BEI Sensors SwiftComm® Real-Time Wireless Encoder Interface - Manual (Page 3)

4 | BEI Sensors | swiftcomm installation manual and user Guide
robust signal
BEI’s SwiftComm operates on the 2.4 GHz ISM radio band and
uses Adaptive Frequency Hopping Protocol (AFH). This helps avoid
data interruptions due to frequency interference. If a particular
radio channel encounters interference, SwiftComm seamlessly
hops to another open channel. This technology decreases the
susceptibility to interference thereby increasing overall reliability.
The SwiftComm hopping algorithm uses 77 ISM channels in a
pseudo-random sequence. To enhance RF link reliability even
more, when SwiftComm detects interference on a channel, that
channel is dropped from the hop sequence and SwiftComm will
avoid using that channel in the future. If the available channels list
ever becomes exhausted, previous dropped channels are retested
to see if they are clear.
SwiftComm’s patent pending technology can even overcome data
loss due to link interruption. Internally and transparent to the user,
SwiftComm keeps track of the encoder’s output signal. If
SwiftComm encounters packet loss from temporary link
interruption, it fills in the encoder’s output information
based on the historical data trend. It then processes
this information in place of the lost packet. SwiftComm
corrects for any accumulated error and seamlessly
sends the corrected data to the controller. So, even
in environments where occasional packets are lost,
SwiftComm will transmit a continuous stream of
data to the control system.
real time control
It is critical in any motion control application to have minimum lag
time in signal transmission. Delays in data to the controller can
cause major problems. SwiftComm is one of the fastest wireless
sensor interfaces available. Data is relayed between the transmitter
and receiver every 600 microseconds (µs). Because SwiftComm is
a point-to-point configuration, there is minimal latency.
secure transmission
SwiftComm provides a very secure system for your data to travel
wirelessly. The transmitter and receiver each have a 40-bit
hard coded security code. These codes are programmed at the
factory and give the system a range of over 500 billion possible
unique codes. BEI has developed its own proprietary protocol
for SwiftComm, which is not available to the public. Additionally,
the data is transmitted with a high-level encryption algorithm
and pseudo-random frequency hopping. This provides additional
levels of data security to assure that your data
is protected.
long range
Because motion control applications can
vary widely, SwiftComm was designed
with a 50 mW radio. This provides
SwiftComm with reliable long-range
communication. In most open situations,
a reliable link distance of up to 1,000 feet
is possible. Inside buildings, a reliable link
distance on the order of 300 feet can be
expected.
basic setup
The SwiftComm Transmitter and Receiver modules operate as a pair,
known as Point-To-Point communication. Each pair shares a unique
security code, which is hard-coded at the factory and is not user
selectable. The full security code is not revealed on the modules’
labels and is stored by BEI. This is one of the many layers of security
provided by the SwiftComm architecture. If a replacement module
is needed, then the module’s serial number needs to be provided to
BEI in order to match the pair’s security code.
The basic configuration of the SwiftComm system begins with
connecting the Transmitter module to the encoder and connecting
the Receiver module to the control equipment. The Transmitter
sends the encoder signal wirelessly to the Receiver module, which
then passes this signal on to the controller. Even though the encoder
data travels one direction from Transmitter to Receiver, additional
information is exchanged between modules bi-directionally to keep
the modules in sync, maintain a quality RF link and to issue Built-
in-Test (B.I.T.) commands.
mounting
The SwiftComm modules have several mounting options. Each
module has two 1/4-20 UNC tapped holes on the back of enclosure
for mounting to flat surfaces. In addition, mounting ears are
available with front mount screws. For DIN rail mounting, a DIN rail
kit is available.
swiftcomm has a reliable range
of up to 300 ft. indoors, and up
to 1,000 ft. outdoors.
the transmitter and receiver
should be installed so that
their antennas have a clear
line of sight with each other.
sWiftcomm’s unique advantaGes setuP and oPeration
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