Dynamic Antenna Selection

Presentation

Dynamic antenna selection is an advanced function intended for use with specific configurations containing TH110 and CL110 ambient sensors, where fading issues are observed. It is only available when Internal is selected in Antenna selection. The function should be used with caution. You should understand the consequences of the action before selecting it.

The dynamic antenna function analyses the signal quality of the available internal antennas to select the antenna that provides the best signal. The analysis takes n seconds to complete, where n = 10 x ambient sensor communication period (seconds). When the default communication period is set (120 seconds), the analysis takes approximately 20 minutes.

During the analysis, the Panel Server switches between the available internal antennas (antenna A and antenna B), spending an equal time on each, to assess the quality of the signal. Data acquisition is impacted during the analysis if some devices do not have good signal on one or other antenna. Based on the result of the analysis, the Panel Server chooses the antenna with the best signal quality. If neither antenna is fully satisfactory, Antenna switching mode is automatically activated. The system switches between antennas after every n seconds, where n = 2 x ambient sensor communication period (seconds). In this way, the switching period remains below the communication loss trigger.

Devices may have better signal quality on one or other of the antennas. Switching between antennas allows the Panel Server to maintain communication with all devices, but the frequency of the communication is reduced.

The function also offers the possibility of activating automatic analyses. When activated, the Panel Server launches an automatic analysis when it detects a communication loss with a device.

You can launch an analysis when you want by clicking Launch analysis.

Availability

This function is available on Panel Server Entry, Universal (except Wired by Design models), and Advanced.

Setting the Parameters

Procedure to Enable Dynamic Antenna Selection

Follow this procedure to enable dynamic antenna selection:

1. Click the button to enable Dynamic antenna selection.

2. If not required, click the button to deactivate Automatic analysis (enabled by default).

3. Save your settings. After saving the settings the Launch analysis button is active.

   NOTE: If Automatic analysis is enabled, you can launch an immediate analysis, or you can wait for the analysis to be launched automatically. Automatic analysis is launched when the Panel Server detects a communication loss with a device.

4. Click Launch analysis.

5. Check the Analysis status:

   • Successful: the analysis is complete and the result is displayed below and executed.

   • In progress

   • Canceled: the analysis can be canceled if one of the following actions is initiated during an analysis:

     • Adding or removing a device

     • Changing the channel configuration

     • Changing the ambient sensor communication period

     • Clicking on Stop analysis

6. When the analysis is successful, check the analysis result:

   • AntennaA

   • AntennaB

   • Antenna switching mode