Freewave: Next generation license-free spread spectrum radio
New Freewave FGR2-PE combines serial and Ethernet wireless connectivity for smart grid applications such as distribution automation for long distance wireless data communications.
FreeWave Technologies, manufacturer of high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, announced the new FGR2-PE on Feb. 16, a data radio ideal for smart grid and renewable energy, that offers industrial serial and Ethernet wireless connectivity using license-free spread spectrum for data communication over long distances. In addition, the FGR2-PE is well suited for similar SCADA applications in other vertical markets such as oil and gas or water and wastewater.
The FGR2-PE is compatible with other FreeWave FGR plus family radios and offers users a second, switched Ethernet port as well as two serial ports to meet the demands of customers’ wireless automation requirements. The future-proof combination of two serial ports and two switched Ethernet ports offers customers the ability to transition from serial to Ethernet data communication without having to replace their wireless communication hardware down the road, or operate both serial and Ethernet communication independently and simultaneously on the same platform,. This cost-effective flexibility of the FGR2-PE product also reduces the need for additional hardware.
Matthias van Doorn, product manager Ethernet and licensed radio systems at FreeWave, said "Utility customers appreciate its industry-leading RF performance as well as the versatility and flexibility of the new FGR2-PE to support distribution automation, alternative energy applications like wind and solar power, and many other telemetry and SCADA applications within the smart grid."
Additional benefits of the FGR2-PE include:
• Improved noise rejection and other radio performance enhancements to help maintain reliable wireless serial or Ethernet communication even over long distances or in congested RF environments.
• An industrial-grade, small and rugged enclosure that offers mounting and installation versatility, including a DIN rail mounting option, with all connectors conveniently located on one side of the enclosure.
• Integrated security options (e.g. AES encryption) and proprietary spread spectrum technology so customers can rely on the FGR2-PE to provide secure wireless data communication links to operate mission-critical network functions.
www.freewave.com/products/product-274.html
Learn more about industrial wireless at www.controleng.com/wireless .
– Edited by Mark T. Hoske, editor in chief, Control Engineering , www.controleng.com.
Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our CFE Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.
