IoP systems

    Ecomatik IoP Measurement Systems

    The Internet of Plants (IoP) combines environmental and plant sensor technology with energy-efficient wireless communication. It enables the collection of ecological and plant physiological data without cables or manual reading of a data logger. Data is continuously collected, transmitted, and centrally visualized on our online platform, where it is also made available for download. 

    The compact wireless measurement units, also referred to as “nodes,” are powered by an easily replaceable internal battery (typically with a service life of > 1 year). An optional external rechargeable battery (IoP-BAT) is available on request for energy-intensive applications.
     

    Data Transmission

    Two technologies are available for wireless data transmission:

    NB-IoT / LTE-M uses mobile networks (SIM-based) and enables flexible, location-independent measurements worldwide. The special SIM card is globally compatible and designed for up to 10 years of operation. NB-IoT and/or LTE-Mn etwork coverage is widely available across Europe, North and South America, China, India, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. If there is any uncertainty regarding network availability at the specific measurement location, we are happy to provide a test node.

    LoRaWAN uses a local network provided via a LoRa gateway (gateway also available through ECOMATIK, then also including local data storage and e-mail notifications). Depending on terrain and site conditions, the communication range typically exceeds 200 m and can reach several kilometers. As LoRaWAN operates on region-specific frequency bands, each sensor node is configured for a particular transmission frequency and can only be used within its designated region.
     

    Sensors

    Our IoP sensor nodes are preconfigured according to customer requirements and are ready to use as a plug-and-play system.
    The IoP system integrates plant sensors (excluding Granier sensors) as well as weather and soil sensors. Continuous data acquisition enables simple online visualization and forms the basis for monitoring, automation, and process optimization in research and applied use.

    Advantages of our IoP Systems

    • Wireless data transmission via NB-IoT / LTE-M / LoRaWAN replaces cables and manual data reading
       
    • Cost-efficient, and spatially flexible measurement setups and sampling design, no coupling of sensors to central data loggers, and reduced susceptibility to cable damage
       
    • Continuous monitoring and gapless data acquisition through simple online data access
       
    • Quick installation, flexible placement of measurement nodes, and easy system expansion

    Limits of our IoP Systems

    • Network coverage: For questions regarding radio coverage or network infrastructure, we are happy to advise you.
       
    • Measurement intervals: Typically at least 15 minutes. Higher measurement frequencies (under 10 minutes) are possible as part of a customized system configuration.
       
    • Power supply: For energy-intensive sensors, external power supply and battery solutions are available on request.

    Technical data

    Transmission technology

    NB-IoT / LTE-M

    LoRaWAN

    Network & infrastructure

    Cellular-based via existing network operators, no local infrastructure required. The specialized SIM cards we use support global roaming and work worldwide.

    Requirements: mobile network availability at every measurement point. 

    Local radio network via LoRa gateway.

    Requirements: An internet connection at the gateway location and a suitable power supply (mains power or solar power).

    Range & coverage

    Global coverage:
    Europe, North America, South America, China, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and other regions are widely available.

    If in doubt, we can provide a test node.

    Approx. 200 m to several km, depending on terrain, vegetation and gateway position

    Measurement node type

    IoP-S

    IoP-MI8

    Special feature

    Compact measurement node for small sensor setups

    Multi-interface node with 8 analog channels and digital interfaces (SDI-12, I2C) for complex measurement systems incl. special sensors

    Available radio technology

    LoRa,

    NB-IoT, LTE-M (sim card with global roaming)

    LoRa,

    NB-IoT, LTE-M (sim card with global roaming)

    Measurement Interval & Transmission Interval

    Recommended values (configurable upon request):

    Measurement interval: minimum 15 minutes

    Transmission interval: minimum 15 minutes for LoRa, minimum 2 hours for NB-IoT or LTE-M

    Recommended values (configurable upon request):

    Measurement interval: minimum 15 minutes

    Transmission interval: minimum 15 minutes for LoRa, minimum 2 hours for NB-IoT or LTE-M

    Compatible sensors

    Analog sensors (3 channels):
    – ECOMATIK dendrometer (DEN, 1 channel)
    – LAT-B3 leaf & air temperature sensor (LAT, 2 channels)
    – temperature probes (T-series, 1 channel)
    – SMT100 soil sensor (VWC / STemp, 2 channels)
    – SP-212-SS pyranometer (PYR, 1 channel)
    – SQ-202X-SS PAR sensor (PAR, 1 channel)

