Intermediate
30 min

Elevate your IoT devices with Thingstream's instant global connectivity using SIM868 and PIC18F57Q43

One gateway, endless connectivity

Thingstream Click with Curiosity Nano with PIC18F57Q43

Published Feb 13, 2024

Click board™

Thingstream Click

Dev. board

Curiosity Nano with PIC18F57Q43

Compiler

NECTO Studio

MCU

PIC18F57Q43

Our IoT gateway solution, equipped with the Thingstream client SDK, revolutionizes device connectivity by enabling immediate access to the Thingstream global MQTT network and a suite of connectivity tools right out of the box

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Hardware Overview

How does it work?

Thingstream Click is based on the SIM868, an 802.11b/g/n quad-band GPS/GLONASS/GSM location tracking and mobile communication module from SIMCom. This lets the device connect to the Thingstream global MQTT network over GSM. Thingstream Click enables rapid development of intelligent IoT applications and simplified connectivity with cloud platforms using just a small set of AT commands and a flow-chart style application builder (Data Flow Manager), removing the complexities of web, hardware, and communications-related development. This Click board™ is preconfigured with the protocols and communications settings to connect with the Thingstream global MQTT network and Data Flow Manager. This is implemented via the

Thingstream client SDK, which can be used to develop the firmware on the onboard STM32F407 MCU. Results can be achieved quickly without a deep understanding of software engineering and web programming. Thingstream Click is equipped with various LED indicators. Separate LEDs indicate the presence of a power supply, the network status, and pulse per second indication (1PPS). This Click board™ also contains a universal RGB LED for other feedback relating to the status of the Thingstream Click. This Click board™ requires a 5V power rail for proper operation. Besides the onboard USB connector, all of the mikroBUS™ pins on this Click board™ are routed to the appropriate pins of the onboard STM32F407 MCU. That way, it is ensured that users will have

plenty of space for future upgrades and development. This enables a broad range of custom applications, including support for I2C and SPI communication interfaces. All available interfaces can be made available to the mikroBUS header. By default, the board only supports UART communication using AT commands. Firmware updates can support other interfaces like SPI, I2C, PWM, and Analog. This Click board™ can be operated only with a 3.3V logic voltage level. The board must perform appropriate logic voltage level conversion before using MCUs with different logic levels. Also, it comes equipped with a library containing functions and an example code that can be used as a reference for further development.

Thingstream Click hardware overview image

Features overview

Development board

PIC18F57Q43 Curiosity Nano evaluation kit is a cutting-edge hardware platform designed to evaluate microcontrollers within the PIC18-Q43 family. Central to its design is the inclusion of the powerful PIC18F57Q43 microcontroller (MCU), offering advanced functionalities and robust performance. Key features of this evaluation kit include a yellow user LED and a responsive

mechanical user switch, providing seamless interaction and testing. The provision for a 32.768kHz crystal footprint ensures precision timing capabilities. With an onboard debugger boasting a green power and status LED, programming and debugging become intuitive and efficient. Further enhancing its utility is the Virtual serial port (CDC) and a debug GPIO channel (DGI

GPIO), offering extensive connectivity options. Powered via USB, this kit boasts an adjustable target voltage feature facilitated by the MIC5353 LDO regulator, ensuring stable operation with an output voltage ranging from 1.8V to 5.1V, with a maximum output current of 500mA, subject to ambient temperature and voltage constraints.

PIC18F57Q43 Curiosity Nano double side image

Microcontroller Overview

MCU Card / MCU

default

Architecture

PIC

MCU Memory (KB)

128

Silicon Vendor

Microchip

Pin count

48

RAM (Bytes)

8196

You complete me!

Accessories

Curiosity Nano Base for Click boards is a versatile hardware extension platform created to streamline the integration between Curiosity Nano kits and extension boards, tailored explicitly for the mikroBUS™-standardized Click boards and Xplained Pro extension boards. This innovative base board (shield) offers seamless connectivity and expansion possibilities, simplifying experimentation and development. Key features include USB power compatibility from the Curiosity Nano kit, alongside an alternative external power input option for enhanced flexibility. The onboard Li-Ion/LiPo charger and management circuit ensure smooth operation for battery-powered applications, simplifying usage and management. Moreover, the base incorporates a fixed 3.3V PSU dedicated to target and mikroBUS™ power rails, alongside a fixed 5.0V boost converter catering to 5V power rails of mikroBUS™ sockets, providing stable power delivery for various connected devices.

