Bluetooth on Heavy Machinery
Circular Patch Antennas Revolutionise Bluetooth Communication in Mining
- Client: Enganalysis in Australia
- Website: https://www.enganalysis.com.au
- IoT application: Bluetooth sensors on heavy machinery in mines
- Wireless technology used: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
- Frequency range: 2400-2483.5 MHz
- Type of antennas: Circular Bluetooth patch antenna
- Task: Improvement of Bluetooth communication in metal-rich environment with reflection on walls in mines
- Solution: Replacement of linear antennas with circular patch antennas and ten times more coverage range
- Special feature: Tenfold increase in communication range in metal-rich environment
In Australian mines, reliable Bluetooth communication posed a significant challenge. Sensors on heavy machinery were surrounded by metal, which greatly hindered signal reception. Additionally, signal reflection on mine walls compounded the issue. The innovative solution: Circular patch antennas replaced linear antennas. The result was impressive. The communication range increased tenfold. Why does this work so well? Metal-rich environments and walls in mines strongly reflect Bluetooth signals. The polarisation of the signal constantly changes. Linear antennas have disadvantages here. They only receive signals optimally in their orientation. Circular antennas elegantly solve this problem. They receive signals regardless of the polarisation direction. In practice, this means:
- Consistently good reception despite reflections
- Less interference due to multipath propagation
- Uniform signal strength regardless of antenna orientation
These advantages make circular patch antennas ideal for industrial IoT applications. They particularly show their strengths in environments with a lot of metal and strong reflections.
Optimise Your Industrial IoT Communication
Are you struggling with similar challenges in your industrial environment? Our experts can help you find the optimal antenna solution. Contact us today for a consultation. Together, we will increase the performance and reliability of your wireless IoT devices.
