STM32-Based IoT Framework for Real-Time Environmental Monitoring and Wireless Node Synchronization

TL;DR

The paper addresses real-time environmental monitoring using a low-power IoT framework based on STM32F103C8T6 microcontrollers. It proposes a dual-node master-slave architecture (Green House as master and Red House as slave) that uses HC-05 Bluetooth to exchange sensor data from environments including temperature, humidity, soil moisture, raindrop presence, and obstacle distance, with data displayed on OLED screens and thresholds triggering alerts. A comparative analysis between STM32 (ARM Cortex-M3) and Arduino (AVR) supports the choice of STM32 for higher processing power and energy efficiency. Limitations noted include power distribution and Bluetooth transmission constraints, with future work aiming to switch to Wi-Fi and develop a mobile monitoring robot to enhance scalability and real-time cloud connectivity.

Abstract

The fast pace of technological growth has created a heightened need for intelligent, autonomous monitoring systems in a variety of fields, especially in environmental applications. This project shows the design process and implementation of a proper dual node (master-slave) IoT-based monitoring system using STM32F103C8T6 microcontrollers. The structure of the wireless monitoring system studies the environmental conditions in real-time and can measure parameters like temperature, humidity, soil moisture, raindrop detection and obstacle distance. The relay of information occurs between the primary master node (designated as the Green House) to the slave node (the Red House) employing the HC-05 Bluetooth module for information transmission. Each node displays the sensor data on OLED screens and a visual or auditory alert is triggered based on predetermined thresholds. A comparative analysis of STM32 (ARM Cortex-M3) and Arduino (AVR) is presented to justify the STM32 used in this work for greater processing power, less energy use, and better peripherals. Practical challenges in this project arise from power distribution and Bluetooth configuration limits. Future work will explore the transition of a Wi-Fi communication protocol and develop a mobile monitoring robot to enhance scalability of the system. Finally, this research shows that ARM based embedded systems can provide real-time environmental monitoring systems that are reliable and consume low power.

Figures (4)

• Figure 1: Pinout diagram of the STM32F103C8T6 Blue Pill microcontroller.
• Figure 2: Architecture of the Proposed Any Area Alert Monitoring System Using the STM32F103C8T6 Microprocessor.
• Figure 3: Demonstration view of both the interior and exterior of the green house.
• Figure 4: Demonstration view of both the interior and exterior of the red house.