NDDS20--NB-IoT Ultrasonic Liquid Level Sensor User Manual
Table of Contents:
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Use NDDS20 to communicate with IoT Server
- 2.1 How it works
- 2.2 Configure the NDDS20
- 2.3 Uplink Payload
- 2.4 Payload Explanation and Sensor Interface
- 2.5 Downlink Payload
- 2.6 Distance alarm function(Since firmware v1.3.2)
- 2.7 Set the number of data to be uploaded and the recording time
- 2.8 Read or Clear cached data
- 2.9 LED Indicator
- 2.10 Firmware Change Log
- 2.11 Battery & Power Consumption
- 3. Access NB-IoT Module
- 4. Using the AT Commands
- 5. FAQ
- 6. Trouble Shooting
- 7. Order Info
- 8. Packing Info
- 9. Support
1. Introduction
1.1 What is NDDS20 Ultrasonic liquid level Sensor
The Dragino NDDS20 is a NB-IoT Ultrasonic liquid level sensor for Internet of Things solution. It uses none-contact method to measure the height of liquid in a container without opening the container, and uploads the value via wireless to IoT Server via NB-IoT Network.
The NDDS20 sensor is installed directly below the container to detect the height of the liquid level. User doesn't need to open a hole on the container to be tested. The none-contact measurement makes the measurement safety, easier and possible for some strict situation.
NDDS20 uses ultrasonic sensing technology for distance measurement. NDDS20 is of high accuracy to measure various liquid such as: toxic substances, strong acids, strong alkalis and various pure liquids in high-temperature and high-pressure airtight containers.
NarrowBand-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) is a standards-based low power wide area (LPWA) technology developed to enable a wide range of new IoT devices and services. NB-IoT significantly improves the power consumption of user devices, system capacity and spectrum efficiency, especially in deep coverage.
NDDS20 supports different uplink methods include TCP, MQTT, UDP and CoAP for different application requirement.
NDDS20 is powered by 8500mAh Li-SOCI2 battery, It is designed for long term use up to 5 years. (Actually Battery life depends on the use environment, update period & uplink method)
To use NDDS20, user needs to check if there is NB-IoT coverage in local area and with the bands NDDS20 supports. If the local operate support it, user needs to get a NB-IoT SIM card from local operator and install NDDS20 to get NB-IoT network connection.
1.2 Features
- NB-IoT Bands: B1/B3/B8/B5/B20/B28 @H-FDD
- Ultra low power consumption
- Distance Detection by Ultrasonic technology
- Flat object range 20mm - 2000mm
- Accuracy: ±(5mm+S*0.5%) (S: Measure Value)
- Cable Length: 25cm
- AT Commands to change parameters
- Uplink on periodically
- Downlink to change configure
- IP66 Waterproof Enclosure
- Micro SIM card slot for NB-IoT SIM
- 8500mAh Battery for long term use
1.3 Specification
Common DC Characteristics:
- Supply Voltage: 2.1v ~ 3.6v
- Operating Temperature: -40 ~ 85°C
NB-IoT Spec:
- B1 @H-FDD: 2100MHz
- B3 @H-FDD: 1800MHz
- B8 @H-FDD: 900MHz
- B5 @H-FDD: 850MHz
- B20 @H-FDD: 800MHz
- B28 @H-FDD: 700MHz
Battery:
- Li/SOCI2 un-chargeable battery
- Capacity: 8500mAh
- Self Discharge: <1% / Year @ 25°C
- Max continuously current: 130mA
- Max boost current: 2A, 1 second
Power Consumption
- STOP Mode: 10uA @ 3.3v
- Max transmit power: 350mA@3.3v
1.4 Suitable Container & Liquid
- Solid Wall container such as: steel, iron, glass, ceramics, non-foaming plastics etc.
- Container shape is regular, and surface is smooth.
- Container Thickness:
- Pure metal material. 2~8mm, best is 3~5mm
- Pure non metal material: <10 mm
- Pure liquid without irregular deposition.
1.5 Mechanical
1.6 Install NDDS20
Step 1: Choose the installation point.
NDDS20 MUST be installed on the container bottom middle position.
Step 2: Polish the installation point.
For Metal Surface with paint, it is important to polish the surface, first use crude sand paper to polish the paint level , then use exquisite sand paper to polish the metal level to make it shine & smooth.
