UWIN – Ultra reliable Wireless Industrial Network

Wireless, real-time communication with maximum reliability

In industrial automation systems, it is common for some of the sensors, actuators, and other system components to be installed on movable subsystems. Examples include tools mounted on robot arms, slide rails, or rotary and coordinate tables. These subsystems require a means of communicating with the central control system capable of operating at very short cycle times in the single-digit millisecond range. Nowadays, these connections are typically realized using cable drag chains, rotary feedthroughs or slide contacts. But they present numerous disadvantages: for instance, heavy weight and susceptibility to wear and tear. They also restrict the mobility of the subsystems and limit the possibilities for expansion.

To solve this problem, Fraunhofer IIS is developing a new radio technology that is deployable as a wireless extension or substitute for wired field buses as well as Time-Sensitive Networking. Compared with currently available radio technologies, the Ultra reliable Wireless Industrial Network (UWIN) enables communication in real-time with extremely short cycle times of 125 μs and a maximum of reliability.

UWIN adds flexibility to the production environment

UWIN is designed to meet the specific requirements of industrial communication networks. It enables data to be transmitted with a latency of less than one millisecond, and the utmost reliability.

This level of performance is of paramount importance in real-time-critical applications such as motion control. In this way, UWIN gives added flexibility to your production processes. Using a wireless connection to control remote parts of a machine allows them greater freedom of mobility, because they are no longer constrained by cables. UWIN also simplifies the retooling or retrofitting of existing plant and machinery. Instead of having to rewire everything, it suffices to install new sensors in the machine, which can then be configured and activated from a central control console. Signals can be routed via license-free or licensed technology-neutral bands for campus networks.

Customized wireless solution for your industrial automation project