IoT networks have become exceedingly popular these days. IoT(Internet Of Things) in the simplest words means a network of devices connected to each other to send and receive data. Of course some of these networks may be possible with pre-manufactured devices that do not require any manual circuit building. However, for some applications, you might want to fine tune the devices to fit your requirement or build a small device yourself with components and a breadboard. In such cases read this article to understand some rules and factors that you need to consider before you design a circuit for IoT application.
Basic rules
In any circuit design, the basic fundamentals are very important. This knowledge will ensure that you understand the relation between potential and current and are able to pick the correct value of resistance required.
- Ohms Law:
As a mathematical expression Ohm’s law states that V = I . R In circuit schematic form
Ohm’s law can be written in three equivalent forms,
V = I . R : The voltage across a resistor is the product of the current passing through the resistor times the resistance
R = V/I : The resistance is equal to the voltage across the resistor divided by the current passing through it
I = V/R : The current passing through the resistor is the voltage across the resistor divided by the resistance
You should also keep in mind that Ohms law is not always applicable. The substances for which Ohm’s law holds true are called ohmic.
2. Kirchoff’s Laws
Voltage law
Sum of voltages around a loop is zero.
Current law
The current entering a junction is equal to the current leaving a junction.
3. Resistance calculation
We can, in simple terms, say that as voltage drives the current, resistance impedes it. The unit for resistance is ohm, where one ohm is the resistance the allows one amp of current to flow and produce a voltage (potential) drop of one volt.
i) Series
V = V1 +V2+V3 = IR1+IR2+IR3
So, to calculate the total resistance in series,
ii) Parallel
I = I1 + I2 + I3
So, to calculate the total resistance in parallel,
Other factors that affect IoT circuit design:
Designing a circuit is the Electronics equivalent to creating and bringing a concept to life. To do so, there are some factors that you have to bear in mind. Some of these are generic and others more so for IoT purposes.
Calculating component requirements
Theoretical calculations are needed to select some of the. However in doing so, you must ensure to not only the current or voltage flowing through the component, but also the tolerance and other physical parameters of the component. Tolerance of components, make, quality, and temperature considerably affect the working of the circuit
Specification of circuit requirements
The first factor that you need to look into is specification of the circuit components. You must use electronic laws and consider your purpose and budget. Specifications include size, shape, weight, current rating and even brands of the components and sensors.
Analog vs Digital
Another area of consideration in the design is analog vs. digital circuits. While designing the circuit, the amount of analog or digital that must be incorporated is not always easy to decide owning to the trade-offs that come with it. These aim at reducing cost, unnecessary functions, development work and circuitry.
Selecting components:
This is a fairly straightforward rule, but let me elaborate why using a capacitor as an illustration. When manufacturing, some capacitors form a film inside. The tolerance for capacitors ranges from -50 per cent to 100 per cent. This means that most capacitors available in the market have a low shelf-life. When a capacitor that has not been used for a while is suddenly a part of an IoT circuit, it may eventually fail. These will then reflect as a ‘failed system’ rather than an unfit component.
Consistency
This is an important long-term factor to consider. IoT applications require circuits to be suitable for usage over a long period of time. The data accuracy in IoT devices is also of importance. Thus one must take into careful consideration the durability of their circuit.
Verify that your circuit works in various conditions
This is especially due to the fact that IoT applications may require the system to be placed remotely. And if your project has the potential to turn into an industrial application, ensure that you keep this in mind
Simplicity
When designing a circuit, try to make it as simple and straightforward as possible. Unnecessarily complex circuits do not show the depth of knowledge and rather portrays the lack of it. When attempting to explain your circuit through a manual, it should be simple and precise. This means that the reader must be able to understand the circuit with ease regardless of his expertise.
Layout of the circuit
This involves determining the physical position and the electrical connection of each component. This might seem difficult and time consuming, but take careful consideration while doing this as it can help your final product turn out as you envision it.
These factors may seem trivial, but may have a profound impact on the overall working of the circuit. Internet of Things (IoT) circuit design has some extra constraints to the circuit design process that we must also keep in mind while designing IoT circuits.
Challenges concerning IoT circuit design:
Space Constraint
In the case of IoT, one of the primary selling points that they offer a plethora of capabilities, but don’t take up much space. In fact any IoT devices are wearable devices. This lack of space makes designing a circuit an IoT application more time-consuming than expected.
Low Power Usage
IoT circuits are expected, due to their small size and varied use, to require only small amounts of power. If your design has high power consumption, it may not be very useful.
New materials to experiment with
IoT circuits are constantly experimenting which materials and components which can lengthen the lifetime and be more consistent in the long run. Circuit designers are expected to spend time researching and finding the most optimum available products.
Designing Products, not just the circuit
When you start to design an IoT circuit, you have to keep in mind the big picture. The circuit is but a small part of a large network that will continue to only grow as time progresses. Your design has to be compatible and be the foundation for a larger purpose and application.
These are the factors that any designer, must keep in mind but more so for an IoT application circuit. But don’t let this daunt you. The process is a simple step by step follow through. And more than anything the final result is more that rewarding for your efforts. So, go ahead, and once you find out what your project requires, designing a circuit is a huge leap closer to your final goal!