No polish needed if the container is shine metal surface without paint or non-metal container.
Step3: Test the installation point.
Power on NDDS20, check if the blue LED is on, If the blue LED is on, means the sensor works. Then put ultrasonic coupling paste on the sensor and put it tightly on the installation point.
It is necessary to put the coupling paste between the sensor and the container, otherwise NDDS20 won't detect the liquid level.
After paste the NDDS20 well, power on NDDS20. In the first 30 seconds of booting, device will check the sensors status and BLUE LED will show the status as below. After 30 seconds, BLUE LED will be off to save battery life.
LED Status:
Onboard LED: When power on device, the onboard LED will fast blink 4 times which means detect the sensor well.
BLUE LED always ON: Sensor is power on but doesn't detect liquid. There is problem in installation point.
BLUE LED slowly blinking: Sensor detects Liquid Level, The installation point is good.
LDDS20 will enter into low power mode at 30 seconds after system reset or power on, Blue LED will be off after that.
Note 2:
Ultrasonic coupling paste is subjected in most shipping way. So the default package doesn't include it and user needs to purchase locally.
Step4: Install use Epoxy ab glue.
Prepare Eproxy AB glue.
Put Eproxy AB glue in the sensor and press it hard on the container installation point.
Reset LDDS20 and see if the BLUE LED is slowly blinking.
Note 1:
Eproxy AB glue needs 3~ 5 minutes to stable attached. we can use other glue material to keep it in the position.
Note 2:
Eproxy AB glue is subjected in most shipping way. So the default package doesn't include it and user needs to purchase locally.
1.7 Applications
- Smart liquid control solution.
- Smart liquefied gas solution.
1.8 Precautions
- At room temperature, containers of different materials, such as steel, glass, iron, ceramics, non-foamed plastics and other dense materials, have different detection blind areas and detection limit heights.
- For containers of the same material at room temperature, the detection blind zone and detection limit height are also different for the thickness of the container.
- When the detected liquid level exceeds the effective detection value of the sensor, and the liquid level of the liquid to be measured shakes or tilts, the detected liquid height is unstable.
1.9 Pin Definitions
2. Use NDDS20 to communicate with IoT Server
2.1 How it works
The NDDS20 is equipped with a NB-IoT module, the pre-loaded firmware in NDDS20 will get environment data from sensors and send the value to local NB-IoT network via the NB-IoT module. The NB-IoT network will forward this value to IoT server via the protocol defined by NDDS20.
The diagram below shows the working flow in default firmware of NDDS20:
2.2 Configure the NDDS20
2.2.1 Test Requirement
To use NDDS20 in your city, make sure meet below requirements:
- Your local operator has already distributed a NB-IoT Network there.
- The local NB-IoT network used the band that NDDS20 supports.
- Your operator is able to distribute the data received in their NB-IoT network to your IoT server.
Below figure shows our testing structure. Here we have NB-IoT network coverage by China Mobile, the band they use is B8. The NDDS20 will use CoAP(120.24.4.116:5683) or raw UDP(120.24.4.116:5601) or MQTT(120.24.4.116:1883)or TCP(120.24.4.116:5600)protocol to send data to the test server.
2.2.2 Insert SIM card
Insert the NB-IoT Card get from your provider.
User need to take out the NB-IoT module and insert the SIM card like below:
2.2.3 Connect USB – TTL to NDDS20 to configure it
User need to configure NDDS20 via serial port to set the Server Address / Uplink Topic to define where and how-to uplink packets. NDDS20 support AT Commands, user can use a USB to TTL adapter to connect to NDDS20 and use AT Commands to configure it, as below.
Connection:
USB TTL GND <----> GND
USB TTL TXD <----> UART_RXD
USB TTL RXD <----> UART_TXD
In the PC, use below serial tool settings:
- Baud: 9600
- Data bits: 8
- Stop bits: 1
- Parity: None
- Flow Control: None
Make sure the switch is in FLASH position, then power on device by connecting the jumper on NDDS20. NDDS20 will output system info once power on as below, we can enter the password: 12345678 to access AT Command input.
