ASUS Tinker Board – Single Board Computer (SBC) in an ultra-small form factor

21 July, 2022/in Embedded Computing, Industrial SBCs, Latest news, News and Seminars, Productos, SBC /by admin

ASUS Tinker Board SBC

Tinker Board is a Single Board Computer (SBC) in an ultra-small form factor that offers class-leading performance while leveraging outstanding mechanical compatibility. The Tinker Board offers creators and developers a reliable and extremely capable platform for building and tinkering their ideas into reality.

Leading Performance

With its powerful and modern quad-core ARM-based processor — the Rockchip RK3288 — Tinker Board offers significantly improved performance versus other popular SBC boards. To provide the flexibility needed for different builds and projects, Tinker Board features 2GB of LPDDR3 dual-channel memory. Tinker Board is also equipped with an SD 3.0 interface that offers significantly faster read and write speeds to expandable microSD cards used for the OS, applications and file storage.

Robust GPU Performance & Functionality

Featuring a powerful and energy efficient design, the Tinker board supports the next generation of graphics and GPU Compute API. Powered by the ARM-based Mali T764 GPU, its GPU enables a wide range of uses, including high-quality media playback, gaming, computer vision, gesture recognition, image processing and stabilization, photography, and much more. Multimedia enthusiasts will appreciate the H.264 video and audio encoders and H.265 compatibility, including HD and UHD* video.

HD Audio Quality

This is an improvement in key areas that many SBC cards lack, Tinker is equipped with an HD codec that supports up to 192kHz/24-bit audio. The audio jack can support both audio and microphone output, without an extension module.

Multiple IoT Connectivity Options

The Tinker Board features standard connectivity options, including a 40-pin GPIO interface that allows connection to a range of inputs from buttons, switches, sensors, LEDs, and more. Tinker Board is equipped with a DSI MIPI connection for displays and touch panels. The secondary CSI MIPI connection is for connection to compatible cameras that enable computer vision, and much more.

Tinker Board also features Gbit LAN for Internet and network connectivity. A dedicated bus resource designed for the LAN port ensures consistent Ethernet performance. The integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth controller on the Tinker Board is protected with a metal cover to ensure minimal interference and better radio performance. An integrated IPEX antenna connector allows for easy antenna replacement or upgrades.

Tinker Board also features a full-size HDMI output that avoids the use of adapters. Plus, it includes four USB 2.0 or 3.2 ports for extensive peripheral and accessory connectivity.

Improved DIY design

Creators will appreciate the visibility and clarity of the GPIO connector enhancements as they are color segmented for quick and easy recognition.

The Tinker Board’s PCB, dimensions, and topology meet a standard that makes it compatible with a multitude of chassis and accessories. The built-in MIPI headers also have colored tabs.

Tinker Board includes a heat sink, which helps to better work under heavy load or in hot environment.

TinkerOS ‧ Supported OS ‧ Applications

A Debian-based distribution ensures a smooth and functional experience, right out of the box. Whether you’re browsing the web, watching videos, or writing scripts, TinkerOS is a great starting point for your next project or build.

Furthermore, TinkerOS has been carefully designed to be extremely lightweight and responsive. Running on top of Debian 10 is an LXDE desktop environment. This GUI is specifically optimized for SBC. It also features Plug & Play NTFS support that allows easy access to Windows-based flash drives and external hard drives. The included web browser has also been carefully selected and optimized. It is based on Chromium and enables speed and stability along with various extensions. The ASUS team has helped enable browser hardware acceleration, which enables better web and video playback, including HD resolutions on YouTube.

TinkerOS also includes a number of popular apps that allow for easy programming and development. These include IDLE/Python as well as Squeak/Scratch.

Alongside TinkerOS and their Debian Linux Tinker Board offering they also support the Android operating system . This enables completely different usage scenarios ranging from media playback, gaming, and much more.

Tinker board is also working closely with a wide range of popular apps to enable support and optimize functionality.

Which MTX router best suits the needs of your IoT solution?

7 July, 2022/in Latest news, News and Seminars, Productos, Products, Routers, Routers /by admin

MTX ROUTERS

Industrial Routers with LTE/4G/3G/2G

MTX-Router-Titan are innovative industrial routers that comprises a complete set of wireless and wired interfaces. By providing an easy integration and powerful interfaces, it avoids further hardware components.

The configuration of the MTX-Titan routers can be intuitively done from any computer with a web browser. We can connect locally via Ethernet or WiFi, or remotely via 3G. We can also connect via SMS, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP and SNMP.

Managed Switch vs. Unmanageable Switch which Switch to choose?

5 May, 2022/in Industrial Networking, Industrial Switches, News and Seminars, Switch, Tutoriales /by admin

What is a Switch?

A switch is a device used to connect various devices in a local network.

The switch allows communication between them and the exchange of information and resources: software, network documents and peripherals such as printers and scanners.

There are several types and models of switches, depending on the size of our network we must choose the number of available ports that the switch will have. There are models with 8 network ports, 16, 24, 48… and in different formats, desktop, DIN rail, 19″ rack or wallmount.

