This product serves as the central hub for a data collection network, efficiently gathering data while operating on battery power.

Key Aspects of the Data Collection Unit:

  1. Data Collection Mechanism:
    • The unit is designed to collect data via a special, optimized communication protocol utilizing an RS485 bus. This approach ensures reliable data transmission across the network, making it suitable for various applications where data integrity is critical.
  2. Battery Management:
    • The battery management system is handled by the BQ24295RGER module, which takes care of charging the lithium battery and managing the power delivered through it. This module ensures that the battery is charged efficiently and provides the necessary power for the operation of the unit.
  3. Voltage Regulation:
    • An internal DC-DC converter generates a stable 5V output, which is essential for powering the various components of the unit. From this 5V, a low-noise, ultra-fast LDO (Low Drop-Out regulator) further generates a 3.3V output for sensitive electronic components.
  4. Charging Interface:
    • The lithium battery is charged via a specialized USB-C connector, which is recessed into the PCB to enhance space optimization. This thoughtful design choice allows the product to maintain a slim profile, enabling the use of a casing that is nearly 2mm lower on the top side of the PCB, thus facilitating compact integration.
  5. Microcontroller:
    • Control of the unit is managed by an STM32L496RGT6 microcontroller. This MCU employs its UART, I2C, and SPI peripherals to enable effective communication with other components and systems. The firmware is responsible for storing necessary configurations in an SPI flash memory, ensuring persistent settings.
  6. Clock Speed Optimization:
    • To meet the high clock speed requirements of the application, an external oscillator and crystal are utilized. This configuration guarantees precise CPU operation and performance, particularly during high-demand scenarios.
  7. Data Storage:
    • The collected data is stored on an SD card, which is integrated through specially measured tracks. This design consideration allows for high-speed communication between the SD card and the MCU, enabling efficient data logging and retrieval.
  8. Extended Functionality:
    • The unit also features an ESP32 C3 MINI, which enhances the functionality of the data collector. This component allows for remote control of the device via a unique Android application (.apk), providing user-friendly access to the data collection network and improving overall usability.

Conclusion:

This data collection unit is a sophisticated and compact solution designed to efficiently gather and manage data within a network. By integrating advanced battery management, optimized voltage regulation, and a reliable microcontroller, it ensures consistent performance in various applications. The inclusion of high-speed communication capabilities and remote control functionality via the ESP32 C3 MINI further enhances its versatility, making it an invaluable asset for data-focused operations in diverse environments.