Landis Gyr Technology IWRP1 Unitinet PCMCIA Radio User Manual users manual

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FCC Part 15.247
Transmitter Certification
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Transmitter
Test Report
FCC ID: R7PIWRP1
FCC Rule Part: 15.247
ACS Report Number: 06-0394-15C
Manufacturer: Cellnet Technology, Inc.
Model: Utilinet PCMCIA Radio
User’s Manual
5015 B.U. Bowman Drive Buford, GA 30518 USA Voice: 770-831-8048 Fax: 770-831-8598
UtiliNet® PCMCIA IWR Card User Guide
2/2/2007
UtiliNet® PCMCIA IWR Card User Guide
Version: 1.0
Page 1 of 23
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION NOTICE:
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS TRADE SECRETS AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OF CELLNET AND SHALL NOT BE DUPLICATED IN
WHOLE OR IN PART OR USED OR DISCLOSED FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN THAT APPROVED BY CELLNET.
© Cellnet 2007. All rights reserved.
UtiliNet® PCMCIA IWR Card User Guide
2/2/2007
Revision History
Rev #
1.0
Date
2/1/2007
Author
R. Ridenour
Pages
Description
Initial Document
Creation
Proprietary Rights Notice
This manual is an unpublished work and contains the trade secrets and confidential information of Cellnet, which are not to
be divulged to third parties and may not be reproduced or transmitted in whole or part, in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical for any purpose, without the express written permission of Cellnet. All rights to designs or
inventions disclosed herein, including the right to manufacture, are reserved to Cellnet. The information contained in this
document is subject to change without notice. Cellnet reserves the right to change the product specifications at any time
without incurring any obligations.
Trademarks Used in This Manual
Internet Explorer® is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. UtiliNet® is a
trademark of Cellnet Innovations, Inc. Cellnet® is a registered trademark of
Cellnet Innovations, Inc.
Page 2 of 23
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION NOTICE:
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS TRADE SECRETS AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OF CELLNET AND SHALL NOT BE DUPLICATED IN
WHOLE OR IN PART OR USED OR DISCLOSED FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN THAT APPROVED BY CELLNET.
© Cellnet 2007. All rights reserved.
UtiliNet® PCMCIA IWR Card User Guide
2/2/2007
Revision History ________________________________________________________2
FCC/IC User Information__________________________________________________5
Chapter 1 Introduction ___________________________________________________6
System Overview........................................................................................................... 6
UtiliNet Basics ............................................................................................................... 6
Network
of
Intelligent
Radios.....................................................................................
Mesh
Architecture.......................................................................................................
Radios
With
Programmable
Intelligence....................................................................
Packets Hop From Radio To Radio ............................................................................
Polling and Report By Exception ...............................................................................
About This Manual....................................................................................................... 8
Icons............................................................................................................................
Contacting Technical Support _____________________________________________ 9
Chapter 2 UtiliNet PCMCIA IWR Card________________________________________9
System
UtiliNet
Technical
Overview.........................................................................................................
Module
Features
Overview
of
the
.........................................................................................
10
UtiliNet
10
PCMCIA
IWR
Card..........................
Chapter 3 UtiliNet PCMCIA IWR Card Configuration ______________________11
Chapter 4 Network Engineering______________________________________11
Network Design Plan .................................................................................................. 11
OSI
Layers
................................................................................................................
Traditional
Radio
Comparisons
................................................................................
Line-Of-Sight............................................................................................................
11
11
12
Network Design for 900 MHz Systems...................................................................... 12
Calculating
Latitude/Longitude
Coordinates............................................................
Global
Positioning
System
(GPS).............................................................................
United States Geological Survey Maps - USGS Maps.............................................
MapInfo.....................................................................................................................
RF Considerations and System Design.....................................................................
Radio
Link
Budget....................................................................................................
Transmitter................................................................................................................
13
13
13
14
14
14
14
Page 3 of 23
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION NOTICE:
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS TRADE SECRETS AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OF CELLNET AND SHALL NOT BE DUPLICATED IN
WHOLE OR IN PART OR USED OR DISCLOSED FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN THAT APPROVED BY CELLNET.
© Cellnet 2007. All rights reserved.
UtiliNet® PCMCIA IWR Card User Guide
2/2/2007
Transmit
Antenna......................................................................................................
Ground
Plane
Effects
................................................................................................
Transmitter Transmission Line Loss ........................................................................
Total
Path
Loss
.........................................................................................................
Free Space Path Loss ................................................................................................
Additional
Path
Loss
Attenuation.............................................................................
Receiver
Antenna......................................................................................................
Receiver
Transmission
Line
Loss.............................................................................
Receiver
....................................................................................................................
Noise
Floor
Factor
....................................................................................................
Multipath
Fade
Factor...............................................................................................
Margin
of
Safety
.......................................................................................................
Summary...................................................................................................................
Keeping a Check on Interference..............................................................................
In-Band
Interference
.................................................................................................
Out-of-Band
Interference..........................................................................................
Cellular Base Station Interference ............................................................................
Paging
System
Interference
......................................................................................
Performing RF Field Studies ....................................................................................
Design
Considerations
..............................................................................................
14
15
15
15
15
16
16
16
16
17
17
17
17
18
19
19
19
19
19
20
Glossary___________________________________________________________21
Page 4 of 23
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION NOTICE:
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS TRADE SECRETS AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OF CELLNET AND SHALL NOT BE DUPLICATED IN
WHOLE OR IN PART OR USED OR DISCLOSED FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN THAT APPROVED BY CELLNET.
© Cellnet 2007. All rights reserved.
UtiliNet® PCMCIA IWR Card User Guide
2/2/2007
FCC/IC User Information
FCC Class B
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the Instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Consult Cellnet or an experienced radio technician for help.
Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by Cellnet Technology,
Inc. could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
RF Exposure
In accordance with FCC requirements of human exposure to radio frequency fields, the radiating
element shall be installed such that a minimum separation distance of 1.36 centimeters will be
maintained.
Industry Canada
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES‐003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est
conforme à la norme NMB‐003 duCanada.
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment
Regulations. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Cet appareillage numérique de la classe B répond à toutes les exigences de lʹinterférence canadienne causant
des règlements dʹéquipement. Lʹopération est sujette aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) ce dispositif peut ne
pas causer lʹinterférence nocive, et (2) ce dispositif doit accepter nʹimporte quelle interférence reçue, y
compris lʹinterférence qui peut causer lʹopération peu désirée.
Page 5 of 23
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION NOTICE:
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS TRADE SECRETS AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OF CELLNET AND SHALL NOT BE DUPLICATED IN
WHOLE OR IN PART OR USED OR DISCLOSED FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN THAT APPROVED BY CELLNET.
