220 / 450 / 869MHz Industrial Wireless Solutions for PLC and SCADA Process Automation.
 The ELPRO 105 range of telemetry modules provide remote monitoring and control by radio or twisted-pair wire, over short or long distances. Transducer signals connected at one module (input signals) are transmitted to another module where the signals are re-created as output signals, or passed via RS232/485 to a host device such as a PLC or SCADA system.
The ELPRO 105 range of telemetry modules have been designed to be easy to use and simple to install. The modules include power supply, microprocessor controller, input/output (I/O) circuits, radio transceiver and/or serial transceiver (RS485/232). The 105 modules are completely integrated and ready for use. They are housed in a strong extruded aluminium case, with plug in terminal strips for ease of wiring connection and maintenance.
105U Radio Telemetry Modules
The ELPRO 105U radio telemetry modules are a low cost alternative to cable installations. The 105U provides a wireless radio link for digital (switch contact), pulse and analogue signals. As well as radio communications, the 105U has a port for RS485 multidrop twisted pair cable, enabling communications to 105S serial telemetry modules.
105S Serial Telemetry Modules
The 105S range of modules provide communications via RS485 multidrop. RS485 is a method of transmitting between many devices using a common twisted pair wire. The maximum length of the wire is typically 2000 metres. This method of communications is particularly suitable for enclosed factory environments, where distances between modules are not very far, however radio paths may be obstructed. 105S modules may be used as a separate multi-drop I/O system, or as I/O expansion for 105U modules.
In factories or building environments, groups of 105S modules, connected by RS485 multidrop, may also transmit information by radio to another remote multidrop group in another building. For example, several buildings on a large site may be connected by radio links, with signals inside the buildings being conveyed by multidrop twisted-pair.
Simple but Reliable
The ELPRO 105 modules use a very reliable transmission protocol designed for secure communications, even with external interference. Because 105 modules have transceivers, modules are able to communicate with each other to control the flow of information.
Transmissions occur when an input signal changes. That is, when a digital (switch contact) input turns off or on, or when the value of an analogue input changes by a pre-configured amount. The 105 provides real-time communications, which polling systems cannot achieve.
There are also regular update transmissions to check the value of the input signals and to check the integrity of the communication path. The status of the communications path is available as an alarm output.
The input signals are transmitted in a "data frame" which includes the address of the transmitting module, the address of the destination module, and a CRC error check. The error check is used to ensure that there is no corruption of the data frame during transmission.
Each module will wait until the radio channel is "free" before transmitting a message. When the destination module receives the message, it will check the validity of the message and transmit a return acknowledgment - a "handshake". If the original module does not receive this acknowledgment, then it will resend the message another four times. Using this simple but secure communications protocol, the 105 provides reliable operation even in noisy environments.
Two-way Communications
The 105U internal radio is a transceiver - a transmitter and receiver. Because the 105U can communicate in both directions, each module is capable of both input and output signals. Both monitoring (input) and control (output) functions are provided on every 105U module.
Variety of I/O Configurations
The 105 range of products include the 105-1, 105-2, 105-3 and 105-4 modules with various I/O configurations. All modules in the ELPRO 105 range include the same flexible and reliable operating protocol. Different versions will operate together in the one system. Each module provides different combinations of the following I/O :
- digital inputs for switch devices such as limit switches, level switches, security sensors, motor starters, pushbuttons
- analogue inputs (0-10 / 0-20 / 4-20 mA) for connecting transducers which measure parameters such as level, flow, pressure, temperature, vibration
- digital output contacts for controlling devices such as motor drives, lights, alarms
- analogue outputs (0-10 / 0-20 / 4-20mA) for connection to meters or indicators to display measured parameters.
- pulse inputs and outputs for transmitting pulse signals from flowmeters, energy meters etc. on any other modules.
Networking
Each ELPRO 105 module is configured with a system address and a unit address. Only modules with the same system address will communicate within the same system.
