Internet-of-things modul

Abstract

The invention relates to an Internet-of-Things module (1) comprising a first interface (3a) via which the module (1) can be coupled to a hybrid single pair ethernet line for the exchange of data and / or commands and for supplying voltage. The module also comprises a voltage regulator (4) for converting the first voltage applied at the first interface (3a) into a second voltage to supply the module (1). A controller (5) is also provided for IP-based communication via the hybrid single pair ethernet line (11). In addition, a second interface (3b) is provided, via which the module (1) can be coupled to a sensor and / or actuator for the exchange of data, signals and / or commands and for supplying voltage.

Description

[0001] Internet of Things module

[0002] The present invention relates to an Internet of Things module.

[0003] In the Internet of Things (IoT) field, sensors and / or actuators are typically connected to a network via cables to enable communication. This communication with the sensors and / or actuators can be based on an IP protocol, for example. Currently, it is common practice to implement communication indirectly via gateways (transducers). Communication with the network to the gateway is then typically IP-based, while communication between the gateway and the sensor or actuator is not based on an IP protocol.

[0004] On the other hand, sensors and / or actuators are known that enable wireless communication (e.g., WLAN, 4G, 5G, etc.) with a network, so that IP-based communication can be implemented.

[0005] If the sensors and / or actuators need to be connected to the network via a wired connection, this can be done, for example, using an Ethernet protocol with multi-pair Ethernet cables. In this case, the sensors and / or actuators can be powered via "Power over Ethernet".

[0006] In the priority-establishing German patent application, the German Patent and Trademark Office searched the following documents: WO 2018 / 158 778 A1, WO 2019 / 183 340 A1, US 2019 / 0263 339 A1 and DE 102017 111 272 A1.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an Internet-of-Things module which enables improved and more cost-effective communication between a network and a device such as a sensor and / or actuator.

[0008] This problem is solved by an Internet of Things (IoT) module according to claim 1. Thus, an Internet of Things module is provided with a first interface and a second interface. The module can be connected via the first interface to a hybrid single-pair Ethernet line for data and / or command exchange as well as for power supply. The Internet of Things module further comprises a voltage regulator for converting the first voltage applied to the first interface into a second voltage for powering the module. A controller for IP-based communication via the hybrid single-pair Ethernet line connectable to the first interface is also provided. The module can be connected via the second interface to a device for data, signal, and / or command exchange as well as for power supply.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the device that can be coupled to the second interface represents a sensor, actuator, wireless transmitter / receiver and / or an input-output adapter.

[0010] The invention is based on the concept of using a hybrid single-pair Ethernet architecture to transmit both data and power to a device such as a sensor, actuator, and / or wireless client. A hybrid single-pair Ethernet connection has two separate pairs of wires, one for data transmission and one for power transmission. The module according to the invention, which is positioned between the device (a sensor, actuator, and / or wireless transmitter / receiver (client)), enables communication between the network and the device based on an IP protocol. This allows direct communication between the devices (sensors / actuators) and the network without the need for an intermediary converter or gateway. The communication between the module and the network is therefore IP-based.The module according to the invention has a first interface via which the module is connected to a single pair Ethernet cable and can both receive and send data as well as be supplied with power.

[0011] The module features a second interface for communication with the device (sensor / actuator and / or wireless client). The module includes a voltage regulator for setting the required voltage and a controller that enables IP-based communication via the first interface. The module has a second interface through which it can be connected to a device to transmit data, signals, and / or commands, and to provide power to the device. The controller facilitates IP-based communication with the network via hybrid single-pair Ethernet cables. This is advantageous because it allows the use of a well-established transmission protocol (namely, the IP protocol) for communication between the device and the network. This enables the use of common and widely available software libraries for communication.