© Cellnet 2007. All rights reserved.
UtiliNet® PCMCIA IWR Card User Guide
2/2/2007
Chapter 1 Introduction
This manual provides technical information for the line of radios used in the UtiliNet® Wireless System. Included are
photos, specifications, diagrams, and accessories for each radio type as well as detailed information on applications
using the radios and other related information.
System Overview
UtiliNet is a comprehensive wireless data communications solution that utilizes spread-spectrum radios in the 902-928
MHz area of the radio spectrum to provide reliable network answers for remote telemetry or distributed control
applications. UtiliNet radios combine three important technologies: a mesh architecture for peer-to-peer communications
and true networking functionality, asynchronous spread spectrum frequency hopping for maximum use of bandwidth, and
packet switching for guaranteed message transfer and automatic store-and-forward routing.
These three technologies work together to ensure that UtiliNet networks are fast (up to 19200 bps), operate transparently,
and are reliable in the delivery of all data messages. These are the key advantages of UtiliNet.
UtiliNet Basics
UtiliNet is a wireless data communications network based on spread-spectrum radio technologies.
Network of Intelligent Radios
UtiliNet radios form the foundation of a UtiliNet network and serve multiple functions.
• Each radio can communicate to end devices for some data collection or control function.
This may involve transparent applications where data is merely passed through UtiliNet radios, or it may involve
programs running in radios and/or other gateway devices to perform custom applications, higher network efficiency or
enhanced functionality.
Each radio interacts with its UtiliNet radio RF neighbors to form a wide area network (WAN) into which it may
initiate a packet, automatically route a packet between other radios, or accept a packet as the final destination.
•
Each radio automatically integrates itself into an RF wide area network and routes packets.
Upon power up or reboot, and at intervals while powered on, a radio automatically scans the frequency band
searching for other UtiliNet radios in its vicinity to learn about its RF neighbors. As the radios learn about one another,
they pass their geographic address coordinates for routing and to keep communication statistics for choosing the best data
transmission paths. This allows the radios to automatically route packets and dynamically build routing tables to choose
Page 6 of 23
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© Cellnet 2007. All rights reserved.
UtiliNet® PCMCIA IWR Card User Guide
2/2/2007
the best paths if RF conditions change. Once configured by the user, radios automatically acquire radios and route packets.
Each radio can execute one or more programs written in the Device Control Word (DCW) language.
These programs can send, receive, and process packets to and from other radios. They also are able to send,
receive, and process data to and from end devices connected to the radio. Examples of DCW applications
include: radio configuration, radio queries, data collection, communication to end devices, protocol
translation and peer-to-peer control.
Several types of UtiliNet radios are available:
The UtiliNet PCMCIA Card is used for Network monitoring and Endpoint installations.
The UtiliNet Endpoint under-glass radio used for under glass meter integration and other devices
The Integrated WanGate Radio (IWR) and WanGate radio are used with RS-232 end devices and as additional
repeaters if necessary (the IWR is designed for installation inside another enclosure and the WanGate is designed for
independent outdoor installations).
The MicroRTU WanGate radio allows an integrator to install an appropriate RTU into the specialized MicroRTU
WanGate enclosure to create a combined RTU and radio communication package.
Mesh Architecture
Much like a giant net over a service area—UtiliNet radios work together to create a mesh. At each point where one
thread of the net crosses over another, a node is created in the wider area network.
A node could be represented by one radio attached to end-devices.
Because each radio can forward messages to and respond to every other radio in the network, each radio is an equal
participant in the network. The result is increased communication reliability because there is no single point of failure.
While a radio is interacting with an end-device, it can be simultaneously acting as part of the mesh network. The concept
of creating a mesh is central to what makes UtiliNet a truly robust data communication solution.
Radios With Programmable Intelligence
Each radio is similar to a programmable logic controller (PLC). The radio acts much like a small computer, carrying out
any number of computing and command functions. The intelligence in each radio enables it to perform many functions not
normally associated with radios such as making intelligent routing decisions, transporting industry protocols, and
recognizing operating conditions and responding with pre-programmed logic.
Packets Hop From Radio To Radio
When an end device generates a message that needs to traverse the network, the end-device radio packets the data, places
the data into an envelope—addressed to the destination radio—and enters it into the network. The data packet traverses the
network by hopping from radio to radio in the direction of the destination radio. The number of hops between origin and
destination radio(s) is automatically minimized to increase transmission speed. The route chosen for traversing the network
is dynamic and employs automatic re-routing in the event a particular data path is not clear.
Polling and Report By Exception
Traditional point-to-multipoint systems are prone to network latency as only one radio can communicate with the master at
a time. A mesh network eliminates this problem as data is evenly spread across the entire mesh (i.e., a multipoint-
Page 7 of 23
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION NOTICE:
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WHOLE OR IN PART OR USED OR DISCLOSED FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN THAT APPROVED BY CELLNET.
© Cellnet 2007. All rights reserved.
UtiliNet® PCMCIA IWR Card User Guide
2/2/2007
tomultipoint network). Further, most traditional network topologies poll, gathering data sequentially. UtiliNet radios can be
programmed to respond under predetermined parameters or on an unsolicited, report-by-exception basis—which is both
faster and more efficient.
About This Manual
This technical reference guide explains UtiliNet in great detail from application design through implementation and
operation to after-sales services and support. Also included are a glossary of important terms and papers on extended
UtiliNet topics.
Chapter 1
Title Introduction
Description Provides introductory information about the
Utilinet
network and this manual.
UtiliNet PCMCIA IWR Card
Describes the details of the UtiliNet PCMCIA IWR Card
UtiliNet PCMCIA IWR Card
Configuration
Provides information for radio configuration, radio
installation, network routing, mobile radio configuration.
Network Engineering
Contains information on network design, latitude/
longitude calculations, system design, and field studies.
Glossary
Provides a list of terms and definitions commonly
used in UtiliNet radio applications.
Icons
Throughout the document, various icons are used to draw your attention to important information. Below are examples:
The warning icon identifies information that is critical to maintaining the integrity of the software or data.
The caution icon identifies important information.
The note icon identifies information that clarifies a point within the text.
Page 8 of 23
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION NOTICE:
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS TRADE SECRETS AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OF CELLNET AND SHALL NOT BE DUPLICATED IN
WHOLE OR IN PART OR USED OR DISCLOSED FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN THAT APPROVED BY CELLNET.
© Cellnet 2007. All rights reserved.
UtiliNet® PCMCIA IWR Card User Guide
2/2/2007
Contacting Technical Support
Within the United States, Cellnet technical support is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00
P.M. Eastern Standard Time by email at techsupport@cellnet.com . Please be prepared to give the following
information:
Exactly what problem you encountered.
