Arduino, Net Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Beagle Bone & Intel Galileo

Embedded Computing in Internet of Things

• Embedded computing refers to the integration of computing capabilities within devices that are not traditionally considered computers.
• These embedded systems integrate both hardware and software into one single system.
• Unlike general-purpose computers, embedded systems are tailored for specific control functions.
• offering advantages in terms of efficiency, reliability, and real-time performance.

Characteristics of Embedded Computing

Dedicated Functionality

• Embedded systems generally operate using limited computing resources such as memory, processing, and power.
• They are optimized for particular functions rather than for general-purpose computing.

Integration with Hardware

• Embedded computing systems are tightly integrated with the hardware they control.
• This integration ensures efficient interaction between the software and hardware components.

Resource Constraints

Applications of Embedded Computing

• Consumer Electronics: Embedded systems are integral to devices like smartphones
• and wearable gadgets, providing control and connectivity features.

Benefits of Embedded Computing

• Cost-Effectiveness: Custom-designed embedded systems can be more
• cost-effective for specific applications compared to using general-purpose computing devices.
• Compact Size: Embedded systems can be made very small, allowing for integration into compact devices and applications where space is limited.

Arduino in Internet of Things

• Arduino is an open source hardware and software platform widely used in the Internet of Things (IoT) to create interactive electronic projects.
• It consists of microcontroller boards, development environment software, and a vast community of makers, developers, and enthusiasts.
• Arduino is an open-source electronics platform built on user-friendly hardware and software.
• It is designed to make electronics more accessible to hobbyists, students, artists, and anyone interested in creating interactive projects.
• The platform consists of a range of microcontroller boards, software (Arduino IDE),
• and a supportive community that provides a wealth of resources and tutorials.

Components of Arduino

• Arduino Boards: These are physical circuit boards that contain a microcontroller, which is the brain of the Arduino.
• The boards come in various models, such as Arduino Uno, Arduino Mega, and Arduino Nano, each catering to different project requirements. The boards typically feature:
• Microcontroller: The central chip that executes the code. Popular models include the ATmega328P on the Arduino Uno.
• Digital and Analog Input/Output Pins: Pins used to connect sensors,
• actuators, and other components.
• Digital pins can read or write binary values, while analog pins can read a range of values.
• Power Supply: Options to power the board via USB or external power sources.
• USB Interface: Used for programming the board and for serial communication.
• Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment): The software used to write, compile, and upload code (sketches) to the Arduino board.
• The IDE supports a simplified version of C++ and provides a user-friendly interface for coding and debugging.
• Libraries: Pre-written code libraries that extend the functionality of the Arduino.

How Arduino Works

• Programming: Users write code in the Arduino IDE using a simplified version of C++.
• Uploading Code: The code (sketch) is compiled and uploaded to the Arduino board via a USB connection.
• Interfacing with Components: The board interacts with various sensors, actuators, and other electronic components connected to its I/O pins.
• For example, it can read data from a temperature sensor, control an LED, or communicate with other devices via protocols like I2C or SPI.
• Real-Time Operation: The Arduino board operates in real-time,
• continuously executing the code in the loop() function and responding to inputs and outputs as defined by the user's program.

Applications of Arduino

• Educational Projects: Arduino is widely used in schools and universities to teach electronics, programming, and robotics.
• Wearable Technology: Small and lightweight Arduino boards can be
• embedded in clothing or accessories to create wearable tech projects, such as fitness trackers or interactive costumes.

Benefits of Arduino

• Ease of Use: The platform is designed to be user-friendly, with a low learning curve for beginners.
• Versatility: Arduino boards can be used in a wide variety of applications, from simple to complex projects, making them highly versatile.
• Open Source: Both the hardware and software are open-source, allowing users to modify and extend their capabilities.
• Community Support: A large and active community provides forums, tutorials, project examples, and troubleshooting help.
• Cost-Effective: Arduino boards and components are relatively inexpensive, making it affordable to experiment and create multiple projects.

