Device Overview
Introducing NCD’s Industrial Grade Bidirectional Differential Pressure Sensor, boasting up to a 28 Mile range using a 900MHz wireless mesh networking architecture or 1 Mile using 2.4GHz wireless mesh networking architecture. It processes temperature and pressure data and transmits this information wirelessly. This whole process is repeated at user defined intervals with low power sleep mode activated in between.
Powered by just 6 AA batteries this sensor can last up to 10 years, especially if you utilize the sleep feature efficiently. It can be integrated into any end-user system utilizing the open NCD Node-RED libraries. No vendor lock, you own your data and you can configure the device and process your data at the edge or on a cloud server.
The range, price, accuracy, battery life and security features of Industrial Wireless Differential Pressure Sensor makes it an affordable choice which exceeds the requirements for most of the Industrial as well as consumer market applications.
Feature
- Industrial Grade Bidirectional Differential Pressure Sensor with Temperature output
- A selection of probes with different pressure range and sensitivity:
- AMS5812-0150-D-B Amplified Pressure Sensor -1034 to +1034 mbar -15 to +15 PSI
- AMS5812-0050-D-B Amplified Pressure Sensor -344.7 to +344.7 mbar -5 to +5 PSI
- AMS5812-0001-D-B Amplified Ultra Low Pressure Sensor -10.34 to +10.34 mbar -0.150 to +0.150 PSI
- AMS5812-0003-D-B Amplified Low Pressure Sensor -20.68 to +20.68 mbar -0.30 to +0.30 PSII
- Operating Temperature Range -40 to +85 °C
- Temperature resolution 0.01°C
- 1-Mile Range with 2.4GHz or 2 Mile Range with 900MHz On-Board Antenna
- Superior LOS Range of up to 28 miles with 900MHz High-Gain Antennas
- Fully configurable via Node-RED
- Wireless Mesh Networking using DigiMesh®
- Up to 256 Sensor Nodes per Network
- Open Communication Protocol for custom interfacing applications
- Multiple Modes of Operation (Configuration and Run mode)
- Wireless Sensor and Radio Configuration feature
- Default Factory setting Restore option
- Power Efficient Built-in Sleep mode
- User Configurable Sleep duration
- Reliable Transmission incorporating packet Retries
- Secure Transmission using AES-128 Encryption
- Real time battery status
Wireless Technology
The NCD Industrial range of sensors utilizes DigiMesh, a proprietary networking technology designed by Digi® International. It is especially suitable for IIoT applications as it provides a number of benefits over conventional wireless stacks:
- Long range – 2 miles+ in line of sight conditions, estimated 1000 ft indoors.
- Mesh networking topology – no single point of failure, self healing network with high redundancy.
- Long battery life due to low power consumption – up to 10 years
- Simplified provisioning – extending the mesh network via repeater at no additional configuration complexity
- Works in the 868MHz, 900MHz and 2.4GHz bands – worldwide region interoperability.
Battery Life
| Specifications | Minimum | Nominal | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batteries | 2 | 6 | 6 | May be Powered by 2 or 4 AA Batteries |
| Battery Life 1 TPD | 10 Years | TPD Transmissions per Day | ||
| Battery Life 12 TPD | 8 Years | TPD Transmissions per Day | ||
| Battery Life 24 TPD | 5 Year | TPD Transmissions per Day | ||
| Battery Life 96 TPD | 3 Year | TPD Transmissions per Day |
The Truth About Battery Life
Under the best of circumstances, the best non-rechargeable batteries commonly available today are limited to a 10 year non-working shelf life in a room temperature environment. Factors such as actual usage, temperature, and humidity will impact the working life. Be wary of any battery claims in excess of 10 years, as this would only apply to the most exotic and expensive batteries that are not commonly available. Also note that most battery chemistries are not rated for use in extreme temperatures. NCD only uses the best Non-Rechargeable Lithium batteries available today, which are also rated for use in extreme temperatures and have been tested by our customers in light radioactive environments. Lithium batteries offer a 10 year maximum expected shelf life due to limitations of battery technology. NCD will never rate sensor life beyond the rated shelf life of the best batteries available today, which is currently 10 years.
