sensorProbe Wireless Tunnel

AKCP sensorProbe Wireless Tunnel™ (SP-WT): Professional LoRa-Based Sensor Monitoring for Industrial Applications

Introduction and Overview

The sensorProbe Wireless Tunnel™ (SP-WT) from AKCP is revolutionizing the way companies implement their sensor networks in large-scale applications. This innovative LoRa sensor system utilizes proven Semtech LoRa wireless technology in combination with the proprietary AKCP Wireless Tunnel™ communication protocol to deliver a reliable and energy-efficient monitoring solution.

The core of the SP-WT lies in its ability to connect up to 4 wired sensors to a single wireless device. This configuration enables rapid deployment and cost-effective implementation of large sensor networks across wide areas. With a wireless range of up to 3 kilometers in open terrain, the SP-WT is ideal for applications in industry, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and critical infrastructure.

Variants:

• sensorProbe Wireless Tunnel – 4x sensor ports, magnetic mounting as standard (SP-WT)
• sensorProbe Wireless Tunnel – 4x sensor ports, DIN mounting (SP-WT-DIN)
• sensorProbe Wireless Tunnel – 4x sensor ports, 1x THS01 sensor, magnetic mounting as standard (SP-WTdTH01)
• sensorProbe Wireless Tunnel – 4x sensor ports, 1x THS01 sensor, DIN mounting (SP-WTdTH01-DIN)
• sensorProbe Wireless Tunnel – 1x Modbus RS485, magnetic mounting as standard (SP-WT-MOD)
• sensorProbe Wireless Tunnel – 1x Modbus RS485, DIN mounting (SP-WT-MOD-DIN)
• sensorProbe Wireless Tunnel – 3x sensor ports, 1x 4-20mAmp input, magnetic mounting as standard (SP-WT-A2D)
• sensorProbe Wireless Tunnel – 3x sensor ports, 1x 4-20mAmp input, DIN mounting (SP-WT-A2D-DIN)

Technical Specifications and Features

LoRa Wireless Technology and Regional Adaptation

The SP-WT supports various regional LoRa frequency bands to ensure worldwide compatibility:

• EU868: 863-868 MHz with max transmit power of +14dBm and 1% duty cycle
• US915: 903-915 MHz with max transmit power of +20dBm
• AS923: 920-925 MHz for the Asia-Pacific region
• KR920: 922-923 MHz specifically for Korea
• IL917: 915-917 MHz for Israel

This regional adaptation ensures that the AKCP sensor system complies with local regulations and delivers optimal performance in different geographic areas.

Power Supply and Energy Management

A key advantage of the sensorProbe Wireless Tunnel™ is its flexible energy management. The system offers several power supply options:

Battery operation: The standard configuration uses 3x AAA batteries (non-rechargeable), which, depending on sensor type and transmission frequency, allow for considerable operating time. For low-power applications, battery life of several years can be achieved.

External power supply (optional): A 5VDC USB port allows connection of an external 5.5V 3A power adapter for continuous operation without battery replacement. This option is especially recommended for stationary installations.

External battery pack (optional): The optional SP-WT-EXTBAT battery pack with 6x AAA batteries extends the operating time up to 10 years and is ideal for remote locations without mains power.

Hybrid operation: Both power sources can be used simultaneously, with the batteries serving as backup if external power fails.

Sensor Compatibility and Limitations

The SP-WT is compatible with a wide range of AKCP intelligent sensors, with different sensors having different power requirements:

Recommended sensors for battery operation:

• Temperature and humidity sensors: These operate in polling cycles and are ideal for battery-powered applications
• VC00 sensors: Use the internal ADC for measuring 4-20mA currents and offer optimal energy efficiency
• ADC-based sensors: 4-20mA and 0-10V sensors (available only for SP-WT-A2D variants)

Not recommended for battery operation:

• Dry contact sensors: These use interrupts (IRQ) and consume more energy
• Motion detectors: Not suitable for battery operation due to IRQ processing
• Water sensors: Currently IRQ-based and therefore energy-intensive
• Security switches: Like all IRQ-based sensors, not recommended for battery operation
• Smoke detectors: Require manual configuration and are energy-intensive
• Pulse counters: Operate at high frequencies (1Hz to 30kHz) and are therefore power-hungry

Network Architecture and Scalability

Wireless Tunnel™ Server Integration

The SP-WT system is designed as part of a comprehensive wireless monitoring architecture. The sensorProbe+ Wireless Tunnel™ Server (SP-WTS) acts as a central collection point and can manage up to 30 SP-WT devices. With a maximum configuration of 4 sensors per SP-WT, this enables monitoring of up to 120 sensors via just 30 wireless devices.