More than one system may operate within radio range or on the same multidrop wire without "cross-talk" or malfunction. A system may comprise a simple two unit network, with input signals at one module appearing as outputs at the other. Or a system may comprise up to 95 105U modules communicating by radio, with each module connected to up to 31 105S modules via RS485. Any input may be configured to be transmitted to an output on any other module.
Interfacing to Other Systems
A 105 network may also connect via RS232 or RS485 to a host device such as a supervisory computer or PLC. The host device will receive the status of input signals, and may set the value of output signals. Interfaces are available for many PLC's and SCADA software packages.
105U modules can also output signals transmitted from 505U modules, or act as an interface between 505U networks and PLC, computer or trunked radio systems. For further information, refer to the 505U product brochure.
Pulse I/O
The 105 modules may be configured to count a pulse input and transmit the accumulated count to a remote module. At the destination module the pulse signal is recreated - the accumulated value is used to ensure that all input pulses are output accurately.The 105 can also transmit the pulse input rate as a separate analogue value and the rate signal is provided as an analogue output at the destination module.
Example Network
Analogue I/O
The 105-1 modules have two inputs which will accept 4-20mA analogue signals. One of these inputs has adjustable setpoints for controlling a digital output.
The 105-2 modules have six inputs which will accept 0-20mA analogue signals. Because of the inputs' high resolution, they may be used for 4-20mA signals or 0-10mA signals. Each analogue input has adjustable setpoints for controlling digital outputs.
The 105-3 modules provide eight analogue outputs with a range of 0-20mA. These outputs will reflect the same value as the analogue input signal.
Analogue Setpoints
High and low setpoints may be configured for the analogue inputs to control a remote digital output contact. The digital output will set ("on") when the analogue input value drops below the low setpoint and will reset ("off") when the analogue value exceeds the high setpoint.
Radio Communications
The ELPRO 105U transceiver can operate in several UHF radio bands. These bands provides a low noise environment, with a good radio range using low cost compact aerials. The 105U transmission power may be factory set between 10mW and 500mW. Many countries provide a licence-free channel in the UHF band for low power devices such as the 105U. Radio channels are selected by connecting a PC terminal to the RS232 port on the 105U. If a radio channel is already heavily used, then another can be easily selected.
Radio Range
The operating radio range of the 105U depends on obstructions in the radio path, the height above ground of the aerials, and the type of aerial used. Typical line-of-site ranges are:
- 500mW 10km or 6 miles
- 100mW 5km
- 10mW 2km
The 105U provides a measurement of both radio channel noise and radio signal strength to assist with installation and testing. Each 105U also provides a repeater function. A module may be configured to retransmit a message on to a remote module which does not have a reliable radio path.
The repeater acts as an intermediate module between the two ends of the radio link. Messages may be repeated up to five time by intermediate repeater units, allowing very long radio paths to be achieved. Repeaters can also have their own I/O.
Power Supply
The ELPRO 105 modules include a switch-mode power supply which will accept a variety of voltage sources. The 105U will operate from a DC supply of 11 to 30 volts or an AC supply of 15 to 24 volts. Mains supply can be connected via a small transformer "plugpack". The power supply includes a battery charger for backup batteries, and a solar regulator for direct connection of solar panels. The 105 power supply is intelligent and will automatically alarm on loss of mains supply, loss of solar charging or low battery voltage. These alarm signals may also be transmitted to remote modules as digital output signals.
Configuration
The 105 modules are easy to configure, using on-board selection switches, or by connecting a PC to the module serial port and downloading a configuration file. Configuration software is provided with the modules. Configuration files may be uploaded from the modules for modification or archival.
Diagnostics, Testing
The 105 modules provide diagnostic and test functions by connecting a PC terminal to the module. I/O and communication functions may be tested. The 105U module includes a radio strength measurement, which provides an indication of background noise and received radio strength. This feature allows radio paths to be tested without any additional test equipment. |