A description of what happened and what you were doing when the problem occurred.
A description of how you tried to solve the problem.
Chapter 2 UtiliNet PCMCIA IWR Card
The UtiliNet PCMCIA IWR Card is Cellnet’s latest embedded communication module product targeting advanced RF
communications for residential metering needs. The UtiliNet PCMCIA is designed to be used for two primary
applications:
•
•
In conjunction with a Laptop Computer, appropriate drivers and Radio Shop or other Cellnet software products to
monitor or configure UtiliNet networks.
In conjunction with a handheld computer, appropriate drivers and Endpoint Implementation Manager as a meter
installation tool.
System Overview
Data acquisition can be provided by a hosted service for small to large meter deployments or an own and operate
solution. The UtiliNet network provides secure, packet based data transfer. UtiliNet PCMCIA IWR Card supports the
following system services:
•
•
•
Uses Device Control Word (DCW) programming language
Spread Spectrum Frequency Hopping Technology
Utilizes an Unlicensed 902-928 MHz Frequency Band
Page 9 of 23
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WHOLE OR IN PART OR USED OR DISCLOSED FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN THAT APPROVED BY CELLNET.
© Cellnet 2007. All rights reserved.
UtiliNet® PCMCIA IWR Card User Guide
• Devices act as mobile devices
• Utilizes packet switching data transmission
2/2/2007
UtiliNet Module Overview
The UtiliNet PCMCIA IWR Card is available as a stand alone card or integrated into a hand held computer. Below are
the two different part numbers.
PCMCIA IWR Card and Software Drivers
DAP Handheld, PCMCIA IWR Card, and all required Software
Part # 26-1165
Part # 26-1177
Technical Features of the UtiliNet PCMCIA IWR Card
PCMCIA Card
Specification
General
Number of Channels
Channel Spacing
Modulation Type
Baud Rate
FCC Operation
Spreading Technique
Hopping Technique
Hopping Patterns
Turn-Around Time
259
100 KHz
Direct 2-FSK
9600
Part 15.247 Spread Spectrum
Frequency Hopping
Pseudo Random Asynchronous
65,536 (Unique per network)
100[uS] max
Frequency
[MHz]
Receiver
Condition
Type
Receiver Sensitivity
902.1~927.9
BER 5E-5
Adjacent Channel Rejection
Worst case Image Rejection
Transmitter
Frequency
[MHz]
Minimum
Typical
Frequency Range
Out-of-band Radiated Spurious
902.1~927.9
RF Output –
f0
10~10000
2*f0
3*f0~10*f0
Condition
Referenced to
Antenna
connector, CW
1KHz RBW, TX
on, CW, +12
dBm
Specification
Monolithic, Low IF,
Quadrature digitized
-104 dBm typ/-102 dBm
min
> 50 dB
> 35 dB
Specification
+10.0 dBm
+12.0 dBm
902.1~927.9 MHz
-20 dBc
-45 dBc
-70 dBc
Page 10 of 23
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WHOLE OR IN PART OR USED OR DISCLOSED FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN THAT APPROVED BY CELLNET.
© Cellnet 2007. All rights reserved.
UtiliNet® PCMCIA IWR Card User Guide
Deviation
Modulation Bandwidth
Frequency Stability
2/2/2007
-40C ~ +85C
Processing
Specification
CPU
Clock Speed
Memory
SRAM
Flash (Code + Data)
Programming Language
Renesas M16C/62
14.7456[MHz]
+/-5.5 KHz
25 KHz
f0 +/- 2.5ppm
31[KBytes] internal, 512[KBytes] external
384[KBytes] internal, 1[MBytes] external
Device Control Word (DCW)
Environmental
Specification
Operating Temperature
Storage Temperature
Humidity
-40 to +85C
-40 to +85C
ANSI 12.1 ~ 5.4.3.18
Chapter 3 UtiliNet PCMCIA IWR Card Configuration
Refer to Radio Shop Manual or Endpoint Implementation Manager Manual for configuration information.
Chapter 4 Network Engineering
This chapter discusses the network design plan, calculation of latitude/longitude, RF considerations, field studies and
use of directional or gain antennas.
Network Design Plan
A UtiliNet network consists of two or more UtiliNet packet radios that communicate data to and from points in the
network. When designing a UtiliNet network, it is important to remember that UtiliNet combines three different
technologies: a connectionless (store and forward) mesh architecture, packet switched data transfer, and spread spectrum
radio techniques. Since this combination of technologies affects the design layout and plays a part in the overall
optimization of the network, each one is discussed in this chapter.
OSI Layers
For those familiar with the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, the above technologies, or OSI layers, also address
why a UtiliNet network communicates like a computer network. In fact, it is often said that UtiliNet radios are computers
that use radio waves to communicate with each other, or that end devices do not talk through UtiliNet radios but to them.
From a certain point of view, this is true. UtiliNet radios are computers first and spread spectrum radios second. Truly
optimizing the benefits of a UtiliNet network requires understanding the interaction and purpose of the physical, data-link,
network, transport, and session layers of the OSI model.
Traditional Radio Comparisons
Much of the work involved in the layout of a traditional voice or analog radio network deals with its variability and
uncertainties. Its design can be quite complex. This is simply the nature of analog technology.
Digital radio, however, is different. System designers with a background in analog radio may find installing a UtiliNet
Page 11 of 23
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© Cellnet 2007. All rights reserved.
UtiliNet® PCMCIA IWR Card User Guide
2/2/2007
system to be somewhat simplistic. Network users, when field testing to determine how far radios can communicate,
describe it as either it does or it does not work. This is the nature of digital radio.
Network designers and users benefit from a UtiliNet radio’s intelligence in many seen and unseen ways. The benefits of
microprocessor-controlled communication algorithms are reduced installation time, reduced cost, and reliability
uncertainties. Because UtiliNet radios dynamically adapt to changing conditions, designers can be confident that what will
work today will work in the future.
UtiliNet also assures you that if the radios can communicate, then the data is correct. That is because, unlike traditional
pass-through radios that include no provisions for interference protection at the data level, UtiliNet guarantees it through
the benefits of packet switching.
Line-Of-Sight
Like traditional radios, UtiliNet radios operate in the 900 MHz range of the radio frequency spectrum and, therefore, fall
into a class of communications equipment referred to as line-of-sight. As a general rule of thumb, line-of-sight
communications equipment requires a clear, unobstructed view from the source radio to the destination radio in order for
communications between the two to occur.
Network Design for 900 MHz Systems
Network design for 900 MHz system typically falls into two categories:
The first category includes licensed channels that are generally trunking or MAS data systems. This category, in
most cases, requires that all remote fixed points and/or mobile points have line-of-sight paths to a single repeater site
typically located at the highest point in the geographic area of coverage.
