RoadTest: Azure Sphere Guardian 100
Author: ddip214
Creation date:
Evaluation Type: Test Equipment
Did you receive all parts the manufacturer stated would be included in the package?: True
What other parts do you consider comparable to this product?: N/A
What were the biggest problems encountered?: The biggest issue I encountered was connecting the device through a Virtual Machine.
Detailed Review:
David DiPonzio
March 2020
Introduction
The Azure Sphere Guardian 100 is a wireless edge module that uses Azure Sphere to deliver secure connectivity to devices, assisting businesses to get the most out of their existing equipment investments. This kit includes the MT3620 module and securely connects to existing equipment via Ethernet or USB providing a secure connection to the internet via dual-band Wi-Fi.
The benefits include: Securely connect existing devices:
Key Features (From here)
Avnet Azure Sphere Module based on MT3620AN SoC that features:
1x 500MHz ARM Cortex A7, 4MB SRAM
2x 200MHz ARM Cortex M4F cores, 192kB TCM, 64kB SRAM, integrated FPU
On-chip QSPI flash memory (16 MB)
Dual-band 2.4/5GHz 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
Dual-band 2.4/5GHz Chip Antenna (Pulse W3006)
Ethernet 10BaseT Interface, RJ45 connector, and Magnetics
USB 2.0 Device Interface and USB power (USB type-B connector)
USB 2.0 Debug/Prog Interface (internal micro USB connector)
7x Status LEDs: Power, User-1,-2,-3, Debug/Prog USB, Ethernet-A,-B
5V to 3.3V DC/DC Power Regulation (2A max, with overvoltage protection)
Operating Temperature: -30 ~ 85°C
Dimensions: *84mm x 84mm x 34mm (*W=108mm including mounting flanges)
Setup
Computer: 2012 MacBook Pro (mid-2012); macOS Catalina v. 10.15.3; 2.5 GHz Dual-Core intel core i5; Memory 16GB 1600 MHz DDR3
Software: VMware Fusion Professional Version 11.5.3; Windows 10 x64; VirtualBox 6.0.18 r136238; Windows 10 x64
Results
I attempted to use both VMware Fusion and VirtualBox, both running Windows 10, to see if I could connect via a VM to the Azure Sphere module. It's necessary for this device to communicate with devices through Virtual Machines. Many companies run virtual machines to control and run their systems. I first attempted to utilize VMware Fusion without any luck. I have VMware tools installed and was able to plug in other USB devices and it functioned. I decided to install VirtualBox to see if I would be able to use the module through VirtualBox. I was able to set up and install AzureSphereSDK on my VirtualBox machine. I then followed the steps for setting up the sphere module to connect with my WiFi. Below are my results:
Figure 1: Logging into my Azure account and claiming the module.
Figure 2: Connecting the module to WiFi.
From here the user can take the module and hook whatever system or machine can accept a data cable or a USB cable. This would allow for remote control and monitoring via WiFi.
Conclusion
This module can be very helpful for companies that have equipment or systems that cannot communicate via traditional methods. This device basically makes any system or machine an IoT device, securely via the azure infrastructure. As stated above I had issues using VMware Fusion but was able to program the module using VirtualBox. I also needed to supply my own USB to micro USB cable to program the module. The module to lightweight and small which would be very easy to install on machinery or equipment.
Photos
What is included with the box:
