Introduction

EpiSensor has developed a unique “sensor-to-database” approach to the practical implementation of wireless sensor networking which we have called the SiCA Platform. Across a range of applications and markets, the SiCA Platform brings the benefits of wireless sensors to users in a secure, reliable, cost-effective and easy-to-deploy manner.

It allows users to remotely monitor and control a wide range of SiCA compatible nodes via the web for street light monitoring, data center monitoring, temperature tracking, automatic meter reading and more.

SiCA Platform Architecture

SiCA compatible sensors and controllers communicate over a secure ZigBee™ wireless mesh network with SiCA Gateways, which deliver sensor data to a central location and manage the wireless networks. SiCA Gateways can be implemented on a PC or an embedded computer using GSM, Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity.

One or many SiCA Gateways can be synchronised with a central SiCA Server in order to gather data from multiple networks spread across wide areas or complex corporate infrastructures.

Sensor data is made available by SiCA Server for use in various software applications such as Building Management Systems (BMS), Energy Management Systems, Intelligent Utility Network (IUN) Systems and EpiSensor’s SiCA Net-Manager software.

Wireless Nodes

There are many SiCA Compatible sensors available to monitor parameters such as Electricity, Temperature, Humidity, Water Quality & Light Level. EpiSensor also provides various controllers to switch loads and dim lights based on user input or data collected by sensors on the network.

Any sensor can be paired with any controller or controller group allowing complex automation and monitoring systems to be developed with ease.

SiCA Gateways

SiCA Gateways are intelligent embedded computers or USB dongles which manage the wireless network, upload sensor data to a SiCA Server and receive commands from user interface applications.

The NGR-10 is a rugged system capable of operating in harsh industrial or outdoor environments using occasionally connected, low bandwidth networks. The NGO-10 is designed for home or office use and connects to a PC or laptop via USB port.

SiCA Server

SiCA Server is at the heart of the SiCA Platform. It stores all data gathered from the wireless sensor networks and makes this data available to various desktop, web and mobile applications.

It also manages the flow of commands, schedules and alerts around the network for both occasionally connected and always-on SiCA Gateways.

Management Software

EpiSensor’s SiCA Studio desktop application is used to configure, manage and troubleshoot a network of SiCA compatible wireless Sensors via SiCA Server. The application can graph sensor data, control switches and locate devices on a Google ™ powered map.

SiCA Studio can also be used to create schedules, alarms and actions for the SiCA compatible Wireless sensors. Data can be exported to Excel for further analysis and detailed reports generated to save energy, bill customers and track anomalies.