The second category includes spread spectrum systems into which UtiliNet falls. However, unlike other spread
spectrum radios, UtiliNet radios utilize an OSI network layer. Each radio has store and forward features that allow
intermediate nodes or routers to route data packets in cases where line-of-sight between the source and destination is not
possible. A patented geographic addressing scheme is the method used to route the data through the network nodes.
In any case, the design of a 900 MHz communications network becomes a matter of providing line-of-sight paths between
radios.
In most systems, the end points of the network are typically well defined and established. The data delivery points (master
sites) as well as the data gathering points (remote sites) are known. In order to design a UtiliNet network that allows
communications between the delivery points and the gathering points, a design plan similar to the following should be
used:
Using a GPS receiver or geological maps, record the latitude and longitude of each data
delivery/gathering point in the network.
2.
Determine an approximate available antenna height for each site. This only needs to be an
approximation. In some cases, the site may have height limitations due to clearance problems or
aesthetics. In the 900 MHz frequency band, antenna height provides the largest gain in terms of RF distance. In
general, the higher that antennas may be mounted the better.
Use topographical maps or computer prediction programs to plot paths between known nodes to get an indication
of the ability of radios to communicate with one another over the average terrain in the area. This procedure provides an
approximation for required antenna height in order to clear obstructions that may exist in the paths.
If path profiles are generated that indicate that certain sites DO NOT have line-of-sight paths to any other site, use
general area maps to identify where repeater or additional router locations might be needed to insure line-of-sight paths
from every radio to at least one other radio.
Field Survey - Regardless of the quality of maps or computer databases, predictions are still just predictions. The
Page 12 of 23
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© Cellnet 2007. All rights reserved.
UtiliNet® PCMCIA IWR Card User Guide
only way to insure RF connectivity, regardless of the product or the frequency, is to test the path.
2/2/2007
Calculating Latitude/Longitude Coordinates
Each radio in the UtiliNet network is programmed with a unique latitudinal and longitudinal (lat/long) coordinate. These
lat/long coordinates are used by the network to make logical routing decisions (see "Network Routing" on page 9-2 for
more information). Because the network uses the lat/long information in a logical way, it is not necessarily important that
the lat/long coordinates be physically accurate. What is important, is that the lat/long coordinates of each radio be
relatively correct to one another.
In other words, if each radio in a particular network was programmed with the same distance offset from the actual
physical location, network routing would not be adversely affected. However, if only a few of the radios were programmed
with the offset, routing could potentially suffer due to logical routing that does not reflect the physical topology of the
network. Therefore, it is not necessary for radios to have exact coordinates. What is important, however, is that the method
used to derive the lat/long coordinates be capable of providing repeatable coordinate information which is physically
relative and consistent system wide.
Below are the most common, commercially available, methods of deriving latitude longitude information. A brief
analysis has been provided to compare and contrast the benefits of each.
ٛ
ٛ
ٛ
Global Positioning Systems
United States Geological Survey Maps
MapInfo®
Global Positioning System (GPS)
GPS devices receive global positioning information from government owned and operated satellites. Many manufacturers
have developed consumer grade GPS devices for the commercial market. In most commercial applications, the GPS is
used to approximate a location while in motion (such as boating, hiking, or skiing). These devices are readily available to
the consumers for a price of about $500.00 or less.
As a note, the signal from the government satellites has intentionally been degraded
for security purposes. Commercial grade GPS specifications are typically +/- 300 meters. Only
industrial grade GPS equipment, with a land based reference, will provide the type of accuracy used in
military applications.
When considering the use of a GPS for constructing and maintaining a UtiliNet network, here are some issues to
evaluate: Repeatability of the GPS information has proven to be less than ideal. Readings taken from the same physical
location at different times of the day tend to vary significantly (often more than the specified +/- 300 meters). As
mentioned earlier, it is most important that the radios’ lat/long coordinates be RELATIVELY correct to one another.
Using a GPS may compromise the repeatability of relatively correct readings. The user may want to occasionally
verify the GPS.
ٛ
When using a GPS it is necessary to physically visit each site in order to derive the lat/long coordinates. It may be
desirable to pre-program the radios before they are taken to the site to be installed. This would require two trips to the site.
ٛ
Logistically speaking, only those with the GPS have the ability to derive lat/long coordinates. Efficient network
deployment and maintenance could be compromised or limited by the availability of the GPS.
United States Geological Survey Maps - USGS Maps
USGS maps are readily available from local maps stores, through mail order, and from USGS directly. Each map section
Page 13 of 23
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WHOLE OR IN PART OR USED OR DISCLOSED FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN THAT APPROVED BY CELLNET.
© Cellnet 2007. All rights reserved.
UtiliNet® PCMCIA IWR Card User Guide
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has lat/long coordinates printed along the borders of the map. When considering the use of a USGS map for constructing
and maintaining a UtiliNet network, here are some issues to evaluate:
ٛ
Because all USGS maps have a central reference, all derived lat/long coordinates will always be relatively correct
to one another. As mentioned earlier, this is important when considering UtiliNet’s logical routing algorithms.
ٛ
In addition to the geographical information, USGS maps provide topological information that is helpful when
planning and maintaining a UtiliNet network. If the network is installed in an area with high ridges and low valleys,
USGS maps can be used to determine potential trouble areas as well as ideal repeater sites.
ٛ
Maps also provide an excellent graphical representation of the network. If a radio is programmed with the
incorrect lat/long it can easily be identified in a graphical way.
For mail order USGS maps contact: Map Link, Inc. 30 S. La Patera Lane, Unit #5 Santa Barbara, California 93117 Phone:
(805) 692-6777 Toll-free phone: (800) 962-1394 Fax: (805) 692-6787 Toll-free fax: (800) 627-7768
U.S.G.S. Topo Dept. Fax: 1(800) 627-1839 Web: http://www.maplink.com E-Mail: custserv@maplink.com
MapInfo
MapInfo® is a desktop software application that allows the user to graphically view city, county and state maps on a
computer screen. Latitude and longitude coordinates can be derived by simply positioning a mouse cursor over the
intended installation location. The approximate cost for the MapInfo application and associated map data is $2000. When
considering the use of a MapInfo for constructing and maintaining a UtiliNet network, here are some issues to evaluate:
ٛ
MapInfo has software hooks which allow it to connect to a database server. System integrators can use this
feature to store specific installation information about many different networks. In addition to the lat/long information, the
user can store other information such as a description of the site, the installation date, or the type of installation.
• MapInfo software can run on a laptop computer for field applications. When installing a UtiliNet radio, it may
be easier, depending on the deployment technique, for field personnel to program radios while on site. With MapInfo,
users can derive actual lat/long coordinates and program the radio while in the field.
