Simplified Summary: Cyber-Physical Systems & IoT

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)

What is a CPS?

- CPS combines computer systems with the physical world using sensors and actuators.

- It's an advanced form of embedded systems like smartwatches, refrigerators, etc.

- CPS includes devices that can sense, process, and act on real-world conditions.

Key Features:

- Uses sensors and actuators to interact with the environment.

- Devices communicate wirelessly and make decisions based on collected data.

- Found in smart buildings, autonomous vehicles, medical devices.

Example: Team of Robots

- A group of mobile robots explores a house with an unknown floor plan.

- Each robot has sensors like:

- GPS to know location

- Camera for visual input

- Infrared sensor to detect humans

- Robots exchange data wirelessly to create a map.

- Goals:

- Avoid obstacles and other robots

- Complete the mission (find the target)

- Remain physically stable

- Requires joint design of control, computing, and communication.

Reactive Computation Example: Cruise Controller

- Receives commands: on/off and speed settings.

- Responds by adjusting throttle force.

- System behavior is a sequence of inputs and outputs.

- Correctness means valid input/output combinations.

Concurrency in CPS

- Synchronous: components work in lock-step rounds.

- Asynchronous: components operate at different speeds and communicate via messages.

Example:

- Each robot is a separate unit working concurrently.

- Inside each robot, processors handle:

- Vision-based mapping

- Motion planning

- Motion planning includes:

- Local planning (avoid obstacles)

- Global planning (reach target efficiently)

Feedback Loops

- Example: Cruise controller checks car speed and adjusts throttle to match target speed.

- Requires a model of how speed changes with throttle.

- Hybrid systems combine continuous (speed) and discrete (commands) behaviors.

Real-Time Computing

- Cruise controller must compute and communicate within time limits to be effective.

Safety-Critical Systems

- Prioritize safety over cost or performance.

- Built using:

- Precise specifications

- Accurate models of systems and environments

- Tools to verify system behavior

IoT (Internet of Things)

What is IoT?

- A network of physical objects ("things") with sensors, software, and connectivity.

- Enables remote monitoring and control.

- Improves efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making.

Examples:

- Health monitors

- Smart vehicles

- Biochips in animals

- Rescue equipment

Characteristics of IoT

1. Connectivity: Devices must always be connected.

2. Intelligence: Devices must analyze and understand data.

3. Identity: Each device has a unique ID for tracking.

4. Scalability: Must handle increasing numbers of devices.

5. Adaptability: Devices should adjust to different conditions (e.g., lighting).

6. Architecture: Supports devices from various manufacturers.

7. Safety: Data privacy and protection are crucial.

8. Self-Configuring: Devices can upgrade themselves with minimal input.

9. Interoperability: Devices can work together across systems.

10. Embedded Sensors/Actuators: Devices interact with environment.

11. Autonomous Operation: Devices act without human help.

IoT Enabling Technologies

1. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs)

- Devices collect environmental data and send it via routers to coordinators.

- Examples:

- Weather stations

- Indoor air monitors

- Soil moisture sensors

- Surveillance

- Health monitors
 Simplified Summary: Cyber-Physical Systems & IoT

2. Cloud Computing

- Access to data and services over the internet.

- Types:

- IaaS: Infrastructure (e.g., web hosting)

- PaaS: Platforms (e.g., Google App Engine)

- SaaS: Software (e.g., Gmail, Google Docs)

- Key Features:

- On-demand scaling

- Automatic adjustments

- Pay only for what you use

- Access from anywhere

3. Big Data Analytics

- Analyzing large, complex data sets.

- Sources: social media, sensors, transactions.

- Examples:

- Bank data

- Vehicle tracking

- E-commerce (e.g., BigBasket)

- Health bands

4. Communication Protocols

- Enable devices to share data securely.

- Ensure reliable connections.

5. Embedded Systems

- Specialized systems combining hardware/software.

- Include microcontrollers, sensors, and memory.

- Used to gather and send data to the internet.

Sensors and Transducers

Primary vs. Secondary Transducers

- Primary: React to external input (e.g., pressure).

- Secondary: Convert primary signals into electrical output.

Active vs. Passive Sensors

- Active: Work without external power (e.g., thermocouples, piezoelectric).

- Passive: Need external power (e.g., strain gauge, barometer).

Analog vs. Digital Sensors

- Analog: Produce continuous signals (e.g., 0-5V).

- Digital: Give discrete signals (e.g., ON/OFF, logic 1/0).

Actuators

What Are Actuators?

- Convert electrical signals into mechanical movement.

- Used to control devices and machines.

Examples:

- Smart Homes:

- Adjust lights, heat, security systems

- Industry:

- Move robot arms, control conveyor belts

- Agriculture:

- Control irrigation, robotic harvesters

- Healthcare:

- Move prosthetic limbs, surgical tools

Types of Actuators:

1. Electrical: Fast and affordable (e.g., solenoids, electric bells)

2. Thermal: React to temperature (e.g., thermostats)

3. Mechanical: Convert one type of motion to another (e.g., gears, crankshafts)

IoT Stack

4 Layers:

1. Hardware:

- Physical parts: sensors, boards, antennas, modems

- Affects what data can be collected and how long the device lasts

2. Software:

- Operating system, firmware, apps

- Includes security and update capabilities

3. Protocols:

- Define how devices talk to each other

- Include data formats, network types, and security rules

- IoT gateways may help translate between protocols

4. Cloud:

- Stores and analyzes data

- Supports AI/ML for smart functionality

- Accessible globally

IoT Architecture Levels

- Device: Identifies and senses remotely

- Resource: Manages data, controls actuators

- Controller: Sends/receives data between device and web

- Database: Stores data (local/cloud)

- Web Service: Connects all parts using HTTP/REST/WebSocket

- Analysis: Converts data into useful insights

- Application: User interface to view and control system