Whether a switch is “Managed” or “Unmanaged” will directly influence the performance of the equipment and the network. These are the two types of switches and their main characteristics.

Managed Switch vs Unmanaged Switch: Characteristics and differences

Unmanaged switch

An unmanaged or unmanaged switch , is commonly known as “plug-and-play”, it is connected to the power supply, the different equipment on the network is connected by cable and they can automatically communicate with each other without any type of configuration. extra.
These unmanaged switches are not HUBS, since the main difference between them is that an unmanaged switch does have a predefined configuration that cannot be modified but allows data packets to be identified and sent to the appropriate device.

An unmanaged switch will be used for use in environments where we will locally connect a small number of devices via Ethernet that need a stable and efficient connection without additional configurations.

Managed switch

A manageable or managed switch comes with a basic configuration that will allow us to connect our devices quickly and easily, as if it were an unmanaged switch.
In this type of switch we find more advanced configurations and different network layers such as “Layer 2” or “Layer 3”. Network monitoring is easier, with a much higher level of detail. Therefore we have greater control of what happens between the different computers that we have connected to the same network.

In the manageable switch , we can configure the different ports individually or in groups with the specific characteristics that we want to define. We can create subnets, route traffic, create packet blocking rules, etc.

When to choose a managed and unmanaged switch?

	MANAGED SWITCH	UNMANAGED SWITCH
Characteristics	VLANs, redundancy, DHCP snooping, port mirroring, QoS, SNMP, etc.	Factory default settings.
Performance	Highly configurable, defined traffic control with custom parameters. Allows remote management and incidents.	Plug and play. Allows QoS settings.
Security	Security protocols for data, management and control.	Physical security only
Cost	Higher purchase price, installation and maintenance	Less costs
Applications	Large networks with more than three nodes. IT companies, data centers, public buildings, etc.	Small networks in homes, offices, laboratories, SMEs, stores, surveillance or for host expansion, etc.

Which switch to choose?

Once we have seen the main differences between Manageable Switch vs. Non-Manageable Switch , we can be more clear about what type of switch we should choose.

For the choice of a type of switch it is very important to know and understand what the needs and requirements of our network are.

At Matrix Electrónica we are specialists and we can help you choose the type of switch you need. Contact us and we will find the best switch option on the market for your specific needs.

Contact us for more information

Industrial Switches

DIANA, SEAT S.A.’s autonomous prototype and Webdyn’s MTX-Router-EOS

7 March, 2022/in Latest news, News and Seminars /by admin

DIANA is the autonomous car pilot project promoted by SEAT S.A., in collaboration with the Centro Tecnolóxico de Automoción de Galicia (CTAG).

DIANA is an innovation project to test autonomous driving functions in anticipation of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS).

The vehicle has been created on the basis of a SEAT Leon and is equipped with 5 lidar sensors, 5 radars, 6 cameras, 12 ultrasounds and 8 computers that give it a 360º vision. These elements generate environmental data that are processed in milliseconds and sent to a module where the location is stored. Thus, the car knows its location, what obstacles are in its environment and is able to decide where it has to go and autonomously execute the actions on the steering wheel, brakes, accelerator and gear change.

Matrix Electronica contributes to this project with the MTX-Router-EOS from Webdyn, our own IoT brand.

The MTX-Router-EOS is a router developed for industrial applications, it features dual SIM, 3x Ethernet, VPN client and 3 antennas included (another one for GPS optional)

Webdyn’s MTX-Router-EOS

MTX-Router-EOS 5G, the new Webdyn router with 5G connectivity

23 February, 2022/in News and Seminars /by admin

The MTX-Router-EOS 5G is an entry level router developed for industrial applications. It has a very compact design with a very rugged enclosure and accessories for a wall mount. It features dual SIM, 3x Ethernet, VPN client and five antennas, included in the package (another one for GPS optional).

The MTX-Router-EOS 5G can be used in many different IoT applications like kiosk, telemetry, remote sensing, smart grid, security, industrial automation, etc.

Monitoring of Water Canals in Peru with IoT devices

14 February, 2022/in Latest news, News and Seminars, Smart Cities /by admin

Monitoring of water canals in Peru

There is growing demand for IoT devices that can operate in remote places without the need for high maintenance, frequent replacement, or a power supply. Such is the case of the Peruvian National Water Authority (Autoridad Nacional del Agua), that needed a solution to monitor water canals all around the country.

Thousands of kilometers of water canals, many of them from the pre-hispanic era, make agriculture possible in the desertic areas of Peru. That is why the National Water Authority needed a very specific device to allow the maintenance of 16,658 km of canals in 22 different regions. A better monitoring of these canals will reactivate the agricultural activity on those areas, as well as create productive job opportunities.

Device: MTX-StarSensor, IoT modem for sensor control with IP67, ULP, batteries

Other equipment: any radar sensor

Webdyn’s MTX-StarSensor is an autonomous modem that powers any radar sensor to measure the water level of the canals, without the need of a power source, giving the device an autonomy of up to 10 years in case of one daily measurement reading.

