IoT Based Data Acquisition: Guide to Carrying Analog Data to the Cloud

Amazeng Technical Team
7 min read
IoTCloud DataData AcquisitionGatewayIndustrial Data

Introduction

The Internet of Things (IoT) is no longer a luxury in the industrial world, but a way to stay competitive. However, thousands of analog sensors in the field (4-20mA, Loadcell, Pressure) cannot connect directly to the internet. The journey of data to the cloud requires a correct "bridge." In this guide, we examine the most reliable and scalable ways to carry data from the analog field to the digital cloud.

Architecture of the Data Journey

For a sensor data to reach the cloud, it must pass through 3 basic layers:

Layer 1: Digitizing

Converting the analog signal (for example, a tank level information) into digital data with a high-precision Digital Transmitter.

  • Why Important?: Incorrectly digitized data goes to the cloud as "noise" and disrupts all analyses.

Layer 2: Communication and Gateway

Transferring the digitized data from a local network (RS485, Ethernet) to the IoT Gateway.

  • Protocols: Modbus RTU/TCP and MQTT are the strongest players of this layer. Our ZMA Data Acquisition devices speak perfectly with almost all IoT Gateway and PLC systems on the market thanks to the Modbus protocol.

Layer 3: Cloud and Visualization

Transmission of data coming via the Gateway (in JSON or binary format) to cloud servers. Here, the data is now ready for "Big Data" analytics.

Where are Amazeng Devices in the IoT Architecture?

Amazeng products are positioned at the "Edge" point of the IoT pyramid. We are not just transmitting the data, we are preparing it for the cloud:

  • Pre-processing (Edge Processing): ZMA series reduces bandwidth cost by sending only meaningful 'average' or 'peak' values to the cloud while reading 1000 data per second.
  • Secure Communication: While our Modbus TCP-based devices provide a secure data flow within the local network, they offer the cleanest data for your Gateway device to transmit the data encrypted to the outside world.

A Real Application Scenario: Remote Factory Monitoring

Imagine monitoring machine vibration data in different cities in a multi-location manufacturing facility from a single center. Our ZMA Data Acquisition devices read raw vibration at each location, analyze it, and transfer it to the Gateway in the building via Modbus. The Gateway carries this data to the AWS or Azure cloud via MQTT. Result: You can instantly monitor the health status of all your factories from your smartphone.

Conclusion

Carrying analog data to the cloud is transforming the reality in the field into a digital twin. With a correct transmitter and communication infrastructure, this process returns to your enterprise as predictive maintenance and operational efficiency.

Examine our solutions to include your analog sensors in the IoT world or get project support from our technical team.

Back to All Posts