Recently the clamor for wireless technologies has been growing fast, including in the automation industry. There are that many potential applications in producing the sheer options can become overpowering. The key has a sound method for wireless applications, realising that some systems benefit from hard-wiring, and that hard-wiring also makes an excellent 'back up ' plan for when a wireless system goes down.
There are several common applications for wireless technology in the automation industry. One is simple monitoring. This often eliminates the necessity for a human eye. Over a period that may save a company cash. Think of inventory control as an excellent example, including remote inventories. Especially in large companies this becomes a strenuous task for staff doing it manually. Having a wireless, automated application simplifies everything and also provides greater accuracy.
Another excellent application for wireless monitoring is for identifying issues with energy usage and management. By pinpointing variables in say gas use a company can then find how to lower consumption (again saving money). The same type of monitoring applies to pipeline instrumentation. The wireless automatic system can track remote info constantly.
Having said all that, there are limits. Some control processes simply are not fitted to underlying wifi network needs. The key here is how quickly the wireless system provides response, and what response time is required. In these time delicate eventualities, hard-wiring remains the most obvious way to go.
The easiest way to know for certain if your automation systems suit the wireless world is by checking your present infrastructure. What should be added to that sub-structure to deal with the wireless service insuring correct performance? Those elements must be part of your position and your planning process. Think of this like laying a foundation to a building. Each proverbial stone needs to be solid and placed in the specified order, especially if you selected mesh networking. The great part of this design is that every device communicates with every other device in the network, and can also become a router if it's required. As you expand the quantity of sensors in this system, the father your wifi network stretches.
What about overall axioms for wireless technology in automation? there were strides made here as well. The industry standards is named WirelessHART. These standards provide protocols for a wide-range of wireless communications. While this is no means a unified standard, it's a start.
There are several common applications for wireless technology in the automation industry. One is simple monitoring. This often eliminates the necessity for a human eye. Over a period that may save a company cash. Think of inventory control as an excellent example, including remote inventories. Especially in large companies this becomes a strenuous task for staff doing it manually. Having a wireless, automated application simplifies everything and also provides greater accuracy.
Another excellent application for wireless monitoring is for identifying issues with energy usage and management. By pinpointing variables in say gas use a company can then find how to lower consumption (again saving money). The same type of monitoring applies to pipeline instrumentation. The wireless automatic system can track remote info constantly.
Having said all that, there are limits. Some control processes simply are not fitted to underlying wifi network needs. The key here is how quickly the wireless system provides response, and what response time is required. In these time delicate eventualities, hard-wiring remains the most obvious way to go.
The easiest way to know for certain if your automation systems suit the wireless world is by checking your present infrastructure. What should be added to that sub-structure to deal with the wireless service insuring correct performance? Those elements must be part of your position and your planning process. Think of this like laying a foundation to a building. Each proverbial stone needs to be solid and placed in the specified order, especially if you selected mesh networking. The great part of this design is that every device communicates with every other device in the network, and can also become a router if it's required. As you expand the quantity of sensors in this system, the father your wifi network stretches.
What about overall axioms for wireless technology in automation? there were strides made here as well. The industry standards is named WirelessHART. These standards provide protocols for a wide-range of wireless communications. While this is no means a unified standard, it's a start.
About the Author:
Todd Smith is the owner of psifla.com, a site that offers info about automation products and services.