    Digital sensors:
    – I2C: SHT31 air sensor (T/RH)

    Analog sensors (8 channels):
    – ECOMATIK dendrometer (DEN)
    – LAT-B3 leaf & air temperature sensor (LAT, 2 channels)
    – temperature probes (T-series, 1 channel)
    – SMT100 soil sensor (VWC / STemp, 2 channels)
    – SP-212-SS pyranometer (PYR, 1 channel)
    – SQ-202X-SS PAR sensor (PAR, 1 channel)
    – Heat-pulse sap flow sensor (SAP, 2 or 4 channels)
    – FloraPulse stem water potential (SWP, 2 channels)

    Digital sensors:
    – I2C: SHT31 air sensor (T/RH)
    – SDI-12:  e.g. SMT100, Teros 12, Teros 21, Teros 22, Atmos 41, etc.

    Measurement channels & interfaces

    3 analog channels; 1x I2C

    8 analog channels; 1x I2C; 1x SDI-12

    Measurement resolution (analog)

    12 bit (noise-free)

    16 bit (noise-free)

    Accuracy (analog, absolute)

    ±5 mV ±0.2 %

    ±2 mV ±0.1 %

    Sensor power supply

    3.3 V and 5 V

    3.3 V and 5 V

    Battery & runtime

    8500 mAh Li-SOCl₂, typ. >1 year

    8500 mAh Li-SOCl₂, typ. >1 year (optional external power supply)

    Installation

    Plug & play, fully preconfigured

    Plug & play, fully preconfigured

    Operating conditions

    IP67, -20 to 70 °C

    IP67, -20 to 70 °C

    Size & weight

    6 × 10 × 5 cm, approx. 320 g

    6 × 10 × 5 cm, approx. 320 g

    Manual

    Quick-Start_IoP-MI8-L (LoRa)
    (various configurations)

    Quick Start Manuals IoP-MI8-L

    Quick-Start_IoP-MI8-N (NB-IoT)
    (various configurations)

    Quick Start Manuals IoP-MI8-N

    Quick-Start_IoP-S-LA (mV output)

    Quick-Start_IoP-S-LA (mV output)(300.5 kB)

    Quick-Start_IoP-S-LA (ratio output)

    Quick-Start_IoP-S-LA (ratio output)(348.7 kB)

    Technical data sheets

    IoP-S & IoP-M

    IoP-S & IoP-M(163.4 kB)

    Do you already know our references?

    You would like to gain an insight into our worldwide customer base or some of our interesting projects? You are interested in our certificates and awards or in some selected scientific publications?

    Accessories & Compatible Products:

    Compatible Sensors:

    Sensors with analog output signal, e.g.:

    • - Dendrometer (all models)
    • - Temperature probes (T series)
    • - Leaf temperature sensor (LAT-B3)

    Sensors with digital output signal (SDI-12 & I2C), e.g.:

    • - SMT100 soil moisture and temperature sensor
    • - T/RH air sensor
    • - light (PAR, pyranometer)

    Contact

    You need a quotation, have questions about a product, or need extensive technical advice in the context of your project planning. Starting with an initial determination of your needs, through the detailed planning of the required measurement equipment and data transmission technology, up to professional implementation on site, we are at your disposal at any time with advice and action.

    General information on order processing

    Thank you for your interest in our products and services! Here you will find important information about the ordering process:

    To our international customers: Please note, we ship worldwide! If we do not currently have a listed distributor in your country (a list can be found here) , please feel free to contact us directly.

    Assessment of your needs

    With your consideration and input, we determine which of our products best meet your needs. We are also happy to design fully-integrated measuring stations (plant, climate, soil sensors), including an independent power supply and mobile data transmission, depending on your requirements.

    Do you require our assistance before placing an order?

    We are happy to help! So that we can provide you with correct and helpful advice, please fill out the online form below with your contact details and other information about your application and send it our way. We will then immediately review your details and contact you.

    Are you already familiar with our products and know exactly what you need?

    Perfect, then just write us an email! In your order, please state the diameter of your measuring objects in addition to the required cable lengths.

    Your contact details and Assessment of your needs

    Like so many things, everything started with an idea ...

    In the case of the plant scientist and founder of ECOMATIK, Dr. Liu, it was the idea that modern measurement technology should enable crucial plant physiological parameters to be measured directly, precisely and with high temporal resolution on the plant itself. It was obvious to him that there is an information potential of immense value in the detailed understanding of immediate reactions of plants to their environment...