Note: the valid AT Commands can be found at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/aaq2xcl0bzfu0yd/AAAEAHRa7Io_465ds4Y7-F3aa?dl=0
2.2.4 Use CoAP protocol to uplink data
Note: if you don't have CoAP server, you can refer this link to set up one: http://wiki.dragino.com/xwiki/bin/view/Main/Set%20up%20CoAP%20Server/
Use below commands:
AT+PRO=1 // Set to use CoAP protocol to uplink
AT+SERVADDR=120.24.4.116,5683 // to set CoAP server address and port
AT+URI=0,0,11,2,"coap" // Set COAP resource path
For parameter description, please refer to AT command set
After configure the server address and reset the device (via AT+ATZ ), NDDS20 will start to uplink sensor values to CoAP server.
2.2.5 Use UDP protocol to uplink data(Default protocol)
- AT+PRO=2 // Set to use UDP protocol to uplink
- AT+SERVADDR=120.24.4.116,5601 // to set UDP server address and port
2.2.6 Use MQTT protocol to uplink data
- AT+PRO=3 // Set to use MQTT protocol to uplink
- AT+SERVADDR=120.24.4.116,1883 // Set MQTT server address and port
- AT+CLIENT=CLIENT // Set up the CLIENT of MQTT
- AT+UNAME=UNAME // Set the username of MQTT
- AT+PWD=PWD // Set the password of MQTT
- AT+PUBTOPIC=NDDS20_PUB // Set the sending topic of MQTT
- AT+SUBTOPIC=NDDS20_SUB // Set the subscription topic of MQTT
MQTT protocol has a much higher power consumption compare vs UDP / CoAP protocol. Please check the power analyze document and adjust the uplink period to a suitable interval.
2.2.7 Use TCP protocol to uplink data
- AT+PRO=4 // Set to use TCP protocol to uplink
- AT+SERVADDR=120.24.4.116,5600 // to set TCP server address and port
2.2.8 Change Update Interval
User can use below command to change the uplink interval.
- AT+TDC=600 // Set Update Interval to 600s
NOTE:
1. By default, the device will send an uplink message every 1 hour.
2. When the firmware version is v1.3.2 and later firmware:
By default, the device will send an uplink message every 2 hours. Each Uplink Include 8 set of records in this 2 hour (15 minute interval / record).
2.3 Uplink Payload
2.3.1 Before Firmware v1.3.2
In this mode, uplink payload includes in total 14 bytes
Size(bytes) | 6 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | Device ID | Ver | BAT | Signal Strength | Distance (unit: mm) | Interrupt |
If we use the MQTT client to subscribe to this MQTT topic, we can see the following information when the NDDS20 uplink data.
The payload is ASCII string, representative same HEX:
0x 724031556159 0064 0c6c 19 0292 00
where :
- Device ID: 0x724031556159 = 724031556159
- Version: 0x0064=100=1.0.0
- BAT: 0x0c6c = 3180 mV = 3.180V
- Signal: 0x19 = 25
- Distance: 0x0292= 658 mm
- Interrupt: 0x00 = 0
2.3.2 Since firmware v1.3.2
In this mode, uplink payload includes 69 bytes in total by default.
Each time the device uploads a data package, 8 sets of recorded data will be attached. Up to 32 sets of recorded data can be uploaded.
| Size(bytes) | 8 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Value | Device ID | Ver | BAT | Signal Strength | MOD | Interrupt | Distance | Timestamp | Distance | Timestamp....... |
If we use the MQTT client to subscribe to this MQTT topic, we can see the following information when the NDDS20 uplink data.
The payload is ASCII string, representative same HEX:
0x f867787050213317 0084 0cf4 1e 01 00 0039 6315537b 00396319baf0 00396319ba3c 00396319b988 00396319b8d4 00396319b820 00396319b76c 00396319b6b8 00396319b604
where:
- Device ID: f867787050213317 = f867787050213317
- Version: 0x0084=132=1.3.2
- BAT: 0x0cf4 = 3316 mV = 3.316V
- Singal: 0x1e = 30
- Mod: 0x01 = 1
- Interrupt: 0x00= 0
- Distance: 0x0039= 57 = 57
- Time stamp: 0x6315537b =1662342011 (Unix Epoch Time)
- Distance,Time stamp: 00396319baf0
- 8 sets of recorded data: Distance,Time stamp : 00396319ba3c,.......
