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LoRaWAN Hub – Technical Specifications

System-on-Module (SoM)​

Requirement: Industrial-grade computing with touchscreen support, wired/wireless connectivity, secure operation.

Options:

  • NXP i.MX8M Mini / Plus SoM (Toradex Verdin / Variscite DART) – Industrial-grade, 4/8GB RAM, Linux, HDMI/MIPI DSI, USB, Gigabit Ethernet
  • NXP i.MX8M Nano / i.MX6UL SoM – Low power, compact, suitable for simpler dashboards
  • TechNexion PICO‑iMX8M / Variscite DART‑MX8M – Long‑term availability, industrial reliability

Recommendation: NXP i.MX8M Plus SoM for industrial robustness, Linux support, and scalability.

Display Interface​

Requirement: Integrated ≥7” touchscreen, industrial visibility, low EMI.

Options:

  • 7” Industrial Capacitive Touchscreen (MIPI‑DSI) – Bright, long lifespan, glove‑touch capable
  • 7” HDMI TFT Touchscreen – Easy integration via HDMI, separate I²C/USB for touch
  • 10” Industrial Panel (Optional) – Larger display, higher power consumption

Recommendation: 7” industrial‑grade capacitive touchscreen (MIPI‑DSI or HDMI).

Wireless Communication (LoRa)​

Requirement: Secure, long‑range communication with Node Trackers.

Option:

  • STM32WL (single/dual‑channel Mesh gateway architecture)

Recommendation: STM32WL for reliable Mesh‑based node communication.

Power Supply & Protection​

Requirement: Industrial‑grade reliability with optional backup.

Options:

  • Industrial AC‑DC Module (Mean Well / XP Power) – 115/230 VAC → 12V/5V
  • DC‑DC Step‑down / LDO Modules – 3.3V for logic
  • Protection: EMI filters, surge protectors, TVS diodes, reverse polarity, fuses
  • Optional Backup: Supercapacitor or small Li‑ion UPS

Recommendation: Certified AC‑DC 12V/5V module + TVS/EMI protection + optional supercap backup.

Storage & Data Interfaces​

Requirement: Local storage for dashboard, logs, backups.

Options:

  • eMMC (on SoM) – OS + system storage
  • NVMe/SSD via PCIe or USB 3.0 – High‑speed local logging
  • MicroSD Slot (Optional) – Field export/recovery
  • USB Ports – External storage or peripherals

Recommendation: eMMC + USB3.0 SSD, optional MicroSD for field users.

Ethernet & Connectivity​

Requirement: Stable network for dashboard and data sync.

Options:

  • Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) – Primary communication
  • Optional Wi‑Fi – If wireless fallback needed
  • Optional LTE/4G Module – For sites without LAN

Recommendation: Gigabit Ethernet as primary; LTE as optional add‑on.

MCU / Control & Peripherals​

Requirement: Real‑time handling of LoRa, touchscreen, indicators.

Options:

  • i.MX8M Plus SoM handles all control tasks
  • Auxiliary STM32 MCU (Optional) – For strict real‑time LoRa ops or watchdog logic

Recommendation: SoM‑only architecture unless advanced real‑time control is required.

Enclosure & Environmental Protection​

Requirement: Rugged, industrial‑grade, IP51.

Options:

  • Metal enclosure (powder‑coated) – Strong EMI shielding
  • ABS/Polycarbonate IP51 – Lightweight, chemical resistant
  • Custom enclosure with internal mounting rails for touchscreen, AC inlet, SMA antenna

Recommendation: Metal IP51 enclosure with cutouts for touchscreen, AC inlet, SMA, HDMI, USB, Ethernet.

Status Indicators & Controls​

Requirement: System health and diagnostics.

Options:

  • LED Indicators: Power, LoRa, Node count, Error
  • Push Buttons: Reset, pairing, firmware update
  • Optional Buzzer: Audible critical alerts

Recommendation: LEDs + reset/pairing button; buzzer optional.

Optional Security & Management​

Requirement: Secure, future‑proof operation.

Options:

  • TPM (Trusted Platform Module) – Secure key storage
  • RTC with Backup – Accurate timestamps
  • Hardware Watchdog – Auto‑recover from system hang

Recommendation: TPM + RTC + watchdog for long‑term reliability.