Intelligent Distributed Controls Ltd

IDC’s scaleable, wireless and web based warehouse management system is enabling operators of large distribution centres to become more efficient and profitable – especially during the current downturn – by allowing them to sell space they are not currently using to third parties.

IDC’s new NetLight system of wireless integrated lighting controllers makes street lighting far more energy efficient, flexible, and interactive. The system combines the latest intelligent lighting controls with wireless connectivity, and a remote web browser, to delivery substantial savings in all aspects of street lighting, from initial design to installation, commissioning, energy usage and ongoing maintenance.

IDC is expanding the scope of its ZigBee low power wireless network products, in range, network size and security, with the introduction of the new ZB109 Router. Designed for operation with IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee wireless sensor networks, the ZB109 provides redundancy in the event of a router failure. Up to 100 of the devices can be deployed in a wireless network using a single IDC ZB103/4 Gateway, the routers providing a range of up to 100m line-of-sight with a 2.1dBi antenna, or much increased distances up to 250m with the optional 8.5dBi antenna.

IDC has launched the ZB116, a smaller version of its energy saving power blocks, providing a low cost, wireless operated switch with remote power monitoring, which reduces energy consumption by automatically powering down non essential equipment in typical applications such as lighting, heating, air-conditioning and IT data centres.

Having successfully supplied a ZigBeeTM based system to enable a leading UK motor vehicle manufacturer to ensure that all components for car production arrive JIT on the assembly line, IDC has now supplied a similar system to the French division of the same manufacturer. The French system called for IDC hardware to interface to an existing SCADA monitoring system. IDC overcame this problem by developing an OPC Server for their Ethernet Gateway, which enabled easy integration of the wireless pull switch and push button units for supply chain interaction.

IDC’s new ZB103 Gateway provides a ZigBee to serial interface (RS232/RS422/ RS485) connection, and can convert serial devices, such as intelligent sensors, RFID and barcode readers into wireless devices. The ZB103 is designed for use in applications such as remote control and monitoring of fixed machinery where cables are difficult to install, or transferring data to and from mobile plant.

IDC is providing optimum interface capabilities for its ZigBee range of wireless mesh products, with the launch of its ZB104 Ethernet Gateway. Designed for use in logistics, warehouse distribution, manufacturing and medical sectors, the ZB104 is a dual function device, which acts as the central co-ordinator for a network of ZigBee devices; it also transfers data to and from the wireless network over Ethernet.

IDC has launched a new addition to its ZigBee range of wireless mesh products for use in automation, manufacturing and logistical operations. The new ZB102 keypad is a programmable battery -powered wireless unit with keys that are easily customised to suit specific user applications. Typical applications for the ZB102 include operator prompts for manufacturing and logistic operations, remote control and position monitoring.

Intelligent Distributed Controls (IDC) has introduced a range of Zigbee (trademark)-based wireless products, which enable machine builders and original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to integrate wireless networking into their own products.

Wireless- mesh networking and automation specialist, IDC, has won a £250,000 grant from the East Midlands Development Corporation to develop a plug-in wireless- controlled system that will make street lighting far more energy efficient, flexible, and interactive - with all lanterns communicating via a GPRS modem connected to a hosted server.

Intelligent Distributed Controls has added the ZB101 Personal Interactive Key Fob to its range of ZigBee wireless communication products. The Key Fob is a compactly designed remote push button and alarm which is ideal for personnel tracking in hazardous working conditions, as found in remote substations and marine industries. The Key Fob has a built in alarm and tracking system and up to five push buttons with varying operations; it offers the advantage of extremely low power consumption meaning that its two lithium coin batteries will last over a million operations.

IDC’s new ZB113 wireless push button station has been designed as a robust operator station typically for use in manufacturing processes, for parts calling, Andon paging, supervisor calling, forklift paging, alarms and many more. A programmable device, the ZB113 is battery powered and operates via wireless communication, removing the need for an external power supply or separate control cables. Its extremely low power consumption enables the unit to operate for years, without the need to replace batteries in most applications.

Zigbee is the latest buzz in the Wi-Fi world, but what are its uses, and what are the benefits for industry and commerce?

Technology company Intelligent Distributed Controls (IDC) have introduced a range of wireless products to enable machine builders and original equipment manufacturers to integrate wireless networking into their machines and systems.