RU240004U1 - Data receiving and transmitting device - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of telecommunication devices. The technical result consists in reducing the power consumption of a data receiving and transmitting device without degrading the quality of communication between data receiving and transmitting devices over a radio channel over long distances. The data receiving and transmitting device comprises an antenna connected to an antenna-feeder path connected to a transceiver, which is connected to a microprocessor, a battery connected to a power stabilizer, a GNSS module, built-in memory storing machine-executable instructions for execution by the microprocessor, the microprocessor is configured to switch interfaces for connecting external devices and the GNSS module into the off and on mode, to switch the transceiver into the programming mode, off and on, wherein in the transceiver programming mode, the microprocessor changes the frequency, power and transmission rate of the transceiver, the antenna-feeder path and the antenna and automatically connects the device to external end devices, repeaters, and gateway concentrators. 2 fig.

Description

Field of technology

This utility model relates to telecommunications devices designed for wireless data reception and transmission via a radio channel between similar devices over a wide area. It can be used for data reception and transmission in telemetry systems, environmental monitoring, IoT solutions, agriculture, logistics, the energy sector, and other industries.

State of the art

Various communication devices with data transmission and reception functions are known, such as mobile phones, GSM/GPRS modules, LoRaWAN modules, NB-IoT modules, ZigBee modules, Bluetooth and BLE modules, Wi-Fi modules, and Bluetooth tags. These devices have their own communication protocols, operate in specific frequency ranges, are characterized by their own power consumption levels, and are subject to legislative regulations regarding the use of the radio frequency spectrum in terms of frequency and power.

A wireless communication device is known, described in patent RU 2616594 C2, published on April 18, 2017. The known device includes a housing, a processor configured to generate a packet for transmission using a wireless signal, a transceiver for transmitting and receiving packets using a wireless signal, and an antenna.

A device for receiving and transmitting signals in a communication system is known, described in patent RU 2822987 C1, published on July 16, 2024. The known device includes a transceiver, which during operation receives the configuration of a power saving signal (PoSS) time window for monitoring the PoSS, and a processing circuit, which during operation determines, based on said configuration, a PoSS time window and controls the transceiver to perform monitoring for the PoSS within the PoSS time window.

The closest approach to the proposed solution is a computing device for wireless data exchange described in US Patent 7,099,689 B2, published August 29, 2006. The known device includes a processor, an antenna, a wireless data transmission interface, two radio modules, and a power source. Depending on the conditions and circumstances, the known device selects one of two radio modules, each of which has a unique combination of characteristics (power consumption, data transfer rate, range, and/or frequency range) for wireless communication with a wireless device. The known device selects one radio module to minimize power consumption while maintaining the efficiency of wireless data transmission.

A drawback of the prior art is the lack of a universal solution for building a data collection and transmission system that simultaneously enables: interaction with similar devices via a proprietary protocol, including at distances of up to 15 km in open areas; provision of standard connectivity and software-controlled access to the device's local and global infrastructure via its own network equipment, regardless of the location of the radio transmission technology owner, using a universal protocol; provision of network access via proprietary data transmission protocols; and support for energy efficiency. Devices using most types of technical solutions require licensing for the radio frequencies used and are characterized by inherent power consumption and configuration flexibility. Some technological solutions have limited mobility (roaming) support due to the slow speed of exiting power-saving mode.

The purpose of creating the utility model is to develop a multifunctional communication device capable of transmitting and receiving data via a radio channel over distances of up to 15 km in its own independently organized transmission networks operating on unlicensed (ISM range) radio frequencies, with low energy consumption.

The essence of the utility model

The technical result is a reduction in the energy consumption of a data receiving and transmitting device without degrading the quality of communication between data receiving and transmitting devices over a radio channel over long distances.

The data receiving and transmitting device comprises an antenna connected to an antenna-feeder path connected to a transceiver, which is connected to a microprocessor, a battery connected to a power stabilizer, a GNSS module, and embedded memory storing machine-executable instructions for execution by the microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to receive and execute commands from the transceiver or from the embedded memory for switching the interfaces for connecting external devices and the GNSS module between the off and on modes. The microprocessor is configured to receive and execute commands from the transceiver or from the embedded memory for switching the transceiver between the programming, off, and on modes, wherein in the transceiver programming mode, the microprocessor changes the frequency, power, and transmission rate of the transceiver, the antenna-feeder path, and the antenna. The microprocessor is configured to automatically connect the device to external end devices, repeaters, and gateway concentrators using machine-executable instructions stored in the memory.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of the proposed data receiving and transmitting device in an embodiment with a built-in antenna.

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of the proposed data receiving and transmitting device in an embodiment with an external antenna.

It should be noted that the presented illustrations, explaining possible implementation options, are for informational purposes only, and specialists in the relevant field are able to develop additional schemes based on the presented examples without significant effort.

Detailed description of the implementation of the utility model

The proposed data transmission and reception device consists of several main components: a transceiver, a microprocessor, an antenna-feeder path, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module, a module for receiving global satellite navigation signals, interfaces for connecting various sensors, a power supply system, switching and indication groups.

