Market Overview
With the ever increasing costs of wiring and the growing demand for distributed and remote sensing, data acquisition, and control, the role of Wireless Data Acquisition and Control (WDAC) systems, wireless communications only gets bigger. Wireless networks are taking their place right next to traditional hardwired configurations.
The industry is moving toward the implementation of networks of wireless sensors that can operate in demanding environments and provide clear advantages in cost, size, power, flexibility, let Cellterra help you manage your distributed intelligence.
Cellterra solutions are carrier neutral, allowing you to connect in the most effective
and efficient manner across virtually any network/ wireless network including radio
frequencies, cellular, digital control channels, satellite, and WiFi. With carrier
flexibility you can establish network connections in a variety of ways regardless
of the remote device location.
Typical Applications Using Wireless
WDAC systems are particularly effective in applications requiring acquisition of data from locations some distance away or from environments known to have high levels of EMI. For example, power generating plants and distribution stations use spread spectrum WDAC to monitor generating equipment and switching systems in high-EMI areas within plants.
On some systems, such as high-voltage platforms, cabling equipment to ground is not possible because of high potential differences. Spread spectrum wireless transceivers are connected to a gateway and can relay information in real time from high-voltage platforms and distribution switches to control rooms to monitor equipment status.
Appliance manufacturers save time by using WDAC on moving assembly lines to test equipment performance during the manufacturing process.
Appliances are monitored for performance as they move through various stages of manufacture. WDAC systems continually send information to production and quality stations that identify and track units that may need further inspection
Automotive companies and alternative vehicle research groups use WDAC systems to monitor mobile vehicle tests during development. Using WDAC equipment connected to key points on a test vehicle and a global positioning system receiver, research teams can monitor performance under actual running conditions.
Example in field of water usage
Continuous monitoring of hydraulic/hydrologic data for managing water for horticultural crops or shopping malls housing estates etc. has been a challenge due to factors such as data loss, intensive resource requirements, and complicated setup and operation.
The use of state-of-the-art wireless spread spectrum communication technology and wireless data acquisition and control (WDAC) systems for water management The WDAC technology was applied to where lysimeter
( According to the European definition, a lysimeter is a vessel containing local soil placed with its top flush with the ground surface for the study of several phases of the hydrological cycle, e.g. infiltration, runoff, evapotranspiration, soluble constituents removed in drainage, etc. were used for water quantity and quality studies for vegetables.
The WDAC system linked the wireless dataloggers to a network to make real-time data available over the Internet. The use of WDAC made it possible to collect real-time data and control the experiment (e.g., frequency of data collection) remotely through the Internet.
The advantages of the WDAC include: reduced equipment losses from natural disasters (e.g., lightning), improved equipment maintenance, reduced data loss from faulty equipment, higher project personnel efficiency, and real-time involvement by a dispersed team. This is a very cost effective solution. WDAC system is an effective tool for water management projects.
Benefits Of Wireless Data Acquisition
Wireless communication is a viable and cost-effective method of transmitting data over long distances, through electrically noisy environments, and from hostile locations.
The reliability and flexibility of advanced wireless technology warrants serious consideration for many industrial applications. By becoming acquainted with the capabilities of this useful tool, OEMs can take advantage of the technology in the more challenging sensor environments and reap cost and performance benefits that rival those of hardwired systems.
- Speeds installation and reduces cost.
- Operates in RF-dense environments.
- Tolerates extended temperatures (-40° to +80°C)
- Small form factor fits inside space-constrained enclosures
- Less invasive than cable installation.
Description of Integration & Use
The central components of a typical RF wireless data acquisition and control (WDAC), Cellterra’s Merlin back office Gateway system, and the remote-station Cellterra’s WTU is a versatile two-way wireless communication and control device.
Cellterra’s WTU are addressable and can be configured to communicate in various topologies to suit application requirements. The range of the transceivers is influenced by such factors as signal path, frequency band, multipath propagation (fading), transmission line loss, and antenna height and gain.
Cellterra’s familiarity with WDAC ensures proper selection of equipment, installation, software interfacing, and adherence to FCC regulations.
The cost-effectiveness of an WDAC link can be determined by comparing its cost against that of other approaches, such as installing hardwired data acquisition systems, sending personnel periodically to collect data from remote locations, using fiber-optic links in high-EMI areas, or leasing telephone lines for long distances. Wireless DA links prove to be an excellent cost alternative to hardwired systems, as projected costs of cable, conduit, and trenching greatly exceed the cost of an RF modem pair.
With CellTerra software and hardware you can integrate and aggregate all your field sensors/meter’s, instrumentation and controls, and mobile assets into a powerful data network that will enable you to save time and money. With the availability of more data, on demand, you can develop more efficient workflow solutions for your enterprise.