Siretta's products play a critical role in wireless internet technology and machine to machine connectivity (M2M), being widely integrated in automation and monitoring processes within a diverse range of industries. For example, wireless modems can be used to monitor and control automated processes, antennas are the critical component in any RF system, while signal strength analysers measure the in-field quality of mobile communication networks.
Siretta's comprehensive range of modems, routers, RF antennas and environmental sensors are designed to meet the communications demands of the industrial Internet of Things – from flood monitoring to automatic meter reading, vending machines to transport communications and fuel distribution – and can easily be integrated into new applications and projects.
Antenna
Each member of the Siretta antenna family is appropriately named.
A is for ALPHA
Siretta’s self-adhesive mount range. The Alpha range covers a variety of technologies from 2G/GSM/GPRS, 3G/UMTS, GPS to WiFi, Zigbee and Bluetooth. Available in different shapes and sizes, what distinguishes the Alpha is their ultra flat profile. This adhesive base provides secure mounting without the need to use any additional fixings.
D is for DELTA
Antennas that are mounted directly onto the host device. Losses are minimised and space is saved because no cables are required, so Delta antennas are generally small. Connection is usually through standard SMA or BNC connectors, with hinged, swivel, stubby and right angled options.
E is for ECHO
Embedded, PCB mount or cable mount antennas integrated within the application. For embedded antennas size is key, and you will find the Echo family are as small as 0.5mm thick and 3.3mm long x 1.6mm wide. Echo antennas can be tuned to WiFi/WLAN, GSM/GPRS/GPS/3G/4G, and are ideal for applications where size is restricted.
M is for MIKE
Magnetic mount antennas for quick and sturdy installation in applications such as vehicle tracking, home automation and utilities metering. Mike equipment is available as whip and magnetic mount types, and supplied with a variety of cable types, length and connectors to suit a range of industries.
O is for OSCAR
The antennas in the Oscar range are high gain, omnidirectional or Yagi antenna tuned to global GPRS, 3G, 4G and ISM frequency bands. Common applications for members of the Oscar family are within base station installations, bunkered machine rooms and alarm/security systems. Oscar antennas are mostly wall or bracket-mounted.
T is for TANGO
Through-hole antennas designed for rugged, all weather or high performance applications. The Tango range is used in predictive maintenance and remote monitoring, or where the antenna needs to be used discreetly, such as in smart buildings or GSM and 3G applications such as car park metering and other M2M.
Routers
Siretta's MICA router series is a high performance range of routers designed for the stresses and strains of industrial environments. Housed in a robust hard enclosure, the MICA range is designed for remote management, telemetry, condition monitoring, CCTV, ATMs, vending machine and other M2M applications.
The MICA router range has a number of standard options, such as WiFi, GPS, 1xWAN + 1xLAN interface etc. The routers come configured as 2 x LAN. The routers are also available with or without an accessory kit including WiFi and GSM antennas, PSU and LAN cable. VPN features can also be configured in the MICA routers, enabling utilization of a virtual private network service through a 3G wireless router.
The compact design of the MICA router means it can easily be embedded into other equipment or systems. With the GPS option, the MICA router is ideal for fleet tracking or access management.
Signal Strength Testers
Signal strength testers are invaluable tools for the surveying and commissioning of wireless systems.
In order to identify the optimum position for an antenna, transmitter or receiver, engineers will need to establish the strength of a mobile network signal, or review the available network signals – capturing this cellular data is one of the basic functions of the SNYPER range of signal strength testers.
You can decide on optimum antenna placement, determine real time signal hotspot and the best signal direction.
Various models build on the functionality of the SNYPER-3G, such as increased storage, remote display and results download, liveSCAN features, multi-language capability and multi-survey logging. With other models you are also able to perform site surveys, save and download survey results.
RF/Coaxial Adaptors
Adaptors are very useful for situations where you have found your desired product, but cannot pair it with the connector type you need for installation. Adaptors are a quick, simple and cost-effective solution to the extensive variation of connector types within the RF industry.
RF Cable Assemblies
Standard RG58 cable loses approximately 1dB at 2.5GHz per metre – so it is easy to see why long, standard cables are not particularly sensitive.
Siretta's low loss RG58 equivalent cables provide significantly better loss ratings than standard RG58 – for example, the LLC200 has only 0.55dB loss per metre at 2.5GHz, improving the signal strength by 12%. The solid copper core, two levels of shielding and special connectors of the LLC200 cable assembly provide a powerful solution for minimising losses and giving the required RF signal for a successful and continuous wireless connection.
Available in cable lengths from 100mm to 15m with a variety of connector combinations, including SMA, FME and N-type.
Applications
quikCONNECT modems get the green light
Siretta utilised the GSM network to help a client monitor its traffic monitoring system remotely. The technology Siretta provided gave the client the opportunity to:
- Optimise performance of traffic solutions
- Reduce installation costs by not having to cable in a solution
- Ensure running costs were lower than over fixed connections
The system also needed to:
- Be user-friendly and highly reliable
- Provide clear real-time information which operators and systems could act upon quickly
- Maintain best traffic flow conditions and ensure road safety is not compromised
The equipment was installed at road junctions to monitor the traffic light system. The system comprises a core electronics sub system which interfaces to a GSM modem. Via the mobile network, key data on faults and status is reported back to a central location for processing. Maintenance and repair notifications are automatically generated. With response being so key to keeping traffic flowing smoothly and ensuring road safety is not compromised, it is critical for GPRS connection to be reliable.
Siretta experienced difficulties working with the client's existing M2M solution, particularly with regard to GSM connection issues. These were unlikely to be resolved, so Siretta put forward a 2G wireless modem solution from the quikConnect ZETA modem range.
The original aims of the traffic flow system set up relies completely on the integrity of a GPRS connection. The benefits experienced by Siretta's client were realised in quicker response to fault conditions, greater up time, cost savings, minimised disruption, better traffic flow and ultimately safer roads.