According to Emerson, the remote antenna adapter allows users to achieve signal strength with high-gain remote antenna compatibility, reducing the number of hops and repeaters needed for even the most challenging WirelessHart networks. The 781S ordered with a high-gain remote antenna option includes everything needed to install an enhanced WirelessHart network or upgrade an existing WirelessHart network. Lastly, the remote antenna adapter allows easy upgrade paths from legacy remote antenna systems to the most modern technology in Emerson Wireless 1410S Gateways and 781S Smart Antenna devices.
Combining the increase in device capacity with the extended range capabilities means that entire sites, regardless of their size or layout, can be effectively monitored and managed with WirelessHart devices. Site coverage can now be achieved with less gateway infrastructure, leading to more streamlined and cost-effective WirelessHart deployments. By ensuring that even the most remote or obstructed areas of a site can be covered by the mesh network, these enhancements facilitate continuous monitoring and real-time connectivity while utilising the advantages of WirelessHart such as fast update rates and long battery life.
“These improvements are in response to market demands for increasingly more data and scalability from industrial wireless networks,” said Jimmy Ji, instrument connectivity product manager for Emerson’s measurement solutions business. “They work together to greatly reduce WirelessHart network infrastructure costs, and to drive Emerson’s Boundless Automation vision of an intelligent field and edge computing.”
Firmware enhancements to the Emerson Wireless 1410S Gateway increase its capacity, allowing up to 500 devices per network using a 781S Smart Antenna, up from the previous limit of 200. With the integration of dual WirelessHart technology, a single 1410S Gateway can now connect with up to 1,000 devices, expanding its connectivity capabilities. Existing 1410S Gateways can take advantage of these enhancements by updating to the latest firmware and acquiring the High-Capacity Network Upgrade.
A design update on the 781S Smart Antenna features an integrated terminal block and new remote antenna adapter options, providing flexible cable customisations to meet application needs and improved antenna performance. The new integrated 781S terminal block allows easy installation using the type and cable length of cable required by the installation.