IQRF is usable almost with any equipment and almost in any application where low speed and low data volume wireless is needed, ranging tens or hundreds of meters (up to several kilometers in special cases or in networks), either simple peer-to-peer(for just two or a few devices) as well as in huge complex networks (up to hundreds or even thousands of devices). No infrastructure is needed.

IQRF can be used by almost anyone, from garage hobbyists to hi-tech giants. But it is primarily intended for manufacturers. Worldwide interoperability of products with IQRF inside is ensured by IQRF Alliance.

IQRF domain

• Packet oriented communication. E.g. a 64 B payload data packet can be sent in about 40 ms to another device in range. Hopping to end point out of direct range via other (up to 239) network nodes is possible (with corresponding delay).
• Low power consumption enables battery operated devices with lifetime of number of years.
  • Outstanding 15 µA while receiving (in consumption optimized XLP mode).
  • Even better is 330 µA while receiving combined with 380 nA while precisely timed sleeping.
• Mesh networks (with redundant paths providing reliable throughput).
• Semistatic topology. The most user-friendly (fully automated) networking algorithm requires fixed (not moving) routing devices. End devices are fully relocatable. However, topologies with all devices moving are also possible.

IQRF suits best for:

• Control applications where end devices are managed and monitored from a central point.
• Telemetry – data collection from end devices (sensors etc.). Acquired data can transparently be forwarded to Internet and stored in Cloud depository accessible from anywhere. End devices in the network can also be managed remotely via the cloud.
• Automation of processes
• Intelligent buildings and cities. One of the most successful IQRF field is lighting and especially street lighting.
• Internet of Things

Other areas

IQRF is suitable in almost all thinkable branches indeed, even in a lot of not expected ones. Selection from existing projects: catfish attractor, deer detractor, big cats safeguard for a zoo and data (temperature, pH and redox potential) measured via the IQRF sensor put in the cow’s stomach.

IQRF is not suitable for:

• Large data volume or high speed data streaming
• Long distances (1 kilometer order of magnitude, per hop, typically). However, with precise directional antennas arrangement, even several kilometers per hop are possible.
• Devices providing very simple tasks (unidirectional etc.), e.g. car door openers, to be produced in high volumes (unless being a part of a higher smart system). But, if you prefer the shortest development time, IQRF is suitable even for the simplest tasks.

IQRF connectivity to rest of the world

IQRF is not anything like:

• WiFi
  For data streaming and Internet connectivity
• Bluetooth
  For high data volumes, high speed but very short range
• GPRS
  For data volumes, almost worldwide coverage, with infrastructure and carrier fees

However, it is easily possible to interconnect these (and other) standards with IQRF (often via IQRF plug-and-play gateways).

Moreover, IQRF is easily connectable to almost any computational equipment, either full-featured computers, tablets etc. or to small intelligent embedded devices (Raspberry Pi, chipKIT, PlugPC, Arduino, BeagleBone, …) as well as to standalone MCUs. IQRF SDK open source SW package is available for devices programmable in C, C++, Python or Java.

The IQRF Alliance is the technical partner of Hack Fest 2018 hackathon event in Prague. Contestants who will use IQRF devices in their projects can keep these devices!

As a part of an event Legend, we organize Smart Prague Hack Fest 2018 for students who like challenges and would like to present their own ideas how to improve Smart City.

The competition projects will get an access to interesting data from Prague on transport, air quality, and others. Smart Prague Hack Fest is open to all young talentswho have ideas and who study at high schools and universities. Students will be accompanied by experienced mentors who will be able to advise and share their knowledge.

The competition will take place between three- to five-member teams. The winners can look forward to the beautiful prizes. Hackathon will be about both SW and HW, where technical partners will offer their products and components. The roles in the team can be different (designer, programmer, developer, graphic designer, …), people with knowledge of programming languages (SQL, Java, JavaScript, C #, C ++, Python, PHP, etc .. …) will be definitely very important.

The best projects have a chance to get to real life. The ICT operator in Prague is in charge of introducing innovation and is happy to work with young people with good ideas. If the idea and its solution are feasible, nothing prevents project being put into practice.

Register here: www.praguehackfest.cz

FB event

Smart Prague web

Elektronikknett, one of the most famous online technical magazines in Norway has published an article about the IQRF and the IQRF Summit 2018 held in April.

Read the whole article here.

The IQRF IDE is a software tool for programming IQRF wireless modules and setting up your wireless network. Now there is a new version which brings many new features and bug fixes available.

Bugs fixed

• Terminal – DPA Test window did not allow to set PCMD higher than 0x3F.
• Terminal Log window did not allow to open the Packet Inspector by double click on the last record in the log.
• Limitation on the maximal number of characters in the Terminal – Data to send field did not work correctly in case of Use Numbers feature enabled.
• Limitation on the maximal number of bytes in the Terminal – DPA Test – PDATA field and macros did not work correctly.
• Minor repairs and improvements.

Changes and enhancements

• IQRF Repository options added in the Tools – Options menu.
• MPLAB X supported as an external source code editor.
• New version of compiler included: CC5X Version 3.6 FREE edition.
• Copy packet to the Terminal as ASCII / HEX / DEC feature added to the packet popup menu in the Terminal Log window.
• Default compiler build options changed from -a -bu -Q -Vn -cif -dc to -a -gb -GS -Vn -cif -dc -AH.
• Data displaying (NADR and HWPID) in the Terminal – DPA Test macros changed from big-endian to little-endian.
• All Terminal modes display number of entered / maximal number of characters.
• TR Module Information window (Ctrl+M) displays IBK (Individual Bonding Key).
• Build option consultant added in the Project Properties – Build window to monitor CC5X option settings.
• The UDP communication channel timing optimized.

Features Added

• IQRF Repository supported (beta):
  • PIQRF IDE displays the manufacturer and product name of IQRF Standard products according to the HWPID.
  • PIQRF IDE updates a list of embedded and IQRF standard DPA peripherals and commands according to the actual specifications.
  • PIQMESH Network Manager allows checking the availability of Custom DPA Handler updates for IQRF Standard products.
  • PIQMESH Network Manager allows the OTA update of Custom DPA handlers in IQRF Standard products.

Career

Application engineer wanted

FAE

• Technical analysis and support of custom projects
• Design and application of IQRF technology into custom projects
• Technical communication with customers

Internal projects

• Leading of company-internal HW and SW projects
• Pilot projects

Required

• Education in electronics
• Experience in electronic design and HW realization
• Experience in microprocessor technique
• C and C++ programming
• Technical English
• Constructive approach
• Self-activity

Welcomed

• Practical experience in Microchip PIC microcontrollers
• Basic RF experience. Knowledge of IQRF is not necessary.
• Good English

We offer

• Interesting self-reliant work in friendly team awarded the Česká Hlava in 2014
• Home office
• Employees’ amenities

Contact

Send the CV and motivation letter to: Iveta Stefanova, cv@microrisc.com.
MICRORISC s.r.o., Jicin, tel. +420 493 538 125.