Radio channel characterization at 5.85 GHz for wireless M2M communication of industrial robots

Abstract

The fourth industrial revolution, also referred to as Industrie 4.0, has triggered a number of research projects to improve communication systems for industrial environments. Wireless technologies for mission-critical machine-to-machine communication are expected to enable very efficient and highly flexible production processes. It is especially challenging for wireless interfaces to fulfill the required end-to-end latency and the reliability constraints of the automation industry. In order to design novel PHY and MAC schemes for ultra low delay, ultra reliable and deterministic transmission of data, e.g., through optimized pulse shaping, we study the indoor radio propagation in a representative factory automation cell where industrial robots are to be controlled. We performed channel measurements using a broadband channel sounder at 5.85 GHz carrier frequency. During the measurements, the robots were in motion and executed a typical pick-and-place process. From the recorded data we evaluate the channel characteristics and calculate relevant delay statistics. We distinguish two measurement series that differ in the scattering environment and present the derived parameters. Finally, we discuss the impact of our results on the design of new 5G waveforms for industrial radio systems

Impact of Polarization Diversity in Massive MIMO for Industry 4.0

“…Some works have investigated the radio channel in industrial environments. In [11], the authors present SISO (single input single output) measurements at 5.85 GHz for communication of industrial robots in an automation cell. In [12], an analysis of the polarization characteristics of specular and dense multipath components in a large industrial hall at 1.3 GHz with 22-MHz bandwidth using RiMAX estimator are presented.…”

A Software-Defined Channel Sounder for Industrial Environments with Fast Time Variance

“…The recent increase in performance requirements for devices in Industry 4.0 wireless applications demands the development of new wireless communication systems (WCSs) [1]. Such developments require channel characterization in areas previously not fully investigated [2].…”

“…Especially rapid machine motion causes fast time variance of the channel's reflective behavior. This challenges time-critical closed-loop Industry 4.0 applications with latencies below 1 ms [1], [2]. In order to address those fast changes, the radio channel measurement demands to be fast.…”

Wireless Channel Measurement and Modeling in Industrial Environments

“…Reference [7] researched NB propagation at 900 MHz, 2400 MHz and 5200 MHz. Reference [8] studied the effects of two important industrial environments on electromagnetic wave propagation, including channel path loss and multipath component (MPCs). One is high absorption environment, the other is high reflection environment.…”