ERF3000: IoT Development Platform
easyRF, known for its antennas and RF modules, is introducing a platform that will help developers to come to a perfect IoT design.
The Arduino-Shield-based design makes it easy to use a Arduino-Uno board to create an independent application for Narrowband IoT, LTE Cat M1 and EGPRS. The Arduino shield is based on the Quectel BG96, one of the first multi-technology modules. They are complemented with additional features like a GPS receiver.
Besides Arduino, the ERF3000 works also standalone and it can be controlled through the USB port.
![](http://top-electronics.com/userfiles/news/arduinoshield-met-bg96-1507025110.png)
Drivers are available from Linux, Android, Windows and Windows CE.
The unit has a wide power supply range of 5 to 12 V. Power connection is made by USB or the Arduino power supply. AT commands provides all kinds of functions and assignments.
The ERF3000 has a connection for one external antenna for communication with the telecom network. The GNSS (GPS / GLONASS / Galileo / QZSS, etc.) can be accessed by an onboard antenna of ProAnt.
The indication LEDs show the status of the telecom network and the module. There are switches available to select between stand-alone and Arduino mode.
The Arduino shield can be used by TCP, PPP or UDP, this makes it easy to use in an internet-of-things application.
The number of possible applications is unlimited, thanks to the data rate of max 375 kilobits per second, low power consumption and the many different I / Os (SPI, I2C and GPIO). Applications are; track & trace, measurement and communication with sensors.
The range of the Arduino-Shield series will be expanded in the near future. The ERF3000 is the easyRF shield. In combination with an Arduino base board it will be the ERF3100.