Matrix Technologies Inc., A Better Process for Success.
Wireless communication is one technology not usually considered ready for the industrial environment for several reasons. Desired locations can be difficult to reach with dependable signals due to interference, communication rates can be somewhat slow, and security has been a concern. However, for the right application, wireless can be the perfect solution. The best applications for wireless technology in the industrial environment are those applications where the devices or instrumentation connected to the system are not mission-critical. Tank farms, remote temperature monitoring or other monitoring-only applications are best. We do not recommend using wireless technology for safety or other critical applications, at least not yet.
Security has improved in these systems since wireless solutions can be made more secure through a variety of means including encryption, and other configuration parameters.
Some environments can certainly be difficult to provide dependable wireless communications to but if the application is remote, difficult to access, or a mobile application, then wireless may be the best solution. Even if the locations are static, if there are multiple drops the cost to run cable to each location can be prohibitive and also difficult to route, so wireless can still be considered. To confirm the optimal solution for wireless access locations use an experienced integrator such as Matrix Technologies to complete the study.
If you want to know more about wireless solutions many of the industrial hardware solution providers have published whitepapers including ESTEEM, Phoenix Contact and Prosoft. These discuss their specific products but also give explanations to some of the important topics. Please contact us today to learn more about using wireless technology in your facility.
Historically, there has been reluctance to adopt wireless technology in the industrial environment. As the technology has improved, however, it has begun to find a foothold in industry. For example, many of our customers now use wireless connections to their network to troubleshoot, update and maintain their plant floor control systems. While this is typically not a mission-critical application for wireless, it lays the groundwork for future adoption.
There have been many challenges for wireless solutions in the past, including signal echo, noise in the industrial environment, shared frequencies with other technologies, little support for industrial protocols, and distance limitations. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802 (IEEE) committee was formed to investigate local, regional, and personal area networks. The topic of investigation for Working Group number 11 is wireless local area networking (WLAN). Group 802.15 is focused on wireless personal area networks.
Following the standards lead, the industrial wireless technology companies are slowly addressing each of these problems and coming out with new solutions to these challenges.
Transmission Schemes
There are a few different schemes being used to improve the reliability and accuracy of the data being transferred via wireless networks. Two key methods are outlined below:
The important thing to note about the two techniques is that they will only work if all components of the system use the same technique.
| • | FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) – Transmission of data happens on a single channel at a time, but the frequency is changing constantly in a sequence known by all the equipment on the system. | |
| • | DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) - DSSS systems mix high speed digital bit patterns, called chipping code, with the information signal. Each signal bit has a redundant chipping code associated with it, which is used to synchronize the signal. Including the extra bits spreads the bandwidth. |
Standards
In addition to these transmission schemes, several standards exist that dictate ways to increase speed, distance, reliability, security, and efficiency. There is no “right solution”, but rather all the design considerations must be examined in making a selection.
| • | Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) | |
| • | BlueTooth | |
| • | ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4) | |
| • | Ultra Wide Band (UWB) | |
| • | Proprietary RF (non-standard) |
Conclusion
As it is in the wired network realm, there is still no clear cut winner in the appropriate technology. There are many factors to consider including cost, distance, protocol, security, power consumption, reliability and many other personal and environmental factors.
The best approach is to work with your trusted automation partner to evaluate your specific situation and choose the right technology to meet your needs. If you wish to discuss further, please contact Matrix Technologies today!
Success Comes From Mental Toughness
When Olympic athletes win a gold medal, the experience becomes an unforgettable moment of glory. They can be proud of the fact that they worked hard at developing the physical and mental toughness to take them to the top in their field.
In the business world, mental toughness is also prized. In his book, The New Dynamics of Winning, noted motivational expert Denis Waitley describes the steps anyone can take to develop personal strength.
1. Learn everything you can about winners who have overcome setbacks and handicaps to become successful. By realizing that failure and disappointment have not stopped the great champions in every field throughout history, you will gain the courage and motivation to pursue your dreams.
2. Don’t embrace the idea that you need to “come from behind” to get ahead. Learn from the challenges that others have faced, but don’t create unrealistic expectations for yourself. Be sure to understand the difference between “No pain, no gain,” and the winner’s creed of “Patience, Pacing, and Persistence.” No one needs to experience physical or emotional pain to succeed. Waitley calls this fallacy a dangerous myth that leads to emotional burnout and physical exhaustion.
3. Focus on solutions when problem-solving. Don’t dwell on what went wrong. Instead, concentrate on what to do next. Winners firmly believe that they have the inner resources to survive every setback they encounter on the way to achieving their goals. They don’t spend valuable time being upset after losses because they know that you never lose until you give up.
4. Get comfortable with the unfamiliar. Break out of your daily routine. Drive to work a different way. Eat in a different restaurant. Make at least one new friend each month. Explore new emotional territory by becoming aware of your moods, what makes you happy and sad, and how your perceptions affect your attitude.
5. Think and speak well of yourself and others. Develop a positive relationship with yourself by never complaining about your health (unless talking with your doctor), griping about the “bad” things that happen to you, putting yourself down, etc. By the same token, speak about others as if they were in the room with you, hearing every word.
6. Join with individuals who have already achieved their goals, or who are dedicated to goals similar to yours. Avoid associating with people who have the same unresolved problems that you do, or who are frustrated by their lack of achievement. Instead, join with others interested in improving themselves and making their dreams come true.
7. Plan for the unexpected. A positive mental attitude is good, but ignoring realities isn’t. Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised. While you can’t control what others do, you can anticipate contingencies and prepare for alternative courses of action. Most importantly, you can always control your response to the people and things around you.
Keeping your cool in the face of adversity is your proof of – and the payoff for—developing mental toughness.
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