Sensor Interface and Sensor Selection for LoRa Nodes

With the continuous development and popularization of IoT technology, LoRa nodes, as a low-power, long-distance wireless communication solution, are gradually being used in various IoT applications. In building a LoRa network, sensors are an indispensable part, communicating with LoRa nodes through various interfaces to achieve data collection and transmission. This article will introduce the sensor interfaces of LoRa nodes and provide recommendations for sensor selection for different scenarios, to help readers better build and select suitable LoRa nodes and sensors.

1、 Sensor interface of LoRa node

As a gateway device in sensor networks, LoRa nodes need to interact and communicate data with various sensors. According to the different types and working principles of sensors, LoRa nodes usually have multiple sensor interfaces. The following will introduce several common interface methods:

1. Analog input interface

The analog input interface refers to the Loa node's ability to receive and process analog signals output by sensors. Common analog sensors include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, light sensors, etc. These sensors convert environmental parameters into analog voltage or current signals, which are transmitted to LoRa nodes through analog input interfaces. When selecting a specific sensor, it is necessary to consider the analog input resolution and range range range of the LoRa node to ensure that the sensor output can be accurately read and processed by the LoRa node.

2. Data input interface

The digital input interface refers to the LoRa node's ability to receive and process digital signals output by sensors. Common digital sensors include human infrared sensors, smoke sensors, gas sensors, etc. These sensors convert detected events into digital signals through digital input interfaces and transmit them to LoRa nodes. When selecting a digital sensor, it is important to pay attention to the digital input level and triggering method supported by the LoRa node to ensure that the sensor's output is compatible with the LoRa node.

3 serial interfaces

Serial interface refers to the data exchange and communication between LoRa nodes and sensors through serial port. Mouth sensors typically use communication protocols such as UART or RS485, which can transmit more complex data. Common serial sensors include GPS modules, acceleration sensors, pressure sensors, etc. When selecting a serial sensor, it is important to note that the serial protocol and baud rate of the LoRa node should be compatible with the sensor to ensure stable data transmission.

4. I2C interface

The I2C interface is a serial bus interface used to connect digital sensors and LoRa nodes. It can simultaneously connect multiple sensors and exchange data through address selection. Common I2C sensors include temperature and humidity sensors, meteorological sensors, pressure sensors, etc. When selecting I2C sensors, attention should be paid to the support of LoRa nodes for the I2C bus, as well as the address selection method of the sensors, to ensure that data transmission between multiple sensors does not conflict.

2、 Suggestions for sensor selection for different scenarios

The selection of sensors should be based on specific application scenarios and needs. Below are some suggestions for readers to refer to:

1. Environmental monitoring scenarios

In environmental monitoring scenarios, it is necessary to measure environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and lighting. It is recommended to choose temperature and humidity sensors, light sensors, etc. with analog input interfaces, as well as LoRa nodes suitable for this scenario. Sensors that support the corresponding analog input voltage range, as well as LoRa nodes with low power consumption and long-distance transmission capabilities, can be selected according to demand

2 Security monitoring scenarios

In security monitoring scenarios, it is necessary to detect abnormal events such as human infrared, smoke, and gas. It is recommended to use human infrared sensors, smoke sensors, gas sensors, etc. with digital input interfaces, as well as LoRa nodes with corresponding digital input levels and triggering methods. Attention should be paid to selecting sensors with a wide sensing range and fast response speed, as well as LoRa nodes with stable signal transmission capabilities

3 Vehicle tracking scenarios

In the summer of the vehicle yard, it is necessary to obtain the location information of the vehicle. It is recommended to choose a GPS module with a serial interface, as well as a LoRa node that supports the corresponding serial protocol and baud rate. Attention should be paid to selecting GPS modules with high-precision positioning and stable signal output, as well as LoRa nodes with high-speed data transmission and long-distance communication capabilities.

4. Industrial control scenarios

In industrial control scenarios, it is necessary to measure industrial parameters such as pressure, flow rate, and vibration. It is recommended to choose pressure sensors, flow sensors, acceleration sensors, etc. with serial interfaces, as well as LoRa nodes suitable for this scenario. Select industrial sensors with high-precision measurement and anti-interference performance, as well as LoRa nodes with programmable control and multi node networking capabilities

Summary:

Through the introduction in this article, we have learned about the sensor interfaces of LoRa nodes and recommendations for sensor selection for different scenarios. When constructing LoRa networks and selecting sensors, it is necessary to fully consider the application scenarios and requirements, and select suitable sensors and LoRa nodes to achieve accurate data collection and reliable transmission.