Degu Project
The Degu project has been launched with the aim of providing IoT sensor design information as open source, creating an environment where it's possible to design a mesh networking based IoT system with a DIY approach.
Degu is an open source project launched so that even engineers with no development experience in edge devices can easily create IoT sensors. You can select modules suited to your application from over 200 types of sensors and actuators, and by connecting a base unit with communication functions, you can experiment with making a mesh networking compatible terminal ‘Degu sensor’ with a DIY approach.
Degu sensor hardware can be evaluated easily with dedicated kits[1].
The ‘Degu Base Unit’, which is part of the Degu Sensor Main Unit, supports installing and connecting Grove modules[2]. This allows for the addition of functionality required for the intended use by selecting from more than 200 available Seeed sensors and actuators that support the Grove system.
Basic design information such as circuit diagrams, parts lists and source code for the Degu sensors are available as open source on GitHub.
[1] Various types of kits and packages are available, such as the ‘Degu Base Unit’ for evaluation and development, and the ‘Grove Starter Kit for Degu’ containing a collection of often-used Grove sensors. For details, please contact the individual outlets in the List of Sales Outlets.
[2] These are modules which support the ‘Grove System’ connector standard supported by Seeed. There is a lineup of over 200 types of sensors, actuators and connectors.
The methods for processing data such as the timing and thresholds of captured sensing data can be set directly on the Degu sensor using the MicroPython implementation of Python.
It is possible to send data as JSON messages to the IoT hub in the public cloud. As communication is in this cloud friendly message format, the process from data capture to cloud application development can be established smoothly.
| Sensing | Sensors and actuators suited to the intended use can be selected and added from the Grove module lineup.[3] |
|---|---|
| Edge Computing | The configuration and processing of sensing data, such as data thresholds and sensing intervals, can be configured directly on the Degu sensors using the MicroPython implementation of Python. Processed data is uploaded to the cloud for efficient data collection. |
| Communication | Equipped with a communication module compatible with the wireless communication standard Thread®, enabling mesh networking creation. With a multi-hop connection it is possible to create a low power and scalable sensor network.[4] |
| Security | With the ‘A71CH Plug & Trust secure element’ from NXP, encryption keys for uses such as unit authentication are stored securely. |
[3] For mass production, it's possible to make use of the ‘Degu Mass Production Design Service’, where boards are redesigned while keeping the same structure.
[4] Theoretically, up to 252 Degu sensors can be connected to one mesh network. Up to 32 Degu sensors can be connected to one gateway. Up to 10 Degu sensors can be connected to one node with router functions (the number of connections can change depending on installation, given that each node independently detects neighboring nodes).
With the "Degu Mass Production Design Service" available via CoreStaff, Seeed will redesign prototyped Degu sensors for mass production and also take care of manufacturing and kitting according to your requests.
With this service, a case can be selected from the multiple types available to be used for the production version. Smaller types around the size of a matchbox or lighter are available, so it's possible to use the sensors and actuators (selected from the Grove module range during prototyping) as-is, while still achieving miniaturization and single-board products.
The results of the PoC work with the dedicated kits can be utilized as-is and brought through to the mass production stage, so it's possible to undertake mass production speedily and easily even for those without much experience in this area.
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How about adding an IoT option to your cloud service?
Using Degu, you could add value through new services such as one that performs situational monitoring and data collection by simply connecting a gateway and sensors.
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IoT devices can be efficiently developed and mass-produced for individual projects.
By taking the Degu scheme and utilizing it as a platform on individual projects, it becomes possible to then apply acquired know-how to make efficient proposals for multiple IoT systems.
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Why not make your sensors easier to use?
With Degu, the end user will be able to reach development and production of the final product more easily, which could contribute to increasing the market size for your sensors.
It's easy to get started with Degu in just three steps.
See ‘Supported Products & Services’ for purchasing the products needed for evaluation with Degu.
The following companies provide technical cooperation for operation of the Degu Project.
(Listed in alphabetical order)
The following companies provide services such as design, development and integration of Degu sensors.
(Listed in alphabetical order)
For purchasing and advice on Degu related products, please contact the companies listed in the ‘List of Sales Outlets’.
List of Sales Outlets
The Degu catalog and presentation materials are available for download.
This is the Degu catalog for July 2019
Download PDF