K-TEK Wireless Transmitter and Receiver for Transmission of Process Data

K-TEK, a manufacturer of instrumentation for level, pressure, and temperature measurement, has announced the availability of the DX80 Wireless Transmitter and Receiver, which K-TEK claims, is a low cost method for transmitting data between process sensors and higher level systems, such as DCS or SCADA systems.

Designed for robust, secure communication, the DX80 includes two devices, a Node (wireless transmitter) that resides in the field and interfaces to K-TEK's precision measurement devices, and a Gateway (wireless receiver) that resides in the main control panel and interfaces to a PC or PLC. Each Node accepts up to two analog and two discrete switch inputs. Each Gateway accepts up to 55 Nodes.

The DX80 Wireless Transmitter & Receiver communicate via a Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) radio system that ensures the message is delivered and is secure. By hopping from channel to channel, multiple radio networks can use the same frequency range without creating interference. Wireless communication can be established between any of K-TEK's 4 - 20 mA level transmitters and switches: the LM80 laser, the KSONIK I ultrasonic, the KCAP300 3-element probe, or the GP50 vibrating fork.

"Wiring hard-to-reach locations is a pervasive problem in manufacturing," stated Kevin Hambrice, Director of Marketing and Customer Service at K-TEK. "The DX80 wireless system is mobile, flexible, and scalable. It reliably transmits the status of all I/O points and continuously monitors the health of each and every sensor on the network. It then delivers a variety of field measurements across the plant, to PCs, PLCs, or DCS's."