Curiosity Nano Base for Click boards accessories 1 image

Active GPS antenna is designed to enhance the performance of your GPS and GNSS Click boards™. This external antenna boasts a robust construction, making it ideal for various weather conditions. With a frequency range of 1575.42MHz and a 50Ohm impedance, it ensures reliable signal reception. The antenna delivers a gain of greater than -4dBic within a wide angular range, securing over 75% coverage. The bandwidth of +/- 5MHz further guarantees precise data acquisition. Featuring a Right-Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP), this antenna offers stable signal reception. Its compact dimensions of 48.53915mm and a 2-meter cable make it easy to install. The magnetic antenna type with an SMA male connector ensures a secure and convenient connection. If you require a dependable external antenna for your locator device, our active GPS antenna is the perfect solution.

Thingstream Click accessories 1 image

The GSM right-angle rubber antenna is a perfect match for our GSM Click boards™. With a wide bandwidth accommodating GSM/GPRS modules, this antenna has a 2m cable featuring an SMA male connector for easy positioning. Operating within a frequency range of 824-894/1710-1990MHz or 890-960/1710-1890MHz, it maintains a 50Ohm impedance, delivering a gain of 3dB. Its 90/280MHz bandwidth ensures reliable connectivity, while its vertical polarization optimizes signal reception. With a maximum input power of 60W, it offers robust performance. Measuring just 90mm in length, this magnetic antenna is compact yet powerful. Its SMA male connector ensures a secure and stable connection, making it an ideal choice for seamless integration with any GSM Click board™. 

Thingstream Click accessories 2 image

Used MCU Pins

mikroBUS™ mapper

Analog Output
PA0
AN
Reset
PA7
RST
SPI Chip Enable
PD4
CS
SPI Clock
PC6
SCK
SPI Data OUT
PC5
MISO
SPI Data IN
PC4
MOSI
NC
NC
3.3V
Ground
GND
GND
PWM Signal
PB0
PWM
Interrupt
PA6
INT
UART TX
PC3
TX
UART RX
PC2
RX
I2C Clock
PB2
SCL
I2C Data
PB1
SDA
Power Supply
5V
5V
Ground
GND
GND
1

Take a closer look

Click board™ Schematic

Thingstream Click Schematic schematic

Step by step

Project assembly

Curiosity Nano Base for Click boards front image hardware assembly

Start by selecting your development board and Click board™. Begin with the Curiosity Nano with PIC18F57Q43 as your development board.

Curiosity Nano Base for Click boards front image hardware assembly
Charger 27 Click front image hardware assembly
PIC18F47Q10 Curiosity Nano front image hardware assembly
Prog-cut hardware assembly
Charger 27 Click complete accessories setup image hardware assembly
Curiosity Nano with PICXXX Access MB 1 - upright/background hardware assembly
Necto image step 2 hardware assembly
Necto image step 3 hardware assembly
Necto image step 4 hardware assembly
Necto image step 5 hardware assembly
Necto image step 6 hardware assembly
PIC18F57Q43 Curiosity MCU Step hardware assembly
Necto No Display image step 8 hardware assembly
Necto image step 9 hardware assembly
Necto image step 10 hardware assembly
Debug Image Necto Step hardware assembly

Track your results in real time

Application Output

1. Application Output - In Debug mode, the 'Application Output' window enables real-time data monitoring, offering direct insight into execution results. Ensure proper data display by configuring the environment correctly using the provided tutorial.

2. UART Terminal - Use the UART Terminal to monitor data transmission via a USB to UART converter, allowing direct communication between the Click board™ and your development system. Configure the baud rate and other serial settings according to your project's requirements to ensure proper functionality. For step-by-step setup instructions, refer to the provided tutorial.

