Latest comms technology commissioned at smelter project
December 2000
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Telecommunications project house, Q-KON, has successfully commissioned a state-of-the-art communications system at Amplats' Waterval Smelter near Rustenburg.
The system provides communication between a basestation and four remote sites capturing readings from measuring instrumentation. Technology Services International, who supplied the monitoring equipment and data loggers for the project, awarded this contract to Q-KON. The software was created by Environmental Management Services and has been designed to collect and process data via Q-KON's communications system.
Q-KON installed MN96-M data radios with power supply units at both the remote and base stations. Integrated with the Motorola GM350 radio the MiniNode radio modem is a complete data radio for rugged mobile and fixed installation applications.
The MiniNode MN96 is a microprocessor-based 9600 bit/s radio modem designed for use in mobile data and remote data collection systems using conventional land mobile radio equipment. Based on Q-KON's successful MiniNode I product, the MiniNode MN96 features enhanced radio data transmission capabilities.
The MiniNode MN96-M provides an RS232 serial data communication port that can be integrated with any serial field instrument or DTE device and a four-signal interface to be integrated with a data radio. Using the latest development in FSK modulation techniques the MN96 modulates the data signal onto a conventional radio channel at 9600 bit/s using a 12,5 kHz bandwidth channel and 19 200 bit/s using a 25 kHz bandwidth channel. It was specifically designed to provide a seamless and direct integrated solution for different applications.
The previous typical configuration system at the Waterval Smelter was developed to operate on a polling protocol. Q-KON has now replaced this with a custom-developed network protocol based on the Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance protocol.
This means that any remote radio can transmit data whenever a determined period of silence has lapsed. Should two radios begin transmission simultaneously, the master station will detect the collision and will not transmit an acknowledgement message. The two radios will cease transmission for a random period before attempting to transmit again.
Q-KON Corporate Manager, Dirk Staal, says: "By implementing this protocol, we have achieved reliable data transfer between the remote radios and the master. Only one data radio is able to access the RF network at any given time, preventing RF collisions, but all the data radios have the opportunity to transfer their data in good time."
Established in 1988, Q-KON is a wholly owned private South African company concentrating on the supply of telecommunication products and services to the corporate, telecommunication and government market. A Radio Systems Project House, its strength lies in its system engineering and telecommunication-engineering expertise provided to clients in the form of engineering services or product and turnkey supplier services.
Currently, Q-KON is structured in the following business units: telecommunication projects, mobile radio solutions and RF networking solutions; each of which is supported by a range of specialised products and services.
Further reading:
The state of the SI industry remains strong
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The system integration (SI) industry is expanding with the adoption of AI, automation and data sharing, allowing companies to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness across diverse sectors.
Read more...
The symbiotic relationship between OEMs and SIs
Schneider Electric South Africa
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
While businesses tend to turn directly to original equipment manufacturers OEMs or vendors when embarking on IT projects, the role of the SI as a key facilitator and partner cannot be overstated.
Read more...
Flexible and precise dispensing technology
Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The Scheugenpflug ProcessModule axis system forms the basis of Atlas Copco’s dispensing and screwing cells and a flexible integration platform for general contractors and machine builders. Precise process sequences are ensured by TwinCAT CNC and servo drive technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...
The time is now for systems integrators
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Integrators combine sophistication regarding technology innovation with practical, hands-on experience. Collaborating with systems integrators is the means to significant productivity improvement, powered by the convergence of automation and information and operations technology.
Read more...
System integrators are a diverse market
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
System integrators (SIs) combine expertise on emergent technologies with real world experience. Working with SIs, it’s inevitable that at some point someone will say, “We’re not a typical SI.” And in many ways, it’s true. SIs come in all shapes and sizes.
Read more...
Avoiding the pitfalls of PLC and scada control system integration
Iritron
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Upgrading your control system by integrating PLCs with scada systems should be a simple seamless process. Regrettably, the industry is plagued with control system integration and upgrade myths and misconceptions that can lead to liability issues, project delays, cost overruns and decreased plant performance.
Read more...
EtherCAT measurement terminals for vehicle development at Mercedes-Benz
Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
At the Mercedes Technology Centre plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, car axles are examined with the highest precision on four test benches, in parallel with road tests and simulations. All data is acquired using PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...
Loop signature 23: Tuning Part 2.
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
It is my opinion that most tuning methods are very crude. They do of course also offer a starting point for tuning if one is not fortunate enough to have a sophisticated tuning package like a Protuner around.
Read more...
PIC microcontrollers with integrated FPGA features in TME
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The new PIC16F131xx microcontrollers in TME’s offering from Microchip are ideal for the evolving and miniaturising electronic equipment market, offering efficient power management and predictable response times for controllers.
Read more...
Five smart machine trends you need to know
Adroit Technologies
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The last ten years have brought about dramatic advances in technologies that OEMs had never realised would affect their designs or the saleability of their machines, much less impact business models and profits so dramatically. The following discussion will cover key advancements and recommendations all OEMs should be adopting in their design processes to stay current and competitive.
Read more...
printer friendly version