SwiftComm was designed specifically for critical motion control applications. Its use of an Adaptive Frequency Hopping Protocol (AFH) helps avoid data interruptions due to frequency interference.  If a particular radio band encounters interference, SwiftComm seamlessly hops to another open band.  This technology decreases the susceptibility to interference, increasing overall reliability. 

Of course in the real world, signal interference cannot be avoided in all cases.  Because of this, SwiftComm uses patent pending technology that can overcome data loss due to link interruption.  Internally and transparent to the user, SwiftComm keeps track of the encoder’s output signal.  If SwiftComm encounters packet loss from temporary link interruption, it fills in the encoder’s output information based on the historical data trend.  It then processes this information in place of the lost packet.  When a valid packet of information is received, SwiftComm determines any accumulated error and sends corrections to the controller.  So even in environments where occasional packets are lost, SwiftComm will transmit a seamless stream of data to the control system.

Yes.  SwiftComm provides a very secure system for your data to travel wirelessly.  The transmitter and receiver each have a 40-bit hard coded security code.  These codes are programmed at the factory and give the system a range of over 500 billion possible unique codes.  BEI has developed its own proprietary protocol for SwiftComm, which is not available to the public.  Additionally, the data is transmitted with a high-level encryption algorithm and random frequency hopping.  This provides additional levels of data security to assure that your data is protected.

It is critical in any motion control applications to have minimum lag time in signal transmission.  Delays in data to the controller can cause major problems.  SwiftComm is one of the fastest wireless sensor interfaces available.  Data is relayed between the transmitter and receiver every 600 microseconds (µs).   Because SwiftComm is a point-to-point configuration, there is little inherent latency.

Absolutely.  The SwiftComm transmitter and receiver are both encased in NEMA 4 cast aluminum enclosures.  They are also powder coated with a gasketed closure.  This gives them excellent protection from windblown dust and rain, splashing water and the formation of ice on the enclosures.

Like all wireless systems, the maximum transmission distance depends on the environment where the transmitter and receiver are being installed.  On a factory floor, where there is high electrical noise and metal obstructions, we typically see reliable communications up to 300 feet.  Outdoors, with line-of-sight and relatively few sources of interference, this increases to over 1,000 feet.

Yes. Each pair shares a unique security code which ensures they will not interfere with other SwiftComm pairs in the area. These codes are programmed at the factory and give the system a range of over 500 billion possible unique codes.  Additionally, SwiftComm utilizes Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH) protocol.  If a radio band is being used by one SwiftComm pair, the other SwiftComm pair seamlessly hops to another open band. This helps avoid data interruptions due to frequency interference. 

SwiftComm can interface with any BEI or non-BEI quadrature incremental encoder.