3. Plot Output - The Plot feature offers a powerful way to visualize real-time sensor data, enabling trend analysis, debugging, and comparison of multiple data points. To set it up correctly, follow the provided tutorial, which includes a step-by-step example of using the Plot feature to display Click board™ readings. To use the Plot feature in your code, use the function: plot(*insert_graph_name*, variable_name);. This is a general format, and it is up to the user to replace 'insert_graph_name' with the actual graph name and 'variable_name' with the parameter to be displayed.

Software Support

Library Description

This library contains API for Thingstream Click driver.

Key functions:

  • thingstream_reset_pin_state - Set RST pin state

  • thingstream_send_command - Send command

  • thingstream_generic_parser - Generic parser function.

Open Source

Code example

The complete application code and a ready-to-use project are available through the NECTO Studio Package Manager for direct installation in the NECTO Studio. The application code can also be found on the MIKROE GitHub account.

/*!
 * \file 
 * \brief Thingstream Click example
 * 
 * # Description
 * This example reads and processes data from Thingstream clicks.
 *
 * The demo application is composed of two sections :
 * 
 * ## Application Init 
 * Initializes driver and power module.
 * 
 * ## Application Task  
 * Reads the received data and parses it.
 * 
 * ## Additional Function
 * - thingstream_process ( ) - The general process of collecting data the module sends.
 * 
 * @note
 * The click board needs to be registered with a redemption code to a Thingstream Domain.
 * For more information please refer to the Thingstream click user manual available on the product page.
 * 
 * \author MikroE Team
 *
 */
// ------------------------------------------------------------------- INCLUDES

#include "board.h"
#include "log.h"
#include "thingstream.h"
#include "string.h"

#define PROCESS_COUNTER 600
#define PROCESS_RX_BUFFER_SIZE 600
#define PROCESS_PARSER_BUFFER_SIZE 600

#define THINGSTREAM_INFO      "AT+IOTINFO"
#define THINGSTREAM_CREATE    "AT+IOTCREATE"
#define THINGSTREAM_CONNECT   "AT+IOTCONNECT=true"
#define THINGSTREAM_GPS_PWR   "AT+IOTCGNSPWR=1"
#define THINGSTREAM_SUBSCRIBE "AT+IOTSUBSCRIBE=\"home/temperature\",1"
#define THINGSTREAM_PUBLISH   "AT+IOTPUBLISH=\"home/temperature\",0,\"23 degrees\""
#define THINGSTREAM_GPS_INFO  "AT+IOTCGNSINF"

// ------------------------------------------------------------------ VARIABLES

static thingstream_t thingstream;
static log_t logger;

static char current_parser_buf[ PROCESS_PARSER_BUFFER_SIZE ];
static uint8_t send_data_cnt = 0; 

// ------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

static void thingstream_process ( void )
{
    int32_t rsp_size = 0;
    uint16_t rsp_cnt = 0;
    
    char uart_rx_buffer[ PROCESS_RX_BUFFER_SIZE ] = { 0 };
    uint16_t check_buf_cnt = 0;
    uint16_t process_cnt = PROCESS_COUNTER;
    // Clear parser buffer
    memset( current_parser_buf, 0, PROCESS_PARSER_BUFFER_SIZE ); 
    
    while ( process_cnt != 0 )
    {
        rsp_size = thingstream_generic_read( &thingstream, uart_rx_buffer, PROCESS_RX_BUFFER_SIZE );

        if ( rsp_size > 0 )
        {  
            // Validation of the received data
            for ( check_buf_cnt = 0; check_buf_cnt < rsp_size; check_buf_cnt++ )
            {
                if ( uart_rx_buffer[ check_buf_cnt ] == 0 ) 
                {
                    uart_rx_buffer[ check_buf_cnt ] = 13;
                }
            }
            // Storages data in parser buffer
            rsp_cnt += rsp_size;
            if ( rsp_cnt < PROCESS_PARSER_BUFFER_SIZE )
            {
                strncat( current_parser_buf, uart_rx_buffer, rsp_size );
            }
            if ( strchr( uart_rx_buffer, '+' ) )
            {
                process_cnt = 20;
            }
            // Clear RX buffer
            memset( uart_rx_buffer, 0, PROCESS_RX_BUFFER_SIZE );
        } 
        else 
        {
            process_cnt--;
            
