SwiftComm is suitable for use in a wide variety of industrial applications.  However there are a few conditions where the user will receive the most benefit from SwiftComm. 

In applications where long, expensive cable lengths are needed, SwiftComm can provide a very cost effective alternative to hard wiring.  If cabling of any length is damaged often in your system and needs constant replacement, SwiftComm can also be a viable solution. 

Finally, SwiftComm is ideal for use in applications with a clear line-of-sight between the encoder and control system.  This line-of-sight allows the SwiftComm Transmitter and Receiver to have a clear path to communicate with each other.  Although SwiftComm can work around some obstructions, the best performance will be achieved where the radios have a clear line-of-sight.

Following are some application examples that are ideal for SwiftComm:

Factory automation applications can present numerous challenges. A saw mill application for example, is typically an electrically noisy environment from sources such as variable speed drives.  It can also be a very dusty, dirty and wet environment.  Encoder cables that are connected to the control system are susceptible to damage from dropped wood pieces or blades, or can be covered up with saw dust and simply stepped on.  Continual cable replacement and the resulting system downtime can be very costly.

SwiftComm has several unique features that make it the ideal wireless solution for these types of challenging applications.  Encased in NEMA 4 enclosures, the SwiftComm transmitter and receiver are protected from environmental dirt, dust, moisture or debris. 

SwiftComm has also been designed to work in electrically noisy environments.  It operates on the 2.4 GHz ISM radio band and uses Adaptive Frequency Hopping Protocol (AFH).  This helps avoid data interruptions due to frequency interference.  If a particular radio band encounters interference (such as from variable speed drives), SwiftComm seamlessly hops to another open band.  This technology decreases the susceptibility to interference, increasing overall reliability. 

SwiftComm’s patent pending technology can overcome intermittent data loss due to link interruption.  Internally and transparent to the user, SwiftComm keeps track of the encoder’s output signal.  If SwiftComm encounters packet loss from temporary link interruption, it fills in the encoder’s output information based on the historical data trend.  It then processes this information in place of the lost packet.  When a valid packet of information is received, SwiftComm determines any accumulated error and sends corrections to the controller.  So even in environments where occasional packets are lost, SwiftComm will transmit a seamless stream of data to the control system.

These applications can be a cabling challenge due to the mobile components of the crane and hoist.  Cables need to be run from the encoder, typically on the moving assembly, back down to the motor controller.  Installation of encoder cable assemblies can be very expensive and the continuous movement of the crane and hoist can eventually wear them out.  Space may also be tight or not available to add another cable to the assembly.

SwiftComm can quickly and simply eliminate these cabling problems on mobile applications.  The transmitter is connected to the encoder and the receiver is installed down with the motor controller.  No more expensive cables to worry about installing or maintaining. 

SwiftComm will also provide a reliable wireless encoder signal so the controller can maintain smooth movement for the crane and hoist.  A continuous stream of data is achieved through use of adaptive frequency hopping to avoid signal interruptions and patent pending technology to overcome any potential data loss.

A slitter rewinder machine, which unwinds large rolls and cuts and rewinds them into smaller sections, is a critical component in a paper converting application.  Multiple controls and motors need to accurately control tension and speed of the entire process.  Any inaccuracies in the motion control system can cause offsets, uneven edges and sheets to tear.  Encoders on these machines relay speed and position information from the motors to the control system.  Cables connecting the encoders to the control system are susceptible to damage and can be extremely costly to replace and maintain.

SwiftComm is an ideal replacement to hard wiring encoders.  Simply connect the encoder to the SwiftComm transmitter and connect the SwiftComm receiver to the control system.  Data is relayed wirelessly between the transmitter and receiver every 600 microseconds (µs), so the control system will receive a continuous stream of data with minimal latency.