Technology

The mobile radio unit PLICSMOBILE – integrated in the sensor or as a separate unit – transmits the measurement data of a measuring point i.e. level sensor via mobile phone network and Internet. The main focus and addressee of the remote data transmission is the Internet portal WEB-VV, to which the user has access via the Internet and a standard web browser. PLICSMOBILE and WEB-VV together are the ideal interface between the measurement technology on the one side and the user interface (Internet portal) on the other. Measurement data can, however, also be transmitted via time or event-driven e-mails and SMSs. In the process, the data can be transmitted in various formats so that other systems, such as inventory management, logistics and archival storage, can access the data for further processing.

Wireless data transmission – new possibilities in the process industry i.e. in industrial environments
Wirelessly communicating instruments have fundamentally changed our lives and also play an increasingly important role in industrial environments. It’s exactly in this area where the enormous potential of wireless technology is opening up completely new horizons. Wireless solutions offer far more advantages than just saving wiring and installation costs. With PLICSMOBILE, users profit from simpler planning, substantially faster setup and commissioning and more effective servicing and diagnosis options. Not to mention high flexibility and mobility. All this leads to a higher availability of inventory as well as filling level or river level data. 
 
An overview of the advantages of wireless instrumentation

• Low installation costs
• I/O modules not needed
• Distribution boxes not needed
• Less control cabinet space required
• Less documentation
• Simple planning
• Simple installation and setup
• Simple diagnosis
• Efficient maintenance
• Simple extendibility

PLICSMOBILE - the functional principle

PLICSMOBILE is a data telephone module that uses the globally available, public mobile phone network. GSM technology, preferentially GPRS service, is implemented for remote data transmission. Worldwide use is guaranteed through quadband technology.

GSM, the abbreviation for “Global Standard for Mobile Communications”, is currently the most frequently used mobile radio communications protocol for the transmission of digitized information.
GPRS stands for “General Packet Radio Service”, a packet-switched radio access for users of GSM technology. GPRS technology utilises the advantages of packet-oriented data transmission and channel bundling. Unlike normal speech connections, no whole channel is occupied for the duration of the connection.

With GPRS, the level data are bundled into packages that are sent according to need and capacity. The decisive advantage is that service charges are calculated according to the amount of data transmitted, not connect time as in the case of GSM.
Packet-switched data transmission allows higher transmission rates and continuous on-line operation, comparable to a user-to-user connection in the telephone network, but without its cost disadvantages. The GPRS operation of PLICMOBILE thus allows a reasonably priced and extremely efficient measurement data transmission.

A SIM card from a mobile phone service provider is required for operation. Communication is carried out via the reasonably priced data channel (not via the speech channel), which only has to be activated by the provider when required.

For diagnosis, servicing and parameterisation of PLICSMOBILE and the connected field instruments,
however, GSM point-to-point connection, is the right choice. In order to perform the necessary activities, one simply has to dial into the respective measuring point with the service tool PACTware/DTM.

Technical specifications

Voltage supply
Operating voltage 9.6 ... 32 V DC 
 
Battery pack (optional)
Battery type 6 x Mignon AA (alkali manganese)
Operating voltage 9 V DC
 
Accumulator pack with charging electronics (optional)
Operating voltage 7.2 V DC 
 
Sensor supply
Number of sensors 1 x plics®
Terminal voltage 22.5 ... 20.5 V at 4 ... 20 mA
Current limitation 25.7 mA
 
Radio transmission
Radio frequency quadband GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz – depending on service provider)
 
Ambient conditions
Ambient, storage and transport temperature: -40 ... +80° C (-40 ... +176° F) 
 
Electrical protective measures
Protection rating IP 66/IP 67

Mounting options

Wall mounting
PLICSMOBILE T61 for wall mounting is delivered with a mounting bracket.  
 
Carrier rail mounting:
PLICSMOBILE T61 for carrier rail mounting is delivered with a mounting adaptor. 
 
Pipe mounting:
PLICSMOBILE T61 for pipe mounting is delivered with gauge holder and four M5 x 12 assembly screws as unassembled mounting accessories. The instrument holder is mounted on the base of PLICSMOBILE T61.

Operation with external accumulator or built-in battery or accumulator

If the voltage for the connected field instrument is not supplied via the 4 ... 20 mA loop or Profibus PA or Foundation Fieldbus branch, PLICSMOBILE itself can provide voltage for the connected sensor. The low operating voltage of PLICSMOBILE makes it possible to supply the mobile radio module and the sensor via an external, separate battery.
 
An accumulator or battery can be integrated in the housing of the PLICSMOBILE T61 external version.
 
PLICSMOBILE T61 can thus be used independently of an external power supply. Beside its mobile radio unit, PLICSMOBILE also contains a power supply module for conditioning the supply voltage for the sensor electronics. This module is also responsible for the intelligent energy management during battery operation. An intelligent energy management optimises the operating duration of the system through intelligent switching between level measurement, process data transmission and power-saving standby intervals (sleep mode). For example, measuring operations can be performed in a smaller update raster than the long-distance data transmissions. Long operating periods are thus possible without battery changes or charging.