Multiple Wireless Sensor Control with Built-in Solar Panel

Rugid Computer Inc.'s new WiSI can monitor and provide power to sensors in remote locations where power is not available. It also provides for data acquisition and control in these remote locations where it was previously not practical.

This is the kind of device "where you can climb a mountain and put it on the mountaintop and never have to change the battery," says Cheryl Melchior, vice president of Rugid Computer Inc. "What makes this great is the integrated energy storage, so there are no batteries to change or maintain."

WiSI has an integrated solar panel with a 10-year maintenance-free energy storage plan and communicates up to a week without sunlight. WiSI's self-configures into a robust wireless network, adapts to changing environmental conditions and has a 2.4GHz radio. Data is passed up to two miles per hop with 128-bit AES encryption.

Standard I/O includes four each: analog inputs, digital inputs, digital outputs; 5V and 18V dc instrument supplies for powering sensors or a 4-20mA loop, 0.25mA supply for powering RTDs, and an RS232 port. WiSI networks integrate into systems via Modbus RTU. One WiSI can provide the functionality to monitor/control up to eight sensors that previously required an RTU, radio, battery, outdoor/weather-proof enclosure, antenna, solar panel and solar regulator.

It weighs less-than 1 lb and packaging is designed to slip inside a 2-inch pipe for easy deployment. The radio requires no tools or additional fixtures for mounting. Configuration is provided via free software and the lack of need for jumpers or DIP-switches eliminate the need to dismantle the radio package to change configuration.