[0012] The device, which can be connected to the second interface of the Internet of Things module, has neither a keyboard nor a display nor any other interfaces for user configuration. A web-based user interface may be provided for setting the device parameters. Optionally, the device may only have a single interface for communication with a network.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a device connected to the second interface of the Internet of Things module is supplied with data, signals, and commands via the hybrid single-pair Ethernet cable connected to the first interface. Furthermore, the power supply is also regulated via this interface. Thus, the device does not require a separate power supply. Optionally, no voltage conversion needs to be performed in the device, since the appropriate voltage is already present at the second interface of the Internet of Things module. According to one aspect of the present invention, the device connected to the Internet of Things module requires only one interface for communication with a network and for power supply. This allows the device to be built more simply and cost-effectively.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, the device can be configured in particular as a sensor, an actuator, a wireless transmitter / receiver, or an input / output adapter. Thus, for example, a simple sensor or actuator can be connected to a network and simultaneously supplied with power without significant effort or modification of the sensor or actuator.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, the device is a wireless transmitter / receiver. The wireless transmitter / receiver can, for example, be designed as a WiFi client, in particular a WiFi client bridge, with an integrated antenna and electronics. The wireless transmitter / receiver can communicate wirelessly in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0016] Alternatively, the wireless transmitter / receiver can also communicate with a network using an IP-based Bluetooth protocol. Alternatively, the wireless transmitter / receiver can also communicate with a network using a mobile communication protocol such as LTE or 5G.

[0017] Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0018] The advantages and embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing.

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an Internet of Things module according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0020] Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the use of an Internet of Things module according to a second embodiment,

[0021] Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of an Internet of Things module together with a sensor and a cable connected to the module.

[0022] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an Internet of Things module, an adapter and a sensor,

[0023] Fig. 5a shows a schematic block diagram of an Internet of Things module according to a third embodiment of the invention,

[0024] Fig. 5b shows a schematic representation of an Internet of Things module according to a third embodiment, and

[0025] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of an Internet of Things module according to a fourth embodiment.

[0026] The invention relates to an Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure in which a plurality of devices, such as sensors, actuators, and / or wireless clients, can communicate with other components via a network (Internet). The communication of the IoT modules with a network is based on an IP protocol. The devices are connected via hybrid single-pair Ethernet (SPE) lines, through which data and command exchange as well as power supply take place. Each device is assigned an Internet of Things module according to the invention, which forms an interface between the device and the single-pair Ethernet (SPE) lines. The devices connected to a network via a single-pair Ethernet (SPE) line include, for example, IoT sensors, actuators, wireless transmitters / receivers, wireless clients, or input / output adapters. The wireless clients can be WiFi clients, Bluetooth clients, ZigBee clients, DECT clients, UMTS clients, LTE clients, 5G clients, etc.An input-output adapter serves to connect digitally communicating sensors, e.g., IO-Link sensors, to the network, i.e., digital sensors and / or actuators that do not have an IP interface.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an Internet of Things (IoT) module according to a first embodiment of the invention. The IoT module 1 has a first interface 3a and a second interface 3b. The module 1 can be connected to the hybrid single-pair Ethernet (SPE) line via the first interface 3a. The module 1 can be connected to a device, e.g., a sensor / actuator, via the second interface 3b. The module 1 can include a voltage regulator 4 (DC / DC converter), a controller 5, a PHY unit 2a, a MAC unit 2b, a memory 5a, a peripheral unit 5b, and a secure element 5c. The voltage regulator 4 serves to convert the DC voltage applied to the first interface into a voltage required for the operation of the module 1.The PHY unit 2a encodes / decodes the T1 Ethernet signals (signals transmitted over the hybrid single-pair Ethernet line) and provides a media-independent, Ethernet-specific interface on the host side. The PHY unit 2a converts the data to and from the controller that is received or transmitted over the hybrid single-pair Ethernet line.

[0028] MAC Unit 2b is a Media Access Control (MAC) unit and is used for IP-based communication over the hybrid Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) line. Secure Element 5c enables secure IP-based communication over the hybrid Single Pair Ethernet line. The T1 Ethernet protocol is based on the IEEE 802.3bw standard and allows transmission over Single Pair Ethernet lines using the IP protocol. The T1 Ethernet protocol allows, for example, 100BASE-T1 Ethernet communication.

[0029] The peripheral unit 5b is used to access the device, e.g. the sensor / actuator signals by the controller, for example in the form of an analog-to-digital converter.

[0030] Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an Internet of Things module according to a second embodiment. The Internet of Things module 1 according to the invention has a first interface 3a, a voltage regulator 4, a controller 5, and a second interface 3b. The module is connected to a connector 7 via the first interface 3a, to which a hybrid single-pair Ethernet cable can be connected. IP-based communication of data and commands, as well as power supply, then takes place via this first interface 3a. The module 1 can be connected to a sensor and / or actuator via the second interface 3b. Optionally, an adaptation unit 8 can be provided between the second interface 3b and the sensor and / or actuator. The module 1 and, optionally, the adaptation unit 8 can be mounted on a carrier board 6.

