FAQ

Telemetry
Telemetry describes the transfer of measurement data to a locally separated data evaluation station. At sensideon, the focus is on the products which carry out temperature measurements on engine and gear test benches via expert systems for the accurate display of specific performance data. The special feature thereby is the wireless and compact measurement principle, whereby it is possible to attain higher rotation speed and temperatures, yet lower weights and decreased failure susceptibility than existing systems.

Remote sensing
Remote sensing describes the wireless measurement and transfer of data on critical process steps. The sensors function flawlessly in different application areas and under various requirements and withstand temperatures up to 350°C and 400°C respectively (depending on the transponder type). Remote sensing is most often used for the monitoring of the temperature in industrial plant engineering. The focus of remote sensing is the batteryless temperature measurement in extreme environments like heat, dirt, acid and wet.

RFID
The radio frequency identification describes the automatic identification and localisation of objects via radio waves. The RFID-Tags of sensideon enable the automatic and contactless object identification. Also for RFID, the focus is put on the high resistancy of the transponders, as they were specifically developed for heavy-duty industrial environments. Furthermore, the transponders guarantee continuous data security during ultra-fast readout and function up to 400°C.

Resource scarcity constitutes a big challenge for companies. This problem can be solved by implementing sensideon´s systems which ensures precise planning and optimal exploitation what keeps the costs and waste within production processes as low as possible.

Many machines and tools are strained to the limits under adverse conditions and hence need preventive maintenance in order to avoid unforeseen breakdowns. Furthermore, the effects of human errors within the production chain can also cause breakdowns and delays with considerable damaging consequences. In this regard, sensideon offers the solution of RFID tags that identify objects. As a positive result, the production process is aligned with the available resources. Hence, the needed tools, containers and forms will always be at the right machines and operation sites and ensure the smooth running of all processes. On the other hand, the transponders are used to measure and monitor the temperature on critical process steps and thereby deliver precise information about the temperature profile. This information helps to predict the need for maintenance, the optimization of the tool life time and service life time.

Shortly summarized, our systems enable the following:

• Temperature measurement on parts that are difficult to access
• Temperature measurement in extreme environments (rotation, heat, dust, wet)
• Object identification and batch tracing under extreme conditions

Therefore, they resolve problems like:

• irreversibilities/wastages/losses due to unforeseen breakdowns of machines and tools caused by heat
• Losses due to process faults in the materials flow
• Absent of automatisation
• No optimal use of resources due to low downtimes
• Difficulties in measuring the temperature on critical objects
• Insufficient quality management

sensideon´s  telemetry sensors are developed for temperature measurements on components that are difficult to access. For example, the sensors are integrated in powertrains where a wireless temperature measurement on rotating or fast moving components is necessary. In comparison to remote sensors, the telemetry sensors are lighter, smaller but still of robust construction which allows the integration into small and poorly accessible objects. A reference example are the small Stick-Sensors that are implemented in automobile prototype engines in order to measure the temperature. Sensideon´s telemetry enables the collection of performance data, which can be analysed and used in various ways as needed.

Sensideon´s remote sensors are especially developed for high temperature measurements on forms, containers and other objects. Thanks to their extreme robustness, the Super-Tags were already installed in centrifugal dies/slingshot dies where they enable temperature independent process control, which is highly significant for quality assurance. Other than the telemetry sensors, the remote sensors distinguish themselves due to their more stable and more robust construction type, hence, withstanding even more extreme requirements.

Via RFID Tags it is possible to identify objects, forms or containers in production logistics or other production facilities. The tags, that are directly mounted on the objects, communicate with the antenna which is in close reach within the production (depending on the sensors: 1-5 metres). The RFID chips (as well as the remote sensors) withstand temperatures up to 400°C and work reliably under harsh and difficult operating conditions such as wet, dust, dirt, slags and acid. By the help of the object identification it is possible to trace back containers and forms and hence to use them more efficiently. A classic example is ladle tracking within the metal processing, where sensideon´s Block-Tags are used for batch tracing and process optimisation.

Here you can get more information concerning our reference examples.

The term transponder consists of the two words transmitter and responder.  

The antenna sends out a wave to the passive and analoge transponder which sends back a response specific to its temperature. Based on this information the reader is able to interpret the received data accordingly. The transponders are sensors (gapless/seamless temperature measurements), Tags (object identification) or a combination of sensor and tag (temperature and ID). The right transponder will be chosen depending on the customer’s needs.  

A passive transponder always works without electric auxiliary energy and solely uses the energy, that is transmitted from the antenna. Hence, there is no need for any electronics neither on nor in the transponder. Thereupon, several advantages are provided, which will be explained in the next point.

The advantage of passive and analogue transponders is, that no external energy source on the sensor is needed and thus, no amplifier and no electronics is needed on the transponder. Hence, the transponders are far much smaller, more robust and more stable. At the same time, the transponders are less susceptible to faults because there is no electricity that can overheat.

The radio frequency is 2,4 GHZ, which corresponds to the frequency of W-lan. The antenna thereby radios the sensor, which consequently sends back a response. You can find more specific information concerning the radio signal and the technology in the submenu core competencies.

No, the signal between the sensor head and the antenna cannot send through every object. As electro conductive materials block the radio signal, it is not possible to send through such elements (for example, steel). In general, it is only possibly to send through materials that are not electro-conductive.

