MDS Orbit Radios
GE’s MDS is an end-to-end industrial wireless communication provider which carries serial and IP/Ethernet traffic, as well as analog and digital I/O signals connected to field sensors and devices, accommodating an extensive variety of industrial protocols. GE’s MDS wireless radios have been rated and tested to harsh specifications and operate over licensed and unlicensed narrowband communication in a variety of frequencies.
Frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) is wireless technology that transmits radio signals by rapidly changing the carrier frequency among many distinct frequencies in a large spectral band. The frequency band is divided into sub-bands and signals “hop” their carrier frequencies among the sub-bands in a predetermined order. The “hopping” frequencies are difficult to intercept and interference at a specific frequency will only last a short time.
MDS Orbit radios are the next generation of industrial wireless communication devices, integrating cellular, unlicensed radio, licensed narrowband radio, and Wi-Fi networking technologies. Orbit radios can have one or two communication components in each case. Radio options cover 900MHz (SD9), 400 MHz (SD4), 200MHz (SD2) and 100 MHz (SD1) licensed narrowband spectrum, which include backward compatibility with MDS SD Series or legacy GE MDS x710 radios, as well as 900MHz and 2.4/5 GHz unlicensed frequencies. MDS Orbit’s unlicensed 900 MHz radios use proprietary state-of-the-art FHSS algorithms. The units in the MDS Orbit Platform series utilize serial and ethernet data protocols. They are CSA Class I, Division 2 approved for hazardous locations and operate in temperatures from -40 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees Celsius.
Industrial Cellular Radio Basics
Cellular Radios
Cellular radios are used in situations where traditional radio communication networks may not exist or where direct line of sight on those networks may be hard to achieve. Cellular radios function in similar ways to how many of the devices used on a daily basis, like cell phones. Cellular phones rely on cellular communication towers to transmit data to and from phones and other mobile devices. Depending on the type of network those devices are designed for will dictate things such as speed and data throughput capacity.
Industrial Cellular Radios
The same principles apply to industrial style cellular radios. Just like cell phones, these radios rely on third party transmission signals in order to properly communicate. And just cell phones, the hardware specifications of the radios will dictate what type of cellular network they will have access to. In situations where the data requirements are very low, for example, a scenario where monitoring only a few simple data points once every hour or so, a network with higher speed capabilities is not needed. However, monitoring something like a live video feed or other complex data and information over that network, a radio and network capable of higher speeds and data capacities will be necessary.
Drawbacks
One of the biggest drawbacks to using cellular networks is cost. While the radios themselves are usually priced in line with other types of industrial communication radios, there will almost always be a monthly service charge, which can vary greatly depending on the demands of the specific application. These costs can add up over time making the cellular radio option an expensive one. Also, because the radio is operating on a third-party network, the ability to customize and configure the radio network will be greatly limited.
Conclusion
While cellular radios can be a great option in certain situations, typically, traditional industrial radios will provide the most flexible and reliable serial communication solution over time while saving on the cost of a monthly service charge. However, when traditional communication methods fail, cellular radios can provide a reliable and effective alternative.