Although the map data is usually provided from MapInfo on a CD ROM, it can be transferred to a hard disk.
ٛ
Additional computer hardware will be required to run the MapInfo application. For additional information,
contact MapInfo MapInfo Corporation One Global View Troy, New York 12180 Tel: 518.285.6000 or 800.FASTMAP
Fax: 518.285.6070 Web: http://www.mapinfo.com Email: webmaster@mapinfo.com
RF Considerations and System Design
Many books have been written on the subject of RF Considerations and System Design, but this section covers the
important fundamentals.
Radio Link Budget
Link Budget is a term used to describe a radio link from transmitter to receiver, and all of the factors in between. Link
budget analysis uses a simple method of allocating appropriate factors to each portion of the link and then algebraically
adding these factors. Then, the proposed link can be evaluated by how many dB’s are left over. To analyze link budget,
you must look at each component of the communication system. Examine a sample radio link budget. Table 8.3 on page 89 summarizes the results.
Transmitter
For the UtiliNet product line, transmit power is +20 dBm nominally (100mW). The production minimum is +18 dBm. It is
not unusual for a radio to measure +21 to +23 dBm.
Transmit Antenna
Frequently, antenna manufacturers will not advertise the unit of measure associated with antenna gain of their products.
The commonly accepted unit of measure for antenna gain in the land-mobile industry is dBd, which refers to dB of gain
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relative to a dipole. If there is a doubt, this should be confirmed with the manufacturer. For our analysis, we need the
dBi unit of measure, so a conversion factor is needed. The conversion factor is +2.15 dB, rounded to 2 dB for this
example.
Example: A “3 dB omni-directional” type antenna is used. The antenna gain may be stated as 5 dBi. The “3 dB omnidirectional” antenna here refers to a very common, low cost antenna design consisting of a 1/4 wave element, a phasing
coil, and a 5/8 wave element, over a large ground plane. Such antennas perform well, and are readily available from a
variety of sources. It is a standard antenna for many applications, including land mobile radios and microcellular base
radios. Refer to "Use of Directional or Gain Antennas" on page 8-14 for pertinent FCC restrictions.
Ground Plane Effects
In the example above, ground plane refers to the flat, horizontal, metal chassis or enclosure to which the antenna is
secured. The ground plane works in conjunction with the antenna’s vertical element(s) to form a complete antenna. Some
types of antennas need a large ground plane to function properly, and some need no ground plane.
When a ground plane is required, but is not large enough, effective gain reduction results. If applicable, a reduction of 1 to
2 dB on antenna gain would be in order for ground planes smaller than about 6 to 8 inches along the narrowest axis.
Transmitter Transmission Line Loss
This is the equivalent cable loss of any transmission line that might be used to mount an antenna remotely from the radio
assembly. Many times the purpose for remote mounting the antenna is to get it up higher and more in the clear. This
functions to reduce the Path Loss Adder term by more than the amount of this transmission line loss term, hence a net gain
is realized. The maximum tolerable cable loss is a subjective call. It is recommended that the cable type and length be
selected such that this loss term does not exceed 3 dB. A cable loss of 1.5 dB would be a reasonable goal. For this
example, assume a good quality cable is used, and the loss at 915 MHz is 1.5 dB.
Total Path Loss
The total path loss if highly variable and can be estimated by:
ٛ
Field propagation measurements—This can provide the most valuable data, but these results can still vary from
one time to another time.
ٛ
CAD tools based on various models—Some models tend to overestimate path loss; some models tend to
underestimate path loss.
If a high gain or directional type antenna were used, a ground plane would probably not be required because
these types of antennas are usually designed to be ground plane independent.
As a basis, first calculate free-space path attenuation. Then add a correction factor of 0 to 45 dB (or more for very
extreme conditions), depending on variables such as antenna height, terrain, foliage, or obstacles.
Free Space Path Loss
Free space assumes no obstacles blocking the path, no obstructions or significant field perturbations of any kind present.
This is the best you can hope for, but is seldom achieved unless the path is perfectly line-ofsight. This is a useful starting
point, however, for estimating path loss since it is the best achievable. Free space attenuation at 915 MHz, for isotropic
antennas at each end, is 96 dB at one mile and increases 6 dB when distance doubles. Sometimes free space path loss is
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calculated differently, using dipole antennas instead of isotropic antennas. Such is not the case here, but if it were, the 2 dB
factors for dBd to dBi antenna gain conversions would not be included.
Additional Path Loss Attenuation
For non-line-of-sight paths, an additional factor must be included that corrects for variables such as terrain, obstacles
(including buildings), foliage, people, or antenna height. This is a factor to take into account for the installation and the
path, as it is today. This factor can be derived from the works of many individuals who have studied radio propagation and
derived mathematical models: Okumura/Hata, Longley/Rice, Lee, and others. There are various CAD tools available that
are based on these measurements or algorithms. Note that some of these CAD tools will only return the total path loss
factor. Other CAD tools perform the entire link budget analysis. For our discussion, let’s continue to consider the RF path
as a sum of the freespace path loss term and an additional path loss term. Height of both antennas, the type of environment
along the path, distance, and other parameters can determine this factor. Typically, this factor ranges from 5
to 40 dB.
This factor, plus the free space path loss, gives total median path loss.
Example: Assume a path that is 5 miles long. One antenna is on a hill or water tank 300 ft. higher than the
surrounding area. The other antenna is on a 30 ft. support structure, for example on the rooftop of a 1 story
building. Except for the
hill or water tank, the terrain is considered relatively flat. The path loss adder term is -10 dB at 915 MHz, according to
the Okumura/Hata propagation prediction method using the suburban area model.
Receiver Antenna
The previously mentioned antenna considerations also apply here, including possible ground plane effects. For this
example, this is (again) a “3 dB omni-directional.”
Receiver Transmission Line Loss
The principles and goals here are the same as those for the Transmitter Transmission Line Loss term.
Receiver
Receive sensitivity for the UtiliNet product line is typically -107 to -112 dBm. Automated production tests are performed
on all deliverable radios at various frequencies, and with signal levels down to -104 dBm. For this example, assume the
receiver sensitivity is -107 dBm. This is a safe, conservative estimate for current production radio sensitivity.
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Noise Floor Factor
One of the factors that make the 800 to 900 MHz frequency band so attractive is the relatively low equivalent noise
temperature of man-made noise. For a noisy business environment, this has been estimated to be 87 K at 915 MHz.
Relative to an ambient antenna noise temperature of 298K, this translates to a noise floor increase of 1.2 dB. Thus, we will
allocate 1 dB (rounded to the nearest dB) of the link budget to overcoming man-made noise.