The transceiver is designed to operate on free (unlicensed) radio frequencies with software-defined angular (linear-frequency) modulation. This component ensures reliable data reception and transmission over long distances via radio channels with a high level of noise immunity/sensitivity and minimal power consumption.

The microprocessor controls the transceiver's operation, processes received signals, and interacts with external devices via interfaces. The processor also manages the power supply for the data receiving and transmitting device components, ensuring a low-power mode.

The antenna-feeder path receives and transmits radio signals to the transceiver in unlicensed ranges (ISM range) of radio frequencies.

The Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module allows you to establish communication with mobile devices and organize a convenient user interface.

The global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal reception module is required to determine the coordinates of the data receiver/transmitter and include geospatial reference in the transmitted data. The geolocation system is designed with the ability to programmatically select GNSS (GLONASS, GPS, BeiDou).

Interfaces for connecting various sensors (such as, but not limited to, temperature, humidity, pressure, illumination, current, voltage, Hall, vibration, spatial orientation and other physical quantities), (but not limited to, UART, I2C, SPI, PWM, ADC, DAC, GPIO, pulse counter, capacitive touch sensor) expand the functionality of the device, ensuring the implementation of a universal data collection module, as well as a load connection module.

The power supply system consists of a battery and a charge controller and is designed with the ability to connect solar panels.

Switching and indication groups improve the convenience of diagnosing the state of the data receiving and transmitting device.

The proposed data transmission and reception device may additionally include a gateway that connects the device to intranet and internet networks, transmitting collected data to local or digital data processing devices. The gateway's communications capabilities include its own data transmission infrastructure.

The design of the data receiving and transmitting device (Figs. 1, 2) consists of a housing 101 with a circuit board containing radio components and external equipment connected to the housing. The housing has a protection rating of at least IP67.

Antenna 102 transmits and receives radio signals in the open ISM band of 868 MHz. The antenna has a characteristic impedance of 50 ohms and a gain of at least 3 dB. In one embodiment (Fig. 1), antenna 102 and the antenna-feeder device may be located inside housing 101 of the device. In another embodiment (Fig. 2), antenna 102 and the antenna-feeder device 103 may be externally mounted. Antenna-feeder device 103 is connected to the electronic circuit of transceiver 104.

The transceiver 104 receives and transmits a modulated linear-angular radio signal via the antenna-feeder path 103, processes the radio signal, implementing its modulation during transmission and demodulation during reception, and interacts with the microprocessor 105 via UART (TX/RX).

The frequency at which transceiver 104 communicates with microprocessor 105 via UART (TX/RX) is not less than 115200 Baud.

Upon receiving a signal from transceiver 104, microprocessor 105 programmatically determines service information in the received signal, including, but not limited to, the NetID (network identification number) of the transmitting device, MAC address, unique serial number, applies a decryption key, and determines the status of the data receiving/transmitting device (end device, repeater, hub). If such service information is not identified by microprocessor 105, the received information packet is not processed further and is permanently deleted from the microprocessor memory. In addition to service information, the received decrypted packet also contains information on switching the data receiving/transmitting device elements into programming mode, turning them off, and turning them on. If a signal is received to switch to programming mode, the available transceiver parameters (frequency, power, restore to factory settings, standby time, response time to the sent signal) are also stored.

When sending a signal from microprocessor 105 to transceiver 104, microprocessor 105 generates packets with a capacity of 200 bytes. The data transfer rate is 60 kbps. The packet structure contains the NetID (network identification number) of the transmitting device, MAC address, unique serial number, decryption key, data receiving/transmitting device status (end device, repeater, hub), broadcast addressability indicators (to a single device, a group of devices, or all visible devices in the formed network), and the inclusion of AT service commands for devices switched to programming mode.

Microprocessor 105 can interact with sensors 114 and actuators 118 via interfaces 106 (UART, I2C, SPI, PWM, ADC, DAC, GPIO). Actuators 118 may include, but are not limited to, relays, motors, solenoids, and other devices that convert electrical signals into physical movements, phenomena, or displacements. Sensors 114 may be any compatible devices capable of recording and measuring the parameters of physical phenomena.

Microprocessor 105 communicates with Bluetooth/BLE module 107, and the Bluetooth/BLE device name and PIN can be programmatically determined. Authenticated external devices can communicate with the data receiver/transmitter. The signal received by module 107 is transmitted to microprocessor 105 for processing. Depending on the information received, the data can be transmitted to sensors 114, actuators 118, or transmitted to transceiver 104 for radio transmission.

Microprocessor 105 communicates with module 108 for global positioning satellites (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou). By default, the module is in standby mode (sleep state) to reduce power consumption. According to a preset scenario, information (including, but not limited to, latitude, longitude, altitude, and direction of travel) from module 108 is sent to microprocessor 105 for further transmission via radio.

