ANALOGUE vs DIGITAL RADIO SYSTEMS Networks for Telemetry Applications

Where are Data Radio Systems Used? Wide area networks for machine to machine data communications.Wide area networks for machine to machine data communications. Remote monitoring and control of industrial systems.Remote monitoring and control of industrial systems. Remote logging and reporting to SCADA and MES systems.Remote logging and reporting to SCADA and MES systems. Security and remote access systems.Security and remote access systems.

Telemetry System Model CONTROL CENTRE Communications Network SCADA SYSTEM HUMAN INTERFACE & DATA MANAGEMENT MONITORING & CONTROL BULK WATER SUPPLY TELEMETRY NETWORK SEWAGE & WASTE STATUS POINTS & ALARMS LOGGED DATA & ALARMS METERING STATIONS

Analogue Radio Network Topology Remote Station Radio Modem RTU Radio Repeater Remote Station Radio Modem RTU Master Station SCADA Radio Modem

Features of Analogue Radio Systems Analogue Radio SystemsAnalogue Radio Systems –Can cover large distances with repeaters –Slow over the air data rate – max 1200baud –Requires additional interface module between radio and device – Serial to FSK converter –Radio requires unique alignment for each device interface – Cannot just be swapped out on service/replacement –No management available on radio network –High maintenance on radios – routine tuning –Lower cost of deployment – analogue radios are cheaper

Digital Radio Network Topology Remote Station Radio Modem RTU Radio Repeater Remote Station Radio Modem RTU Master Station SCADA Radio Modem

Features of Digital Radio Systems Digital Radio SystemsDigital Radio Systems –Can cover large distances with repeaters –Fast over the air data rate – Typically 9600baud but can go up to 19200baud –Better sensitivity – typical 9600baud –Does not require additional interface module between radio and device – Direct Serial or Ethernet interface to the radio –Radio does not require alignment for device interface – Plug & Play for replacement/service –Comprehensive management software for radio networks – Diagnostics, configuration, interface to other environments (SCADA) –No maintenance on radios – no routine tuning –Higher cost of deployment – digital radios are more expensive

PreEmpDeEmpPreEmpDeEmpPreEmpDeEmpDataTotal Transmission Stage Time (ms) 1200baud 9600baud Base StationRepeater #1Repeater #2 Time of Flight Comparison Analogue vs Digital Radio 960bits Data Packet

Comparison Summary Low cost of maintenanceHigher cost of maintenance Higher cost of deploymentLower costs of deployment Comprehensive network management toolsNo in band remote management Once off setup, no routine maintenanceRoutine alignment and tuning Direct interface for Serial/Ethernet devicesRequires additional interface to device Max 19200baud over the air data rateMax 1200baud over the air data rate Supports repeater networks Digital RadioAnalogue Radio 8 x Faster