ANALOGUE vs DIGITAL RADIO SYSTEMS

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ANALOGUE vs DIGITAL RADIO SYSTEMS
Networks for Telemetry Applications
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Where are Data Radio Systems Used?

• Wide area networks for machine to machine data
  communications.
• Remote monitoring and control of industrial
  systems.
• Remote logging and reporting to SCADA and MES
  systems.
• Security and remote access systems.

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Telemetry System Model
CONTROL CENTRE
Communications Network
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Analogue Radio Network Topology
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Features of Analogue Radio Systems

• Analogue Radio Systems
• Can cover large distances with repeaters
• Slow over the air data rate max 1200baud
• Requires additional interface module between
  radio and device
• Serial to FSK converter
• Radio requires unique alignment for each device
  interface
• Cannot just be swapped out on service/replacement
  
• No management available on radio network
• High maintenance on radios routine tuning
• Lower cost of deployment analogue radios are
  cheaper

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Digital Radio Network Topology
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Features of Digital Radio Systems

• Digital Radio Systems
• Can cover large distances with repeaters
• Fast over the air data rate
• Typically 9600baud but can go up to 19200baud
• Better sensitivity typical -112dBm _at_ 9600baud
• Does not require additional interface module
  between radio and device
• Direct Serial or Ethernet interface to the radio
• Radio does not require alignment for device
  interface
• Plug Play for replacement/service
• Comprehensive management software for radio
  networks
• Diagnostics, configuration, interface to other
  environments (SCADA)
• No maintenance on radios no routine tuning
• Higher cost of deployment digital radios are
  more expensive

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Time of Flight Comparison
2
2
2
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Comparison Summary
Digital Radio
Analogue Radio
8 x Faster
Supports repeater networks
Supports repeater networks
Max 19200baud over the air data rate
Max 1200baud over the air data rate
Direct interface for Serial/Ethernet devices
Requires additional interface to device
Once off setup, no routine maintenance
Routine alignment and tuning
Comprehensive network management tools
No in band remote management
Higher cost of deployment
Lower costs of deployment
Low cost of maintenance
Higher cost of maintenance