Microprocessor 105 communicates with PC 117 via gateway 110 (Ethernet, UART, USB). Gateway 110 facilitates data exchange between PC 117 and microprocessor 105 using standard protocols for internet or intranet access via RJ-45 or USB ports using the UART converter built into the data receiver/transmitter.

All modules of the data receiving and transmitting device are powered by a 3.3 V power supply stabilizer 109. The current consumption depends on the selected hardware configuration of the data receiving and transmitting device. To reduce power consumption, microprocessor 105 can put transceiver 104, Bluetooth/BLE module 107, GNSS module 108, interfaces 106 (UART, I2C, SPI, PWM, ADC, DAC, GPIO), and gateway 110 (Ethernet, UART, USB) into sleep mode (standby mode).

Power stabilizer 109 receives electric power from battery 112.

Additionally, battery 112 can receive electricity from a stationary external source of 116 VDC or solar panel 115 via charge controller 113. Using external power sources will reduce the energy consumption of the device.

Additionally, a Watch Dog Timer (WDT) can be implemented in the data receiving and transmitting device to ensure automatic rebooting of the data receiving and transmitting device to restore its functionality if a controlled component of the device stops functioning due to a software failure. The WDT can be implemented in software within the microprocessor 105's internal memory or in hardware as a separate unit on a circuit board within the device's housing 101.

The data receiving and transmitting device may contain a control and indication module, which may consist of, but is not limited to, power control buttons, a factory reset button, a button for synchronization and establishing a connection via Bluetooth/BLE with external devices (for example, smartphones), an indication of the power-on status, a battery charge level indicator, a button for target information transmission (an emergency information sending button), speakers (loudspeakers), a QWERTY input keyboard, a display (LED, TFT or comparable for the purpose of displaying the necessary information).

The device's design varies from compact wearable versions to waterproof and stationary configurations.

The data receiving and transmitting device can operate as an endpoint, a repeater, or a hub-gateway. Microprocessor 105 is capable of changing the device's operating mode in the radio network upon command. The command can be received from an external device or stored in the device's internal memory as machine-executable instructions. After updating the firmware, the device accepts new service commands, and individual device properties (encryption parameters, radio data reception and transmission parameters) can be modified.

Microprocessor 105, depending on the power level of the signal received and transmitted via the radio channel, and the current needs for energy use and the schedule (mode) of operation of the device components, selects the optimal parameters (frequency, power and speed) for receiving and transmitting a signal via the radio channel.

Microprocessor 105, using a built-in algorithm (machine-executable instructions stored in memory), ensures automatic connection of the device to external end devices, repeaters, and gateway concentrators.

The proposed solution provides:

The ability to operate in unlicensed frequency bands allows the device to operate on unlicensed ISM radio frequencies (e.g. 433/868 MHz, 915 MHz) with a long signal transmission range, which reduces the number of devices required to provide radio coverage per unit area.

The ability to remotely change device settings such as frequency, power and transmission speed.

The ability to programmatically or manually change the role of a device in a radio network when combining similar devices into a group: to be an end device, a repeater, a hub, or a gateway.

High energy efficiency, allowing for low energy consumption (power, capacity) provided by the use of modern radio transmission methods using the built-in transceiver, energy saving and optimization of power modes of the device components, for long-term operation from rechargeable batteries with the possibility of recharging from renewable sources (solar panels) in an isolated mode while maintaining functionality.

The ability to programmatically control the activity time and sleep mode of device components to optimize energy consumption.

Additional advantages of the solution include the ability to select optimal parameters for receiving and transmitting a signal via a radio channel using proprietary algorithms, and the ability to select a modulation method depending on the power level of the signal received and transmitted via a radio channel, and the current needs for energy use and the operating schedule (mode) of the device components.

The device provides the ability to build an independent network of interacting similar devices based on the point-to-point, star, or mesh network models and allows for the operation of a significant number of control points for the status of mobile and stationary objects, and elements of transport logistics.

Claims (2)

1. A data receiving and transmitting device comprising an antenna connected to an antenna-feeder path connected to a transceiver, which is connected to a microprocessor, a Bluetooth Low Energy module and a battery, characterized in that it further comprises a power stabilizer to which the battery is connected, a module for receiving global satellite navigation (GNSS) signals, a built-in memory storing machine-executable instructions for execution by the microprocessor, the microprocessor is configured to receive and execute commands from the transceiver or from the built-in memory for switching interfaces for connecting external devices and the GNSS module into the off and on mode, the microprocessor is configured to receive and execute commands from the transceiver or from the built-in memory for switching the transceiver into the programming, off and on mode, wherein in the transceiver programming mode the microprocessor changes the frequency, power and transmission speed of the transceiver, the antenna-feeder path and the antenna, the microprocessor is configured to, using machine-executable instructions stored in the memory, automatically connect the device to external end devices, repeaters, gateway hubs. 2. The device according to paragraph 1, characterized in that it additionally contains a charge controller connected to the battery and receiving electrical energy from an external power source.