Depending on the different construction types the sensors and tags withstand almost every drain: no matter if rotation, dust, wet, dirt, acid or high temperatures up to 400°, the transponder systems of sensideon always deliver reliable results. Therewith, sensideon sets itself apart from other system providers whose conventional sensors and tags are not able to keep up to those requirements and lose their functionality.

As the transponders transmit the data with the help of radio waves, this transmission is only possible if there are no electroconductive objects between the sensor head and the antenna. The majority of the antennas can read out only one sensor at one time (dependent on the transponders as well). But sensideon was able to develop a system, which can read out more than one Stick-Sensor S (up to 12 sensors at a time).

The different sensors and tags of sensideon were especially developed for different challenges and applications. The sensors come in different forms, sizes and materials depending on the extreme condition which the sensor has to withstand and where it will be integrated. Hence, the Flat-Tag differentiates itself through its shape and rather small construction from the larger and more robust Block-Tag. There are also different designs of the stick sensors in terms of size and temperature robustness. In case you need sensors or tags that should be specifically adapted to your needs, please do not hesitate to contact us! We possess the necessary competences in order to find the right solution for you!

The sensors and tags of sensideon can be integrated almost everywhere. They are used in simply environmental conditions, however, they were originally designed for extremely harsh environmental requirements and can not only withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to 400°C but also transfer the collected data. Furthermore, they also withstand dust, wet, dirt and are able to function even at high rotational speed and in fast moving environment.

The required amount of transponders and readers depends on the individual challenge and  conditions. In general, every object whose temperature or ID should be recorded needs one or more transponders as well as an own antenna and a matching reader for the data processing. The required amount of transponders depends on the amount of measurement points and the objects. Concerning the readers, there are two different versions: sensideon provides -depending on measurement speed- faster and slower readers.

The majority of sensideon’s transponders can measure the temperature and the ID, as long as the appropriate chip is integrated. But every transponder has different characteristics and was developed for specific applications. If you need a transponder with different features, we would like to develop an individual solution together.

sensideon has set itself the task of providing SAW-transponder systems to a broad industrial audience. Therefore, the area of application is not restricted to certain industries, because the sensors and tags can be mounted in diverse components, objects and environments.

But for example, the Block-Tags and Flat-Tags of sensideon are oftentimes used in the steel industry or in industrial production plants. For the automotive industry sensideon developed special telemetry sensors that measure the temperature on fast rotating items like on engine test benches. Some further examples are rail, manufacturing plants and smart grid.

However, there is an even broader range of possible applications which sensideon can provide. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact us! We also actively help and support you for any special solutions!

Depending on the available space and the distance that has to be bypassed wirelessly, different transponders can be mounted exactly where you need them. Reference examples are amongst others moulds, dies, containers, engine test benches, etc.

Yes, there is of course the possibility to transfer the data via an interface/port to an ERP system in order to analyse it. However, sensideon reserves the right to offer this type of programming service in its current portfolio.

The integrated interface in the reader are Modbus, RS485 and a normal network access via Ethernet. Additionally, through the use of gateways also other interfaces like CAN BUS Profibus, Profinet, or similar can be used.

Depending on the construction type of the tag, the environmental conditions, cable quality, radio range and type of reader the distance between the transponder and the reader can vary between a couple of centimeters up to several meters.

No, the sensors and tags of sensideon do not have to be recalibrated after they have left sensideon´s office.

Depending on the requirements and need, the amount of sensors, tags and readers can vary. We have two versions of the reader: the two and the four channel reader, whereby one antenna can read out several transponders (sensor/tags) successively. For more information, go to how many sensors, tags and readers are needed approximately?

The life expectancy of the different sensors and tags depends mostly on the construction type, the environmental conditions and the use. The manufacturer information of the Block-Tag and the Super-Tag for example are up to 350°C for 1000 hours and up to 400°C without life expectancy guarantee. As these conditions are usually only sporadic and as the transponder is only rarely exposed to constant temperatures of 350°C, the life expectancy of the transponders are as a rule much longer during milder conditions. Constant stress cause higher wear than short-term stress.

Generally, every transponder was developed for a special purpose, therefore it has usually a longer life expectancy than the object on which the transponder is integrated. Furthermore, different environmental conditions like heat, acid, and wet affect the transponders differently. Hence, the life expectancy is not consistently defined but varies depending on type and intensity from case to case. In order to find the right transponder, do not hesitate to contact us!

Depending on the construction of the tag, our sensors can measure temperatures between -40 and + 400°C but can also -depending on the application- withstand higher temperatures.

Our measurement system enable to identify and/or measure the temperature on diverse objects and containers especially in heavy-duty environments. Notably, in the area of lean management and maintenance, the sensors and RFID transponders serve as instruments that continue digitalisation for higher temperature areas. Also in in the area of predictive maintenance our compact and maintenance-free transponders provide new possibilities.

The benefit of using sensideon´s sensors and tags are:

• reduction of losses due to unforeseen breakdowns of machines and tools caused by heat
• reduced losses due to process faults in the materials flow
• automatisation and better handling
• optimal use of resources thanks to fewer downtimes
• Easier measuring of the temperature on critical objects
• better quality management

Of course. Our whole team will provide you with active support throughout the whole implementation process and will also be on hand for any further questions afterwards. For any special requests and special custom-built modeling, please feel free to contact us directly.

For any requests and orders, please contact us directly. We will be pleased to help you further! Thank you very much!