DataTrace ® Radio Frequency System - Mesa Labs

DTLinc Network - The DataTrace RF AdvantageA real time RF data logger system is only as good as itsAn important design consideration for maximum range is thecommunication network. You need a radio network that isbattery lifetime. The use of a high powered radio may increase thereliable, easy to set up, fast, and robust. Mesa’s proprietaryrange, but it reduces battery life, possibly to a degree that the dataDTLinc RF network provides a reliable communication protocol logger system has limited utility.that is uniquely designed for high performance data loggers.In designing the DataTrace RF system, all of these variables wereBut how does it work? Without getting too technical, it helps considered and the system was designed to provide a “lineof-sight”range of approximately 100 ft (30 m). Of course, forto understand a little about radio data logger systems to reallyappreciate the advantages of DTLinc and the DataTrace RFmost applications, the usable range will be much shorter due tosystem.obstructions in the communications path. A DataTrace RF RepeaterFrequencymay be added to the system to increase the usable range. For thevast majority of target applications for the DataTrace RF system, theUnlike some other data logger systems, DTLinc operates on 2.4range will be adequate, either with or without a repeater.GHz, which is usable worldwide without a special license. Someother data logger systems operate in the 420 to 450 MHz range, Network Architecturewhich is only available in Europe on a license free basis, or at 902 The Network Architecture refers to the pathways by which RF communication occurs between the various components in the RFon a license free basis.system, including:DataTrace RF SystemInterferenceMany other electronic devices transmit RF frequencies,either as a way to communicate, or as a by product of poorelectromagnetic (EM) shielding. These interfering RF signalscan cause communications problems, including data loss,unless methods are employed to sort out the true DTLinccommunications from the “noise”. The DTLinc Network employsa variety of techniques to reduce interferences, including: DSSS – Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum technologyto spread the RF communication over a narrow range offrequencies, reducing noiseClear Channel – DTLinc verifies that the transmission channel isclear prior to initiating communicationSpecific Acknowledge – All communication from the dataloggers is specifically acknowledged by the host and if the IDis not verified, the communication is ignored. Additionally, if aproper acknowledgement is not received, the transmission isrepeated by the loggerRangeRange is defined as the maximum distance between the datalogger transmitter and the host receiver. Range is typically afunction of the radio power and the frequency. (The higherthe power, the longer the range and the higher the frequency,the shorter the range.) Obstructions that come between thetransmitter and the receiver reduce the range, while metal stopsthe signal entirely. Data Loggers (Transmitters) Repeaters (Signal Relay Devices) Host (Receivers)DataTrace RF’s DTLinc network uses an energy efficient, robust“Point-to-Point” configuration. In this configuration, the dataloggers act primarily as transmitters of their data, without “loggerto-logger”communication. An alternative network architecture isa “Mesh” network in which each of the data loggers can act eitheras a transmitter or a repeater to relay the signal, thus increasingthe network range. While there are some advantages to a Meshnetwork in terms of flexibility, it is poorly suited to validationapplications. DTLinc’s “Point-to-Point” network uses much lessenergy than a Mesh network, maximizing battery lifetime, and isideally suited to its target applications.AutoRecover – a DTLinc ExclusiveThere will be times when RF communication from the data loggersis interrupted. In most RF systems, this will result in data loss. Foryour critical validation applications, any data loss is unacceptable.With DTLinc’s exclusive AutoRecover feature you never have toworry about data loss again. The DataTrace RF system continuouslymonitors for 100% integrity in the real time data received at the PC.If missing data is detected, a command is sent out over the DTLincnetwork to re-transmit this missing data from the data logger’sinternal memory. The result is that you get 100% of your data, allthe time, every time.

