What Are The Functional Blocks of IoT Devices & Their Functionalities?

IoT stands for Internet of Things refers to automated physical objects that are embedded with software, sensors, and other connected features and work smartly & wirelessly. The objective of IoT devices is to share, collect, and exchange data over the internet and perform remote actions. 

The Internet of Things (IoT) devices gather data from their surrounding environment, transmit it to other devices or on cloud platforms & perform by triggering the action. For example, voice controllers, intelligent security systems, smart fire alarms, dishwashers, fingerprint timeclocks, August doorbell cams, echo plus voice controllers, etc are the best examples of IoT Devices.

As you’ve been aware of IoT devices now let you introduce you to the “Functional Blocks Of IoT Devices”. Are you geared up to know? Let’s begin!

What are the Functional Blocks of IoT devices?

The functional blocks of Iot devices refers to the functioning system or component or modules of the Internet of Things. These functional blocks allow IoT devices to work together, gather data, process it, and perform actions or communicate with other devices. 

Only with the functional blocks, are IoT devices able to function those specific actions for which they have been designed. Within the functional Internet of Things, devices function intendedly. 

Let’s Understand the Functional Blocks of IoT Devices Along with Their Functionalities

Depending on the device’s purpose and complexity the functional blocks can vary but the top collections are the Sensor for data collection, the processor & controller for processing. 

Additionally, the other functional blocks are actuators for actions, data processing for analytics, connectivity modules for communication, power supply, memory, user interface, and security measures. To have a deep understanding of all the mentioned blocks, let’s jump a little down.

1. Sensor/Actuator:

Sensors are those that do collect data from the surrounding environment of the devices such as temperature, humidity, motion, light, and other relevant things. 

Depending on the thing that needs to be captured from surroundings there are different types of sensors like temperature sensors, humidity sensors, motion sensors, light sensors, and other categories. The data collected by these sensors are known as fundamental input for IoT devices. 

Apart from this, sensors are also called Actuators. When IoT devices take action for what they are intended or designed Actuators are required. It helps in giving responses to collected data or receiving commands from remote systems. There are many varieties of actuators of IoT devices available such as motors, relays, or servos, which are responsible for carrying out the mentioned actions.

2. Processor or Controller:

Processors or controllers are also known as the brains of IoT devices since these types of controllers make decisions and control the whole operation of the devices. The range of the controller or processor of the IoT devices varies from simple microcontrollers to highly powerful processors depending on the complexity of the device. 

3. Connectivity Module:

The connectivity Module enables IoT devices to communicate with other devices or systems over the internet and perform their action by providing wireless or wired communication ability. Hence the connectivity module does include Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth, cellular, LoRa, Zigbee, and other communication protocols.

4. Power Supply:

Every IoT device needs a source of supply for its functioning that is known as a “Power supply” or one of the functioning blocks of the IoT device. There can be different varieties of power supply such as battery, power adapter, energy harvesting module, and other power source that keeps IoT device operational.

5. Memory and Storage:

This functional block of IoT devices is used to store data such as firmware and other essential information. IoT or the Internet of Things mostly have limited memory or storage space so you need to optimize them concisely and carefully. 

6. User Interface:

As IoT devices are smart, wireless, and automated so some of them have user interfaces such as display, interactive buttons, touchscreens, and so on for user interaction. The user interface allows the user to configure settings and receive information from the device. 

7. Security:

Another functioning block of IoT device is security which allow devices to protect data and make device resistant to unauthorized access or tempering. So, the categories of IoT device Security include encryption, authentication, secure boot processes, and so on. 

8. Data Processing and Analytics:

If you are using or thinking of using an advanced IoT device only then a Data Processing and Analytics functioning block will required. This is because Data Processing and Analytics blocks include the analysis process of collected data, extract insight, and sending relevant information to other devices or on cloud platforms. 

Final Words:

Functioning blocks of IoT devices are the components through which IoT devices implement their functions or perform the action for which they are designed. The functioning blocks of Internet of Things devices vary based on their complexity and intention. But some of the common usable functioning blocks of IoT devices are Sensors, Processors, Connectivity Modules, Power supply, Memory and storage, User Interface, Security, Actuators, & data Processing & analytics. Hence, to have in-depth knowledge let’s jump into the article.