- Built-in RTLS
- Integrated Check, Track, Trace
- Easy to install
- Functional scalability
- Dynamic Event Reporting
Product Series 3000: Third Generation Active RFID
With the Product Series 3000, Ambient reduces the Total Cost of Ownership for active RFID solutions by 75%. In contrast with other active RFID solutions, Ambient utilizes intelligent tags – SmartPoints – in combination with low-cost wireless mesh networking technology. Ambient Product Series 3000 provides the opportunity to check, track, and trace physical objects with a single, integrated solution:
Check : monitor objects by adding any sensor.
Track : locate objects within the Ambient network in real-time.
Trace : store historical sensor measurements and relevant product data.
Product Series 3000 Components
Ambient Product Series 3000 consists of SmartPoints that communicate with Ambient’s wireless mesh networks with MicroRouters and a single GateWay. With Dynamic Event Reporting, SmartPoints only communicate relevant business events to the network. The GateWay provides the interface to corporate IT systems. Together these elements provide a very innovative and cost-effective active RFID solution.
Our wireless networks consist of the following components:
- SmartPoints – the battery-operated devices (or “tags”) that can be attached to the goods that need to be monitored and tracked.
- All Wireless Networks - Each wireless network contains at least one Gateway, which ensures that data is communicated between the wireless network and corporate IT systems. Most wireless networks will also contain a number of MicroRouters, the intelligent hubs that provide radio coverage and data transport. SmartPoints communicate with one or more MicroRouters, or directly with the GateWay.
- Ambient Studio - Ambient Studio is our software product for network and configuration management, and for integration with corporate IT systems.
Key Features
Robust and Resilient™
A set of technologies ensures that communication takes place under even the most difficult circumstances. Ambient’s mesh networking technology ensures networks are self-configuring, fault-resistant and self-healing. On top of that Ambient operates a Reliable Transport Protocol (RTP) which ensures data always reach their designated destination.
All-Wireless™
Most wireless networks are not truly wireless. Many need backhaul cabling, almost all need power cabling. Ambient Systems has developed an All-Wireless™ concept. To operate the network, backhaul cabling is not needed. No Cat5 cables, no other cables. All the data travels over a low-cost, reliable wireless network. In those instances where mains power is not available, Ambient provides battery operated infrastructure MicroRouters.
AirLock™ Security
AirLock™ provides a set of security measures which can authenticate both SmartPoints and MicroRouters.
Check, Track, Trace
Ambient's active RFID solutions provide integrated possibilities to monitor assets (“check”), locate people and goods (“track”) and build a historical record of both (“trace”).
Dynamic Event Reporting™
Applying business rules enables users to operate the Dynamic Event Reporting™ feature. This feature is the Active-RFID translation of “management by exception”. Dynamic Exception Reporting™ provides alarms when dynamically adjustable business rules are exceeded.
Built-In RTLS
Similar to GPS-devices, which can calculate their position by receiving a handful of beacons from satellites, Ambient Systems devices can determine their own location using Ambient's patented technology with an accuracy of several meters. A separate RTLS-server is not required. The location of each device is always available. With a simple location request, back office systems know where things are, which opens a wide range of applications.
Geofencing
Because each SmartPoint can determine its own location, it can be instructed to generate an alarm when it leaves a certain area. This is called “geofencing”. Geofencing is one of the many business rules which is available on the Series 3000.
SensIO™
Each SmartPoint is equipped with a SensIO™ port for easy expansion of digital sensors which communicate over I²C, SPI and 1-Wire. Other sensors, actuators and auxiliary devices can be attached either via SensIO™ of via the SmartPoint module.
REM Sleep Mode
SmartPoints are usually active executing their business rules within the Active-RFID Network. However, in certain cases, a network may not be available, for example during long-haul transport. In those cases, SmartPoints switch to REM Sleep Mode. The sensor stays active (for example, temperatures are recorded every five minutes and stored to memory) but the transceiver is in deep sleep mode (performing a network availability check every 6 hours).