Received signal strength indication (RSSI) location principle uses received signal strength to determine the location of the transmitting device. A wireless device sends a signal out and that signal is received by a gateway or access point. Multiple access points will pick up the signal and from that a received signal strength is determined by each access point. The further away the access point to the transmitting device the weaker the signal. In comparison, the closer the transmitting device is to an access point the stronger the received signal strength. Location is determined by receiving the signal from multiple access points and taking the different measurements to make an approximation of location by trilateration. The approximate location can then be positioned on a map. For example, an asset or a worker wearing a Wi-Fi RTLS […]

John Hartley, CEO of Extronics, talks about the next generation of site wide Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) using hybrid technology for improved worker safety and asset tracking. Why is location tracking important for worker safety? The safety of workers, whilst always important, is moving higher up the list of priorities for investment. Companies operating within the process industries are always looking to ensure their workers are safe whilst making sure they are getting the biggest ROI possible. Back in 2005, when the first intrinsically safe Active RFID Wi-Fi RTLS tags were made, the goal of the oil and gas industry was to use technology to improve worker safety. This is still true today, though adoption has been slow for various reasons, such as the maturity of available technology and concerns over costs and benefits. […]

The main standards for hazardous area equipment globally are ATEX, IECEx and North American NEC 500/505. For ATEX and IECEx, covering most of the world, the IEC 60079 series of standards are typically used for the approval of equipment installed in hazardous areas. Most national or regional domains derive their own standards from the IECEx standards and issue a version, often identical, as their own national or regional standard. The most frequently used electrical equipment protection standards are: 60079-0 General requirements 60079-1 Explosion proof enclosures 60079-7 Increased safety 60079 -11 Intrinsic safety 60079 -15 Non sparking, hermetic sealing and restricted breathing 60079-18 Encapsulation Who Governs the Hazardous Area Standards? In Europe the ATEX directives ensure that every ATEX certificate must be recognised by a notified body. IEC standards are also already fully accepted in national […]

Today’s processing industries demand that workers be connected to wireless devices for all manner of reasons: Site wide communication Condition monitoring VOIP for on-location Wi-Fi calling Worker safety Asset tracking E-permitting Remote mentor Equipment maintenance and inspection The list goes on. However, for hazardous area wireless products they must first be certified to the required standards. Installing wireless networks in hazardous areas requires careful, expert planning and execution. This article explains the hazards posed by radio frequency (RF) sources, the issues involved when installing wireless networks in hazardous areas, and how to minimise the potential risk. The Challenge for Hazardous Area Wireless The RF spectrum covers a wide range from radio waves to gamma rays, but the agreed area of RF under the explosion protection standards only considers the range from 9KHz to 60GHz. It […]