Sunday 19 May 2013

Automation and Wireless technology mating to become a force in the world

By Todd Smith


Recently the demand for wireless technologies has been growing fast, including in the automation industry. There are so very many potential applications in manufacturing the sheer options can become overwhelming. The key has a sound method for wireless applications, realizing 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 a few common applications for wireless technology in the automation industry. One is easy monitoring. This frequently eradicates the need for a human eye. Over time that may save a company money. Think of inventory control as a good example, including remote inventories. Particularly in large companies this becomes a difficult 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 pin-pointing variables in say gas use a company can then find how to decrease consumption (again saving money). The same sort of monitoring applies to pipeline instrumentation. The wireless mechanical system can track remote information habitually.

Having claimed all that, there are limits. Some control processes simply are not fitted to underlying wireless network needs. The secret here is how speedily the wireless system provides reply, and what reply time is required. In these time delicate situations, hard-wiring remains the right way to go.

The easiest way to know for certain if your automation systems suit the wireless world is by checking your current substructure. What should be added to that sub-structure to deal with the wireless service insuring correct performance? Those elements have to be part of your budget and your planning process. Think about this like laying a foundation to a building. Each time-honoured stone must be solid and placed in the required order, particularly if you selected mesh networking. The great part of this design is that every device talks 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 steps made here as well. The industry standards is known as WirelessHART. These standards provide customs for a wide-range of wireless communications. While this is no means a unified standard, it's a good start.






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