Answer: A wireless sensor network (WSN) can be defined as a wireless network consisting of various distributed wireless instruments. A wireless instrument can be a sensing element and power supply packaged with a wireless transceiver and antenna in a single housing. The wireless instruments cooperatively monitor physical or environmental conditions, such as temperature, pressure, flow or vibration at different locations. Originally developed for military applications, wireless sensor networks are now increasingly used in many industrial applications.

Answer: A gateway or base station receives the signals from the sensor and sends this data on to a PC or other device that will use this sensor data. The ElectrochemBaseStationOne-U/R will connect to a PC. The BaseStationOne-NG runs on its microcontroller that can direct data to customer specific applications. It can connect directly to a controller or network. The BS1-NG is capable of controlling external applications as well as publishing data to the internet.

Answer: Electrochem’s wireless products utilize a very low power wireless transceiver, an internal battery and on-board data acquisition. All of this is self contained inside of the durable sensor body. Multiple sensors can be configured to form a large mesh network which offers great reliability and data security.

Answer: Electrochem’s wireless sensors can be configured to report their measurements to a base station as frequently as required. They can collect a measurement once every day or week, or they can collect up to 480 measurements every second.

Answer: Remote sensing applications where it is difficult or impossible to run wires to sensors, and applications that are temporary and the installation of wiring is a significant part of the measurement cost.

Answer: The radio frequency (RF) of transmission for the Electrochem sensors is 2.4 GHz. This frequency band was chosen for its low power requirements. The 2.4 GHz frequency is suitable for worldwide use.

Answer: ZigBee is a wireless communication protocol that is based on the specifications of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. The ZigBee protocol was designed to transmit data through the harsh RF environments that exist in many commercial and industrial applications. Some important features and benefits of ZigBee are: low power consumption, quick response time, multiple networking topologies (mesh, star, point to point), network security, data encryption, data collision avoidance and the ability to have up to 65,000 devices on one network just to name a few. ZigBee differs from other wireless protocols such as Bluetooth in many ways: ZigBee offers greater distances of wireless communication, longer battery life and greater networking capabilities. Click here to read more about Zigbee.

Answer: Each measurement is transmitted in its own unique data packet and can be optionally encrypted. The use of encryption slows down network performance so it is turned off by default.

Answer: A star network is one of the most common network configurations. It is designed to have one main device that will transmit all messages to any or all of the surrounding devices. All of the surrounding devices will send all of their messages back to this central device. Mesh networks consist of many devices and enables continuous connections and reconfigurations around broken or blocked paths by relaying data from device to device until the end destination is reached. This allows for a more stable network and greater transmission distances can be achieved.

Answer: The sensors can be configured so they will automatically resend their data if it was not received by the base station on the first attempt. Normally an acknowledgment is sent back to the sensor from the base station when data is received; if the sensor does not receive this acknowledgment it can attempt to resend the data.

Answer: Standard range wireless sensors are capable of transmitting data reliably up to 100m. All sensors are also available in an extended range version; these models are capable of transmitting data over 1,000m.

Answer: Signal strength can be affected by a few different factors. The most common factors are distance between the sensor and base station, as well as interference or obstruction or view between the sensor and base station. Generally, the greater the distance between base station and sensor, the lower the signal strength will be.

Answer: The sensors are certainly capable of transmitting through all of these materials; however they will attenuate the signal. Thickness of the material and the actual distance between the base station and the sensor will play a role in determining whether or not data will be transmitted. The standard range models will have a more difficult time transmitting through these materials than the extended range models.

Answer: Signal strength can be affected by a few different factors. The most common factors are distance between the sensor and base station, as well as interference or obstruction or view between the sensor and base station. There is an indirect relationship for distance between sensor and base station and signal strength; the greater the distance between the two devices, the lower the signal strength will be. Also, if there are large objects obstructing the view between sensor and base station, like a thick steel wall, the signal strength will decrease and there may be a loss of communication.

Answer: The BaseStationOne-U/R only supports USB/RS-232 protocols. The BaseStationOne-NG supports USB, RS-232, RS-485, MODBUS, TCP/IP, and CAN bus.

Answer: Yes, an application can be designed so that sensor data can be shared on the internet. In addition, the BaseStationOne-NG will not only allow the data to be monitored over the internet, but you can control entire external applications over the internet.