2.4 Payload Explanation and Sensor Interface
2.4.1 Device ID
By default, the Device ID equal to the last 6 bytes of IMEI.
User can use AT+DEUI to set Device ID
Example :
AT+DEUI=A84041F15612
The Device ID is stored in a none-erase area, Upgrade the firmware or run AT+FDR won't erase Device ID.
NOTE: When the firmware version is v1.3.2 and later firmware:
By default, the Device ID equal to the last 15 bits of IMEI.
User can use AT+DEUI to set Device ID
Example :
AT+DEUI=868411056754138
2.4.2 Version Info
Specify the software version: 0x64=100, means firmware version 1.00.
For example: 0x00 64 : this device is NDDS20 with firmware version 1.0.0.
2.4.3 Battery Info
Ex1: 0x0B45 = 2885mV
Ex2: 0x0B49 = 2889mV
2.4.4 Signal Strength
NB-IoT Network signal Strength.
Ex1: 0x1d = 29
0 -113dBm or less
1 -111dBm
2...30 -109dBm... -53dBm
31 -51dBm or greater
99 Not known or not detectable
2.4.5 Distance
Get the distance. Flat object range 20mm - 2000mm.
For example, if the data you get from the register is 0x06 0x05, the distance between the sensor and the measured object is 0605(H) = 1541 (D) = 1541 mm.
- If the sensor value is 0x0000, it means system doesn't detect ultrasonic sensor.
- If the sensor value lower than 0x0014 (20mm), the sensor value will be invalid.
2.4.6 Digital Interrupt
Digital Interrupt refers to pin GPIO_EXTI, and there are different trigger methods. When there is a trigger, the NDDS20 will send a packet to the server.
The command is:
AT+INTMOD=3 // (more info about INMOD please refer AT Command Manual).
The lower four bits of this data field shows if this packet is generated by interrupt or not. Click here for the hardware and software set up.
Example:
0x(00): Normal uplink packet.
0x(01): Interrupt Uplink Packet.
2.4.7 +5V Output
NDDS20 will enable +5V output before all sampling and disable the +5v after all sampling.
The 5V output time can be controlled by AT Command.
AT+5VT=1000
Means set 5V valid time to have 1000ms. So the real 5V output will actually have 1000ms + sampling time for other sensors.
2.5 Downlink Payload
By default, NDDS20 prints the downlink payload to console port.
| Downlink Control Type | FPort | Type Code | Downlink payload size(bytes) |
| TDC (Transmit Time Interval) | Any | 01 | 4 |
| RESET | Any | 04 | 2 |
| INTMOD | Any | 06 | 4 |
Examples:
Set TDC
If the payload=0100003C, it means set the END Node's TDC to 0x00003C=60(S), while type code is 01.
Payload: 01 00 00 1E TDC=30S
Payload: 01 00 00 3C TDC=60S
Reset
If payload = 0x04FF, it will reset the NDDS20
- INTMOD
Downlink Payload: 06000003, Set AT+INTMOD=3
2.6 Distance alarm function(Since firmware v1.3.2)
➢ AT Command:
AT+ LDDSALARM=min,max
² When min=0, and max≠0, Alarm higher than max
² When min≠0, and max=0, Alarm lower than min
² When min≠0 and max≠0, Alarm higher than max or lower than min
Example:
AT+ LDDSALARM=260,2000 // Alarm when distance lower than 260.
2.7 Set the number of data to be uploaded and the recording time
➢ AT Command:
- AT+TR=900 // The unit is seconds, and the default is to record data once every 900 seconds.( The minimum can be set to 180 seconds)
- AT+NOUD=8 // The device uploads 8 sets of recorded data by default. Up to 32 sets of record data can be uploaded.
The diagram below explains the relationship between TR, NOUD, and TDC more clearly:
2.8 Read or Clear cached data
➢ AT Command:
- AT+CDP // Read cached data
- AT+CDP=0 // Clear cached data
2.9 LED Indicator
The NDDS20 has an internal LED which is to show the status of different state.
- When power on, NDDS20 will detect if sensor probe is connected, if probe detected, LED will blink four times. (no blinks in this step is no probe)
- Then the LED will be on for 1 second means device is boot normally.
- After NDDS20 join NB-IoT network. The LED will be ON for 3 seconds.
