Simple Gateway for the Home
The Hydra Healthcare Gateway operates as a bridge between a ZigBee Home Area Network (HAN) and a cellular network Wide Area Network (WAN). It is designed to be unobtrusive, for simple operation, and to be inexpensive. It can be installed by the user and requires no configuration – just plug it in and start sending messages.
It is implemented as a module that plugs into a mains wall socket, and has both a male and female 240V connector. This is to ensure the simplest possible solution for users. There are no unsightly wires and the user does not lose the use of the mains socket.
Features:
- Mains powered – no need for separate powers supply and messy cables.
- Designed for seamless, unobtrusive connection with minimal user interaction.
- In-built UK mains socket means users do not loose a wall socket. The plug connects directly through to the socket, and power is tapped off to supply the electronics.
- Versions with other mains plug/sockets are also available, including the European connector as used in France, Germany and elsewhere, and the US connector.
- High-efficiency low standby current ac/dc power supply.
- Low-power wireless radio interface (ZigBee Healthcare Profile, 2.4GHz).
- Quad band GPRS radio interface.
- An internal SIM card is supplied, soldered to the PCB.
- The SIM card connects to all networks, and picks up the strongest signal.
- Single bi-colour status LED (red/blue).
- USB socket to act as a charger for USB appliances (esp. personal health devices).
- Battery backup option, in case of a failure of the mains power supply.
Acute Technology arranges the telecoms contract, so the users or carers need not be concerned about fitting SIM cards or paying monthly bills to a mobile phone supplier. The SIM card works with all mobile network operators, and the strongest signal is selected. The SIM card is soldered to the PCB so is not a target for theft.
The initial market for the Hydra Healthcare Gateway is for moving telecare and telehealth data from the home to carers, but it can also be used for other machine-to-machine communications applications.