The Internet of Things, aka IoT, continues to change our daily lives and improve various aspects in both professional and personal spheres. Be it at homes or offices, a plethora of IoT devices have started becoming a common inclusion that people rely on for various purposes. Although smartwatches continue to be the most common example of IoT that everyone can understand, there’s a lot more to IoT than meets the eye.
What is IoT?
IoT is a term used to describe the technology that facilitates connections between devices or physical objects with the internet. In simple terms, IoT can make simple objects such as door locks, watches, car keys, Bluetooth speakers, fridges, etc into smart devices with internet connectivity and other special features. Thanks to its immense potential, IoT is used in a multitude of applications like health monitoring, automation, automotive, consumer appliances, agricultural sciences, aviation, etc.
Understanding How IoT Devices Work
Before we proceed with explaining how electronic components are fundamental to IoT, it’s important that we know about how IoT devices function. IoT devices came into existence to facilitate the interconnectedness of devices, cloud, and people. This happens when the devices use innovative systems to gather, transfer, and act on the collected data on their own.
The chain begins when sensors installed in IoT devices collect real-world data that can include anything from light and temperature to motion, vibrations, and more. The captured data is sent to the microprocessor that acts as the brain of the IoT device. This data is then converted into meaningful information which is then transferred to the internet or other devices through Wi-fi, Bluetooth, or other technologies. For some devices with basic functionalities, the process can end right here. However, for more advanced IoT devices, the transferred data can be used to develop insights or generate outcomes. In the end, the outcomes would be sent back to the device, allowing it to perform the desired function. All these small processes happen in a few seconds, making IoT devices useful in a plethora of processes.
Electronic Components: Building Blocks for IoT
It would be impossible to create an IoT device without the use of various electronic components. In all the processes mentioned in the previous section, an electronic component is used to either collect, manipulate, or transfer data. Given below are some of the most common electronic components used in IoT devices.
Sensors
Many IoT device developers rely on top-quality OEM Excess components or components from other trusted providers to create their innovative and effective devices. Sensors are a mainstay in many such devices as they can easily detect changes around them and collect data. Sensors come in a large variety as one can find sensors for detecting temperatures, pressures, proximity, humidity, motion, etc.
Microcontrollers
Microcontrollers need no introduction as they’re the driving force behind a plethora of products and devices including remote controls, office machines, medical devices, mobile radio transceivers, vending machines, and home appliances. Further, these useful electronic components can be used for processing power, input/output peripherals, memory, and intelligence. In IoT, microcontrollers are used to process and analyze raw data, use built-in algorithms, and convert the data into useful information. In addition to this, microcontrollers are also used for managing communication modules, responding to user interface requests, and controlling connected devices.
Communication Modules
As the name suggests, communication modules help in exchanging data with external systems, enabling IoT devices to establish a connection with the cloud, transfer data from the sensors, and receive data back from the internet. They play a pivotal role because, without the internet connection and transfer of data, IoT devices wouldn’t be much of a use. Common communication modules that you can find in OEM Excess components and at other quality component providers include Wi-Fi modules, cellular modules, Bluetooth modules, RFID modules, ZigBee modules, and Ethernet modules.
Power Management Components
Power supply becomes a prerequisite for IoT devices as most of them are required to function for extended periods after a single charge. Additionally, IoT devices also need protection from factors like overcurrent and overvoltage as they can hamper their functionality permanently. Power management components can regulate, distribute, and optimize electric supply, and also optimize the energy use according to the requirements.
Storage Components
Storage components come in handy because IoT devices are required to store various types of data. The essential data needed in many IoT devices include user settings, activity logs, firmware, operating system data, and much more. The stored data helps in providing better functionality and personalized experience to users.
Procure Top-Quality Electronic Components
If you wish to build an IoT device, you must have understood how important electronic components are for delivering the best functionality. You can rely on Express Technologies for all your electronic component requirements as they offer a wide range of components for all industries. Visit the website to explore state-of-the-art OEM Excess components and more!
