RAE Systems demonstrates wireless sensor networks

To provide multiple data streams for comprehensive facility and cargo monitoring, RAE Systems Inc. recently demonstrated its wireless RAEWatch sensor bundle at several venues including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/Microsystems Technology Office (DARPA/MTO) Workshop on Networked Microsystems in Arlington, VA and the ZigBee Alliance open house in Seattle, WA.

By Control Engineering Staff July 1, 2004

To provide multiple data streams for comprehensive facility and cargo monitoring, RAE Systems Inc . recently demonstrated its wireless RAEWatch sensor bundle at several venues including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/Microsystems Technology Office (DARPA/MTO) Workshop on Networked Microsystems in Arlington, VA, and the ZigBee Alliance open house in Seattle, WA. The company is a global developer and manufacturer of rapidly deployable, multi-sensor chemical and radiation detection monitors and networks for homeland security and industrial applications.

RAEWatch is a robust wireless sensor bundle that can be permanently installed for public venue monitoring, and can also be used for cargo container security. With its IEEE 802.15.4 compliant architecture, RAEWatch networks are immune to interference from radio sources, such as WI-FI and cell phones, and have a one- to two-year lifespan when operated under temporary, battery power.

RAEWatch modules can be spaced as much as 30 meters apart to build sensor networks that provide radiation and temperature monitoring. RAEWatch networks also are expandable to include a variety of other sensors, such as intrusion, shock, and thermal motion.

In addition, RAEWatch-generated data streams are compatible with XML databases and can be sent to voice mail, pagers, e-mail, or PDAs. With alarm and alert capabilities that are compatible with legacy alarm systems, secure RAEWatch monitoring data streams enable improved venue and cargo security.

“The robust wireless capabilities demonstrated by RAEWatch point to the future of environmental sensing,” says Venkat Bahl, ZigBee Alliance’s vice chairman and Ember Corp.’s marketing VP. “As applications move from single monitors to wireless networks of monitors, it’s critical to securely transmit increasingly complex data streams that interoperate with legacy systems.”

—Jim Montague, news editor, Control Engineering, jmontague@reedbusiness.com


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