Frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS)

Frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) is a method used in wireless communications where the signal rapidly switches between different frequency channels within a larger frequency band. 

What Is FHSS?

Frequency hopping spread spectrum is a wireless communication technique that involves rapidly changing the carrier frequency among multiple frequencies within a specified frequency band. This change in frequency is controlled by a pseudo-random sequence that is known to both the transmitter and the receiver.

The primary purpose of frequency hopping is to reduce interference, enhance security, and enable multiple devices to share the same frequency band with minimal mutual interference. It makes it challenging for unauthorized parties to intercept or jam the signal, as the frequency-hopping pattern is not predictable. By quickly switching between different frequencies, frequency hopping minimizes the impact of interference and enhances the reliability of industrial wireless communication systems.

What are its benefits and features?

The primary benefit of FHSS is its ability to reduce interference and improve signal reliability. By changing the frequency, the system can avoid static and interference from other devices operating on the same frequency. This makes FHSS a robust choice for environments with a lot of radio frequency (RF) noise. FHSS also provides enhanced security. The rapid frequency changes make it difficult for unauthorized users to intercept the communication.

In real-world environments, signals often reflect off surfaces, causing the same signal to reach the receiver at different times. FHSS mitigates this issue by spreading the signal across multiple frequencies to make sure that not all parts of the signal experience interference simultaneously. 

Frequency-hopping spread spectrum and IO-Link Wireless

In the context of IO-Link Wireless, frequency hopping is employed to ensure optimal performance and coexistence with existing wireless networks. 

It changes the frequency channels for each transmission, reducing the impact of interference and achieving a Packet Error Rate (PER) on par with wired connections. That’s what makes it suitable for industrial applications where reliability is crucial.