A Powerful LoRaWAN® Solution for Continuous Industrial Monitoring and Control
The VoBo XP is an advanced, externally powered LoRaWAN® endpoint, designed to support continuous monitoring in demanding industrial and remote environments. Built with support for Class A and Class C LoRaWAN® operation, and robust I/O capabilities, the VoBo XP is a rugged, highly configurable, and intelligent solution for integrating industrial sensors into wireless networks, in safe and hazardous areas.
VoBo XP Key Features
The VoBo XP’s Key features include:
- LoRaWAN ® Class A or C
- Externally Powered
- Solar Power Ready
- 7 Inputs and 4 Outputs
- Wake Up Digital Input
- RS485 / RS232 Serial Interface
- Modbus RTU
- Optional Multiple Modbus Device Polling
- 4 Relay Driver Outputs
- Pulse Counting and Totalizing on Digital Inputs
- Data Logging for 5000 Payloads
- Power Failure Detection
- IP66 / NEMA 4X Rugged Enclosure
- Remote and Local Configuration
- Optional VoBoSync
- Optional VoBoAnalytics
LoRaWAN® Class A and Class C Support
The VoBo XP supports both Class A and Class C modes. Class A is the common low-power mode. On a set cycle, it wakes from sleep to read its input channels and transmit the data. It only listens for downlinks for a short time after an uplink is sent, and then goes back to sleep.
In Class C mode, the VoBo XP doesn’t sleep. It is always listening for a downlink command from the network server to control the VoBo’s operation, ideal for industrial automation.
In Class C and continuous operation mode, the VoBo XP enables applications like threshold-based control, frequency analysis, and continuous pulse counting.
Versatile Inputs and Outputs
With seven input channels and four output channels, the VoBo XP offers exceptional flexibility.
Inputs:
- 3 Analog Inputs, each channel independently configurable for 4–20 mA, 0–5V,0–10V, or NAMUR sensor. These are ideal for temperature, pressure, level, or flow sensor monitoring.
- 2 Digital Inputs, each channel independently configurable for dry contact, voltage, or pulse counting. These channels support status reporting, event detection, or pulse output meter monitoring.. Pulse counting output options are a totalized count, the total counts since the last transmission cycle, or frequency.
- RS-485/RS-232 Serial port supports Modbus RTU for interfacing with Modbus enabled instrumentation. The VoBo XP functions as a Modbus RTU client able to poll a single, or optionally multiple daisy-chained devices can be polled.
Outputs:
- 4 Low-Side Relay Driver outputs are controlled by downlink, on-board logic, or their function can be locked-out. The relay drivers can be used for controlling any device or equipment that can be controlled by a relay. Control operations like starting a pump, activating a fan, or turning on a light can be done with LoRaWAN.
Built for Continuous Operation
Unlike battery-powered endpoints that rely on sleep cycles to conserve energy, the VoBo XP is externally powered, allowing it to operate and listen for downlinks continuously. This is crucial for applications that require high-frequency measurements, rapid data availability, or output control.
It’s input voltage requirements are flexible, accepting between 8–24 VDC external line power or solar charged battery systems. The VoBo XP automatically adjusts to any DC input voltage within its operating range.
The VoBo XP can power external sensors with 4–24 VDC, simplifying field deployments. This removes the need for multiple external power sources and allows the VoBo XP to run on 12VDC power and provide 24VDC power for sensors.
With power failure detection, the VoBo XP monitors it’s input voltage and sends a notification payload when it goes below a configurable threshold, ensuring reliable operation in critical applications.
Optional Analytics for Local Automation
With optional VoBoAnalytics, the VoBo XP can process input data on-board, make decisions, and control systems autonomously. For example, you could monitor analog pressure every second, and if pressure exceeds a threshold, activate a cooling fan or shutoff valve using a relay. You can then transmit event logs or operational summaries to the LoRaWAN® gateway.
Applications
The VoBo XP was built for diverse industrial monitoring and control needs. Each application area benefits from the VoBo XP’s ability to perform continuous measurement, fast analytics, and near real-time control, even in harsh or off-grid environments. Whether it’s deployed for a single use case or as part of a larger automation network, the VoBo XP serves as a flexible and reliable bridge between field instrumentation and modern cloud-based systems.
Here’s a look at a few examples of applications where the VoBo XP shines.
Temperature and Pressure
Continuously monitor process-critical parameters using analog sensors for intelligent insights into a system’s health, with the ability to generate alerts or trigger control actions when certain thresholds are met or exceeded.
Flow
Capture analog, pulse output, or Modbus data from flowmeters to support accurate volume calculations and diagnostics.
Tank Level
Monitor tank level sensors in remote or hazardous locations, with the ability to trigger alarms or initiate pump/fill sequences based on the sensor’s input and/or analytics logic.
Wellhead Production
Collect multiple sensor readings, including pressure, temperature, and flow, from oil and gas production. This is helpful to optimize production monitoring, safety alerts, and regulation compliance.
Heat Trace Controller
Monitor critical parameters in heat tracing systems to maintain proper operation and trigger maintenance.
Motor Condition
Use current, vibration, and temperature sensors to track a motor’s current condition and provide the data necessary for predictive analytics.
Emissions
Capture emissions data from sensors and analyzers for regulatory use and monitoring.
Weather Station
Integrate the VoBo XP with meteorological sensors (including wind, temp, humidity, barometric pressure) using analog and Modbus channels to create compact, field-deployable, long range weather monitoring systems.
Water Quality
Interface the VoBo XP with pH, turbidity, conductivity, and other water quality sensors using analog or Modbus inputs for environmental monitoring, industrial discharge tracking, or aquaculture conditions.
Compliance Monitoring
Capture and record regulated sensor data to ensure compliance with environmental or operational standards.
Safety Systems
Continuously monitor safety-critical inputs (such as gas detection, pressure thresholds, or emergency stop signals) and trigger alarms or shutdown sequences through relay outputs.
Monitor/Control (Relay Control)
Automate operations such as pump cycling, valve actuation, or fan control using relay drivers. Actions can be initiated by remote commands (downlinks) or onboard logic when integrated with VoBoAnalytics. This reduces latency and increases responsiveness, which is especially critical in time-sensitive processes.
Pulse Counting
The VoBo XP continuously counts pulses on its digital inputs and transmits the data the way you need it. For example, it can transmit the total pulse counts since the last cycle, cumulative total counts, frequency over the last cycle, etc. With VoBoAnalytics the pulse count can be converted to engineering units on the VoBo XP.
Conclusion
The VoBo XP extends the power of the VoBo platform into continuous monitoring, real-time logic-based control, and high-frequency data acquisition. With advanced input/output capabilities, multiple power options (including solar), and compatibility with both analog and digital industrial sensors, it is ideal for bringing legacy and modern instrumentation into your LoRaWAN® network.
For more details and technical specifications, visit VolleyBoast’s official product page or contact the Volley Boast support team.