HCC Embedded added on Monday MQTT Internet of Things (IoT) protocol support to its suite of connectivity and security software. MQTT is a small, low-bandwidth networking protocol ideally suited for connecting the growing number of embedded applications that are remotely monitored through an Internet connection.
HCC Embedded’s MQTT implementation runs on HCC’s trusted TCP/IP stack to reduce time to market and uses verifiable TLS to secure IoT cloud connections.
HCC’s TCP/IP stack was developed with a rigorous approach to quality using a subset of the “C” language. This approach adheres to the MISRA-C:2004 standard and was validated using advanced verification tools. The TCP/IP stack operates through a memory-management system that takes advantage of zero-copy algorithms, and is based on static memory allocation that can use available dedicated memory areas and caches. All software comes with optimized Ethernet drivers and will integrate with any RTOS.
MQTT protocol supports sporadic messages from thousands of devices that publish information to a central broker. This simple publish/subscribe model sends updates only when data changes, preserving valuable bandwidth and making MQTT ideal for use in constrained settings such as M2M and IoT environments that rely on remote connectivity or require a small footprint.
For example, an elevator company could collect data from temperature, vibration, speed, door monitoring, or position sensors fitted on thousands of elevators, and apply machine-learning techniques to that database of information to more efficiently manage its maintenance and operating costs.
When a secure connection is required, HCC provides a verifiable TLS module to handle encryption independently of MQTT. Additionally, a client can provide a user name and password so that the broker can authenticate the client. When MQTT operates over a TLS connection, both the client and the server can authenticate each other using x.509 certificates.
HCC Embedded had in July last year acquired the networking business of InterNiche Technologies, a U.S. supplier of embedded networking protocol software. Through this acquisition HCC has created a global, combined business that streamlines and simplifies the development of networking and storage solutions for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Effective immediately HCC assumes responsibility for providing legacy and technical support to users of InterNiche networking software.
InterNiche’s NicheStack products and extensive IoT protocols complement HCC’s MISRA-compliant networking and fail-safe storage portfolio. In the short term, all products previously available from both companies will be available for licensing as before.
HCC has strengthened its technical and sales presence in the U.S. by bringing former InterNiche engineers and sales professionals together in one office in San Jose with HCC Embedded America and plans to announce an integrated product roadmap in the near future.
“The potential benefits of MQTT are huge, but for those benefits to be fully realized in a given IoT solution, that solution must be built on a high-quality software platform,” said Dave Hughes, CEO of HCC Embedded. “Furthermore, verification of the development platform will ensure your data is reliable, safe, and secure. With the addition of MQTT protocol to our TCP/IP stack, IoT device developers are assured the highest level of software quality, backed by a complete MISRA report with strict rule enforcement.”
HCC has also developed an IoT vending machine to demonstrate MQTT in action. Guests can scan a QR code on the booth to reach a website and publish a special number through a broker using their mobile phone. The vending machine subscribes to that data and will issue chocolate to the lucky visitor.
