Frequency (Wireless Communication)

Frequency refers to the number of times a radio wave oscillates per second. Higher frequencies allow for faster data transmission but often have shorter range, while lower frequencies can travel longer distances but may support lower data rates.

What is “Frequency” In Wireless Communication?

In wireless communication, “Frequency” marks the rate at which signal cycles are completed per second, measured in hertz (Hz). The radio spectrum, regulated by international bodies like the ITU, assigns specific frequency bands to different wireless technologies to prevent interference. 

The efficient management of frequency is crucial, given the increasing demand and congestion in the radio spectrum. Different wireless standards, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks, operate within designated frequency ranges, influencing factors like coverage, compatibility, and interference.

Frequency and IO-Link Wireless 

In the context of IO-Link Wireless, “Frequency” relates to the rate of signal transmission within the system. IO-Link Wireless achieves low latency through a 5-millisecond communication cycle, subdivided into three 1.6-millisecond sub-cycles, each operating on a distinct frequency. This design allows simultaneous communication with up to 40 nodes per Wireless Master. 

Coexistence features, such as blocklisting and adaptive frequency hopping, ensure that IO-Link Wireless operates seamlessly within the 2.4 GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) band, a globally available, license-free frequency spectrum. This capability is crucial in industrial environments where multiple wireless systems often coexist, as it minimizes interference and ensures stable communication.

The system’s reliability is highlighted by a remarkable Packet Error Rate (PER) of 1e-9, comparable to wired connections, and is further enhanced by mechanisms like repetition for critical data and the use of Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying (GFSK) modulation, providing robustness against interferences.