The rapidM2M module family is constantly being further developed and thus adapted to current and future requirements. Especially in the case of technical products, this is the only way to remain competitive and meet the demands of customers. You benefit from the rapidM2M family concept. But what does that mean for you? Do you also need to adapt your products and services to use Microtronics’ technology?
Family concept with long-term compatibility
The family concept of the rapidM2M modules enables long-term compatibility. This compatibility is reflected in the form factor and the script. The form factor of the rapidM2M modules corresponds to the standardised 52pin connector strip MiniPCI Express. This is characterised by the compact dimensions of 30 x 5.2 x 51mm (WHT). This means that the rapidM2M module can be easily integrated even in small devices and machines with little space. The programming remains unchanged. This way you can import your already developed scripts into newer rapidM2M modules as usual. No change to the programme code is necessary for this.
But what’s the point if nothing changes for me?
The further developments take into account frequent requirements and wishes as well as general technical developments. For example, the rapidM2M M220 is available as a 2G, 3G and 4G variant. In contrast, the predecessor module rapidM2M M120 was only available in a 2G version.
Ultra Low Power is an increasingly common requirement. Devices and products often do not have a fixed power supply and should achieve the longest possible runtime with a battery or rechargeable battery. Just think of various wearables, tracking collars for dogs and cats or smoke detectors in the smart home sector. Therefore, the architecture of the rapidM2M M220 has been optimised for low-energy behaviour. Originally, the script was executed directly on the modem. The modem must therefore be switched on for the script to be executed. The modem is known to be one of the biggest power guzzlers. It would therefore be desirable to be able to switch off the modem and really only switch it on when data is being transmitted. Therefore, the script is executed in the rapidM2M M220 in a processor that is independent of the modem. The modem is only switched on when it is really needed. This results in enormous electricity savings. You benefit from the ultra low power technology as soon as you use a rapidM2M M220 module. Your scripts do not need any modification for this.
The uplink module does not necessarily have to be a GSM modem thanks to the separate architecture. It can be adapted to the customer’s exact requirements and data transfer takes place via WiFi, LAN or Bluetooth, for example. The architecture allows you to choose your modem freely.
The script is executed on a 32Bit M3 or M4. Due to the ARM architecture, the script is easily portable to other MCUs. ARM Cortex MCU has an integrated flash memory. If this memory is not sufficient, an additional flash memory can be attached.
Simple data handling
Data handling with the rapidM2M M220 is convenient and simple. In the toolset or its successor, the Developer Studio, you create your script in which you enter and process data. The measured values are then stored on the server platform. With the API, a familiar interface is made available to you. This allows you to query and manipulate data via http commands. This enables the data to be integrated into your web interface or business logic without media discontinuity. Due to the abstraction of the software layer, you can also use your script in new rapidM2M modules and thus reduce your development and maintenance costs.
Development does not stand still
At Microtronics, development never stands still – a necessity in order to keep technical products up-to-date and to make processes and functions even simpler and more user-friendly. The rapidM2M M220 module is already available in a 2G version as well as in a 3G EU, US or World version. But the possibilities of the mobile radio standards are not yet exhausted. Microtronics is currently working on a 4G version so that you can also take advantage of this standard.
rapidM2M Studio – your central contact point
With the rapidM2M modules you have many possibilities to map your applications exactly. The module is programmable with a C-like scripting language built on PAWN in the Studio. With the Connector, you define your semantic data model. With the REST API, you can use http commands (GET, PUT, POST, DELETE) to query and manipulate the data. In the rapidM2M Playground you can easily compile and test these commands. This excerpt of the tools that are made available to you when using a rapidM2M module shows the many possibilities. With the rapidM2M Studio you get a central point of contact that hosts all these apps and functionalities.
Feels the same – is better
The handling of the rapidM2M modules does not change for you despite new and improved features and functions. The modules retain the familiar MiniPCI Express form factor and the scripts can continue to be used unchanged. Nevertheless, you benefit from the further developments and ensure your current and future competitiveness with the rapidM2M family concept.
First published January 21, 2016; Last revision February 22, 2023
