SimageM2M Platform
Connectivity
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6 Ways to Connect
Simage hardware and software products make it cheap and easy to network-enable your smart device and connect it to SimageM2M. There are six ways to make an existing or new device work with SimageM2M.
The first five ways below describe how to connect devices in so-called "Intelligent Mode". In this mode, SimageM2M is used to store and process data collected from the devices, and control and monitor them. SimageM2M "understands" device settings, operations and events and therefore provides comprehensive control, configuration, monitoring and management capabilities.
(1) Connecting Device Using Standard Protocol
If your device supports one of the standard communication protocols (e.g. SNMP, Modbus, BACnet, or OPC), it may be directly connected to SimageM2M since the system is bundled with many device drivers. Just set up all necessary physical connections and your device is ready to communicate with LinkServer.
(2) Connecting An Existing Device With SimageM2M Agent
Using this method, you embed a Simage module, such as the EM1202, into your device. This module runs a BASIC application called SimageM2M Agent. You modify the source for the Agent application so that it interfaces with your device ("understands" its communication protocol). It is then used as a transparent interface between SimageM2M and your device, allowing you to access all device settings, operations and events from within SimageM2M.
Note that if for some reason you are unable to embed a device into your existing circuit, you can always use an external BASIC-Programmable Device Server (such as the DS1202, the stand-alone version of the EM1202) running the Agent application.
(3) Designing A New Device Based On Programmable Module
Simage module, such as the EM1000, is powerful enough to serve as the central processor for your application. You can connect it directly to the various sensors and circuits of your device, and use it as the main CPU, locally controlling your device's operation. In effect, you will be connecting the Agent as a library to your main application. You would be saving the cost of a CPU for your device, and still be able to connect to SimageM2M and enjoy all of its benefits.
(4) Designing A New Device Using The SimageM2M Communications Protocol
SimageM2M's communication protocol is open and well-documented. For some large-volume applications, it may sometimes be economical to write a complete implementation of this protocol for the microcontroller you are already using. The microcontroller would then connect to SimageM2M just like a device running Agent does. From the system's point of view, there would be no difference, and the device would work smoothly as a part of the system.
(5) Leaving Your Device Intact and Creating A Software Device Driver
You could also tackle the problem from a strictly software angle. A device driver is a software component allowing SimageM2M to "understand" the protocol for an existing device. By coding a driver for your device, you could then just connect it to SimageM2M without making any modifications to the device itself. Tibbo provides a driver development service for customers who do not wish to develop their own drivers in-house.
(6) Using SimageM2M To Transfer Raw Data (Without Processing It)
You might want to use SimageM2M to just route data between your devices and/or computers running some device-specific client software. In this case, SimageM2M doesn't have to "understand" the data that being transferred, and does not store or process it. The Device Server converts data from the format supported by the device (RS232, USB etc.) to Ethernet traffic and routes it to and from the LinkServer.