Powerful data collection,radio communication,reporting, and analysissoftware systemDataTrace RF SystemOperating DTRF softwareWhen you first access DTRF, icons for Setup, Program, Radio,Test, Read, Reports and Utilities appear on the left side of thescreen. Most commands are intuitive, self-explanatory and/orconventional. An overview of these icons:Program Icon. Use the Wizard to configureand program all DataTrace loggers, includingMPRF, MPIII, FRB and MPII, as long as theappropriate Interface is correctly attached andconfigured.Read Icon. Read the Loggers and downloadlogged data. With DTRF you can also programand read earlier versions of DataTrace Loggers.Radio Icon. Retrieve and view data coming infrom MPRF Loggers in real time. (Transmitteddata is also logged within the Logger and can beretrieved through the Read Logger process.)Test Icon. Perform diagnostic tests and reportson various network components, includingthe Loggers.Reports Icon. Generate printable reportsand graphs using current or saved data.DataTrace ® RF’s (DTRF) software is the heart of the DataTrace RFprocess monitoring solution. The software works with any numberand combination (up to 250) of DataTrace Loggers to create a single,comprehensive monitoring system.All existing DataTrace Loggers (including earlier Logger models)work with the RF Interface System which includes robust DTRFsoftware, an interface host/module and USB cable.So instead of dealing with the expense and confusion of manydifferent monitoring systems, you can monitor, log and analyzedata for multiple process parameters using an integrated,powerful, complete solution. This makes DataTrace RF uniquewithin the industry.DTRF software:• Easy-to-use, intuitive screens• Many time-saving features, including shortcutsto minimize keystrokes• Useful Batch Program and Batch Read functions• Fast and hassle-free field calibration• An indicator to monitor remaining Logger battery life• Flexible reporting capabilities — create process phasereports with up to 10 logger profiles per page• Simultaneous monitoring capabilities — monitor up to 250MPRF loggers at the same time (based on sample interval)Utilities Icon. Export data, archive ordelete unwanted profiles, back-up dataand otherwise maintain the database.Setup Icon. Open the Setup window, establishCommunication Ports, browse and set othersystem options

Real-Time ViewsDataTrace RF SystemSummary: An on-goinglist of summaryinformation for eachselected Logger. Dataincludes minimum,maximum, average,spread and standarddeviation for eachcollected parameter.History: View allincoming data foreach Logger bysample interval.Minimum System Requirements• Pentium 4CPU – 2.0 GHz• Windows XP operating system• 512 MB RAM• 100 MB of free hard disk space• 1 free USB port• 1 CD ROM driveGraph: Plot data(Single or dualchannel) on an axis.Auto-refresh graphon reception ofnew data.Placement: View andplace incoming dataagainst a picture orgraphic backdrop.Thermal Map:Visualize yourprocess in real time.Complete monitoring systemAll MPRF Loggers require an Interface/Host System, whichincludes robust DTRF software, an interface/host module andcable. The DTRF software operates with any combination andnumber (up to 250) of DataTrace Temperature, Humidity andPressure Loggers. So instead of dealing with the expense andconfusion of disparate monitoring systems, users can validate,monitor, log and analyze data for multiple process parametersusing a single integrated, powerful and complete solution.This makes DataTrace RF unique in the industry.Mesa Laboratories, Inc.12100 West 6th AvenueLakewood, Colorado 80228Toll-free 800.525.1215Telephone 303.987.8000Fax 303.987.8989datatracesales@mesalabs.comwww.mesalabs.com9.29.09

Providing high-quality measurementinstruments and consumablesMesa Laboratories, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets high-quality measurementinstruments, consumables and accessories relied upon by businesses worldwide, fromFortune 500 companies to high tech start-ups. Mesa’s products are used to assureproduct quality, control manufacturing processes, and to solve problems in niche marketsin industrial, pharmaceutical and medical applications, and are characterized by technicalexcellence and superior industry reputations.Mesa’s products include:– patented, wireless data loggers for measuring and recordingtemperature, humidity and pressure– Meters, standard solutions, and related accessories used byhemodialysis clinics worldwide to ensure quality care and patientsafety– Raven Labs, a division of Mesa Labs, manufactures BiologicalIndicators for validating sterilization processes. Raven has beeninvolved in the production of sterility assurance products since 1949and is committed to providing the highest quality products andservices to its clients.Mesa Laboratories, Inc. is a public company, founded in 1982, based on the principlesof superior product quality and a high level of customer service. We continually striveto provide state-of-the-art products and services to our customers.Mesa Laboratories, Inc.12100 West 6th AvenueLakewood, Colorado 80228Toll-free 800.525.1215Telephone 303.987.8000Fax 303.987.8989datatracesales@mesalabs.comwww.mesalabs.com