Multipath Fade Factor
For most receive signal measurements, slight changes of antenna location (on the order of 1 wavelength), or measurements
at different times, will show a short-term variance of received signal level. This is generally due to multipath. An
allowance of approximately 8 dB should be made on most radio links at 915 MHz. This is because the difference between
a median received signal level and a multipath null does not exceed 8 dB for about 80% of the measurements you could
make. This factor can be reduced by one or more diversity schemes that are available. All Cellnet spread-spectrum radios
inherently employ frequency diversity; however, it doesn’t hurt to be conservative and still include this factor. Tabulated
below are 915 MHz multipath factors for other values of percent coverage. This factor varies slightly (1 to 3 dB) for
various types of environments. Values shown are for 915 MHz urban area, small city.
Margin of Safety
Radio systems are usually not designed to operate precisely at threshold, or even at threshold plus the multipath factor.
Usually they are designed with some extra margin. This is called a margin of safety, and is used to account for long-term
variance in the received signal level. A value of 0 to 35 dB is suggested—the actual number depends on how conservative
you are. You will use 5 dB for this example. If the actual path could be held constant at the receiver threshold, and never
varied, you would see data success rates of at least 90%. This is because at receiver threshold, the receiver provides no
more than 10% packet error rate. Since the data link layer of the radio software only passes good packets and blocks bad
packets, the data success rate would be 100% minus 10%, or 90%. In practice, however, received signal levels vary
substantially. Rx signal levels cannot be precisely predicted. In fact, Rx signal levels vary due to such factors as vehicular
air traffic, precipitation and air temp changes, wind movement of trees and antennas, tree growth, city growth, and
population expansion. Systems are usually designed with an additional margin of safety to overcome these and other
variances for the next several years of operation.
Summary
For this example, the link budget is calculated as shown. Note that losses and margin of safety are shown as negative
numbers, since they subtract from link budget.
Table 3.3 Example Link Budget Calculation
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It is apparent that this link of 5 miles distance, under the conditions described, should be very reliable because you were
able to include a conservative multipath factor and a margin of safety, and still have the link budget balance. If the end
application allows links with less than ideal margin and reliability, much larger distances may be spanned. A large
Southern California installation consisting of thousands of UtiliNet Series I radios with 0 dBd antennas was surveyed. The
terrain varied from hilly to flat, and the antennas varied from up high to down low. The result was that the distance
between radios that were able to communicate was an average of 5.3 miles. The distribution over ±1 standard deviation
was 3 to 11 miles! The official UtiliNet radio distance record to date (using Series I UtiliNet radios) is between Mt. Vaca
(near Sacramento, CA) and Loma Prieta Peak (South of San Jose, CA): a distance of almost 89 miles. Using 3 dB omnidirectional antennas, with cavity-type bandpass filters to protect against interference, this line-ofsight link runs with about
a 30% data success rate.
Keeping a Check on Interference
Ideally, a radio receiver should be able to process a very weak signal in the simultaneous presence of Megawatt signals
within adjacent frequency bands. Such strong adjacent signals would be rejected by the receiver filters. In practice,
however, there are practical limitations. The ratio of desired versus undesirable signals is referred to as the Dynamic
Range of the receiver. Receiver system design involves the following trade-offs.
ٛ
Rx sensitivity versus dynamic range
ٛ
Power consumption versus dynamic range
ٛ
Size versus dynamic range
ٛ
Cost versus dynamic range
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Currently, all UtiliNet products have a receive sensitivity of about -107 to -112 dBm, with an allowable single-tone
interference level of around -20 dBm before sensitivity reduction takes place. Thus, the dynamic range is about 90 dB. For
multi-tone interference, for example several strong paging transmitters in the area, it is recommended that the maximum
interference level be limited to -30 dBm. In general, price increases exponentially with dynamic range. For example,
specialized direct-sequence spread spectrum transceivers with 130 dB dynamic range have been built, but they sell for
$60,000 each. To make this type of solarpowered radio with battery back-up would probably cost almost as much. The
consequences of interference to the radio system will be reduced RF connectivity. This is measurable as reduced tickle
success rate and data success rate to another radio. Interference problems can be classified as either in-band or out-of-band.
Each is treated differently.
In-Band Interference
This type of interference is from devices within the same frequency range as the desired radio system, and therefore
cannot be filtered out. This is encountered if, for example, two or more UtiliNet radios are placed at the same site to
increase data handling capacity. Another example would be a UtiliNet radio and another unlicensed Part 15 radio such as
a wireless LAN radio at the same site. Usually, this type of interference is corrected by adjusting the antenna
configuration of the radios at that site.
Out-of-Band Interference
Out-of-band interference is due to radio systems on other frequencies outside the desired radio system frequency band.
These can sometimes be strong enough to cause de-sensitization or generate an excess of significant intermodulation
products.
Cellular Base Station Interference
Cellular base stations are usually not a problem unless the radio is within approximately 500 feet line-ofsight to a cellular
base station site. If this is a problem, RF filters are available. If you are in doubt, use a spectrum analyzer to check
interference levels. A reasonable goal would be to have the highest cellular base station interference signal be no more
than -30 dBm. Levels between -20 and -30 dBm will probably be noticeable, but still not a problem. Levels above -20
dBm, especially between 890 to 894 MHz, could cause problems if there is not 10 to 20 dB Safety Factor in the link
budget.
Paging System Interference
The Radio Frequency spectrum from approximately 929.5 to 931.5 is used for paging. This application requires
transmission of enormous amounts of RF energy to penetrate buildings and houses and still be received by the relatively
inefficient antenna of a pager shielded by a person’s body. In the frequency domain, this activity takes place just above
the highest frequency of UtiliNet operation. With the proliferation of paging systems, these signals are getting more
intense and increasing in quantity. Once again, RF filters are available to solve this problem. As with cellular, you can use
a spectrum analyzer to check for allowable interference levels. The same limits and goals apply—paging signals should
ideally be no more than -30 dBm. Levels between -20 and -30 dBm will probably be noticeable, but not a problem. Levels
above -20 dBm could cause problems if there is not a 10 to 20 dB Safety Factor in the link budget.
