solutions that can be more quickly developed, prototyped and mass-produced for optimal return on investment.

These solutions can be deployed, provisioned and monitored with Digi XCTU and Digi Remote Manager (DRM), Digi’s centralised, secure device management platform. In addition to providing insight into device and network health, DRM automates updates, accesses data directly from the edge and integrates data into open APIs to provide users with deeper insights.

Additionally, Digi previewed its Digi ConnectCore 8X system-on-modules (SOMs) and SBCs. Digi is an NXP early access partner, and the extremely small module will utilise the NXP i.MX 8X processor family based on ARM Cortex-A35 and Cortex-M4F cores.

“When people come to electronica, they expect to see not just new technology, but how it can help them solve their business challenges,” said Chris Bowen, vice president, EMEA, at Digi International. “Digi addresses connection and networking needs with a full range of embedded hardware options, software specifically developed to optimise IoT deployments and expert services to ensure customer success. Digi is not just connecting the things in the IoT, we’re offering data, insights and management tools to maximise performance and drive business value.”

Product demonstrations included:

• Remote IoT Connectivity with Digi XBee3 Cellular: This demonstration showed remote device management between a Digi XBee3 Cellular device and the cloud-based Digi Remote Manager by remotely monitoring and controlling devices located in multiple locations directly from the trade show floor.
• Digi XBee3 End-to-End IoT Networking: Digi presented the latest advancements in the Digi XBee3 platform, including multi-protocol support (Zigbee, CAT-1, LTE-M, NB-IoT + Bluetooth LE), with an IoT networking solution composed of Digi XBee3 modules, Digi XBee industrial gateways and network/device management tools. These updates enable new use cases for improved installation, local control diagnostics and configuration. The network and device management element will use a new XCTU Mobile application for the Digi XBee configuration via a phone or tablet.
• SteadyServ iKeg: This application demonstration showed the SteadyServ iKeg using sensors to measure keg volume, analysed the data locally with a Digi ConnectPort gateway, then sent the analysis into the cloud over a Zigbee connection. The iKeg application presented the cloud-based information to bar managers to help accurately inventory and proactively order more when beer runs low.

Safe to say the show was a success all round, and for Digi with the iKeg a personal highlight for Electronic Specifier!