Product category:
Wireless Communications
News Release from: Aerocomm | Subject: Spread-spectrum transceivers
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 08 November 2002
Wireless wheel alignment cuts the
umbilical
AeroComm has developed a wireless system for use in wheel alignment applications that removes cumbersome umbilical cables from the workplace while simplifying and speeding up the process.
AeroComm has developed a wireless system for use in wheel alignment applications that removes cumbersome umbilical cables from the workplace while simplifying and speeding up the process AeroComm transceivers are integrated into each of four wheel heads, and another server transceiver is integrated into the central control console to enable wireless communication to each wheel
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 13 Dec 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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However, before RF could replace wires, several capabilities had to be integrated into a small, low power, cost effective transceiver.
A specific attribute required for wheel alignment applications meant that the system had to be globally acceptable, including the use of an unlicensed radio frequency, as manufacturers of wheel alignment systems are typically large corporations with global marketing strategies.
This necessitates a transceiver with virtual worldwide acceptance.
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Also a requirement was for a low latency, wire-like communication performance.
Wheel alignment systems are comprised of a control loop.
The mechanic makes an adjustment; the sensor reads that adjustment and sends the data to the control console.
The system must also be fast enough to enable frequent updates from four different wheels.
In operation, the system communicates sensor data read by each wheel head to the central console, where the information is displayed on the screen.
The central console may also provide the mechanic with voice instructions to adjust wheel alignment.
Typically the system uses an integral antenna as transmission ranges are short, and large external antennas are not necessary.
The server transceiver within the central console may connect to custom base station electronics, or optionally it may connect to a RS232 port on a "PC based" central console.
The AeroComm receivers operate using client/server architecture where the server radio controls the network.
The server informs the client transceivers when and where to hop to.
This pseudorandom hop table is identified by a "channel" number.
To colocate multiple wheel alignment systems, they are simply set to different channels.
The system then hops to different frequencies, avoiding interference and enabling multiple independent networks.
This flexibility also enables other equipments such as brake repair and tire changers to incorporate wireless communication without interference.
The use of AeroComm's wireless solution for wheel alignment offers several advantages for OEMs.
Frequency hopping, spread spectrum (FHSS) techniques employed ensure excellent interference rejection, overcome multipath problems, and allow variable power outputs.
Integral antenna versions reduce cost and eliminate external antennas that might get damaged in a workshop environment.
The transmitting format; point to multipoint communication, is supported with AeroComm standard configurations and it supports addressed or broadcast packets.
The OEM is able to use the address embedded in the RF-module, alternatively it can use its own addressing scheme.
The system architecture supports both polled or random communication, and ACK and retry protocol are embedded for data integrity.
The fast RF rates used support frequent sensor updates.
Versatility is enhanced by the use of multiple channels that allow larger workshops to operate more than one wheel alignment system at the same time.
AeroComm's developer tools and industry specific expertise enable fast time to market for OEMs with assistance from AeroComm RF engineers.
Further, transceivers are agency precertified for fast development schedules and reduced regulatory agency expertise and cost for the OEM.
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