This scalability makes the system particularly attractive for:

• Industrial monitoring of large production facilities
• Environmental monitoring across wide areas
• Infrastructure monitoring for utility companies
• Smart agriculture applications
• Data center monitoring with decentralized locations

AKCPro Server Central Management

For companies with multiple sites, the AKCPro Server provides a central management platform. It can be operated locally or in the cloud and enables consolidation of data from multiple SP-WTS servers. The platform supports various communication protocols such as MQTT/S, TCP/IP, Modbus, and SNMP for integration into existing building management systems (BMS).

Reliability and Operational Safety

Guaranteed Message Delivery

The proprietary AKCP Wireless Tunnel™ protocol ensures guaranteed message delivery without data loss. This is especially important for critical monitoring applications where every sensor reading must be captured. The protocol implements acknowledgment mechanisms and retry logic to ensure no data is lost even during temporary wireless disruptions.

Robust Design and Environmental Conditions

The SP-WT is designed for use in demanding environments:

• Operating temperature: -15°C to +50°C
• Humidity: 20% to 80% (non-condensing)
• MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures): 1,400,000 hours based on field experience

The use of highly integrated, low-power surface-mount technologies ensures long-term reliability even under extreme conditions.

Status Display and Diagnostics

The system features comprehensive LED status indicators:

• Power LED: Indicates power status
• Radio LED: Indicates radio connectivity to the SP-WTS
• Status LED: General system status indicator

These visual indicators greatly facilitate installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Installation Options and Mounting

Flexible Mounting Options

The compact dimensions of 111 x 62 x 87 mm allow for various installation options:

• Desktop placement: For temporary or mobile applications
• Wall mounting: Ideal for permanent installations in buildings
• DIN rail mounting: Perfect for control cabinets and technical rooms
• Magnetic mounting: For quick installation on metal surfaces

Antenna Technology

The SP-WT features an internal antenna specifically tuned for optimal signal strength. This integrated solution eliminates the need for external antennas and reduces installation complexity while ensuring excellent wireless range.

Application Areas and Use Cases

Industrial Process Monitoring

In industrial monitoring, the SP-WT enables cost-effective implementation of extensive sensor networks. Temperature sensors can monitor production processes, while humidity sensors control critical storage conditions. Long-range wireless communication is particularly advantageous in large production facilities where cabling would be costly or impractical.

Environmental and Weather Monitoring

For environmental monitoring applications, the SP-WT enables the collection of meteorological parameters over large areas. The energy-efficient technology and the option for 10-year battery life make it ideal for remote weather stations or environmental monitoring points.

Smart Agriculture

In smart agriculture, soil moisture, temperature, and other key parameters can be continuously monitored. LoRa technology bridges the typical distances between fields and control centers, while battery operation allows installation in areas without power supply.

Data Center Monitoring

Modern data centers require precise monitoring of temperature, humidity, and other environmental parameters. The SP-WT enables the implementation of dense sensor networks without extensive cabling, which is especially beneficial for expansions or temporary installations.

Economic Benefits and ROI

Cost Savings Through Reduced Cabling

A key economic advantage of the SP-WT is the drastic reduction in installation costs. Traditional wired sensor networks require complex cabling, which is especially costly in existing buildings or large outdoor areas. Wireless technology eliminates these costs and enables flexible sensor placement.

Scalability and Expandability

The ability to operate 120 sensors via just 30 wireless devices offers significant scalability advantages. New sensors can easily be added to existing SP-WT devices without additional wireless licenses or infrastructure investments.

Low Operating Costs

Energy-efficient operation and long battery life significantly reduce ongoing maintenance costs. Combined with robust design and high MTBF, this results in an attractive return on investment (ROI).

Certifications and Compliance

The sensorProbe Wireless Tunnel™ complies with key international standards:

• FCC Part 15C: Certification for the US market
• CE EN300220-2: European compliance for radio equipment

These certifications ensure worldwide usability and compliance with local regulations.

Future Prospects

The AKCP sensorProbe Wireless Tunnel™ (SP-WT) represents an advanced solution for modern monitoring requirements. The combination of LoRa wireless technology, energy-efficient design, and flexible sensor integration makes it the ideal choice for companies seeking to implement scalable and reliable sensor networks.

With the ongoing development of IoT technologies and increasing demands for Industry 4.0 solutions, the SP-WT positions itself as a future-proof investment. The ability to integrate into existing building management systems and support for cloud-based monitoring ensure that the system keeps pace with future technological developments.

For companies looking to implement professional wireless sensor monitoring, the sensorProbe Wireless Tunnel™ offers a proven, reliable, and economical solution that meets the requirements of modern monitoring applications.