DPTechnics has launched the Crowd Provide marketing campaign for Walter, an authorized wi-fi module that packs Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE-M/NB-IoT, and GNSS into a comparatively small board.
A couple of yr in the past, we had our first introduction to Walter, a system-on-module (SoM) measures solely 24.8 by 55 millimeters. On board are a Esspresif ESP32-S3 and a Sequans GM02SP. The ESP32 has a dual-core software processor and a 2.4 GHz radio with an built-in antenna for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The GM02SP comprises a community processor and radios to cowl mobile communication and obtain GPS / GNSS positioning with exterior antennas.
Walter SoM subsequent to a AA battery (📷: DPTechnics)
General, Walter is barely barely bigger than the world taken up by the 2 modules, two u.FL antenna connectors, and a USB-C port. The bottom options 2.54 millimeter header pins, offering entry to 24 GPIOs and 22 check pads to help with manufacturing programming and testing. You may also discover a Nano SIM Slot on the bottom.
DPTechnics says it has library help for Walter’s {hardware}, which is offered for the Espsressif ESP-IDF, Arduino IDE, MicroPython, and Toit. Their library makes use of an AT command set that leaves the ESP32’s processor load very low. Moreover, for community communication, the libraries offload protocol work to the community processor within the Sequans GM02SP.
Walter’s present consumption when in deep sleep is a scant 9.8 microamps! Whereas the SoM doesn’t comprise a battery circuit, it does have one peripheral power-saving characteristic. A GPIO pin controls the three volt provide pin. This characteristic lets you energy down exterior sensors when the ESP32 goes to sleep.
A number of options set Walter aside from different IoT speedy prototyping boards. Walter is rated for an industrial temperature vary of -40°C to +85°C and may have FCC, CE, UKCA, IC, and RCM (for Australia and New Zealand) certifications. DPTechnics has negotiated contracts with its element suppliers to make sure assured availability for at least ten years.
Walter Feels IoT service board (📷: DPTechnics)
Along with the SoM board, DPTechnics now has a improvement service board known as Water Feels. This service supplies a Photo voltaic MPPT, battery charger, energy administration, environmental sensors, and extra. It’s suitable with an off-the-shelf Takachi PFF sequence enclosure that’s appropriate for indoor purposes.
Since our final have a look at Walter, DPTechnics has added intensive documentation to meet its open supply promise. The Walter-{Hardware} GitHub repository comprises design information, renders, schematics, and datasheets. For instance, DPTechnics supplies a PDF of the schematic and a KiCad footprint for the Walter module.
There are three merchandise out there within the already funded Walter Crowd Provide marketing campaign. The standalone Walter SoM is $70. A Walter Devkit is a 250 USD bundle with the SoM, cables, antennas, and 250 MB Worldwide SIM card. Final, the Water Feels service board is priced at 99 USD. The marketing campaign is reside now. DPTechnics expects shipments to happen by September 30, 2024.