[0031] The voltage regulator 4 converts the voltage received via the single pair Ethernet cable into a voltage required by the module 1, and optionally by the adaptation electronics unit 8 or the sensor and / or actuator. The Internet of Things module 1 can optionally be mounted on a carrier board 6 and optionally includes a component carrier 9. The module 1 has a first connection or interface 3a, via which the module can be connected using a hybrid connection, for example, a single pair Ethernet cable. Both data and power can be transmitted via this cable. The module 1 includes a voltage regulator 4 for converting the voltage applied to the first connection 2 into a voltage required by the module 1 and optionally by a sensor / actuator that can be connected to the module.Module 1 also features a controller 5 and a second interface 3b, which allows Module 1 to be directly or indirectly connected to a sensor and / or actuator. Data and / or commands can be exchanged with the sensor / actuator via the second interface. Furthermore, the second interface also provides a power supply to the sensor / actuator. Module 1 includes a PHY unit 2a. This PHY unit 2a is used for encoding and decoding data transmitted to the module via the hybrid cable, or data that the module transmits via the hybrid cable. Digital access on a modulated channel can be used via the PHY unit 2a.The PHY unit 2a is a component that performs the encoding / decoding of T1 Ethernet signals (signals transmitted via hybrid single pair Ethernet) and provides an Ethernet-specific, media-independent interface on the host side. The PHY unit 2a converts the data to and from the microcontroller or switch that is received or transmitted via the single pair Ethernet connection.

[0032] Controller 5, for example, includes a microcontroller and a memory 5a. Module 1 includes a Medium Access Control Unit 2b, which is coupled to the PHY Unit 2a via the Ethernet-specific Medium Independent Interface Mil. Controller 5 also serves to execute the part of the IP network stack above the MAC layer. The module optionally includes at least one Secure Element 5c, which is used to employ a secret, non-readable private key for communication. This enables encryption of Internet of Things (IoT) communication between the module and a network, as well as authentication of the module. Optionally, this Secure Element can provide further mechanisms for secure communication and authentication, such as a signing function or a random number generator.

[0033] Module 1 can be mechanically mounted on a carrier board 6. The carrier board 6 can also have a connector 7 to which a hybrid cable, for example, a single-pair Ethernet cable, is connected. Optionally, the carrier board can include an adaptation circuit 8. The adaptation circuit 8 facilitates communication with the device 15 connected to the module (e.g., a sensor, actuator, wireless client, or input-output adapter). The adaptation circuit can thus adapt data, signals, and / or the power supply for the sensors.

[0034] Module 1 with carrier board 6 can be configured as a dedicated unit. Alternatively, the module, together with carrier board 6, can be implemented as a system-in-package (System-on-Chip). Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of an Internet of Things (IoT) module together with a sensor and a cable connected to the module. In Figure 3, module 1 is shown in a sensor housing 13. Module 1 is connected to a connector 7, to which a hybrid cable (hybrid single-pair Ethernet cable) 11, 12 is connected. A device 15 (e.g., a sensor or a sensor / actuator) is connected to the carrier board 6. Thus, all components (module 1, carrier board 6, sensor 14, connector 7) are integrated into the sensor housing 13.The resulting component is an Internet of Things (IoT) sensor, which can communicate with a network, for example, using an IP protocol and a single-pair Ethernet cable. Sensor lines 14 are provided between the sensor 15 and the carrier board 6. The embodiment shown in Fig. 3 is particularly advantageous with regard to optimized installation space, as it reduces the required installation space. Furthermore, the sensor shown in Fig. 3 is advantageous if the sensor is manufactured in large quantities. Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an Internet of Things module, an adapter, and a sensor. In addition to the module 1, the connector 7, and the carrier board 6, Fig. 4 shows an adapter 24, which is provided between the module and the sensor.Module 1 can also be provided as part of an adapter 24, which is positioned between the sensor and the hybrid cable and thus serves as an interface between the hybrid cable (hybrid single pair Ethernet line) and the sensor. The adapter 24 can perform data conversion as well as voltage conversion. The embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is advantageous when a large number of sensors need to be used variably. While the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 3 only includes an adaptation circuit 8, this adaptation circuit in Fig. 4 is divided into two parts: a first part 8a, which is part of the adapter, and a second part.