            // Process delay 
            Delay_ms ( 100 );
        }
    }
}

static void parser_application ( char *rsp )
{
    char element_buf[ 200 ] = { 0 };
    
    log_printf( &logger, "\r\n-----------------------\r\n" ); 
    thingstream_generic_parser( rsp, THINGSTREAM_NEMA_CGNSINF, THINGSTREAM_CGNSINF_LATITUDE, element_buf );
    if ( strlen( element_buf ) > 0 )
    {
        log_printf( &logger, "Latitude: %s degrees \r\n", element_buf );
        thingstream_generic_parser( rsp, THINGSTREAM_NEMA_CGNSINF, THINGSTREAM_CGNSINF_LONGITUDE, element_buf );
        log_printf( &logger, "Longitude: %s degrees \r\n", element_buf );
        memset( element_buf, 0, sizeof( element_buf ) );
        thingstream_generic_parser( rsp, THINGSTREAM_NEMA_CGNSINF, THINGSTREAM_CGNSINF_ALTITUDE, element_buf );
        log_printf( &logger, "Altitude: %s m", element_buf );  
    }
    else
    {
        log_printf( &logger, "Waiting for the position fix..." );
    }
}

// ------------------------------------------------------ APPLICATION FUNCTIONS

void application_init ( void )
{
    log_cfg_t log_cfg;
    thingstream_cfg_t cfg;

    /** 
     * Logger initialization.
     * Default baud rate: 115200
     * Default log level: LOG_LEVEL_DEBUG
     * @note If USB_UART_RX and USB_UART_TX 
     * are defined as HAL_PIN_NC, you will 
     * need to define them manually for log to work. 
     * See @b LOG_MAP_USB_UART macro definition for detailed explanation.
     */
    LOG_MAP_USB_UART( log_cfg );
    log_init( &logger, &log_cfg );
    log_info( &logger, "---- Application Init ----" );

    // Click initialization.
    thingstream_cfg_setup( &cfg );
    THINGSTREAM_MAP_MIKROBUS( cfg, MIKROBUS_1 );
    thingstream_init( &thingstream, &cfg );

    thingstream_module_power( &thingstream, true );
    Delay_ms ( 1000 );
    Delay_ms ( 1000 );
    Delay_ms ( 1000 );

    log_printf( &logger, " --->>> INFO.. \r\n" );
    thingstream_send_command( &thingstream, THINGSTREAM_INFO );
    thingstream_process( );
    log_printf( &logger, "%s", current_parser_buf );
        
    log_printf( &logger, " --->>> CREATE.. \r\n" );
    thingstream_send_command( &thingstream, THINGSTREAM_CREATE );
    thingstream_process( );
    log_printf( &logger, "%s", current_parser_buf );

    log_printf( &logger, " --->>> CONNECT.. \r\n" );
    thingstream_send_command( &thingstream, THINGSTREAM_CONNECT );
    thingstream_process( );
    log_printf( &logger, "%s", current_parser_buf );

    log_printf( &logger, " --->>> GPS POWER.. \r\n" );
    thingstream_send_command( &thingstream, THINGSTREAM_GPS_PWR );
    thingstream_process( );
    log_printf( &logger, "%s", current_parser_buf );

    log_printf( &logger, " --->>> SUBSCRIBE.. \r\n" );
    thingstream_send_command( &thingstream, THINGSTREAM_SUBSCRIBE );
    thingstream_process( );
    log_printf( &logger, "%s", current_parser_buf );

    log_printf( &logger, " --->>> PUBLISH.. \r\n" );
    thingstream_send_command( &thingstream, THINGSTREAM_PUBLISH );
    thingstream_process( );
    log_printf( &logger, "%s", current_parser_buf );

    log_printf( &logger, " --->>> APP INIT <<<--- \r\n" );
}

void application_task ( void )
{
    thingstream_send_command( &thingstream, THINGSTREAM_GPS_INFO );  
    thingstream_process( );
    parser_application( current_parser_buf );
}

int main ( void ) 
{
    /* Do not remove this line or clock might not be set correctly. */
    #ifdef PREINIT_SUPPORTED
    preinit();
    #endif
    
    application_init( );
    
    for ( ; ; ) 
    {
        application_task( );
    }

    return 0;
}

// ------------------------------------------------------------------------ END

Additional Support

Resources

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