Performing RF Field Studies
Field surveys are necessary to prove or disprove the path predictions, as well as to provide information as to the
potential of interference from other RF transmitters that may also be located at or near any of the sites. Most UtiliNet
surveys are accomplished by temporarily installing a UtiliNet radio at the master site or at a repeater site and testing
connectivity from the master or repeater to the remote sites in the predicted coverage area of the master or repeater. One
of the advantages to spread spectrum technology is the license-free operation that allows installation anytime and
anywhere. A second UtiliNet radio is carried to each remote site in the predicted coverage area and powered to check
connectivity. In most cases, the UtiliNet radio’s antenna is mounted on a telescoping pole (preferably constructed from
nonconductive material) that would place the antenna as near to the final mounting height as possible. Using RadioShop
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software, data is gathered from the remote radio and the master or repeater radio, assuming the two radios connect. Use
the following procedure to collect data that should be recorded for each site:
1 Make a rough sketch of the site indicating the antenna location relative to some reference structure. 2 Note any
additional antennas that may be at the site and include the antenna locations on the sketch. 3 If the site is a repeater or
master, ensure the master or repeater radio will communicate to the remote radio before leaving for a remote site. 4 At the
remote site, temporarily mount the antenna, power the radio and use RadioShop software to verify RF connection to the
master or repeater 5 When the radios acquire, use RadioShop to gather the site data by generating a report on each radio’s
WAN connectivity data. The WAN Nodes connectivity report provides the received signal strength indication (RSSI),
tickle success percentage, and data success percentage. Be sure to request at least 3 or 4 WAN connectivity packets from
each radio before moving to the next remote site. 6 Perform a quick evaluation of the RSSI, tickle success percentage, and
data success percentage numbers to get an indication of the RF connectivity for the site. RSSI values should generally be
greater than 100 units for Series I radios and greater than 130 units for radios. Tickle success percentage should exceed 40
percent and data success percentage should exceed 80 percent. In all cases the higher the numbers, the better the
connectivity.
7 Repeat steps 4, 5, and 6 for each remote site in the predicted coverage area. If all of the remote sites connect to the
master or repeater, then the survey is complete and the path predictions are valid. If you discover that one or more paths
fail to establish connectivity to the master or repeater, then alternate sites must be identified in order to secure the
necessary connectivity paths.
Design Considerations
The following concepts pertaining to 900 MHz radio and UtiliNet packet radio should be kept in mind when
designing a UtiliNet network:
ٛ
Antenna height provides the best investment in terms of radiated coverage at 900 MHz.
ٛ
900 MHz RF energy is absorbed by foliage, especially if the path is directly through an area of concentrated
foliage. Paths that angle down through the foliage instead of horizontally through the foliage provide the best penetration.
ٛ
UtiliNet radios move packets in a forward direction in an effort to close the distance to the final destination.
ٛ
UtiliNet radios operate in a simplex fashion. They may receive packets or transmit packets at any point in time,
but they can’t receive and transmit at the same time. This implies that multiple paths should exist into and out of data
collection/delivery points if possible.
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Glossary
Accumulator An accumulator is simply a counter in an RTU that records the number of times a contact opens and closes
or in the case of a form C contact, records the number of transitions from one contact to the other (K to Y then K to Z in
the meter world). Accumulators are most often used as interfaces into metered values. Each accumulated pulse represents
some metered quantity (KWH, gallons, barrels, etc.).
Analog An analog value is typically a measurement value obtained from a transducer. The transducer interfaces to a
system point to provide an input signal to an analog to digital converter. Transducers typically output DC current signals in
the 0 to 1 mA range or 4 to 20 mA range. The DC output signal of a transducer is directly proportional to the input
measurement value to the transducer. The transducer output is the input to an analog to digital converter that transforms the
DC signal to a digital count. Most analog values are 11 or 12 bits plus sign. As an example, a typical voltage transducer
accepts 0 to 150 volts AC and outputs 0 to 1 mA. An eleven bit A/D converter would output a value of 1706 for an input
value of 125 volts (125 = (1706 / 2047) * 150).
Bit Oriented Protocol A bit oriented protocol is one that consists of a string of bits, 32 for example, without a start bit,
stop bit or parity bit. This type protocol was popular before microprocessors existed. The string of individual bits was
shifted using shift registers until 32 bits were captured and then the 32 bits were evaluated for proper message content.
Existing asynchronous UART hardware, such as the transparent port, cannot capture bit oriented protocols without the
possibility of dropping bits that may have meaning in the definition of the protocol.
Bose Chaudhuri Hocquenghem (BCH) BCH is another form of cyclic redundancy check used to detect transmission
errors in master to RTU and RTU to master communications. BCH checks are most often found in bit oriented protocols.
Newer protocols typically implement some form of CRC-16 or CRC-CCITT.
Byte Oriented Protocol A byte oriented protocol is a protocol that uses one or more 8 bit bytes where each individual
byte contains a start bit, one or two stop bits, and odd, even or no parity bit. Byte oriented protocols are becoming the de
facto standard for asynchronous communications. These protocols generally take advantage of UART hardware for
communications.
Color The color field distinguishes different addresses at a particular latitude and longitude. A WAN address is composed
of a latitude, longitude, and color. Color is used to distinguish multiple radios at the same latitude/ longitude. In a network
using domain routing, only color values 0 through 7 denote multiple radios at the same latitude/ longitude. Color values 8
through 30 distinguish different domains, each domain using a different color. A color value of 31 is a wildcard value and
an address with a color value of 31 matches any address with the same latitude/longitude regardless of color. Radios are
not programmed with color 31. Color 31 is only used in addressing packets to radios.
Connectivity The quality of a radio’s communication with another radio.
Core In a network using domain routing, the core is the highway of routing radios that are used to route between domains.
There is only one set of core radios in a network.
Core Radio In a network using domain routing, radios are divided into “core” and “domain” radios. Core radios are
routing radios that serve as a highway to route packets between domains.
Cyclic Redundance Check (CRC)
CRC calculations provide a greater degree of security over a simple LRC. CRC checks reveal a higher proportion of errors
and are typically 16 bit values computed from the bit pattern of each byte of a message. CRC calculations are performed
by dividing the entire message by a known polynomial and retaining the remainder as the check value. The same
calculation is repeated at the receiving end and compared to the received CRC value. Cellnet uses a CRC-CCITT (X^16 +
X^12 + X^5 + 1) calculation with each packet exchange in the network.
DCW Device control word programming language. The programs execute within devices and provide the ability to control
the device.
Domain In a network using domain routing, a domain is a localized region of connectivity. The radios within a particular
domain are well connected but do not have good connectivity to other domains. The core is used to route between
domains.
Domain Qualifying Radius Qualifying radius in domain routing is used to qualify radios as being in the correct domain as
the destination of a packet if there are separate domains with the same color. A domain radio qualifies as in the same
domain of the packet destination if it has the same color and its geographic location lies within the domain qualifying
radius of the final destination. During a domain cul-de-sac, a core radio that sees a domain of the same color qualifies as
seeing the correct domain if it is within this distance of the final destination.
Domain Radio In a network using domain routing, radios are divided into “core” and “domain” radios. Domain radios are
radios that have connectivity among radios in their domain, but are not good routing choices for packets destined to other
domains.
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Domain Routing Domain routing is an optional routing configuration for radios with 412 or later firmware. It serves to
eliminate undesirable routing choices by forcing packets to travel through a core highway of radios and not route through
areas of poor connectivity. The network is divided into “core” and “domain” radios.