[0035] 8b, which is part of the sensor. A plug connection 21, 23 can be provided between adapter 24 and sensor for connecting the sensor to adapter 24.

[0036] Fig. 5a shows a schematic block diagram of an Internet of Things module according to a third embodiment of the invention. The IoT module 1 has a first interface 3a and a second interface 3b. The module 1 can be connected to the hybrid single-pair Ethernet (SPE) line via the first interface 3a. The module 1 can be connected to a device, e.g., a sensor, actuator, wireless client, or input / output module, via the second interface 3b. The module 1 can include a voltage regulator 4 (DC / DC converter), a controller 5, at least two PHY units 2a, at least two MAC units 2b, a switching unit 32 (Ethernet switch, switch fabric), a memory 5a, a peripheral unit 5b, and a secure element 5c. The voltage regulator 4 serves to convert the DC voltage applied to the first interface into a voltage required for the operation of the module 1.

[0037] The difference from Fig. 1 is that there are multiple PHY units 5a and multiple MAC units 5b. A hybrid single-pair Ethernet cable can be connected to each of the PHY units 5a.

[0038] Fig. 5b shows a schematic representation of an Internet of Things module according to a third embodiment. The module 1 comprises a controller 5, a voltage regulator 4, two PHY units 2a, and an Ethernet switch 32. The Ethernet switch 32 is coupled to both the microcontroller 5 and the two PHY units 2a, primarily via a Medium Independent Interface (MIL). The module 1 according to the second embodiment of Fig. 5b can therefore be connected to two different hybrid lines.

[0039] By using at least two PHY units 2a, the network architecture of the IoT sensors / actuators no longer needs to be star-shaped, but can be implemented as a line topology. Several PHY units can be connected in series in a line topology, enabling IP-based communication. This results in only minimal power conversion losses, as the current can be looped through each module thanks to the hybrid cabling. Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of an Internet of Things module according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 6 shows a module according to a third embodiment, which is based on the second embodiment of Fig. 3. As in Fig. 3, the module has a controller 5, optionally an Ethernet switch 32, a voltage regulator 4, and two PHY units 2a. Furthermore, two connectors 7 are coupled to the PHY units 2. A hybrid cable 11, 12 is coupled to each of the two connectors 7.The hybrid cable 11, 12 can, for example, represent a single pair Ethernet line.

[0040] Furthermore, a data line 41 is provided at the output of each of the two connectors 7. In addition, power supply lines 42 are provided, which are coupled to the voltage regulator 4. This is advantageous because it enables daisy-chaining of Internet of Things modules. The power supply for the module can, for example, be designed as a bus. A bus-based power supply is advantageous because the energy for the next element does not have to be routed via a transformer, which can negatively affect the data signals and is lossy. According to one aspect of the present invention, two-pair bus cabling (KNX; RS485) can thus be used without the need for rewiring.

[0041] According to the invention, an Internet of Things (IoT) module is provided which can connect sensors to a network and enables IP-based communication. The IoT module comprises a component carrier 9, a PHY unit 2a, a voltage regulator 4, and a controller 5. Optionally, the module 1 includes a secure element 5c and a memory 5a. The IoT module has an interface via which sensors and / or actuators can be connected to the module. The controller 5 is suitable for enabling IP-based communication.

[0042] Optionally, module 1 can include at least a plurality of PHY units 2a. Furthermore, the module can include an Ethernet switch that can connect the PHY units and the controller 5.

[0043] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a device, e.g., a sensor, actuator, wireless client, or input-output adapter, is provided which includes an Internet of Things module (as described above). The adapter may comprise a housing, a network-side connector, a sensor-side connector, a carrier board, and optionally an adaptation circuit for the sensor / actuator.

[0044] The controller is capable of executing code to enable IPv6-based communication.

[0045] According to another aspect of the present invention, the Internet of Things module is provided in an integrated component.

[0046] According to another aspect of the present invention, an n-port T1 hybrid switch with an Internet of Things module can be provided. The switch can be installed in cable bundles. According to another aspect of the present invention, a media converter with an Internet of Things module is provided, which includes an additional PHY unit and an Ethernet switch. The media converter can be integrated into cable bundles.

