1. Scenario Background

A pharmaceutical logistics company operates a fleet of refrigerated trucks responsible for transporting temperature-sensitive vaccines and medicines.

• Challenges:

  • Temperature Spoilage: Slight deviations in temperature can ruin expensive cargo.

  • Security: Unauthorized door openings during transit need to be detected.

  • Driver Safety: Poor driving habits (speeding, harsh braking) increase accident risks and fuel costs.

  • Connectivity: Vehicles travel across regions requiring stable cellular connectivity.

2. Solution Overview

Deploy the InHand VT310 Vehicle Tracking Gateway in each refrigerated truck. The VT310 acts as the central hub, collecting vehicle diagnostics, location data, and cargo sensor data, transmitting it all to the fleet management cloud platform via 4G LTE.

3. Implementation Details

Step 1: Environmental Monitoring (1-Wire Interface)

• Temperature Sensors: A DS18B20 digital temperature sensor is installed in the cargo hold. The sensor's signal line (DQ) is connected to Pin 8 (1-Wire) of the VT310, allowing the device to read real-time temperature data .

• Data Logic: The device is configured to upload temperature readings at set intervals. If the temperature exceeds a threshold, an immediate alarm is triggered.

Step 2: Security & Door Monitoring (Digital Input)

• Door Sensors: A magnetic door switch is connected to one of the Digital Inputs (DI), such as Pin 3 (DI2) or Pin 4 (DI4).

• Status Detection: The VT310 detects if the cargo door is "Open" or "Closed" by monitoring the voltage level (High/Low) on the DI pin . Dispatchers are alerted instantly if doors are opened outside of designated delivery zones (Geofencing).

Step 3: Vehicle Diagnostics & Driver Behavior (OBD-II/CAN)

• Vehicle Data: The VT310 connects to the truck's ECU via the OBD-II interface using the supported J1939 or J1708 protocols. This allows the reading of fuel consumption, engine RPM, and mileage.

• Driving Analysis: The built-in accelerometer and gyroscope monitor for dangerous driving events. The device analyzes data to detect sudden acceleration, emergency braking, and collision impacts, uploading this data for driver performance review .

Step 4: Real-Time Tracking & Connectivity

• Positioning: The integrated GNSS module provides precise location, speed, and heading data .

• Communication: The device uses LTE Cat 4 (or Cat 1/M1) networks to transmit data to the cloud.

• Platform Integration: Data is sent to the SmartFleet platform or third-party platforms like Wialon or AWS IoT, allowing dispatchers to view vehicle status, historical tracks, and sensor logs in real-time.

4. Customer Benefits

• Cargo Safety: Automatic temperature logging and alerts prevent cargo spoilage.

• Enhanced Security: Real-time door monitoring prevents theft and unauthorized access.

• Cost Reduction: Monitoring driver behavior and fuel consumption helps optimize routes and reduce operational costs.

• Reliability: The IP66-rated rugged design and 1200mAh backup battery ensure the device keeps working even in harsh conditions or if vehicle power is cut.