Digi-Key Internet of Things (IoT) Component Selector
Many things have to come together to create an effective solution for the Internet of Things (IoT), and many choices have to be made. Whether you are developing hardware from scratch or looking for your first proof of concept, Digi-Key has products to fit those needs. A wide range of Single Board Computers (SBCs) are available that provide an excellent place to start your development, along with a huge and growing list of expansion boards available in stock. Providing the widest and deepest range of wireless connectivity chips and modules, connector and cable options, as well as sensors for any application, Digi-Key is the one-stop-shop for the IoT. Selling things for the Internet of Things, on the Internet.
Product Listing
One Way Radios
Digi-Key offers a wide selection of Transmitters and Receivers to fit any application. Creating an efficient wireless link includes selecting the right Tx and Rx circuitry. This can be done via a discrete design, though modules have continued to come down in price while adding functionality and simplicity. Radio ICs have followed suit with increased integration and leading performance. The significant benefit of a module is being certified with the regional Communications certification authority, saving thousands in design and testing costs.
Transceivers/Protocol
Transceivers are at the heart of IoT applications. Many protocols are designed for different range and data requirements in mind. Others are designed for mission critical and industrial applications, focusing on reliability and security.
Cellular, M2M
Cellular capabilities have expanded throughout the years to better support IoT applications. The lower data requirements for most applications have driven 4G and 5G technologies to adapt different business models and functionality. With simple low-cost data plans available from carriers, cellular should be a consideration for connectivity requirements.
Sim Card/Data Plan
Antennas
Antennas are often overlooked in the wireless design, though often this is the deciding factor in whether your device passes or fails certification. Antenna selection is the first step to a certified product. Important parameters to consider are frequency and size, but antenna placement, ground plane design and radiation pattern are among the many critical elements when selecting the appropriate antenna for your design. Digi-Key offers a broad array of antennas so you can find the perfect fit for your application.
Development Systems & SBCs
Single board computers (SBCs) continue to find growing numbers of applications within the IoT. Low-cost processors are increasingly capable of handling resource intensive applications yet efficient enough to handle the low power requirements for a remote battery-powered node. Whether it is home automation, healthcare, Smart City, or many other applications, Digi-Key has a massive index of development systems and single board computers for your application.
Connections/Cables
Connectors and cable requirements will vary dependent on your application. Choosing the appropriate connector/cable assembly for a wireless design is critical to both the performance and certification of a final product, which is why Digi-Key offers the widest selection of stocking connectors and cables.
Connectors
Cables
Expansion Boards/Shields
BeagleBone, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Nucleo, Launchpad, and other systems have a wide range of accessory boards. These boards make it simple to add a sensor, wireless add-on, display, or other peripherals. Manufacturers have made it a point to offer add-on boards for these platforms due to their rapid success.
Sensors
Sensors bring the analog world to the Internet of Things. Popular sensor options are listed here as well as a link to the Digi-Key Sensor Product Selector. A fully integrated sensor fusion platform utilizes the strengths of an IoT platform (multi-node remote networks, edge computing, and data analytics) to create more accurate or dependable data.