- For each uplink probe, LED will be on for 500ms.
2.10 Firmware Change Log
Download URL & Firmware Change log: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wb89169stk9pgre/AACdyIrp8PnJcmDycKrzp6KWa?dl=0
Upgrade Instruction: Upgrade Firmware
2.11 Battery & Power Consumption
NDDS20 uses ER26500 + SPC1520 battery pack. See below link for detail information about the battery info and how to replace.
Battery Info & Power Consumption Analyze .
3. Access NB-IoT Module
Users can directly access the AT command set of the NB-IoT module.
The AT Command set can refer the BC35-G NB-IoT Module AT Command: https://www.dragino.com/downloads/index.php?dir=datasheet/other_vendors/BC35-G/
4. Using the AT Commands
4.1 Access AT Commands
See this link for detail: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/aaq2xcl0bzfu0yd/AAAEAHRa7Io_465ds4Y7-F3aa?dl=0
AT+<CMD>? : Help on <CMD>
AT+<CMD> : Run <CMD>
AT+<CMD>=<value> : Set the value
AT+<CMD>=? : Get the value
General Commands
AT : Attention
AT? : Short Help
ATZ : MCU Reset
AT+TDC : Application Data Transmission Interval
AT+CFG : Print all configurations
AT+CFGMOD : Working mode selection
AT+INTMOD : Set the trigger interrupt mode
AT+5VT : Set extend the time of 5V power
AT+PRO : Choose agreement
AT+WEIGRE : Get weight or set weight to 0
AT+WEIGAP : Get or Set the GapValue of weight
AT+RXDL : Extend the sending and receiving time
AT+CNTFAC : Get or set counting parameters
AT+SERVADDR : Server Address
AT+TR : Get or Set record time"
AT+APN : Get or set the APN
AT+FBAND : Get or Set whether to automatically modify the frequency band
AT+DNSCFG : Get or Set DNS Server
AT+GETSENSORVALUE : Returns the current sensor measurement
AT+NOUD : Get or Set the number of data to be uploaded
AT+CDP : Read or Clear cached data
AT+LDDSALARM : Get or Set alarm of distance
COAP Management
AT+URI : Resource parameters
MQTT Management
AT+CLIENT : Get or Set MQTT client
AT+UNAME : Get or Set MQTT Username
AT+PWD : Get or Set MQTT password
AT+PUBTOPIC : Get or Set MQTT publish topic
AT+SUBTOPIC : Get or Set MQTT subscription topic
Information
AT+FDR : Factory Data Reset
AT+PWORD : Serial Access Password
5. FAQ
5.1 How to Upgrade Firmware
User can upgrade the firmware for 1) bug fix, 2) new feature release.
Please see this link for how to upgrade: http://wiki.dragino.com/xwiki/bin/view/Main/Firmware%20Upgrade%20Instruction%20for%20STM32%20base%20products/#H2.HardwareUpgradeMethodSupportList
Notice, NDDS20 and LDDS75 share the same mother board. They use the same connection and method to update.
6. Trouble Shooting
6.1 Connection problem when uploading firmware
6.2 AT Command input doesn't work
In the case if user can see the console output but can't type input to the device. Please check if you already include the ENTER while sending out the command. Some serial tool doesn't send ENTER while press the send key, user need to add ENTER in their string.
6.3 Not able to connect to NB-IoT network and keep showing "Signal Strength:99".
This means sensor is trying to join the NB-IoT network but fail. Please see this link for trouble shooting for signal strenght:99.
7. Order Info
Part Number: NSDDS20
8. Packing Info
Package Includes:
- NDDS20 NB-IoT Ultrasonic Liquid Level Sensor x 1
- External antenna x 1
Note:
Ultrasonic coupling paste and Eproxy AB glue are subjected in most shipping way. So the default package doesn't include it and user needs to purchase locally.
Dimension and weight:
- Device Size:
- Device Weight:
- Package Size / pcs :
- Weight / pcs :
9. Support
- Support is provided Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 18:00 GMT+8. Due to different timezones we cannot offer live support. However, your questions will be answered as soon as possible in the before-mentioned schedule.
- Provide as much information as possible regarding your enquiry (product models, accurately describe your problem and steps to replicate it etc) and send a mail to support@dragino.com