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 The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) relies heavily on data transfer, and as the volume of data being moved around increases, so do the demands on the limited resources available in endpoint devices such as sensors and actuators. One way to minimize the software burden is through the use of hardware accelerators. Embedded systems often use some form of the operating system , particularly if they are based on modern 32-bit cores like the Arm Cortex-M family. Real-time operating systems (RTOS) are widely used due to the benefits they offer, but what can engineers do if they need to maintain hard real-time execution? One approach is to make full use of the hardware features offered by the processing platform. An operating system is typically software that interacts with hardware at a low level. RTOS extends this by providing ways to guarantee that things happen just when you want them to. However, this can create conditions where the software and hardware compete for control. T...

No-code and low-code tools are the latest development in automatic code generation that has the potential to accelerate the development of Industrial IoT (IIoT) systems. These tools raise the abstraction layer and hide the complexity using a graphical interface, making it faster and simpler to create software. The advantage of automatic code generation became apparent after the first program was hand-written, as it makes a lot of sense to automate anything that follows well-defined rules. The syntax and semantics of a programming language are good examples of rules. Follow the rules and you end up with executable code. No-code and low-code platforms are already used for developing simple desktop or mobile applications. In the enterprise domain, the use of low-code or even no-code platforms is gaining popularity as it allows anyone with a need and an idea to create an application that runs either in the cloud or on a desktop computer. This makes it much easier for non-software engineer...

Single-pair Ethernet (SPE) is a new technology that allows for the use of a single pair of twisted conductors for Ethernet connections, as opposed to the multiple pairs traditionally used. This is significant for the industrial sector as it allows for simpler installation and maintenance, as well as the ability to run anything designed for Ethernet over a single pair, potentially removing the need for industrial gateways. One of the main drivers for the adoption of SPE in the industrial sector is the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), which requires fast, flexible, and secure connections. SPE also plays a role in time-sensitive networking (TSN), which is important for controlling latency in servo motor control in industrial applications. The use of SPE in the automotive sector was originally intended to reduce the weight of cables in vehicles, but in the industrial sector, the focus is on simplifying connections and increasing performance. With SPE, OEMs can standardize on a technol...

 The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors such as industrial, medical and aerospace, is becoming increasingly prevalent. However, the question of how to get started with AI is not as important as determining what kind of AI is best suited for a specific application. Avnet, a leading technology solutions provider, understands that their customers are primarily concerned with results and by understanding the use case, the best solution for AI often presents itself. One area where Avnet can offer significant value is in helping software companies with computer vision experience move into new use cases. According to Michaël Uyttersprot, Manager of System Solutions, AI/ML & Vision, EMEA with Avnet Silica, “Part of my role is to ensure we have the expertise and partners needed to help companies with computer vision experience move into these new use cases.” When it comes to developing a machine vision system , selecting the right image sensor is crucial, es...

Patient monitoring is a crucial aspect of healthcare, but as public concerns about privacy increase, the use of video for this purpose is being questioned. Time-of-flight (ToF) cameras offer a promising alternative to traditional video monitoring. These sensors, such as Omron’s B5L 3D ToF sensor module, gather raw distance data rather than image data. This ensures patient anonymity and increases security as no compromising information can be collected. One of the major concerns with traditional video monitoring is that recordings can be stolen and personal information compromised. In the United States, laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act limit how personal data must be treated. Video monitoring, storage, and retrieval may not meet these requirements for most healthcare facilities. Additionally, effective video monitoring requires someone to constantly monitor multiple patient rooms on screen, adding...

 The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is transforming the way industrial processes are controlled and managed. However, as the trend towards connected devices and cloud processing resources grows, there is a need for a more flexible and responsive control system that can handle the increased data flow and real-time processing needs of the IIoT. Edge controllers are emerging as a solution to this problem, by bringing balance to the IT and OT domains and providing a platform for real-time control and data analysis at the network's edge. Edge controllers are designed to bridge the gap between traditional programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and industrial PCs, which are more focused on the IT side of the equation. They provide a balance between IT and OT capabilities, allowing for real-time control and data analysis at the edge of the network. This is important because it reduces the amount of data that needs to be sent to the cloud, which can be costly and slow. One way to impl...