Reliable and affordable data acquisition is crucial in industrial applications and critical infrastructure monitoring. However, common low-cost sensors with an I2C interface have limited range and low resistance to interference, which limits their deployment in demanding conditions. This study aimed to design and verify a universal module that bridges the I2C communication interface with the robust RS-485 industrial bus. A hardware module was designed and constructed to serve as a gateway. The core of the system is an STM32F0x1 microcontroller, which controls communication between the local I2C bus, designed to connect a wide range of sensors, and the RS-485 industrial interface. The design emphasizes robustness, including multi-level protection of power and communication circuits. The functionality of the proposed solution was verified by testing the prototype in real conditions. The module, equipped with a combined SHT30 temperature and humidity sensor, was deployed on the premises of the University of Žilina, Slovakia near transport infrastructure. The data collected from two weeks of continuous operation, recorded at ten-minute intervals, confirmed its reliable and error-free functionality. The result of this work is a modular and scalable platform that enables the easy integration of inexpensive sensors into robust industrial networks. This solution significantly reduces the cost and complexity of building distributed monitoring systems in areas such as transportation, industrial automation, and environmental monitoring.
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