DNT900

White papers RF Power Options in ZigBee™ Solutions While ZigBee is a "low power" standard, "high power" product versions are much needed — and are very much ZigBee standard. This paper explains how the the availability of ZigBee radios with high and low RF power options is key to ZigBee's appeal in industrial settings, allowing design engineers to tie radio selection directly to an application’s requirements for range and resistance to multipath fading. ZigBee Wireless Transceiver Engineering OptionsZigBee's mesh networking capability, which compensates for obstructions and reduces range requirements, is especially prized in industrial applications. But with a technology this new, how can the RF designer best realize a successful ZigBee implementation? This white paper provides a brief, realistic assessment of ZigBee's value in industrial environments, examines the types of components available today at the chip and module level, and discusses the practical considerations to be weighed in deciding to pursue ZigBee mesh networking in a specific application. Wireless Communications for Industrial Applications This paper examines the unique requirements and challenges of wireless communications in an industrial setting and provides an overview of RFM wireless products designed specifically for these applications. The information presented serves as a guide for systems integrators and end users responsible for factory floor automation, industrial/PLC control, SCADA, telemetry and related data communications applications. (~ 136 KB, Adobe PDF format.) IEEE 802.11 and Industrial / Factory Floor Applications Used within the office LAN environments for which it is designed, the IEEE 802.11 wireless standard can contribute to product interoperability and convenience. However, if applied outside their intended domain (for example, in an industrial communications application), 802.11-based devices typically exhibit poor performance and increase communication support costs. This paper evaluates the suitability of the IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless factory and industrial applications. (~ 25 KB, Adobe PDF format) Wireless Transceivers—Make or Buy? In choosing to add wireless data capability to a new or existing product, every designer faces a critical decision: whether to engineer the functionality in-house or buy a ready-made module for the application. This paper provides a cost analysis to explore the relative merits of each approach. (~ 160 KB, Adobe PDF format) WaveBolt System DescriptionThe WaveBolt™ system is a fixed wireless point-to-multipoint Internet access system designed specifically for residential and small business customers in areas where DSL and cable modem access are unavailable, unaffordable or otherwise undesirable. The WaveBolt system provides data speeds comparable to ADSL. Simple to install, the WaveBolt CPE in many cases will be installed by the end user. And, where customers choose to have the CPE installed, a single, short site visit is all that is required to complete the installation. (~ 162 KB, Adobe PDF format.) Lightning and Surge ProtectionBecause wireless systems are typically located out of doors and have components located on towers and tall buildings, they are especially susceptible to damage from lightning. This paper explores the proper design and implementation of a communications surge protection system to reduce down time and lower liability for people and property. (~ 152 KB, Adobe PDF format.) Case studies: RFM Radios at Work Automated manufacturing Wireless IP networking brings efficiency to high-volume monogramming and embroidery. more >> Digital sign control A maker of commercial electronic signs chose RFM HopNet wireless serial modems to replace costly cabling runs. more >> Electrical transmission substation monitoring A major power supplier monitors extremely remote substations wirelessly. more >> Environmental monitoring Scientists continuously monitor delicate coastal wetlands that can’t easily be wired. more >> Heavy duty automation Wireless communications from databases to crane scales automate aluminum manufacturing. more >> Lighting control at major events Lighting major outdoor events without the cost of temporary wiring runs. more >> Motion picture animatronics Keeping wires from spoiling illusions in movies and amusement parks. more >> Nuclear power plant radiation monitoring FHSS transmission links workers’ sensors to monitoring stations in hostile environments. more >> Parking control Upgrading a parking facility to monitor space availability without cutting cable trenches. more >> Real-time vehicle tracking Continuously tracking a moving vehicle with accuracy to within one meter. more >> Remote operation of dangerous machinery Operating extremely dangerous chippers and cable trenchers from a safe distance. more >> Wireless heart monitoring Enabling heart patients to move throughout a hospital while monitored at nurses' stations. more >> RoHS Compliance The European Union's RoHS (Restrictions on Hazardous Substances) directive, which went into effect on July 1, 2006, limits the allowed amount of six hazardous materials in electronic equipment sold in European Union member countries. For wireless data radios such as those manufactured by RFM, the primary material in question is lead, which comes from various components and from lead-based solder used in manufacturing. The following RFM products are fully RoHS compliant:Proprietary FHSSWIT2410 (roaming-capable, 460 Kbps, 2.4 GHz) WIT2411 (compact, 1.23 Mbps, 2.4 GHz) WIT2450 (compact, 460 Kbps, 2.4 GHz) The following products, which are built around these modules, are RoHS-compliant:FHSS Ethernet BridgeSEM2411 (1.23 Mbps, 2.4 GHz) ZigBee Serial ModemZN-241G (250 Kbps, 2.4 GHz) FHSS Serial ModemsHopNet 250 (460 Kbps, 2.4 GHz , store-and-forward repeating) HopNet 210/D (460 Kbps, 2.4 GHz / DIN rail mount version) ZigBee Sensor ModemZN-2401 (2.4 GHz, 100 mW RF power, DIN rail mountable. FHSS I/O ModemsHNIO-241A (2.4 GHz analog/digital) HNIO-241R (2.4 GHz relay) ZigBee Gateways ZG-2400M (Modbus gateway, 2.4 GHz, 1 mW RF power) ZG-2400E (Ethernet Gateway, 2.4 GHz, 1 mW RF power)