Answer: Yes, measurements collected from the wireless sensors can be saved. Typically, the data can be logged to a text file or spreadsheet, using one of the applications provided by Electrochem.

Answer: Electrochem’s wireless sensors send their measurements to one of the base station products. The BaseStationOne-U/R connects to a PC through USB or serial connection. The PC sends the sensor data to PLC through its Serial or Ethernet connection. The BaseStationOne-NG can connect directly to a PLC through a serial connection (RS-232, Ethernet).

Answer: The Electrochem BaseStationOne-U/R will not provide this type of output. The BaseStationOneNG can be provided with an optional 4-20mA module that will take the digital data from the base station and convert to a 4-20mA signal.

Answer: The ZigBee protocol was designed to transmit data through the hostile RF environments that exist in many commercial and industrial applications. Try to avoid communication between base station and sensor where there are any large objects between the two devices.

Answer: Yes, Electrochem offers all three of these services. We offer installation and training on how to use our wireless products, and have a technical support team that can assist with any problems. Electrochem also offers a service that will design custom applications to be used with our products.

---

Answer: A pressure sensor is a device used for measuring pressures, typically of gases or liquids. The Electrochem PressureSensorOne (PS1) can currently measure pressures up to 10,000 psi.

Answer: A pressure port is the location on the pressure sensor where a pressure source is applied and measured.

Answer: Electrochem offers different adaptors that attach to the pressure port. These adaptors allow the PS1 to interface with different thread types such as ¼” NPT. The pressure port itself will remain the same.

Answer: The PS1 acquires its pressure measurement by monitoring a change in voltage (strain gauge); the temperature measurement monitors a change in resistance (RTD).

Answer: Absolute pressure is the pressure measured using an ideal vacuum as a zero reference point. Sealed Gauge pressure is the pressure difference between measured pressure and a non-vented pressure cavity containing atmospheric pressure at time and location of sensor assembly. True Gauge pressure is the difference between measured pressure and measured local atmospheric pressure. Electrochem's PressureSensorOne (PS1) can be configured to report any one of these three pressure types.

Answer: The PS1 is currently offered in eight different pressure ranges; the highest pressure range being 10,000 psi.

Answer: The body of the sensor should be kept at a temperature between -40°C and 85°C because the internal circuitry will tend to suffer in conditions more extreme than this.

Answer: The PS1 is accurate to ±0.1% of the full pressure range; meaning a 10,000 psi sensor will have an accuracy of 10 psi.

Answer: The PS1 can measure the pressure of both liquid and gas.

Answer: The PS1 is approximately 180mm long. The body of the PressureSensorTwo (PS2) and PressureSensorThree (PS3) are approximately 260mm long and are designed for the harshest industrial environments.

Answer: The PS1 is internally powered by a single 3.6V lithium thionyl chloride battery.

Answer: The battery life depends on how often measurements are taken. The battery will last up to one year if measurements are taken once every minute.

Answer: The most common way to extend the battery life would be to decrease the amount of times measurements are taken. The battery will last significantly longer if you are collecting measurements once every minute than if you were collecting measurements once every second.

Answer: By observing page 62 of the User Manual, a command can be sent to the sensor that will report the estimated remaining battery life. Note that this command only works properly if the battery is left inside the sensor from its first use.

Answer:Electrochem does not currently support using an external battery to power our sensors. The signal conditioner can be customized so that an external power supply would be used instead of our internal battery.

Answer: The wireless chip inside of all of Electrochem’s wireless products are certified by the FCC. The sensors as a whole are in the process of being certified for Class I Division 1 hazardous locations so that they can be implemented in the most extreme applications.

Answer: All sensors come with a calibration certificate that is good for one full year. Our sensors are designed and built to aerospace quality and provide a very stable reading beyond this one year calibration period. Electrochem’s sensor calibration can be done at intervals that match the customer's Quality Assurance schedule.

Answer: Similar to any other piece of measurement equipment, the sensors should be re-calibrated on a regular basis. This will ensure all measurements are as accurate as possible. The only other maintenance that the sensors should require is to replace the battery when near end of life.

