Low power VHF radios for water telemtry and industrial comtrol systems
April 2000
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Specific Technologies
A range of low power VHF transceivers of relatively uncluttered radio frequencies between 125 and 180 MHz has been introduced by Wood & Douglas. With a maximum transmitter output of just 10 mW and a range of up to 2 km, SX100 transceivers are intended for use in onsite telemetry and data exchange systems, particularly by water and sewerage utilities and in industrial control.
The SX100 can be specified to take advantage of the UK licence exempt frequency band at 173 MHz. This was the first band to be allocated to low power radio applications in the UK, but many early users have since migrated to newer licence exempt bands between 400 and 500 MHz. As a result, the latter bands have become overcrowded and prone to interference problems, while the former is significantly quieter.
Specifiable to any frequency between 125 and 180 MHz, the SX100 allows either serial or parallel channel selection of, respectively, up to 112 or up to eight serially programmed channels over a 2 MHz switching bandwidth. Frequency control is achieved using low-noise phase-locked loop synthesizer technology, with nonvolatile storage of frequency data.
Low power consumption of less than 40 mA from a 7,2 V d.c. supply when receiving and less than 65 mA when transmitting at 10 mW makes the device suitable for portable, battery-powered applications.
The transceiver is type approved to the European EN 300 220 telemetry specification as well as the MPT1328 UK standard. Besides data applications, this UK approval and frequency band also gives access to two channels allocated to short-range voice communications.
Physically and electrically compatible with the SX500 transceiver, which operates at 400–500 MHz, the SX100 has identical PCB mounting pins to allow direct substitution into target equipment.
The SX100 is packaged in a lightweight 60 x 38 x 17 mm screened enclosure that ensures compliance with EN 300 683 EMC regulations.
Further reading:
Suppression and safety solutions for fire and gas in mission-critical industries
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
By representing world-leading brands and focusing on fully integrated, certified systems, HMA South Africa is positioning itself as a trusted partner in fire detection, suppression and explosion-proof safety solutions across the continent.
Read more...
Integrating fire alarm systems into building management systems
Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Fire alarm systems work independently of the building automation system. Schrack Seconet has developed a flexible gateway using ultra-compact industrial PCs and TwinCAT from Beckhoff, which can be used to flexibly convert a customer-specific communication protocol to a wide range of transmission standards.
Read more...
Premium unmanaged industrial switch
Vepac Electronics
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Premium unmanaged industrial switch for long-distance, noise-free fibre connectivity
Read more...
Fire and gas suppression solutions for mission-critical industries
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
By representing world-leading brands and focusing on fully integrated, certified systems, HMA South Africa is positioning itself as a trusted partner in fire detection, suppression and explosion-proof safety solutions across the continent.
Read more...
The future of manufacturing
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Industrial automation is evolving at an unprecedented pace. At the forefront of this transformation is the Siemens SIMATIC ET 200SP HA Distributed I/O system. This is a flexible and scalable distributed I/O system for modern signal transfer from the field to the control level.
Read more...
Time-sensitive networking
RJ Connect
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
In this article, we will explore what is driving the rise of time-sensitive networking, how it is reshaping industrial efficiency, the challenges when deploying this technology, and ways to tackle these challenges.
Read more...
Loop Signature 30: Nonlinearity in control loops (Part 1)
Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
If nonlinearity occurs it means that if one is to carry on controlling with the same response to changes in load or setpoint, then the tuning of the controller will also need to be adjusted to meet the new conditions.
Read more...
PC-based control regulates innovative dehumidifiers
Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Swedish company, Airwatergreen is breaking new ground in the dehumidification of air in industrial buildings and warehouses. The patented CVP technology reduces energy requirements and ensures an indoor climate that prevents corrosion and mould growth. PC-based control from Beckhoff regulates this innovative process.
Read more...
Ethernet connectivity for embedded systems
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Delivering Ethernet connectivity for embedded systems, XPort ETH Click is a compact add-on board from MIKROE, the embedded solutions company that dramatically cuts development time by providing innovative hardware and software products based on proven standards.
Read more...
Compact mini PC
Vepac Electronics
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
AS AAEON’s first Intel Core-powered PICO-SEMI system capable of fanless operation, the PICO-MTU4-SEMI from Vepac Electronics is easily deployed as part of larger equipment setups or integrated as the central unit of smart robotics solutions such as AGVs, AMRs and drones requiring minimal maintenance.
Read more...
printer friendly version