MODULE DETAILS

Radio Telemetry Systems DIARTS616

Nominal duration: 36 hours total time commitment

This time commitment includes the structured activities, preparation reading, and attendance at each webinar, completing exercises, practical assessments and proctored assessments.

It is also expected that students spend additional time on readings, personal study, independent research and learning, practicing on remote labs and required software and working on any projects and assignments.

This module covers the specification and design of wireless links used for SCADA telemetry systems.

MODULE PURPOSE

The purpose of the module is for participants to be able to build sound general knowledge of the design and specifications of wireless links for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.

MODIFICATION HISTORY

Original module approved in 2007 (51935); June 2011 (52403WA); 2014 (52708WA).  This version: V4.0

PREREQUISITE AND/OR CO‑REQUISITE MODULES

Modules that must be delivered and assessed before this module:

Wireless Ethernet and TCPIP Networking DIAWEN615

Modules that must be delivered concurrently with this module:

None

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Compare wireless technologies available for communication with fixed installations
2. Compare core features of wireless modems
3. Identify the essential features of a point-to-point microwave link

4.    Determine infrastructure issues pertaining to the installation of fixed wireless links

LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Learning outcomes specify what students will be able to do as a result of the learning.

Assessment criteria provide the criteria by which achievement of the learning outcomes will be judged.

1

Compare wireless technologies available for communication with fixed installations

1.1

Outline the implementation of terrestrial microwave links, with emphasis on:

(a) Basics of operation

(b) Point-to-point vs. point-to-multipoint applications

(c) Repeaters

(d) Environmental influences

1.2

Explain WiMax (IEEE802.16), with emphasis on:

(a) Specifications

(b) Pertinent system attributes

(c) Basics of operation

1.3

Compare the data communication technologies available on 3G/4G/5G networks

1.4

Analyse remote telemetry data via 3G or 4G

2

Compare core features of wireless modems

2.1

Identify criteria for selection of modems for point-to-point applications, specifically:

(a) Spread Spectrum technology employed

(b) Carrier frequency

(c) Effective Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP)

2.2

Demonstrate configuration of a 900 MHz wireless ethernet modem

3

Identify the essential features of a point-to-point microwave link

3.1

Apply parameters for a point-to-point design, in particular:

(a) Distances based on geographic co-ordinates

(b) Free Space Loss

(c) Conversions between voltage/power to decibels and vice versa

3.2

Apply parameters for a 2.4 GHz point-to-point terrestrial link, in particular:

(a) Mast height calculation

(b) Selection of antennas, modems and feeder cable

(c) Achievement of Fade Margin commensurate with the stipulated availability for the link

3.3

Design a microwave backhaul utilising online design tools

4

Determine infrastructure issues pertaining to the installation of fixed wireless links

4.1

Explain the factors relating to setting up a permanent wireless telemetry link, including:

(a) Site selection

(b) Antenna support structures

(c) Equipment shelters

(d) Power supply

(e) Supervisory systems

(f) Cabling infrastructure

(g) Auditing existing installations with a view to upgrading

(h) Redundancy

4.2

Outline security issues and countermeasures pertaining to point-to-point wireless links

DELIVERY MODE

Online and/or face-to-face

SPECIALISED RESOURCES

N/A

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, structured assessments, samples and questioning. This will include short answer questions on the knowledge content, the use of remote and virtual labs, and writing tasks to apply the learning to academic tasks.

CONDITIONS OF ASSESSMENT

Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this module. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required.

The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Assessments may be open book assessment and may be completed off campus. Invigilation software will be used for some assessments to ensure authenticity of work completed.

Model answers must be provided for all knowledge-based assessments to ensure reliability of assessment judgements when marking is undertaken by different assessors.