Answer: The Electrochem wireless sensors can be used in many applications where a pressure measurement is required. These wireless sensors allow for measurements to be collected from locations that simply aren’t practical when using wired sensors. For example, several oil and gas operators have implemented the sensors in Oilfield applications where measurements such as well-head pressures need to be collected. Electrochem pressure sensors are ideally used with our gateway product, the BaseStationOne-NG, which can transmit the pressure measurement data to a measurement and control system located in close proximity or around the world. In addition, the BS1-NG can perform intelligent operations such open/close a valve or turn on a relay switch. For example, if the pressure being monitored gets too high, the BS1-NG has the ability to open a valve. The NG can be controlled via a touch screen display or even a PDA. Click here to learn more about our gateway products.

---

Answer: A temperature sensor is a device used for measuring the temperature of a liquid, solid or gas using a sensor such as a thermocouple or RTD. Electrochem temperature sensors use a platinum RTD in order to acquire temperature measurements up to 200°C.

Answer: A platinum resistance temperature detector (RTD) is used to measure temperature for Electrochem's TemperatureSensorOne (TS1), . Temperature measurements are acquired by monitoring a change in resistance. This change in resistance is proportional to the change in temperature.

Answer: The TS1 does not support using an existing RTD sensor. However, the Signal Conditioner One (SC1) can be configured to use analog data from an existing RTD sensor so the existing RTD temperature data can be transmitted wirelessly.

Answer: The body of the TS1 has an operating temperature range of -40°C to 85° because the internal circuitry will tend to suffer in conditions more extreme than this C, however the probe that extends from the body of the TS1 will measure temperatures as low as -100°C and as high as 200°C.

Answer: The TS1 temperature sensor has threads on its temperature probe that allow it to fasten onto existing pipes or other fittings. Electrochem also offers adaptors which will allow the sensor to be connected to other thread sizes such as a ¼” NPT.

Answer: The temperature sensor is accurate to ±1°C.

Answer: The temperature sensor is approximately 200mm long; it comes with either a 1” or 2” temperature probe at its base (custom probe lengths are also available).

Answer: The wireless chip inside of all of Electrochem’s wireless products are certified by the FCC. The sensors as a whole are in the process of being certified for Class I Division 1 hazardous locations so that they can be implemented in the most extreme applications.

Answer: The TS1 is internally powered by a single 3.6V lithium thionyl chloride battery.

Answer: The battery life depends on how often measurements are taken. The battery will last up to one year if measurements are taken once every minute.

Answer: The most common way to extend the battery life would be to decrease how often measurements are taken. The battery will last significantly longer if you are measurements are taken once every minute compared to collecting measurements once every second.

Answer: By observing page 62 of the User Manual, a command can be sent to the sensor that will report the estimated remaining battery life. Note that this command only works properly if the battery is left inside the sensor from its first use.

Answer: Electrochem does not currently support using an external battery to power our sensors. The signal conditioner can be customized so that an external power supply would be used instead of our internal battery.

Answer: All sensors come with a calibration certificate that is good for one full year. Our sensors are designed and built to aerospace quality and provide a very stable reading beyond this one year calibration period. Electrochem’s sensor calibration can be done at intervals that match the customer's Quality Assurance schedule.

Answer: Similar to any other piece of measurement equipment, the sensors should be re-calibrated on a regular basis. This will ensure all measurements are as accurate as possible. The only other maintenance that the sensors should require is to replace the battery when near end of life.

Answer: The Electrochem wireless sensors can be used in many applications where a temperature measurement is required. These wireless sensors allow for measurements to be collected from locations that simply aren’t practical when using wired sensors. Electrochem temperature sensors are ideally used with our gateway product, the Electrochem the BaseStationOne-NG, which can transmit the temperature measurement data to a measurement and control system located in close proximity or around the world. In addition, the BS1-NG can perform intelligent operations such open/close a valve or turn on a relay switch. For example, if the temperature being monitored gets too high, the BS1-NG has the ability to open a valve. The NG can be controlled via a touch screen display or even a PDA. Click here to learn more about our gateway products.

Answer: A flow sensor is a device used for measuring the rate of a fluid stream. Electrochem's flow sensor is capable of measuring the rate of the flow as well as the total amount of fluid that has passed through the sensor.

Answer: The Blancett Model 1100 Turbine Flow Meters are used on Electrochem’s FlowSensorOne (FS1). These meters are made of stainless steel and are capable of measuring the flow of liquid up to 5,000 GPM.

The body of the sensor should be kept at a temperature between -40°C and 85°C because the internal circuitry will tend to suffer in conditions more extreme than this. However, the flow sensor can handle liquid passing through it at temperatures between -100°C and 165°C.