Netduino in Internet of Things

• Netduino is an open-source hardware and software platform designed for creating embedded IoT projects.
• It leverages the Microsoft .NET Micro Framework, making it accessible for developers familiar with C# programming.
• Netduino boards offer similar functionality to Arduino but with additional features and capabilities.
• Netduino boards support advanced connectivity options such as Ethernet,
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and IoT protocols like MQTT, making them suitable for networked IoT solutions.
• Example: A Netduino-based home automation system uses Wi-Fi
• connectivity to control lights.

Raspberry Pi in Internet of Things

• The Raspberry Pi series comprises single-board computers created by the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
• These compact and affordable boards are widely used in IoT projects due to their versatility, processing power, and extensive community support.

Raspberry Pi Boards

• Raspberry Pi boards come in various models, each with different specifications such as CPU, RAM, and connectivity options like Wifi and Bluetooth.
• Example: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, etc.

Operating Systems

• Raspberry Pi supports multiple operating systems, including Raspbian (based on Debian), and
• allowing developers to choose the most suitable OS for their IoT applications.
• Example: A Raspberry Pi running Raspbian can be used as a media center,
• home server,
• or IoT gateway by installing relevant software and configuring settings.

GPIO Pins

• Raspberry Pi boards are equipped with pins known as General-Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pins.
• that enable interfacing with external devices such as sensors, LEDs, motors, and relays.
• Example: A Raspberry Pi connected to temperature and humidity sensors
• via GPIO pins can monitor environmental conditions and send data to a cloud platform for analysis.

Programming Languages

BeagleBone in Internet of Things

• BeagleBone is a standalone computer developed by BeagleBoard.org.
• These boards are designed for embedded computing and IoT applications, offering features like GPIO pins, etc.

BeagleBone Boards

• BeagleBone boards, including BeagleBone Black and BeagleBone AI, provide different specifications such as CPU, RAM,
• and connectivity interfaces like Ethernet, USB, and HDMI.
• For example: BeagleBone Black is often used in IoT projects due to its cheap price and support for many expansion cards (Capes)..

Debian-based Operating System

• BeagleBone typically runs Debian-based Linux distributions such as Debia or a specialized OS
• like the Beaglebone Debian image, providing a familiar environment for developers.

Programmable Real-Time Units (PRUs)

• BeagleBone boards feature PRUs, which are programmable microcontrollers capable of real-time processing,
• This makes boards well-suited for tasks that demand accurate timing and precise control.

Intel Galileo in Internet of Things

• Intel Galileo is a series of development boards designed for IoT and embedded computing applications.
• These boards are based on Intel architecture and support various programming languages and interfaces.

Intel Galileo Boards

• Intel Galileo boards, such as Galileo Gen 2, are equipped with Intel processors, onboard peripherals,
• GPIO pins, and connectivity options like Ethernet and USB.
• Example: A project using Intel Galileo Gen 2 can interface with sensors,
• and communication modules to create IoT solutions for smart homes, industrial automation, or educational purposes.

Intel Quark Processors

• Intel Galileo boards are powered by Intel Quark processors,
• which provide sufficient computational power for IoT applications while consuming low energy.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

• Intel Galileo development is supported by IDEs such as Arduino IDE,
• Intel and Wind River Studio, offering tools for code development and deployment.
• Example: Developers use the Arduino IDE with Intel Galileo to write firmware in C/C++
• and upload it to the board for controlling sensors, motors, and other IoT components.

Industry Applications

• For example: A smart city project uses Intel Galileo boards in traffic monitoring to collect real-time data,,
• analyze traffic patterns, and optimize traffic flow for better urban management.

ARM Cortex Processors

• ARM Cortex processors are a family of low-power, high-performance processors commonly used in IoT devices and embedded systems.
• They offer scalability in terms of performance and features, allowing manufacturers to choose the right processor for their IoT applications.
• Despite their energy efficiency, Cortex processors provide sufficient
• processing power to handle complex computations in IoT devices.
• Some Cortex processors come with integrated connectivity options like Wi-Fi,
• Bluetooth, and cellular connectivity, simplifying IoT device design.

Example

• An example of using ARM Cortex processors in IoT is developing a wearable fitness tracker.
• The processor can handle real-time sensor data from accelerometers and heart rate sensors to track physical activity and health metrics.
• It can also connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth to sync data with fitness apps or cloud platforms for analysis.

Conclusion