The modem functions with primary batteries, a very necessary feature for any equipment installed in remote locations deprived of electricity. It also has an IP67 enclosure to protect it in the midst of harsh environments, and make it resistant to water. Thanks to its innovative Ultra Low Power firmware feature, this device can be programmed to wake up every hour along with the sensor, powered by a 24V power output. Afterwards, the sensor takes a measurement and the equipment stores the data or sends it through the cellular network to an IoT platform via FTP/s, and then goes back to sleep until the next reading. The reading times can be changed remotely via SMS.

In this case, the device is programmed to send the data six times per day, except when it detects an unusual change of the water level. If that happens, the device sends an alarm along with the gathered data. With this set up, the batteries do not need to be replaced for more than three years, resulting in a considerable reduction in maintenance costs, driving time, and human resources that would be needed in case they had to be changed more frequently. This solution also reduces the risk of flooding and the water waste, maximizing this precious resource for agricultural purposes.

Another important feature is its Bluetooth interface, which facilitates the remote configuration or data extraction without the need to manipulate a device that may be installed in locations with difficult access. A magnet is all that is needed to unlock the equipment for its programming.

According to National Water Authority engineers, the purpose of the project is the registration of organized and reliable water information through the continuous measurement of water at the head of the irrigation blocks and catchments on the coast of Peru. They affirm the results “will be reflected in the improvement of the management of water resources, the control and monitoring of the exercise of the right to use water, and the improvement in the efficiency of water use and economic compensation.”

The MTX-StarSensor is an ideal solution for a wide range of applications like monitoring of tanks and silos, pumping stations, distribution of water through canals, tank filling based on the demand and the electricity price, regulation of gates, monitoring of land (humidity, pH, light) for crops, etc. It allows 4G/3G/2G connectivity and can send the data via MQTT/s, HTTP/s or FTP/s. It also has all the functionalities of the powerful MTX-Tunnel firmware, and it is compatible with Cervello Stem – IoT Platform.

MTX joins Webdyn for a new brand identity

11 January, 2022/in Latest news, News and Seminars /by admin

Webdyn and MTX, Flexitron Group’s IoT brands, merge their corporate identity and product portfolio.

Just a few months ago, the Spanish conglomerate Flexitron Group focused on IoT sectors, acquired Webdyn SAS to extend its footprint in the energy transition market. Today, it announces the merge of the product portfolio of both Webdyn and MTX devices, as well as their corporate identity.

MTX was Flexitron Group’s own line of IoT equipment manufactured in Spain, that will continue to be supplied and developed under the new name of Webdyn. Webdyn SAS products will also continue to be available, now under the new corporate identity and together with previous MTX products. All future developments will be a joint effort under the new brand, which will focus on the main IoT vertical markets like Smart Grid, Smart Cities, Smart Metering, Smart Home & Building, Smart Industry 4.0, and Smart Transportation among others. All of Webdyn’s products and related documentation can be found on the new webdyn.com website.

With its longstanding experience, Webdyn has an international presence starting by its headquarters in Madrid and Paris. It also has commercial offices in Portugal, India, and Taiwan, and supplies customers all over the world. Webdyn devices are part of all kinds of IoT solutions worldwide, with a unique portfolio and footprint in Smart Metering and Energy Control markets.

Particularly well-known is its WebdynSun Product portfolio, which enables photovoltaic developers and operators to manage their solar farms more efficiently, its WebdynEasy product range for smart building applications, and the MTX-StarEnergy Family ideal for the reading of electricity meters. Among other highlights, there are the innovative MTX-IoT-S modems known for their versatility to address a variety of IoT verticals, as well as the MTX-Router-Titan Family with a powerful software that turns every compatible equipment into a smart device. The range of Webdyn products can be complemented with Cervello IoT Platform, developed by IoTBlue SAS, the IoT software branch of Flexitron Group.

“The identity merge is another step towards the consolidation of our products”, says José María Vilallonga, chairman of Webdyn. He continues: “By uniting our R&D forces, our products acquire new strength and capabilities to further address the IoT market needs.”

Webdyn is confident that even in the midst of the difficult situation we are facing today, they will be able to move forward stronger, and be able to supply even better equipment that helps develop a better smart world.

Matrix Electrónica wish you a 2022 full of innovation and success

21 December, 2021/in News and Seminars /by admin

Season’s Greetings!

Matrix Electrónica wish you a 2022 full of innovation and success, Webdyn and MTX come together to create a better IoT smart world.

New WebdynSun and WebdynSunPM, gateways for solar plants

6 May, 2021/in News and Seminars /by admin

We are back with a new release, this time of the new Webdyn gateways for solar plants, the WebdynSun and the WebdynSunPM.

These equipments are used to monitor and collect data from solar plants. In a single device, these gateways gather all the indicators of the inverters, the electricity meters and the environmental sensors (intensity of sunlight, temperature, wind speed, etc.). They format the data in CSV and send it periodically via GPRS, Ethernet or telephone network (STN) to a server. The WebdynSunPM also has Power Management, thus becoming a tailored autonomous solution to monitor, control and optimize photovoltaic installations.

New WebdynEasy W M-Bus 868 MHz, wireless gateway for heating