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:
Enhancing process efficiency
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial process automation, staying ahead of technological advancements is crucial. The Endress+Hauser FieldPort SWA50 is a game-changer, offering a seamless integration of Bluetooth and WirelessHART communication for HART field devices.
Read more...
Instrumentation platform generates and acquires faster signals
Vepac Electronics
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The hybridNETBOX is an innovative instrumentation platform that combines a multi-channel arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) and a digitiser in a single portable unit.
Read more...
Providing visibility over critical infrastructure
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Sequence of event recorders or sequence of event monitors play a significant role in monitoring and maintaining critical infrastructure. Gary Bradshaw, director at remote monitoring equipment specialist, Omniflex, outlines the applicable industries and reasons for use.
Read more...
AI-driven innovations with CCTV and cyber security
RJ Connect
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The fast progress of artificial intelligence (AI) and video analytics is redefining the rail surveillance landscape. Advancements have bolstered proactive event detection, predictive maintenance and enhanced situational awareness.
Read more...
Compact drive and control technology
Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
When custom machine builder Lehnen Industrial Services introduced a filling machine for lip balm, the company was surprised by the amount of interest in this premium system. In order to meet this demand, they decided to standardise the machine. The necessary adaptability is provided by the scalable control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...
Condition monitoring in three axes with smart IO-Link vibration sensor
ifm - South Africa
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Machine vibrations are important indicators when it comes to assessing the current condition of a machine. Damage to rolling element bearings and other machine components can be detected at an early stage before costly machine downtime occurs.
Read more...
EtherCAT interoperability removes industrial networking barriers
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Selecting the right communication technology is one of the most important decisions engineers make, and interoperability helps with that decision. Key development tools and standards ensure interoperability among many EtherCAT devices and manufacturers.
Read more...
Boosting long-distance critical signal delivery in mining
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
In mining applications globally, conveyor belts of up to 20 km are used to transport ore. Damage to conveyors often causes cargo spillage and creates major safety risks. Ian Loudon, international sales manager at remote monitoring specialist, Omniflex explains how these challenges can be combatted using bidirectional fibre optic modules.
Read more...
Industrial PCs with new processor generations and increased performance
Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
PC-based control technology from Beckhoff has always benefited from the convergence of automation and the IT world. Current examples include the use of the latest industry-standard processor generations, high-quality and demand-optimised flash memory, and the long-term availability version of Windows 11.
Read more...
New EtherCAT digital input and output terminals
Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The new EL14xx and EL24xx EtherCAT Terminals from Beckhoff complement the company’s existing broad portfolio in the area of digital input/output, and combine proven functions with an optimised circuit architecture.
Read more...
printer friendly version