Milesight EM400 Series, our versatile and powerful distance measuring sensor series, is now offered in both NB-IoT and LoRaWAN® versions. By enriching the EM400 Series with NB-IoT versions, we are able to leverage the unique features of NB-IoT technology to broaden the application possibilities of these sensors and provide extra benefits to our customers. By comparison, the EM400 NB-IoT version prevails in situations where gateway deployment is difficult and device deployment is sparse. This version is also advantageous when users require the location data of the objects.
What is Milesight EM400 Series?
EM400 Series is a series of non-contact distance measuring sensors that includes three product types. Especially for application in small trash bins, EM400-TLD is a laser sensor based on ToF technology. This compact but powerful sensor can ensure almost no blind spot in detection. Secondly, based on ultrasonic technology, EM400-MUD is suitable for use in medium and large trash bins and other scenarios such as waste water management and grain level monitoring. The LoRaWAN® version of EM400-MUD is also applicable for detecting parking space occupancy. The third product EM400-UDL is suitable for a wide array of professional settings to monitor status such as boiler expansion, tank fill level, and barn fill level. All these three products support tilt level and temperature monitoring to inform users of any abnormality. And their IP67-rated enclosure and durable batteries ensure consistent performance and minimal maintenance effort.
Why NB-IoT Version?
- Reliable Data Transmission
Data transmission under NB-IoT protocol is based on existing cellular stations, which is highly reliable. In the industrial setting, the accuracy and completeness of distance data are important as data loss or error could cause mistakes in subsequent operations and decision-making. Therefore, by utilizing the steadfast and secure connection provided by cellular stations, asset managers can confidently rely on the data reported to take responsive actions and make informed decisions accordingly.
- Positioning Capability
The new NB-IoT distance measuring sensors are now equipped with GNSS modules, which allows the users to monitor the location of the object. GNSS modules are electronic components that can receive signals from multiple satellite constellations, such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. Users will get notification about object locations at the beginning and end of its movement. And periodic location notification can also be triggered by setting a motion report interval for moving status.
- Low Deployment Cost
NB-IoT devices leverage existing cellular infrastructure to operate within the allocated frequency bands, thus eliminating the needs to purchase and install gateways and other relevant devices. This helps customers save on deployment costs.
- Cumulative Reporting
EM400 NB-IoT version allows users to customize the data packet amount up to 24 in each report. We developed this function because users in different scenarios may have different needs for the number of data packets contained in each report. Cumulative reporting creates the flexibility to set data packet size according to the specific needs. Additionally, reporting data in bulk allows users to save on transmission costs and reduce power consumption. This makes the entire process more efficient and budget-friendly.
- High Compatibility
Our NB-IoT distance measuring sensors are also compatible with multiple protocols such as MQTT, TCP, and UDP as well as different platforms such as Amazon Web Services and Milesight IoT Cloud. This high compatibility gives users the freedom to choose the platform that best suits their specific requirements and infrastructure, providing extra flexibility and interoperability.
Solution
Leveraging cellular network connectivity, data captured by EM400 NB-IoT version can be transmitted to application servers such as Amazon Web Services and Milesight IoT Cloud and other third party platforms via MQTT, TCP, and UDP protocols. This provides a convenient way for users to view, retrieve, and store the data on the platform that is already in use. Therefore, users can take proper actions timely and derive relevant insights via thorough analysis of the data.
Application Scenarios
- Scattered Device Deployment
In situations where devices are sparsely rather than centrally located, installing private network infrastructure can be difficult and costly. By leveraging the readily available cellular network infrastructure, customers can perfectly evade the deployment hassle and extra financial investment.
- Need for Location Information
In practice, information regarding the location and fill/distance level is both important for customers. For instance, in smart waste management, providing the location of each trash bin in addition to the corresponding fill level allows drivers to plan the optimal route of refuse collection vehicles. Also, during the transportation process, this function notifies the administrators of the vehicle locations when its movement starts or stops.