Answer: The FS1 needs to be fastened into the pipe line where the measurement of flow is required. The FS1 is available in 16 different connection sizes ranging from 3/8” up to 10”.

Answer: Liquid.

Answer: The flow sensor is accurate to ±1% of the full scale reading.

Answer: The body of the flow sensor is approximately 160mm long; the actual flow meter connected to its base will add to its overall length and varies in size up to 10”.

Answer: The wireless chip inside of all of Electrochem’s wireless products are certified by the FCC. The sensors as a whole are in the process of being certified for Class I Division 1 hazardous locations so that they can be implemented in the most extreme applications.

Answer: The FS1 is internally powered by a single 3.6V lithium thionyl chloride battery.

Answer: The battery life depends on how often measurements are taken. The battery will last up to one year if measurements are taken once every minute.

Answer: The most common way to extend the battery life would be to decrease the amount of times measurements are taken. The battery will last significantly longer if you are collecting measurements once every minute than if you were collecting measurements once every second.

Answer: By observing page 62 of the User Manual, a command can be sent to the sensor that will report the estimated remaining battery life. Note that this command only works properly if the battery is left inside the sensor from its first use.

Answer: Electrochem does not currently support using an external battery to power our sensors. The signal conditioner can be customized so that an external power supply would be used instead of our internal battery.

Answer: All sensors come with a calibration certificate that is good for one full year. Our sensors are designed and built to aerospace quality and provide a very stable reading beyond this one year calibration period. Electrochem’s sensor calibration can be done at intervals that match the customer's Quality Assurance schedule.

Answer: Similar to any other piece of measurement equipment, the sensors should be re-calibrated on a regular basis. This will ensure all measurements are as accurate as possible. The only other maintenance that the sensors should require is to replace the battery when near end of life.

Answer: Major Oil and Gas Operations companies have implemented the Electrochem FS1 into their piping systems to monitor the rate of oil flowing through the pipes. The FS1 can be implemented into any piping system where a rate of flow or total flow to pass though a pipe needs to be monitored. Electrochem flow sensors are ideally used with our gateway product, the Electrochem BaseStationOne-NG, which can transmit the flow measurement data to a measurement and control system located in close proximity or around the world. Click here to learn more about our gateway products.

---

Answer:A signal conditioner is a device that will integrate or attach to an existing wired sensor, essentially making it a wireless sensor. All of the measurements that are acquired from the wired sensor will be processed inside of the signal conditioner and then transmitted wirelessly.

Answer: The Electrochem SignalConditionerOne Wireless Signal Conditioner (SC1) will accept the following inputs from an existing wired sensor: 3mv/V, 4-20mA, resistive, thermocouple, or magnetic pulse. The SC1 can also provide up to 100µA excitation current for resistive type wired sensors.

Answer: The SC1 has an operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C.

Answer: A mating connector is included with the SC1. This connector will be configured properly interface the SC1 with the customer’s existing sensor.

Answer: The SC1 will connect to existing standard pressure or temperature sensor. The signals that are output by the existing sensors will be processed and transmitted wirelessly by the SC1.

Answer: The SC1 measures about 180mm long.

Answer: The wireless chip inside of all of Electrochem’s wireless products are certified by the FCC. The sensors as a whole are in the process of being certified for Class I Division 1 hazardous locations to allow use in the most extreme applications.

Answer: The SC1 is internally powered by a single 3.6V lithium thionyl chloride battery. The SC1 can also be configured to be powered by an external power supply.

Answer: The battery life depends on how often measurements are taken. The battery will last up to one year if measurements are taken once every minute.

Answer: The most common way to extend the battery life would be to decrease the amount of times measurements are taken. The battery will last significantly longer if you are collecting measurements once every minute than if you were collecting measurements once every second.

Answer: By observing page 62 of the User Manual, a command can be sent to the sensor that will report the estimated remaining battery life. Note that this command only works properly if the battery is left inside the sensor from its first use.

Answer: Electrochem does not currently support using an external battery to power our sensors. The signal conditioner can be customized so that an external power supply would be used instead of our internal battery.

Answer: All sensors come with a calibration certificate that is good for one full year. Our sensors are designed and built to aerospace quality and provide a very stable reading beyond this one year calibration period. Electrochem’s sensor calibration can be done at intervals that match the customer's Quality Assurance schedule.