Sensor sockets
Last updated
Last updated
The following sections describe the main features and the general usage for all the sensors sockets included in the Plug & Sense! Industry 4.0 model.
It is important to remark that Plug & Sense! Industry 4.0 is only available in the Plug & Sense! line. It is not available for the Waspmote OEM line.
In order to keep this guide as short as possible, some information related to the protocols has been omitted. Libelium encourages the reader to visit the official sources websites and to spend some time studying all the technical papers and application notes provided for each protocol. Measuring parameters on the great majority of Industry 4.0 applications require a deep knowledge of the industrial protocols used by the sensors.
Libelium offers 2 connection accessories for Industry 4.0:
Terminal Box probe (accessory for Plug & Sense!)
Connection Cable (accessory for Plug & Sense! Industry 4.0)
One of these 2 items is mandatory for each one of the sensors that the customer wants to integrate. The customer must purchase at least one item per sensor – elsewhere, it will not be possible to connect sensors to Plug & Sense!.
The Terminal Box is the same item distributed for other lines, like Industrial Protocols. It is great for quickly connecting cables inside the box, with a simple screw. The connections will be properly protected inside the small enclosure.
On the other hand, the Connection Cable allows for more compact integrations. It is important to note that the customer must solder each wire, so solid soldering skills are required. Besides, the customer needs to protect each wire connection to avoid both short-circuit with other wires and outdoors effects (rain, fog, dust, dirt, animals, etc). It is recommended to insulate with professional heat-shrink tube each wire connection; finally, the 6 cables must be protected too.
Inside the terminal box can be found connections to the 6 wires that integrate the cable.
As seen on the picture above, the 6 wires are coloured green, brown, white, red, black and yellow. The different connections found in the sockets are explained below.
The Terminal Box is composed of the Connection Cable and the small enclosure. That means that the colour code (pinout) explained below works for both the Terminal Box and the Connection Cable.
Regardless of the socket, the Plug & Sense! Industry 4.0 has a 12 V power supply line. This 12 V power supply line can deliver up to 100 mA. That means that if a sensor requires more than 100 mA (@12 V), then this sensor cannot be powered directly by Plug & Sense! Industry 4.0.
Only one socket can be powered at 12 V at a time. Due to the 12 V power line, battery consumption can reach dozens of hundreds of milliamperes (there is a DC/DC booster). Please follow the recommendations below to avoid damages in the device:
Sensor current consumption | Sensor power source |
0 to 50 mA @ 12 V | It is OK to power the sensor from the 12 V line |
50 to 100 mA @ 12 V | Only if there are no other options available |
> 100 mA @ 12 V | Must be powered with an external power source |
If devilered current is higher than 100 mA, output voltage may drop causing undesired behaviour in sensors.
It is also advisable to use a power source (like a wall adapter) to supply power to the Plug & Sense! node when using the 12 V power line. Depending on the consumption of the sensors and the sleep cycles, the solar panel may not be enough to extend battery life of the device.
The 12 V power line can be used connecting sensor VCC and GND to the green and black wires in the terminal box.
Before connecting the sensor, always make sure that it supports the 12 V power supply.
Socket A allows to connect an SDI-12 sensor to the Plug & Sense! Industry 4.0 device.
Socket B allows to connect an SDI-12 sensor or a 4-20 mA sensor to the Plug & Sense! Industry 4.0 device.
Socket C allows to connect an SDI-12 sensor to the Plug & Sense! Industry 4.0 device.
Socket D allows to connect an SDI-12 sensor to the Plug & Sense! Industry 4.0 device.
Socket E allows to connect an RS-485 sensor to the Plug & Sense! Industry 4.0 device.
Socket F allows to connect an RS-232 sensor or a 4-20 mA sensor to the Plug & Sense! Industry 4.0 device.