[0047] According to one aspect of the present invention, the device, which can be connected to the second interface 3b, is designed as a wireless transmitter / receiver or a wireless client. In particular, the device can be designed as a wireless client bridge, for example, with an integrated antenna and corresponding electronics. The wireless client can thus be connected to a network via the IoT module and a hybrid single-pair Ethernet cable. The Wi-Fi client bridge can then enable wireless communication via a suitable protocol. The wireless communication can, for example, take place on a Wi-Fi protocol (ac or ax) at 2.4 GHz and / or at 5 GHz. The wireless client can be powered with 12 or 24 volts via the hybrid single-pair Ethernet cable. The Ethernet communication can be based on a 100Base-T1 standard.In particular, a Single Pair Hybrid Connector (e.g., Male) may be provided to contact the wireless client.

[0048] The wireless client can, for example, have an IP67-rated housing. Optionally, the maximum length can be 12 cm and the maximum diameter 3 cm. The operating temperature range can be, for example, between -25°C and 85°C.

[0049] The wireless client can be configured as a WiFi bridge mode client. The wireless client can securely connect to small office / home office (SOHO) routers. Alternatively or additionally, enterprise security can be provided.

[0050] Optionally, the wireless client can allow communication to / from the IPv6-only segment via the IPv4 network. Furthermore, an IPv4 client proxy can be provided. This proxy can display all IPv6 link-local nodes and allow access to these nodes via dedicated ports. Additionally, a Device Provisional Protocol (DPP) can be implemented.

[0051] According to the invention, the wireless client is designed neither as an AP router nor as a DHCP server.

[0052] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the device that can be connected to the second interface 3b is a wireless client that enables mobile communication, for example, LTE or 5G communication. For this purpose, the wireless client can have a housing that optionally includes a slot for a SIM card. Alternatively, an electronic SIM card can be used. Optionally, the wireless client can include a VPN (virtual private network) client to establish secure communication. The wireless client, based on a mobile communication standard, can thus perform wireless mobile communication and exchange data and commands with a connected network via the IoT module and the hybrid single-pair Ethernet connection.

[0053] Optionally, the mobile-based wireless client does not have a display, but can be controlled via a web-based user interface, or settings can be changed using it.

[0054] According to one aspect of the present invention, the device that can be connected to the second interface 3b can represent an adapter for IO-Link sensors. This adapter serves in particular to enable digital sensors or actuators that do not have an IP-capable interface to be connected to a network via the adapter and the IoT module in order to carry out IP-based communication.

Claims

Claims 1. Internet-of-Things module (1), comprising a first interface (3a) via which the module (1) can be connected to a hybrid single pair Ethernet line for data and / or command exchange and for power supply, a voltage regulator (4) for converting the first voltage applied to the first interface (3a) into a second voltage for supplying the module (1), a controller (5) for IP-based communication via the hybrid single pair Ethernet line (11) connectable to the first interface (3a), and a second interface (3b) via which the module (1) can be connected to a device (15) for It can be coupled for data, signal and / or command exchange and for power supply.

2. Internet-of-Things module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the device (15) comprises a sensor, an actuator, a wireless transmitter / receiver and / or an input / output adapter.

3. Internet-of-Things module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one PHY unit (2a) for encoding or decoding the signals transmitted over the hybrid single pair Ethernet line.

4. Internet-of-Things module (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a carrier board (6) on which the first and second interface (3a, 3b), the voltage regulator (4) and the controller (5) are provided.

5. Internet-of-Things module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an Ethernet switch (32) and at least two PHY units (2a) which allow the connection of multiple hybrid cables.

6. Internet-of-Things module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a Secure Element (5c) for encrypting and decrypting the IP-based communication over the at least one hybrid single pair Ethernet line.

7. Internet-of-Things module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller (5) is configured to enable purely IPv6-based communication.

8. Sensor and / or actuator, comprising an Internet-of-Things module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Sensor and / or actuator according to claim 7, further comprising an interface to which the Internet of Things module (1) is coupled.

10. Switch, comprising an Internet of Things module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. Media Converter, comprising an Internet-of-Things module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

12. Wireless transmitter / receiver, comprising an Internet of Things module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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