W-PAN RADIO LINK0 pages

W - PA N R A D I O L I N K
Wi r e l e s s P e r s o n a l A r e a N e t w o r k

The new data transmission system developed by
Agisco and based on the W-PAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) protocol reads and acquires different types of electrical signals such as
current, voltage, strain-gauges, temperature,
resistance, and many more.
The system consists of a central unit called a
master which is kept in permanent operational
mode, and up to 256 peripheral stations (slaves)
that transmit data from the connected gauges
in real time.
Slaves may be switched on and contacted at
pre-set intervals so as to cut energy consumption drastically and obtain significantly long operating time - even several years - when battery
powered. Of course operating time is strictly dependent upon the mode and frequency of acquisition.
This new device is extremely versatile and may
work in any environmental condition especially
when the monitoring area is significantly wide or
where cables for data transmission are difficult
to lay.
Connections are made through free-band frequencies radio waves being 868MHz or 2.4GHz
up to 80km (16 in Italy) - line of sight range, and
up to 500 - urban range.
Slaves can also be used as repeaters in mesh
networks so to amplify the radio signal significantly.

RADIO LINK

OPERATING METHODS
Each module, either master or slave, is made up
of not just the thoroughgoing transmitter, but
also a microprocessor with 4 inputs for analogical signals, 4 inputs for digital signals and 4 digital outputs to switch on and off the power supply to the gauges.
Power is supplied either by the master itself or by
an external electricity main.
The unit is equipped with a choice of USB, RS422, RS-232 interfaces. These communication
ports allow connection of each module to several supplementary Agisco’s acquisition units so
as to have a larger number of channels and suit
the larger number of sensor types.
The overall system can be managed by a personal computer or an embedded PC, a UMTS
modem, or a combination of PC and modem
for remote connection.
MATERIALS
Casings are made in different materials to best
suit the environmental conditions of the instrumentation emplacement.
Casing materials range from polyester with high
fireproof characteristics for an environment with
elevated fire and/or explosion risks, fibreglass,
metal and even polypropylene for perfect waterproofing and resistance against atmospheric
bodies.