Fieldbus & Industrial Networking


Wireless access for demanding applications

March 2014 Fieldbus & Industrial Networking

The RadioLinx 802.11abg Water Resistant Industrial Hotspot model RLX-IH65W brings real-time wireless access for the most demanding, hazardous and time-critical applications. This is a cost-effective wireless solution for plant and field engineers who need real-time access to remote or mobile equipment, particularly when the environment is exposed to harsh temperatures, moisture, dust, and weather. The radios allow users to reduce costs including those associated with downtime, labour and installation, and leased-line or wireless service fees.

Field applications exposed to severe conditions, such as on an oil rig or in the wash down area of a manufacturing plant, can benefit from this latest addition to ProSoft Technology’s RadioLinx wireless product family. This radio functions as an access point, repeater, or client. It also offers Power over Ethernet (PoE), which allows it to be installed close to the antenna, reducing antenna cable loss and so maximising range.

IGMP Snooping

The RLX-IH65W is equipped with RF-based Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) Snooping, a tool which allows multicast filtering at the wireless level, so that the radio transmitting data from the producer (such as a distributed I/O block) is able to identify the consumer (e.g. PLC) and transmit the producer data directly to the consumer as opposed to multicasting the information to the entire wireless network. Since the RLX-IH65W sends the data directly to each of the consumers, it is able to confirm receipt of the data and retransmit the data if necessary. RF-based IGMP prevents crowding over the air by sending messages only where they need to go and it increases reliability by confirming receipt of the data.

Industrial design

The IP65 rated enclosure protects the device from water jets and against dust. The RLX-IH65W can be used in industrial operating temperatures, and is vibration and shock resistant.

Security

The radio offers cryptographic strength security with WPA2 (802.11i-128/192/256 bit) Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and CCM (Counter with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code) integrity check. The radio is also equipped with MAC ID filtering to limit access to approved device MAC IDs. It also monitors the wireless environment for approved and rogue radios.

OFDM modulation

The hotspot uses OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) modulation for high noise immunity at maximum speeds. This technique distributes data over multiple carriers which are ­assigned individual frequencies, translating into less distortion or interference.

Additional product features

These include:

* Dual frequency band (2,4 GHz and 5 GHz).

* OPC server included to embed diagnostics in HMI clients.

* Programmable RF power output to meet regional regulations.

* Support for high-speed applications like video and EtherNet/IP I/O.

* UL1604 Class 1, Div 2 approved for hazardous environments.

* Support for Voice over IP (VoIP).

* Automatic network configuration with self-healing network.

* Multiple master network architecture for large networks such as scada.

* Includes bracket for mounting to poles up to 3 inches in diameter.

* Die-cast Aluminium enclosure.

* Supports distances of up to 8 km at 54 Mbps.

For more information contact Bob Petrie, Throughput Technologies, +27 (0)11 705 2497, [email protected], www.throughput.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Remote I/O modules provide flexible options for distributed applications
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Dinkle International is now stocking the iO-GRID NEMO industrial-grade remote input/output modules, offering support for five leading industrial Ethernet protocols and a range of discrete channel configurations for distributed automation applications.

Read more...
Local energy solutions rewiring resilience across Africa
News Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Engineers across Africa are developing practical, scalable energy and mobility solutions supported by the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.

Read more...
Daudin expands fieldbus modular remote I/O series
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
: The Dinkle iO-GRID X modular remote I/O family is now available, offering fieldbus coupler modules for major industrial Ethernet protocols, and over 20 types of I/O modules to help integrators and equipment builders create flexible, efficient control systems.

Read more...
Siemens and HighByte partner to scale industrial AI
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Siemens is expanding its Industrial Edge ecosystem through a partnership with HighByte, enabling customers to connect, contextualise and transform data from operational technology and information technology sources to build AI models and applications at scale.

Read more...
Automotive Ethernet media converter
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
HMS Networks has introduced its first automotive ethernet product under the PEAK brand. The PAE-Media Converter is a compact device designed to connect automotive Ethernet (100BASE-T1 or 1000BASE-T1) with standard Ethernet (100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-T) networks.

Read more...
3D electrical systems design workflow for electromechanical innovation
Siemens South Africa Fieldbus & Industrial Networking IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has announced new 3D electrical design capabilities within its Capital software, enabling electrical and mechanical engineers to work concurrently in a shared 3D environment to reduce late-stage design changes and accelerate time to market for complex electromechanical products.

Read more...
Long-distance signal delivery is critical to rail safety
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
A remote monitoring specialist explains why fibre optic technology is increasingly replacing copper cabling in safety-critical railway signalling systems.

Read more...
Building efficiency into cement production with SCADA and IIoT
Adroit Technologies Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
For decades, Adroit Technologies has worked alongside leading cement producers, helping them gain greater visibility into their operations through advanced SCADA and IIoT solutions.

Read more...
Loop signature Part 2-5: Interactive control systems
Michael Brown Control Engineering Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Feedforward control was explained in the previous loop signature articles. One of the examples used was feedforward control of load changes on a heat exchanger when variations occurred in the flow of the process fluid through the exchanger.

Read more...
Integrated automation systems in poultry feed production
Adroit Technologies Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
South Africa’s poultry industry is increasingly turning to advanced automation systems to optimise operations. Working in partnership with Adroit Technologies, leading poultry supplier Sovereign implemented the Mitsubishi Adroit Process Suite across a key feed production facility, creating a scalable, integrated system capable of supporting both current operations and future expansion.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved