Analynk Participation in Aruba Atmosphere 2018

Analynk will be an active sponsoring partner participant at the Atmosphere 2018 conference, held in Las Vegas from March 25 through March 30. The event is organized and hosted by Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company. This event provides opportunities for technical training, as well as other resources to keep you and your organization up to date on technology related to wireless networks.

An excerpt from the conference website provides a good synopsis.

Technology is changing so rapidly that it’s near impossible to stay ahead. Don’t rely on Google and YouTube – you should join the best in the industry at Atmosphere 2018. It’s an opportunity to join over 3,000 of your peers to learn, collaborate and influence the direction of Aruba products that deliver enterprise-class wireless, wired, security, location and branch solutions. Be a part of today’s leading innovation machine!
At Atmosphere, you’ll experience the technical vision of how you can enable intelligent edge capabilities in your business with the Aruba Mobile First Architecture. Keynotes and hands-on sessions will teach you how to:

• Learn how to turn IT resources into assets for your business
• Close security gaps while supporting workplace flexibility
• Provide the right collaboration tools for organizational creativity
• Help your organization gain an innovation edge
• Embrace the flexibility and scale of cloud and on-premises solutions

Make plans to attend and take advantage of the concentration of available knowledge, all in one place. 

Use Signal Repeaters to Overcome Industrial Wireless Transmission Barriers

A repeater can be used to overcome barriers to signal
transmission, such as distance and structures.

Many process measurement and control wireless connections are accomplished using networks, with routers and access points. Other connections are established across longer distances, conceivably outdoors. In many of those cases, there are barriers or obstructions that will attenuate the wireless signal sufficiently to prevent reliable data transfer. Hills, wooded areas, walls, tanks and other structures and natural features can present real challenges to wireless signal transmission. Another transmission challenge is the distance between transmission and receiving stations.

One, though not the only, solution to overcoming the challenge that can arise due to extended distance or substantial obstacles between the transmitter and receiver is the placement of a repeater. Analynk provides a repeater that can be strategically located between transmitter and receiver to extend the overall transmission distance, or route the signal around obstacles that may otherwise degrade the transmission. The data sheet included below describes how easy it is to apply and provides all the technical details.

Wireless connectivity is an incredibly flexible option for delivery of process data from measurement point to control point. Contact Analynk with your wireless communication challenges and get solid practical solutions.

Analynk Model A759 Wireless Repeater from Analynk Wireless, LLC

Fresnel Zones and Industrial Wireless Connections

Industrial wireless connections established outdoors across
long distances have to consider transmission path geometry.

A Fresnel zone, of which there an infinite theoretical number, is an ellipsoid shaped area extending between radio signal transmission and receiving antennas. Having a basic understanding of their impact on successful implementation of a lengthy wireless process signal connection will prove useful.

Wireless transmission of process signals in industrial settings becomes more prevalent every year, and should continue to do so for quite some time. Many installations are part of networks operating similarly to the wifi you may have in your home, with multiple points communicating via a network control scheme of some sort. The facility is flooded with signal coverage through multiple access points, so there may not be much need to consider signal propagation. This is an oversimplification, but as an operator or implementer, making the actual signal connection is probably not going to be an issue in most cases.

What about the other cases?

Antennas with three Fresnel zones depicted and
obstruction that is outside the primary Fresnel zone
Courtesy Wikipedia

An extended transmission distance across an outdoor area requires more understanding of signal propagation and factors that impede successful delivery of process data from transmitter to receiver. One concept that comes into play is the Fresnel zone.

Let's avoid an overly technical approach to Fresnel zones. The purpose of this post is to provide those with limited radio expertise familiarity with the subject of Fresnel zones at a level enabling visualization of the concept, and also to recognize its potential impact on achieving a successful wireless process connection.

We often consider the transmission path between two points to be the familiar "line of sight", an unobstructed straight line between transmitter and receiver. In practice, radio frequency transmission is more accurately characterized by Fresnel zones. Being aware of the shape of the first, or primary, Fresnel zone for your application is an important element in identifying potential obstructions. A general practice is to keep the primary Fresnel zone at least 60% clear of signal obstructions, in order to maintain high wireless link performance.

There are numerous sources of Fresnel zone calculators online, but a strong recommendation to consult with your selected wireless equipment provider is in order here. Combine their expertise at applying their products with your application knowledge to leverage an effective solution.

Expand Industrial Wireless I/O Capacity With A16000

The A16000 increases the I/O capacity of a dedicated
transmitter and receiver.

Modern industrial radio frequency (RF) communications gear enables the establishment of process signal connections across very small or very large distances. The advantages of implementing cost effective connections within a very short time frame makes wireless connections a popular option in industrial settings. A misconception arises, from time to time, that it is necessary to have a dedicated transmitter and receiver for each process signal. Analynk has a solution that provides for delivery of up to sixteen process signals over a single transmission path.

Analynk provides hardware that easily allows the transmission and reception of up to 16 I/O points using single transmission and reception point devices. The A16000 Expansion Module can be configured with up to four internal cards that accommodate various types of input and output signals. The configuration process is similar to setting up the I/O on a PLC. Connect the process signals to the A16000, and the A16000 to one of Analynk's transmitter or receiver devices. Setup is straight forward and allows the installation to be operable in a very short time frame. The A16000 can also be used to expand existing installations as process I/O points increase.

Share your wireless communications and signal transmission challenges with the experts at Analynk and get recommendations on how to best implement workable solutions.

Analynk Model A16000 RF Expansion Module from Analynk Wireless, LLC

Hazardous Area Wireless Access Point Enclosure for Aruba AP 274

This version of the AP617 Hazardous Area Wireless Access
Point Enclosure accommodates six explosion proof antennas.

The Aruba AP-274 wireless access point carries a description of it's operating environment range that says "Purpose-built to survive in the harshest outdoor environments, 270 series APs withstand exposure to extreme high and low temperatures, persistent moisture and precipitation, and are fully sealed to keep out airborne contaminants. All electrical interfaces include industrial strength surge protection." While the access point can withstand outdoor environments, maybe even some industrial environments, there is a large class of industrial settings where it is just as important to protect the environment from the device as it is to protect the device from the environment. Hazardous atmospheres require isolation and special housing of electrical gear that have potential to be source of ignition.

Analynk manufactures enclosures for industrial wireless access points, facilitating their installation in hazardous locations. Each access point enclosure is specifically targeted and designed to provide easy installation of specific wireless access points from a range of manufacturers. Every model is provided with UL listed explosion proof antennas, a mounting bracket designed for the target access point, and RF cables to make the antenna connections. Enclosures have penetrations specifically located to accommodate the target access point.The current offering accommodates a range of units from Symbol, Cisco, Meru, Aruba, HP, and Motorola, with more models added regularly to accommodate additional wireless access points.

The website has a newly added data sheet for the AP617, specifically designed for the Aruba AP-274 dual band access point. Analynk Wireless specializes in industrial wireless communications. Your wireless communication challenges are welcome at Analynk, so make contact and share your application requirements. Combining your own knowledge and experience with Analynk's industrial wireless application expertise will produce an effective solution.

The new datasheet for the AP617 is provided below. You can see all the models and their companion access points on the Analynk site.

AP 617 Hazardous Area Wireless Access Point Enclosure from Analynk Wireless, LLC

Load Cells in Process Measurement

Strain gauges and load cells are found throughout
industrial processing applications.

In industrial application of process measurement and control, principles of the physical sciences are combined with technology and engineering to create devices essential to modern high speed, high accuracy system operation. Years of research, development, and the forward march of humanity’s quest for scientific knowledge and understanding yield packaged devices for process measurement that are easily applied by system designers and operators.

Load cells are the key components applied to weighing component or processed materials in modern processing. They are utilized throughout many industries related to process management, or just simple weighing operations. In application, a load cell can be adapted for measurement of items from the very small to the very large.

In essence, a load cell is a measurement tool which functions as a transducer, predictably converting force into a unit of measurable electrical output. While many types of load cells are available, the most popular cell in multiple industries is a strain gauge based cell. These strain gauge cells typically function with an accuracy range between 0.03% and 0.25%. Pneumatically based load cells are ideal for situations requiring intrinsic safety and optimal hygiene and, for locations without a power grid, there are even hydraulic load cells, which function without need for a power supply. These different types of load cells follow the same principle of operation: a force acts upon the cell (typically the weight of material or an object) which is then returned as a change in a reference value. Processing the value yields an indication of weight in engineering units. For strain gauge cells, the principle of deformation applies, where extremely small amounts of deformation, directly related to the stress or strain being applied to the cell, are output as an electrical signal with value proportional to the load applied to the cell. The operating principle allows for development of devices delivering accurate, precise measurements of a wide range of industrial products. Advantages of load cells include their longevity, accuracy, and adaptability to many applications, all of which contribute to their usefulness in so many industries and applications.

Analynk manufactures process measurement and control equipment that utilizes strain gauges in their operation, as well as signal alarms and transmitters that will convert strain gauge output signals into common process control signals. Equipment for further establishing wireless connections among measurement and control devices is a specialty of Analynk Wireless. Share your process measurement and connectivity challenges with the industrial wireless experts at Analynk, leveraging your own process knowledge and experience with their specialized application expertise to develop effective solutions.

Wireless Access Point Enclosures for Hazardous Areas

One of  many variants of access point enclosures for
hazardous areas

Wireless access point enclosures for use in areas classified as hazardous are designed and certified for use in those locations within chemical plants, refineries, oil and gas platforms, mining facilities, grain processing, plastics processing and more. These specialized enclosures also provide an additional level of security for wireless access point by preventing tampering, vandalism, and theft.

It can be advantageous for the wireless network gear in the processing or manufacturing section of a facility to conform to certain information technology standards established for the larger scope of the organization. There can be real benefits to standardizing on particular brands or types of hardware. The tasks involved with back end management of network infrastructure are less complex when all the equipment is of the same vendor and product family. Provisioning, which includes initial setup, long term management, and unit loss management, is simplified when all the units are the same. Process engineers and operators pursue the same goal in standardizing on particular transmitters, valves, or other components that have multiple installations throughout a facility. Difficulty can arise when the IT team's chosen wireless access point needs to be installed in an area classified as hazardous due to the potential for ignition of flammable or explosive gases and vapors.

Analynk's industrial wireless access point enclosures are designed for Class 1, Division 1, Hazardous Locations, Groups C & D, ATEX Zone 1. Standard models are available to accommodate Symbol, Cisco, Meru, Aruba, HP, and Motorola access points. Each unit arrives with an enclosure fitted with mounting holes for the required antenna set and cabling, custom interior mounting plate for the designated access point, explosion proof antenna set and cables to connect the antenna set to the access point. Analynk's hazardous area enclosures for wireless access points deliver a ready-made solution for installing wireless access points in hazardous locations.

Analynk Completes 15 Years of Product Innovation

Analynk completed 15 years of successful wireless equipment
innovation and manufacture.

Analynk Wireless, LLC just completed its fifteenth year of operations, designing and manufacturing wireless comunications devices for use in the process control arena. Their simple to use and effective wireless devices can be combined with the company's Telmar line of wired process measurement and control instruments, or combined with instruments and equipment of the customer's choosing, to establish process connections across almost any distance.

Steady innovation and improvement, coupled with curiosity and a genuine desire to help customers meet the challenges of process measurement and control, have contributed greatly to the success of the company. New product versions, as well as expanded options, come in an almost continuous stream as Analynk innovates to meet customer application requests.

Share your process connectivity challenges with the experts at Analynk Wireless, leveraging your own process knowledge and experience with their industrial wireless expertise.

Off The Grid Wireless Communication for Process Measurement and Control

The Analynk preconfigured combination solar and battery
power unit enables simple off the grid implementation.

Remote process stations of almost any type requiring monitoring and transmission of measurement data can be accommodated easily with Analynk's solar power unit. The compact preconfigured unit needs just a selection of process measurement gear and a wireless transmitter to enable simple installation. Analynk has already done the design and assembly. The user installs their measurement gear and an Analynk transmitter, performs a quick setup operation, and the station is up and running.

In addition to the obvious advantage of enabling process measurement and transmission where power is not available, there may be instances where a wireless solution saves time and expense of extending a power circuit to the instrument location. The power supply unit comes complete with solar panel, battery, charge controller, and NEMA 4 enclosure. Options are available to accommodate specific installation requirements and custom units can be assembled for larger power requirements and other special applications.

The data sheet below provides more detail. Share your wireless process measurement and control connectivity challenges with Analynk for effective solutions.

Solar power supply for industrial wireless transmitters from Analynk Wireless, LLC

Updated and Expanded Wireless Equipment Enclosure Options

Analynk customizes wireless equipment enclosures to
provided customers ready to run solutions.

Analynk offers customizing and fabrication of wireless equipment enclosures to meet every customer requirement. Combining their industrial wireless transmitters, receivers, repeaters, antennas, and other components into a fully assembled package, Analynk can save customers time and cost with a complete and ready to run solution for establishing wireless process instrument connections across almost any distance.

The company recently updated the documented offering for enclosure options. If you have the old document, you should replace it with the newest version.

Share your industrial wireless connection requirements and challenges with the experts at Analynk. Combining your own knowledge and experience with their application expertise will deliver an effective solution.

It's Been A Good Year for Us.

Industrial wireless transmitter and receiver

Things have been busy at Analynk this year. As the year closes, we would like to extend our thanks to all those who supported us with their business and their efforts on our behalf. Working together, the Analynk organization accomplished some notable goals.

• Introduced several new hazardous area enclosures for wireless access point equipment.
• NEMA 4X designation on all explosion proof antennas
• Expanded line of specialty enclosures for wireless transceiver equipment
• New larger hazardous area rated RF enclosure for wireless equipment
• Custom designed OEM products or systems
• Continued expansion of 3D product drawing library
• Updated and expanded distributor network with seasoned professionals

Next year is already shaping up to be even better, with more innovative and creative products for establishing wireless process control connections across the room, across the property, and around the globe.

Integrating Products Into a Complete Solution

Explosion proof temperature transmitter, one of many
Telmar process measurement products.

Analynk Wireless manufactures equipment and crafts solutions for establishing wireless connections between process measurement and control locations, across the room, across the property, around the globe. As part of the company's product matrix, their Telmar branded products provide measurement points for complete application solutions. A review of the Telmar products.

• Pressure to current transmitters
• Current to pressure transmitters
• Pressure to voltage or current
• Current or voltage to pressure
• Voltage to current
• Current to voltage
• RTD
• Thermocouple
• Slidewire
• Tachometer
• Power supplies
• LCD digital meters
• LED Indicators
• Signal alarms

The Analynk application team can design and fabricate a complete package solution for your process measurement or wireless connectivity requirement. Share your ideas and challenges with the wireless and process measurement experts, leveraging your own knowledge and experience for an effective project outcome.

New Hazardous Area Enclosure for Industrial Wireless Equipment

Analynk's WEN-RT enclosure houses industrial wireless
equipment in hazardous locations.

Analynk Wireless has expanded its WEN line of explosion proof enclosures for industrial wireless equipment. The new WEN-RT includes a cast aluminum enclosure and antenna, both suitable for Class 1, Division 1, Groups C&D locations. Purchasers can select from nine different models, each provided with a different antenna to accommodate a target frequency spectrum.

A cable is included to connect the antenna to the housed device, and several options are available to adapt the enclosure to specific applications. A data sheet can be found on the company website. Share your industrial wireless challenges with the experts an Analynk Wireless. Leverage your own knowledge and experience with their expertise to develop effective solutions.

Tools for Process Improvement and Troubleshooting

All processes should be well understood and evaluated for
maximum performance.

In the process control and engineering world, professionals are constantly seeking ways to optimize their systems and particular process strategies. Quality-related issues and systems provide chances for process operators to not only identify potential areas for improvement or correction, but also employ troubleshooting techniques to make systems perform at the highest level possible. Traditionally, seven basic tools have been utilized in order to troubleshoot quality related issues, and serve as simple, yet extremely effective ways to find solutions.

The cause and effect diagram is used to investigate and systematically list potential causes which contribute to an identified effect. Grouping the causes into different categories visually when attempting to determine the root cause of a process issue allows the controller to view every component of a system, and then subsequently investigate how the individual parts act together. This can be extremely useful when attempting to troubleshoot process control systems.

Check sheets allow for real-time data collection, either quantitative or qualitative. A multitude of potential issues, such as dimensions being incorrect in a product or malfunctions in system technology, are trackable via the check sheet. The data collected by these sheets allows for an operator to make sequential decisions regarding the process based on hard data, from which decisions for optimization can be derived and executed.

The control chart is a process control tool based on statistics. The basic function of the chart is to determine whether or not an industrial process is correctly operating in a state of control, or if the process should be evaluated for quality-related problems. Basically, the goal of this chart is to determine the efficacy of the process system and its associated control limits. If the variation of the process system deviates too much from the expected behavior of the system, an investigation into the system is required. These charts can be essential to monitoring process health.

Histograms are a basic quality tool due to their ability to allow controllers a rough estimation of probability distributions related to the process in question. If the variable in question being assessed by the histogram matches the expected behavior, then the histogram will show said correlation – likewise, if the process is behaving in an unexpected manner, the histogram will reflect these details. The Pareto chart is a chart specifically helpful in tracking defects, by category, which occur most frequently in a certain process. In a process where the resulting product is defective, the Pareto chart will highlight the defect of highest occurrence or the most frequent deviation from the expected result.

The scatter diagram is a tool which allows process controllers to identify whether a relationship exists between two different quantitative variables and, if there is a relationship, to help identify what kind of relationship exists between said variables. The control parameters are established on one axis, while the dependent variables are established on the other. If the plot can correctly show the relationship between the variables, then any alterations in said relationship are identifiable and the related processes can be immediately examined for cause.

The last basic tool for process control and quality-related troubleshooting is the flow chart, which allows for the diagramming of relationships in the process to track and examine the workflow of the process in question. Together, these seven items constitute a basic toolbox for optimization and correction of processes, where their simplicity correlates to effectiveness in understanding particular process systems.

Analynk Wireless manufactures wireless communications equipment for process measurement and control.

Wireless Communications in Hazardous Areas - Special Antennas

Industrial wireless communications in hazardous areas is
made possible by the Analynk CTM and CTX series antennas.

Wireless communication has seen increasing prevalence in the industrial process measurement and control field for a number of years. Many industrial process control operations can benefit from wireless connections between measurement and control devices. The absence of cables saves space, reduces potential for damage, and simplifies modifications to the process equipment layout. Implementing wireless communications in hazardous areas, whether through WiFi or other radio frequency channels, presents a particular set of challenges to successful implementation. Points of network access and other transmission and receiving equipment can require a level of isolation and hardening appropriate for the hazardous environment. Vendors, in response to customers' desire to incorporate the technology across an ever widening array of application scenarios, continue to develop and release new products and technologies that expand the potential for industrial wireless communication. Analynk Wireless, is now shipping the latest version of their patented wireless antenna for hazardous areas.

The newest Analynk Hazardous Area Antenna provides remote data links for customers using 900MHz, 2.4GHz, Cellular, GPS, Iridium, GLONASS and dual bands. The Analynk antennas are operable across a very wide temperature range and provide substantial impact resistance, signal output, and third party ratings for hazardous environments. These rugged antennas are intended for global application in the industrial process control field. Analynk hazardous area antennas are UL listed for Class 1, Groups C & D and have ATEX/IECEx Certification. The company's entire line of hazardous area antenna products are RoHS compliant and carry a NEMA 4X rating.

Analynk Wireless provides patented hazardous area explosion proof antennas for industrial installations. Their CTX and CTM series antennas carry an array of third party approvals and are suitable for use in a broad range of hazardous environments. Models can accommodate WiFi and other RF communications across frequency bands commonly utilized in industrial settings, as well as cellular and satellite communications.

Share your industrial wireless connectivity challenges with the experts at Analynk, combining your own knowledge and experience with their expertise to develop effective solutions.

Industrial Wireless Communications - Hazardous Area Antennas from Analynk Wireless, LLC

Test Run That Wireless Connection

The application of wireless connectivity among process measurement and control devices continues to expand throughout all industrial spheres. While wireless transmission of process measurement and control signals has not been new technology for quite some time, there are still many opportunities for its application.

Wireless communication for industrial applications is well beyond the point of early technology adoption. Protocols are in place, products for the transmitting and receiving of wireless process signals are mature. As a designer, engineer, manager, or operator of a process, you should confidently consider wireless connections between measurement and control or recording devices as part of any new installation or upgrading of existing facilities.

As part of the implementation of a wireless connection, the questions concerning range and signal attenuation usually come up. Basically, will the signal remain sufficiently strong across the distance necessary to make the connection?

Analynk's wireless demo kit includes a model A750 receiver and A753 transmitter both housed in NEMA 4 enclosures. The kit operates at 900 MHz with full 1W power. Locate the transmitter and receiver at points where you wish to establish a wireless connection. You can provide your own input signal, or use the provided simulator to show that a wireless connection can be established and function in a manner that will give you confidence to move forward with implementation. The kit is useful for testing out possible new locations for distance and signal strength. You will use it as wireless communications expand through your facility. Test the location first, then order the needed wireless equipment. It's a solid low risk solution.

Analynk is a manufacturer of both wireless and wired devices for process measurement and control. The company's offering includes a wide array of standard products, as well as integration and customization to meet specific project requirements. Contact the specialists at Analynk to discuss your industrial wireless application requirements.

Analynk Industrial Wireless Demonstration System from Analynk Wireless, LLC

Options for Industrial Wireless Transmitter and Receiver Enclosures

Analynk Wireless provides a wide selection of optional
enclosures and prewired transmitters and receivers.

Analynk Wireless, with their extensive array of available options, can save customers time and effort when implementing wireless connections among process measurement and control devices.

The enclosure for the transmitting and receiving gear should be properly sized to house the necessary devices, while providing adequate service space and an external antenna connection. Analynk has already made suitable enclosure selections, delivering good design practice, even prewiring, so the system is ready to install and power up right out of the box.

The enclosure options are a few of the many preconfigurations that Analynk can accomplish for customers. Making wireless connections among process measurement and control instruments and equipment a smooth and cost effective option is the company's mission. Share your connectivity challenges with the experts at Analynk, combining your process knowledge and experience with their wireless connectivity expertise to develop an effective solution.

Compact Tachometer

The Analynk 618 Series Tachometer has a compact DIN rail
mount package

Analynk Wireless is best known for the wide array of radio transmitters and receivers enabling wireless connectivity of process measurement and control instruments and equipment. The company also manufactures a many specialty analog wired devices that can easily solve process measurement and control challenges.

The 618 Series of tachometers use a frequency input from a pickup to produce an analog signal output usable by many industrial controllers. The tachometer mounts easily in a control enclosure on a 35 mm DIN rail and can accommodate a wide range of input pulse voltages. The unit can be configured to provide one or two alarm contacts, along with one of several common analog output signals.

More information is provided in the datasheet included below. Share your process measurement and control challenges with the application engineers at Analynk, leveraging your own process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.

DIN Rail Mount Tachometer for Process Measurement and Control from Analynk Wireless, LLC

Custom RF Cables Can Speed Your Wireless Installation

Custom RF cables speed installation of industrial
wireless gear.

Upgrading or installing new process instrumentation often requires some level of specialty work that can extend beyond the normal scope of activities performed by in-house technicians. With some planning and smart outsourcing, many gaps in your own capabilities can be filled and expeditious progress made toward the end goal.

Industrial wireless gear will utilize a special cable to connect a remotely located antenna to a receiver or transmitter. Analynk Wireless, as a complement to their line of wireless transmitters, receivers, antennas, and related equipment, custom fabricates RF cables to help provide a complete installation package for their customers and enable the use of fewer source vendors. Any application can be accommodated, and design and planning assistance is available.

Share your wireless connectivity challenges with the experts at Analynk. Leverage your own process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop an effective solution.

Industrial Wireless - Multiple Transmitters With Master and Slave Receiver

Multiple transmitters can connect with a single receiver which
retransmits the signal to slave receiver.

Industrial wireless connections are becoming more prevalent, due to their low cost, effectiveness, and ease of installation. Being knowledgeable of the various ways in which connections can be established and signals routed can increase your proficiency at putting in place useful connections among process measurement and control points.

One easily implemented scenario enables multiple transmitters to deliver process measurements from separate locations to a single master receiver. The receiver can re-establish the analog process signals at its outputs, for use by monitoring and control equipment. Additionally, it those process measurements have use in another additional location, the master receiver can forward the signals to a slave receiver. This allows the individual process measurements to be utilized over a potentially wide area or distance not easily or economically spanned with cabling.

Analynk Wireless has a library of standard product modifications that have been previously utilized to meet special connectivity challenges. Share yours with them and build a solution.