Diagnostics for radio data transmission: Measuring the quality of data transmission and eliminating errors during radio data transmission
Radio data transmission has become the standard for flexible data transmission in machines and systems and is the ideal alternative to cables for the reliable and secure connection of distributed or mobile components. The basic prerequisite is a stable radio connection. We will show you what to look for, how to quickly and easily check the quality of data transmission, and point out other benefits of wireless testing and diagnostics for installation and maintenance.
Intelligent radio data transmission: The basis for reliable industrial automation
Wireless data transmission offers many advantages over cable-based solutions for connecting autonomous vehicles, remote-controlled machines, or mobile system components, particularly in complex networks and over long distances. Wireless solutions with fieldbus communication via Profibus, Profinet or Profisafe have proven themselves in numerous industrial applications. Choosing the right wireless solution is important. Intelligent radio data transmission with pre-processed data packets is not a 1:1 replacement for transmission via cables. Instead, it adapts communication to the special features of radio transmission. This patented technology therefore forms the basis for stable and reliable fieldbus data transmission and ensures the highest level of productivity and reliability.
Possible sources of interference for radio data transmission
A number of factors and possible sources of interference should be considered to ensure that no radio interference occurs during operation, which could potentially bring the production line to a standstill:
Range restrictions
With ranges of up to three kilometers, radio data transmission systems are extremely powerful. This range is reduced by physical obstacles such as walls, especially those made of metal or concrete. Furthermore, movement of the transmitter and receiver units can affect the quality of the radio link.
Signal interference and frequency conflicts
Radio transmission may also be affected by other wireless devices, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic radiation. This is also true when the devices use similar frequency bands. For this reason, frequency conflicts should be checked and avoided in advance. For the DATAEAGLE, which uses 869 MHz/915 MHz, it is therefore necessary to check whether the selected radio channel is already in use by other systems. Frequency planning is not required for variants that use Bluetooth as their radio technology.
Network congestion
Excessive congestion of the network reduces the bandwidth available for radio data transmission. This can also lead to interference in the transmission of data. With non-intelligent radio systems, such as a classic Wi-Fi system (see video: Wireless 101 – Intelligent Radio Data Transmission), it is not possible to filter the data traffic. DATAEAGLE performs filtering, i.e. prioritizes the data that is important. Lower priority data is transmitted when the necessary bandwidth is available. However, this means that low-priority data may be lost if the network load is too high. DATAEAGLE diagnostics allow the user to see how high the current load is, and if any transmission losses might occur.
How wireless diagnostics increases productivity
The interference factors for wireless data transmission mentioned above need to be checked during commissioning as well as during operation to ensure a reliable and secure wireless link. A diagnosis of the signal quality and transmission speed helps to identify and eliminate potential sources of error. It provides information about the status of the network and allows performance and efficiency to be optimized.
Should the network need to be expanded or adapted to new conditions, diagnostics provides information on bandwidth and possible bottlenecks, making it easier to plan the expansion. During operation, diagnostics also provides information on the quality of the radio link, showing changes over time and allowing, for example, preventive replacement of antennas or cables that are no longer in ideal condition. In the event of a malfunction, wireless diagnostics can pinpoint the problem, allowing it to be found and rectified faster.
Ultimately, radio link diagnostics ensure the integrity and reliability of the data transmission.
In the following video, we show you what this looks like:
Use cases for diagnostics in radio data transmission
Wireless diagnostics during commissioning
- Testing the data transmission to the radio module and between master/slave
- Testing the radio link – signal strength, transmission speed, baud rate
- Are there any errors in data transmission? Identification of defective telegrams before/after the radio link, crashes, fieldbus starts/retries
Wireless diagnostics during operation
- Change in radio data quality over time
- Measurement of interference factors
- Early detection of disruptions/sources of interference
- Planning of network expansion/scaling of the radio network
DATAEAGLE Wizard: Smart diagnostics for radio data transmission
DATAEAGLE Wizard software for Schildknecht radio data transmission systems offers numerous tools and features for particularly simple and convenient diagnostics of radio data transmission. It can be accessed via a PC, locally in a control unit, or via remote maintenance in a web browser.
For maintenance via PC, the DATAEAGLE Master is connected via USB port to a PC, on which the software is then executed. A wide range of data and parameters related to the radio link can then be retrieved, from baud rate and response time to slave response time, request counter and retry counter, as well as retrieving information from the diagnostic logger.
Alternatively, many DATAEAGLE devices allow diagnostics to be accessed via the connected fieldbus PLC. Depending on the DATAEAGLE type, this is possible via PROFIBUS, UDP or CAN.
Diagnostic data can also be sent directly to Schildknecht support via the DATAEAGLE Wizard. We will be happy to assist you with interpreting the data and optimizing your radio link.
At a glance: Diagnostics for radio data transmission with DATAEAGLE
- Measurable quality of radio links: Data on signal strength, transmission speed, fieldbus errors and preset parameters.
- Convenient monitoring during operation: With DATAEAGLE Wizard on a PC, remote maintenance or via a connected fieldbus PLC and UDP telegrams.
- Support and optimization: Diagnostic logger that also sends data to Schildknecht support – we are happy to help!
What are your application’s special requirements and which technology is suitable for reliable implementation in an industrial environment? Our white paper provides a practical technology comparison of intelligent methods for industrial data transmission. Download for free now!
Our experts will of course also be happy to assist you in person with selecting and implementing your wireless solution. You can call us at +49 7144 89718-0 or send us a message via our contact form. You are also welcome to use our chat. We look forward to hearing from you!
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