The Raspberry Pi computer can now control gateways for energy usage and automation systems using the new EnOcean accessory, available from element14.

EnOcean Pi is a wireless module which connects to batteryless EnOcean modules that are powered by energy converters that use mechanical motion, light or temperature differences as an energy source. This allows for maintenance-free sensor and actuator solutions that provide the necessary data for intelligent control.

Developers and OEMs can easily design low-cost gateways for embedded applications, such as smart home solutions. Instead of developing new products from scratch, developers can use the EnOcean Pi and Raspberry Pi to create a ready-made smart home box, which can process and visualise data from batteryless wireless sensors and provide central control of a wireless connected house. Other applications are gateways for cloud services or low-cost building automation with an interface to all EnOcean-based solutions.

The new Pi accessory is supplied with free to download middleware that allows users to quickly develop and integrate applications. The Raspberry Pi acts as the gateway to automate control of EnOcean-based energy harvesting wireless sensors, thermostats and switches to comfortably manage lighting, HVAC, shading and help to save energy.

EnOcean Pi also features EnOcean’s Smart Ack controller functionality, enabling bi-directional communication via radio and serial interfaces. Radio messages can be sent transparently through the serial interface in both directions to and from the Pi. EnOcean Pi can act as postmaster for up to 20 bi-directional sensors using Smart Ack technology.

Claire Doyle, Head of Raspberry Pi at element14, said: “One of a suite of exclusive Raspberry Pi accessories, EnOcean Pi is a really innovative way to easily connect the Raspberry Pi with some of the most advanced energy harvesting wireless devices on the market. It opens the door to all kinds of batteryless solutions that can help save, monitor and manage energy and increase comfort as well as security in the home or workplace.”

FEATURES:

- Frequency 868MHz

- Smart Ack controller functionality

- Transparent radio channel

- Programmable repeater functionality (1/2 level)

- ESP3 support

- Not API programmable

- UART serial interface

- Power supply voltage range from 2.85V to 3.5V

- Typical 3dBm conducted output power

- 125Kbps data rate and ASK modulation

APPLICATIONS:

- Wireless

- RF Communications

- Industrial

- Sensing & Instrumentation

- Communications & Networking

- Footnotes

- Compatible with Raspberry Pi Model A/B/B+

WARNINGS:

-          ESD sensitive device, take proper precaution while handling the device.