HARDWARE

Smart Connectivity Module

A compact ESP32-C3 module that adds cloud connectivity, mobile-app provisioning, and offline automation on the RTC model to an existing product.

IOTMER is an enterprise IoT platform for device manufacturers. The Smart Connectivity Module is the hardware component of that platform. It connects to the host board over UART, GPIO, or I2C, reaches the cloud over Wi-Fi, and completes first-time configuration over BLE from the mobile application.

Global cloud infrastructure

The module connects over MQTT to IOTMER’s global regions. Servers are operated on IOTMER’s own infrastructure.

Offline automation

The RTC model includes a real-time clock and a rechargeable backup battery. Automation rules defined over BLE continue to run without an internet connection.

Mobile application

Provisioning and parameter configuration are completed over BLE with the IOTMER mobile application. The manufacturer’s own application can connect to the same device over standard MQTT.

Open MQTT

Each device is issued its own MQTT credentials. The module can connect to the IOTMER cloud or to a third-party MQTT broker.

Two product models

The Standard model is designed for continuously powered products. The RTC model is intended for products that require a real-time clock and automation without an internet connection.

IOTMER Smart Connectivity Module, Standard model, component side

Standard model

No battery. Power is supplied by the host board. Suitable for always-on applications.

  • ESP32-C3, Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and BLE 5
  • External power
  • Compact board design
  • MQTT connectivity and OTA
IOTMER Smart Connectivity Module, RTC model, coin-cell side

RTC model

Includes a rechargeable backup battery and a built-in real-time clock.

  • ESP32-C3, Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and BLE 5
  • Built-in RTC
  • Rechargeable backup battery
  • Offline automation programmed over BLE

Integration from the host board to the cloud

The module does not replace the product’s application processor. It communicates with the host board and assumes the network connection.

  1. 01

    Host board

    The product microcontroller exchanges data and commands with the module over UART, GPIO, or I2C. The interface can be customized per project.

  2. 02

    Module

    The ESP32-C3 establishes the cloud connection over Wi-Fi. Initial provisioning and parameters are written over BLE from the mobile application.

  3. 03

    Cloud

    Communication uses MQTT with TLS to IOTMER Cloud MQTT, or to a third-party broker with credentials supplied by the manufacturer. OTA updates are delivered through the IOTMER cloud.

Application areas

  • Electrical and energy

    Low-voltage protection and energy monitoring.

  • Lighting

    Lighting control systems.

  • Access control

    Gate and door automation.

  • Industrial devices

    Remote monitoring and control.

  • Home appliances

    Status and control for white goods and household devices.

Technical specifications

Dimensions are approximate and can be customized per project. Commercial terms are not listed on this page. Volume and interface requirements are handled with the sales team.

Technical specifications
Main chip ESP32-C3 (Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz + BLE 5)
Protocol MQTT — IOTMER cloud or a third-party broker
Identity Unique MQTT credentials per device
RTC Included on the RTC model
Local configuration BLE, IOTMER mobile application
Antenna On-board or external antenna option
Supply 3.3 V, external or from the host board
Interfaces GPIO, UART, I2C — customizable
Dimensions Approx. 20.7 × 16.5 × 7.0 mm, customizable
Operating temperature −20 °C to +70 °C
Updates OTA through the IOTMER cloud
Certifications CE and RoHS — certification in progress
Regions Global regions. A dedicated region deployment is available on request.
Field More than 100,000 devices. A dedicated in-country region is available on request.

Three integration models

The same platform supports three integration methods. The module takes a product online without new firmware development. The SDK is for the manufacturer’s own ESP board. Cloud MQTT is for teams that already operate an MQTT client.

Smart Connectivity Module

The module is placed on the PCB. The host board communicates over UART, GPIO, or I2C.

Review the models →

ESP32 SDK

The SDK is added to firmware on the manufacturer’s own board. No broker deployment is required.

SDK documentation →

Cloud MQTT

An existing MQTT client connects directly to the managed broker.

Cloud MQTT →

Frequently asked questions

What is the IOTMER Smart Connectivity Module?

It is an ESP32-C3 Wi-Fi and BLE module developed for device manufacturers that need to connect a product to the cloud. It attaches to the host board over UART, GPIO, or I2C. Provisioning is completed over BLE from the mobile application. Data is delivered over standard MQTT to the IOTMER cloud or to a third-party broker.

What is the difference between the Standard and RTC models?

The Standard model has no battery, draws power from the host board, and is designed for continuously powered products. The RTC model adds a rechargeable backup battery and a real-time clock. Automation rules are defined over BLE and continue to run without an internet connection.

How does the module communicate with the host board?

GPIO, UART, and I2C interfaces are provided and can be customized per project. The module does not replace the product’s application processor. It communicates with the host board and assumes the network connection.

Can the manufacturer use its own mobile application?

Yes. Provisioning is performed over BLE with the IOTMER application. If the product experience is delivered in the manufacturer’s own application, that application connects to the same device over standard MQTT. Each module is issued its own MQTT credentials.

Does the module connect only to the IOTMER cloud?

No. The module can connect to IOTMER Cloud MQTT or to a third-party MQTT broker using the manufacturer’s own credentials. OTA updates are delivered through the IOTMER cloud.

How does the module behave when the internet connection is lost?

The RTC model includes a built-in clock and a rechargeable backup battery. Automation rules written over BLE continue to run without a connection. The Standard model is powered by the host board and requires network connectivity for cloud functions.

Comparisons for manufacturers

Tuya and IOTMER

A comparison of module, cloud, and application for device manufacturers connecting a product.

Tuya, AWS IoT Core, and IOTMER

A joint assessment of a ready module package, managed MQTT on AWS, and the IOTMER integration models.

Review the module against your product

Interface, volume, and region requirements can be discussed with our sales team. A free console account is available to evaluate the cloud service.

Contact sales Start free