Applications & Use-cases
The Wireless Bidirectional Differential Pressure Sensor is capable of monitoring key environmental metrics real-time. Such a sensor can be useful in various industries and sectors due to its ability to wirelessly transmit critical measurement data for analysis and decision-making.
Wireless Bidirectional Differential Pressure Sensor Applications
Remote Greenhouse Monitoring
In agriculture, maintaining optimal environmental conditions is essential for maximizing yield. Greenhouses often require precise control of temperature and pressure to ensure proper growth. The sensor can be deployed in remote agricultural facilities to track these parameters and wirelessly transmit data to the central monitoring system. With its low-power operation and long battery life, the sensor can function in areas without constant power supply. Farmers receive real-time updates and alerts about temperature or pressure deviations, enabling quick corrective actions, such as adjusting ventilation or irrigation systems.
Industrial Equipment Monitoring
In manufacturing plants, the performance and safety of equipment often depend on maintaining stable pressure and temperature conditions. The Wireless Environment Sensor can be installed in pipelines, compressors, or air ducts to monitor differential pressure and temperature. By integrating the sensor into the facility’s IoT network using Node-RED, managers receive detailed insights into equipment performance. Any pressure anomalies or overheating triggers alerts, helping to prevent breakdowns, reduce downtime, and extend the lifespan of machinery. The wireless mesh networking capability ensures seamless data transmission in large industrial complexes.
Disaster Management in Weather Monitoring Stations
Remote weather stations often need to operate autonomously for extended periods, particularly in disaster-prone areas. The sensor’s ability to track sudden changes in temperature and pressure makes it a valuable asset in detecting and predicting extreme weather events like storms or heatwaves. With its 28-mile long-range wireless capability, data can be transmitted to centralized servers for real-time analysis. This allows authorities to provide timely warnings to communities, enabling effective disaster response and potentially saving lives.
Smart Building Environmental Control
Modern smart buildings are designed to maintain energy efficiency while ensuring occupant comfort. The Wireless Environment Sensor can be integrated into smart building systems to monitor temperature and pressure in ventilation ducts and living spaces. The sensor’s data is processed locally or in the cloud to make intelligent adjustments to HVAC systems, optimizing airflow and maintaining consistent indoor climates. This not only improves energy efficiency but also enhances air quality and occupant comfort. With its AES-128 encryption, the sensor ensures secure data transmission, protecting sensitive building information.
Wireless Bidirectional Differential Pressure Sensor Use-cases
Agricultural Environmental Monitoring
In agricultural settings, such as open fields, barns, or controlled-environment greenhouses, the sensor provides precise measurements of temperature and pressure. It helps farmers monitor microclimates and adjust conditions to ensure healthy plant growth. For example, in greenhouses, the sensor can trigger systems that open or close vents based on pressure changes, or adjust heating systems based on temperature fluctuations.
HVAC System Optimization
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are essential for maintaining comfortable and energy-efficient buildings. The sensor is deployed in air ducts to monitor airflow and detect pressure differences caused by clogged filters or obstructed vents. Its temperature readings provide additional data for maintaining ideal room conditions. Integrating the sensor with IoT systems allows for automated adjustments to fans, vents, and thermostats, reducing energy consumption while ensuring efficient HVAC operation.
Oil and Gas Pipeline Monitoring
Oil and gas pipelines often run across vast and remote areas, making regular manual inspections challenging. The sensor can be installed along pipelines to monitor differential pressure, a key indicator of potential leaks or flow obstructions. By transmitting data wirelessly over long distances, operators can detect issues in real-time and dispatch maintenance crews to specific locations. Its long battery life ensures continuous monitoring, even in harsh and remote environments, while AES-128 encryption ensures secure communication of critical operational data.
Environmental Data Collection for Smart Cities
Smart cities rely on IoT networks for real-time monitoring of urban environments. The sensor can be deployed across multiple locations to collect data on temperature and pressure, helping city planners and authorities make data-driven decisions. For instance, in urban heat islands, the sensor data can guide cooling interventions like planting trees or installing reflective materials. Additionally, its secure wireless communication ensures reliable data collection over large areas without risk of tampering or data loss.
