The PRO Frog Sensor is an enhancement of the existing Frog Sensor, incorporating Nordic’s nRF9151 SiP for cellular IoT and nPM1300 power management. This version will be capable of solar-powered operation and global LTE-M and NB-IoT connectivity, making it ideal for deployment in areas where local Wi-Fi or power sources are unavailable. The sensor will autonomously collect and report environmental data in real-time, ensuring continuous monitoring in any condition, while operating off a solar-powered system and a rechargeable battery.
Design ObjectivesSelf-Sustaining Power Supply:
- Integrate a solar panel and battery storage to ensure continuous operation.
- Implement an MPPT system for efficient energy harvesting and battery life maximization.
Cellular IoT Connectivity:
- Use the nRF9151 SiP for LTE-M and NB-IoT connectivity, eliminating the need for local Wi-Fi.
- Enable global deployment with cellular connectivity in remote locations.
Environmental Monitoring:
- Track CO₂ levels, temperature, and barometric pressure to gather comprehensive environmental data.
- Report battery health, solar panel status, and system power consumption for easy monitoring.
1. Power Management
- Solar Power Integration: Utilize a solar panel and MPPT for efficient power conversion.
- Battery Management: Use nPM1300 power management for battery charging and optimization.
- Low Power Consumption: The system will operate with an average power draw of 50mW, ensuring long-lasting battery life.
2. Cellular Connectivity
- Nordic nRF9151 SiP: Provides LTE-M and NB-IoT connectivity for global coverage without the need for Wi-Fi.
- Reliable Communication: Ensures data transmission from remote locations with no infrastructure dependency.
3. Software and Firmware Modifications
- Report battery health, solar panel status, and system power consumption.
- Monitor real-time telemetry for efficient maintenance and system operation.
The PRO Frog Sensor design is composed of several integrated components working in harmony to achieve optimal performance, energy efficiency, and reliable data transmission:
Microcontroller and Communication:
- nRF9151 SiP: Acts as the core controller, managing the sensor data and cellular IoT communication using LTE-M and NB-IoT protocols. This ensures the device can communicate globally without relying on local Wi-Fi.
Power Management and Solar Integration:
- nPM1300 Power Management IC: Responsible for efficiently managing the solar power input and regulating battery charging to ensure consistent energy flow to the sensor.
- MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking): Ensures the solar panel delivers the highest possible energy efficiency by adjusting to the optimal power point.
Environmental Sensors:
- The device includes multiple sensors, such as CO₂ sensors, temperature sensors, and barometric pressure sensors, which provide real-time environmental data.
- A STEMMA QT / Qwiic connection will allow easy integration of additional sensors if required.
Connectivity:
- The nRF9151 SiP facilitates cellular connectivity, and a SIM card slot will be used to enable data transmission through LTE-M or NB-IoT networks.
- A connector for the cellular antenna will ensure reliable network communication even in remote areas.
Power Inputs:
- The system will feature solar panel and battery inputs, ensuring that the sensor can operate autonomously without an external power source.
- The battery will provide energy storage for times when solar power is not available (e.g., cloudy days or night-time).
Sensor Power Consumption:
CO₂ Sensor: 200 mW (average)
- CO₂ Sensor: 200 mW (average)
Barometer: 10 mW
- Barometer: 10 mW
GPS: 50 mW (active for 10% of the time)
- GPS: 50 mW (active for 10% of the time)
- Sensor Power Consumption:
CO₂ Sensor: 200 mW (average)
Barometer: 10 mW
GPS: 50 mW (active for 10% of the time)
Microcontroller and Communication:
Nordic nRF9151: 150 mW (active for 5% of the time, PSM rest of the time)
- Nordic nRF9151: 150 mW (active for 5% of the time, PSM rest of the time)
- Microcontroller and Communication:
Nordic nRF9151: 150 mW (active for 5% of the time, PSM rest of the time)
Other Components:
Power Management ICs: 20 mW
- Power Management ICs: 20 mW
Auxiliary Components: 30 mW
- Auxiliary Components: 30 mW
- Other Components:
Power Management ICs: 20 mW
Auxiliary Components: 30 mW
Solar Panel: 10W, 20% efficiency, providing ~50 Wh/day under 5 peak sunlight hours.
Battery: 5000 mAh, 3.7V, storing 18.5 Wh, ensuring 2.7 days of autonomy without solar input.
SchematicThe schematic for the proposed design includes the following sections:
- Power Management: Featuring the Nordic nPM1300 IC for solar and battery power input regulation.
- Microcontroller and Cellular Module: nRF9151 SiP integrated with required passive components and antenna interface.
- Sensor Interfaces: STEMMA QT/Qwiic connectors for modular sensor integration.
- USB-C Connector: For optional programming and charging.
Below is the simplified schematic layout for the proposed design:
Development and Testing PlanPhase 1 (Week 1-3):
Design and Planning:
- Develop schematic design and select components.
- Start working on firmware architecture and basic sensor integration.
- Create a power budget calculation for the system.
Phase 2 (Week 4-6):
PCB Design and Development:
- Complete PCB layout for the sensor, integrating the nRF9151, nPM1300, and environmental sensors.
- Begin power management integration and cellular connectivity setup.
- Implement MPPT solar charging circuit.
Phase 3 (Week 7-8):
Prototyping and Testing:
- Order PCB prototypes and begin assembly.
- Test the solar power harvesting system and cellular connectivity.
- Finalize firmware to ensure accurate reporting of sensor data, battery status, and solar power.
Phase 4 (Week 9-10):
Testing and Optimization:
- Perform field testing with solar panels and ensure cellular communication works in different environments.
- Refine the power consumption to maximize battery life and solar efficiency.
- Conduct environmental monitoring tests with CO₂ and pressure sensors.
Phase 5 (Week 11-12):
Finalization and Documentation:
- Finalize the hardware and firmware design.
- Prepare detailed documentation for the design and open-source release.
- Submit the project on Hackster.io and Ribbit Community Hub.
Total : $1800-$1900
- Hardware Development (Bom File is Down below): $1000
- Software and Firmware Development: $600
- Testing and Prototyping: $200-$300
- Documentation and Open-Source Release:
1. Environmental Impact
- Provide a global network of self-sustaining climate sensors for better data collection.
- Contribute to climate change research and policy-making by providing real-time environmental data.
2. Technical Impact
- Advance solar-powered IoT technologies and cellular connectivity solutions.
- Provide an open-source platform for others to build upon and improve.
3. Community Impact
- Enable citizen scientists and environmental advocates to monitor local climates.
- Offer educational opportunities through open-source contributions.
- Open-source design for community-driven improvements and modifications.
- Scalable production for future mass deployment.
- Regular software updates to keep the system effective and relevant in changing environments.
The PRO Frog Sensor aims to redefine the future of environmental monitoring by combining solar energy, cellular IoT, and environmental sensing into one cohesive, self-sustaining solution. This design will enable the global expansion of climate data networks, providing essential information to understand and address climate change. With an aggressive two-month development timeline, this project will rapidly evolve from concept to reality, marking a significant milestone in sustainable IoT and global environmental data collection.
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