Domains Seen In domain routing, core radios report information to other core radios of which of the 23 domain colors
they have direct connectivity to and how well it can see each one (unlike latency to core, it is not an accumulated value).
This information is used by core radios to route packets in a cul-de-sac situation with a packet addressed to a domain. A
higher value for domains seen is better. Values range from 0 to 3. A 0 represent no connectivity and a 3 represents good
connectivity.
Device Address The combined 10-byte WAN and LAN address of a device.
Forward Closer to the final destination of a packet.
LAN Address The 4-byte address that uniquely identifies a particular device at a radio location. A radio’s LAN address is
its serial number.
Latency to Core In domain routing, domain radios pass information among other radios of the same domain to indicate
how well they serve as paths to the core network. Latency to core is a value reporting how well a radio has connectivity to
a core radio (either directly or through other domain radios reporting their latencies to core – in which case the latency is
an accumulated value). The better the connectivity, the lower the latency. Valuesrange from 0 to 255. This provides
information for a domain radio to route through radios with lower latency when routing to core. This is necessary because
the core radios may not be in the forward direction (the direction of the packet destination). Latency to core is used in route
to core mode when geographic routing is not used.
Longitudinal Redundancy Check (LRC) An LRC is a simple security check applied to each byte of a message string. A
typical example is EXCLUSIVE-ORing each byte of a message. The EXCLUSIVE-OR is a common security check but
not very robust in terms of detecting bit errors in a multibyte message. Most LRC checks are used in conjunction with
parity (even or odd).
Luck A packet parameter that controls the maximum number of “hops” that a packet can travel. Each time the packet is
passed off to another radio, the luck parameter in the packet is decremented. If the luck reaches 0 before reaching the
destination, then the packet is discarded. This limits packet movement so that packets do not hop around forever. A luck of
255 will not be decremented and will disable this limitation for such a packet.
MAS MAS (multiple address system) is an acronym applied to 928 - 954 MHz radio systems. Specifically, the MAS
radios operate on 1 of 40 pairs of 12.5 kHz narrowband channels between 928 and 954 MHz – one transmit frequency and
a corresponding receive frequency separated by 10 to 12 MHz. The MAS systems perate with a single master transmitter
that transmits continuously and a minimum of 4 slave radios at RTU sites to “hear” the master message and respond if the
delivered message belongs or is addressed to the RTU. These systems have fast response times and are generally
considered to be direct replacements for dedicated telephone circuits.
Master Station The master station is the intelligence, that is typically centrally located, which orchestrates the system. The
Master Station is also the point of MMI (Man/Machine Interface). Other names for master station might include MTU,
SCADA host, etc.
Mood A packet parameter that controls the routing of packets. It specifies how a radio with the packet decides which radio
to pass the packet on to. Each of four moods can be individually specified, resulting in sixteen combinations. The four
mood settings are “persistent,” “quick,” “reliable,” and “scram.” When all settings are off, the mood is called “courteous.”
Mood is generally represented as a 4-bit field or nibble quantity with the bits representing the mood settings as follows: Bit
3: L3_MOOD_PERSISTENT Bit 2: L3_MOOD_QUICK Bit 1: L3_MOOD_RELIABLE Bit 0: L3_MOOD_SCRAM (not
supported)
Multipoint Radios Multipoint radios are radios that may initiate data to multiple destination addresses.
Packet Parameters The parameters in a packet that control the routing, processing, and limitations of its transmittal. The
four packet parameters are mood, priority, luck, and time-to-live.
Passive Multipoint Radios Passive multipoint radios are radios that may respond with data to multiple destination
addresses, but only after being sent a request for data from that address.
Persistent A mood packet parameter that specifies to use only battery backed radios for routing (source and destination
need NOT be battery backed).
Point Radios Point radios are radios that always transmit data to the same destination address.
Priority A packet parameter that controls the processing of a packet. A higher priority packet is processed before a lower
priority packet. A user packet can have a priority from 0 through 7 (0 being the lowest priority and 7 being the highest
priority). It is not recommended that users regularly use high priorities. A few higher prioritylevels should always be
reserved and unused for diagnostics. A non-user priority 8 is used for maintenance packets. Radios with version 413 of the
firmware limit the priority of transparent packets to a maximum of 5.
Protocol Protocol is the language used between the MTU and RTUs to communicate. Historically, each SCADA vendor
Page 22 of 23
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION NOTICE:
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS TRADE SECRETS AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OF CELLNET AND SHALL NOT BE DUPLICATED IN
WHOLE OR IN PART OR USED OR DISCLOSED FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN THAT APPROVED BY CELLNET.
© Cellnet 2007. All rights reserved.
UtiliNet® PCMCIA IWR Card User Guide
2/2/2007
produced his own protocol to prevent competition after the initial purchase decision was made.
Quick A mood packet parameter that specifies to factor in both tickle and data success percentage when creating and
ordering the scan lists.
Reliable A mood packet parameter that specifies to limit “hop” distance to that specified by Short Hop Length [916BH]
when creating scan lists. Radios farther than this configured distance will not be considered for passing off a packet with
this mood setting.
RTU Remote Terminal Unit, the RTU, is the slave or remote device that interfaces with field devices. The RTU is
intelligent in that it contains a microprocessor but typically performs few tasks unless instructed to do so by the MTU.
Scan List The list of radios that qualify to route a particular packet to.
Status In the SCADA world, status refers to a digital input point to an RTU. The digital input point is in one of two
possible states at any point in time. The point is a one or zero depending on the state of a physical contact that is directly
connected to the RTU. For instance, a circuit breaker is either open or closed, a backwater gate is either up or down, or a
lift pump is on or off.
Time-To-Live A packet parameter than controls the maximum number of seconds that a packet can exist. The time-tolive
counts down and if it reaches 0 before the packet reaches its destination, the packet is discarded.
UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter, UART, is an acronym given to an integrated circuit (IC) that
relieves a microprocessor from some of the communications overhead involved in receiving and transmitting
asynchronous, serial, byte oriented data. Typically UARTs are programmable for multiple baud rates, 7 or 8 data bits, 1 or
2 stop bits, and odd, even or no parity.
WAN Address The 6-byte geographic address of the radio used for routing packets through the radio network. During the
configuration process, a radio’s latitude, longitude, and color are converted into the 6byte address that is actually used for
routing.
Page 23 of 23
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION NOTICE:
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS TRADE SECRETS AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OF CELLNET AND SHALL NOT BE DUPLICATED IN
WHOLE OR IN PART OR USED OR DISCLOSED FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN THAT APPROVED BY CELLNET.
© Cellnet 2007. All rights reserved.

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