New communication modules for precision farming applications

STW is expanding its TCG connectivity gateway series with the TCG.5 and TCG.nano. These support high-performance communication interfaces, such as 5G connectivity, and feature even more powerful processors and data interfaces. This makes them ready for the most demanding applications in agricultural technology. Interested machine manufacturers can experience the new TCG modules for the first time at Agritechnica 2025 in Hanover. 

Smart and precision farming rely on the processing of comprehensive sensor and camera data for analysis, monitoring, and the execution of highly automated tasks. However, high-resolution video data in particular quickly generates many gigabytes of information, which can push the controllers on the machine to their performance limits. In order to conserve resources, for example for calculating functionally safe processes, it may be advisable to send this camera and sensor information to cloud computing services that take over further processing. 

This requires powerful communication modules: they must be capable of real-time processing and provide high transmission rates that enable the processing of large amounts of data in a few milliseconds. The necessary low latencies can be achieved with the 5G mobile communications standard: In theory, the 5G standard can transmit data with a guaranteed latency of a few milliseconds (in practice, the latency depends on the quality of the mobile operator's network) and is therefore real-time capable by definition. 

That is why STW has expanded its TCG data management and connectivity family for communication between agricultural machines or to cloud-based management systems. In addition to WiFi and Bluetooth communication, the TCG.5 supports the 5G standard and thus high-speed data transmission and real-time capability via the mobile network. Other communication channels such as machine-to-machine or via satellite are also provided. With RTK, machines can be positioned with an accuracy of 0.8 cm, enabling precision farming. Linux-based programming makes application engineering easy. The new ARM quad-core CPU enables the processing of large amounts of data in real time, which can be fed in primarily via four single-pair Ethernet interfaces. In addition, up to 128 GB of flash memory and 4 CAN-FD interfaces are available.

The TCG.nano also optionally supports 5G communication and Linux, is equipped with an i.MX9 processor (optionally as a dual-core) and has a single-pair Ethernet interface, up to 16 GB of flash memory and 2 CAN-FD interfaces. This makes it an economical alternative for less complex applications. Just like the TCG.5, the TCG.nano is also software-ready out-of-the-box for connection to cloud platforms and the use of cloud computing services, for example from the Amazon Web Services (AWS) ecosystem.

STW will be showcasing its new developments for the first time at Agritechnica 2025 in Hanover in Hall 17, Stand D12. The world's leading trade fair for agricultural technology will take place from November 9 to 15.