Advantech ADAM-2000 Series User manual

User Manual
ADAM-2000 Series
Wireless Sensor Network Data
Acquisition Modules

ADAM-2000 Series User Manual ii
Copyright
The documentation and the software included with this product are copyrighted 2012
by Advantech Co., Ltd. All rights are reserved. Advantech Co., Ltd. reserves the right
to make improvements in the products described in this manual at any time without
notice. No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated or transmitted
in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Advantech Co.,
Ltd. Information provided in this manual is intended to be accurate and reliable. How-
ever, Advantech Co., Ltd. assumes no responsibility for its use, nor for any infringe-
ments of the rights of third parties, which may result from its use.
Acknowledgements
Intel and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Microsoft Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
All other product names or trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
Product Warranty (2 years)
Advantech warrants to you, the original purchaser, that each of its products will be
free from defects in materials and workmanship for two years from the date of pur-
chase.
This warranty does not apply to any products which have been repaired or altered by
persons other than repair personnel authorized by Advantech, or which have been
subject to misuse, abuse, accident or improper installation. Advantech assumes no
liability under the terms of this warranty as a consequence of such events.
Because of Advantech’s high quality-control standards and rigorous testing, most of
our customers never need to use our repair service. If an Advantech product is defec-
tive, it will be repaired or replaced at no charge during the warranty period. For out-
of-warranty repairs, you will be billed according to the cost of replacement materials,
service time and freight. Please consult your dealer for more details.
If you think you have a defective product, follow these steps:
1. Collect all the information about the problem encountered. (For example, CPU
speed, Advantech products used, other hardware and software used, etc.) Note
anything abnormal and list any onscreen messages you get when the problem
occurs.
2. Call your dealer and describe the problem. Please have your manual, product,
and any helpful information readily available.
3. If your product is diagnosed as defective, obtain an RMA (return merchandize
authorization) number from your dealer. This allows us to process your return
more quickly.
4. Carefully pack the defective product, a fully-completed Repair and Replacement
Order Card and a photocopy proof of purchase date (such as your sales receipt)
in a shippable container. A product returned without proof of the purchase date
is not eligible for warranty service.
5. Write the RMA number visibly on the outside of the package and ship it prepaid
to your dealer.
Part No. 2003D01111 Edition 2
Printed in Taiwan May 2013

iii ADAM-2000 Series User Manual
Declaration of Conformity
FCC
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B dig-
ital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to pro-
vide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interfer-
ence to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interfer-
ence to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equip-
ment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CE
This product has passed the CE test for environmental specifications when shielded
cables are used for external wiring. We recommend the use of shielded cables. This
kind of cable is available from Advantech. Please contact your local supplier for
ordering information.
CE
This product has passed the CE test for environmental specifications. Test conditions
for passing included the equipment being operated within an industrial enclosure. In
order to protect the product from being damaged by ESD (Electrostatic Discharge)
and EMI leakage, we strongly recommend the use of CE-compliant industrial enclo-
sure products.
Technical Support and Assistance
1. Visit the Advantech web site at www.advantech.com/support where you can find
the latest information about the product.
2. Contact your distributor, sales representative, or Advantech's customer service
center for technical support if you need additional assistance. Please have the
following information ready before you call:
–Product name and serial number
–Description of your peripheral attachments
–Description of your software (operating system, version, application software,
etc.)
–A complete description of the problem
–The exact wording of any error messages

ADAM-2000 Series User Manual iv
Warnings, Cautions and Notes
Document Feedback
To assist us in making improvements to this manual, we would welcome comments
and constructive criticism. Please send all such - in writing to: support@advan-
tech.com
Packing List
Before setting up the system, check that the items listed below are included and in
good condition. If any item does not accord with the table, please contact your dealer
immediately.
1x ADAM-2000 Series Device
1x 2dBi Antenna (ADAM-2520Z, ADAM-2510Z, ADAM-2051PZ only)
2 x Mounting Kits
1x CD
Safety Instructions
1. Read these safety instructions carefully.
2. Keep this User Manual for later reference.
3. Disconnect this equipment from any AC outlet before cleaning. Use a damp
cloth. Do not use liquid or spray detergents for cleaning.
4. For plug-in equipment, the power outlet socket must be located near the equip-
ment and must be easily accessible.
5. Keep this equipment away from humidity.
6. Put this equipment on a reliable surface during installation. Dropping it or letting
it fall may cause damage.
7. The openings on the enclosure are for air convection. Protect the equipment
from overheating. DO NOT COVER THE OPENINGS.
8. Make sure the voltage of the power source is correct before connecting the
equipment to the power outlet.
Warning! Warnings indicate conditions, which if not observed, can cause personal
injury!
Caution! Cautions are included to help you avoid damaging hardware or losing
data. e.g.
There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed.
Do not attempt to recharge, force open, or heat the battery. Replace the
battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the man-
ufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's
instructions.
Note! Advantech reserves the right to change this manual at any time without
notice.

v ADAM-2000 Series User Manual
9. Position the power cord so that people cannot step on it. Do not place anything
over the power cord.
10. All cautions and warnings on the equipment should be noted.
11. If the equipment is not used for a long time, disconnect it from the power source
to avoid damage by transient overvoltage.
12. Never pour any liquid into an opening. This may cause fire or electrical shock.
13. Never open the equipment. For safety reasons, the equipment should be
opened only by qualified service personnel.
14. If one of the following situations arises, get the equipment checked by service
personnel:
15. The power cord or plug is damaged.
16. Liquid has penetrated into the equipment.
17. The equipment has been exposed to moisture.
18. The equipment does not work well, or you cannot get it to work according to the
user's manual.
19. The equipment has been dropped and damaged.
20. The equipment has obvious signs of breakage.
21. DO NOT LEAVE THIS EQUIPMENT IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE THE
STORAGE TEMPERATURE MAY GO BELOW -40°C (-40°F) OR ABOVE 85°C
(185°F). THIS COULD DAMAGE THE EQUIPMENT. THE EQUIPMENT
SHOULD BE IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT.
22. CAUTION: DANGER OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS INCORRECTLY
REPLACED. REPLACE ONLY WITH THE SAME OR EQUIVALENT TYPE
RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER, DISCARD USED BATTERIES
ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS.
23. The sound pressure level at the operator's position according to IEC 704-1:1982
is no more than 70 dB (A).
DISCLAIMER: This set of instructions is given according to IEC 704-1. Advantech
disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy of any statements contained herein.
Safety Precaution - Static Electricity
Follow these simple precautions to protect yourself from harm and the products from
damage.
Disconnect power before making any configuration changes. The sudden rush of
power as you connect a jumper or install a card may damage sensitive electronic
components.

ADAM-2000 Series User Manual vi

vii ADAM-2000 Series User Manual
Contents
Chapter 1 Understanding Your System ..............1
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 2
Figure 1.1 ADAM-2000 Series System Architecture.................... 2
Figure 1.2 ADAM-2000 Series Operating Distance ..................... 2
1.1.1 IEEE 802.15.4 Wireless Standard ................................................ 3
Table 1.1: Wireless Specifications............................................... 3
1.1.2 Wireless Sensor Network.............................................................. 3
1.1.3 Low-power Consumption and Battery-Powered Design ............... 4
1.1.4 Sensor Embedded Design ............................................................ 4
1.1.5 Wireless Signal Indicator .............................................................. 4
1.1.6 Industrial Standard Modbus Protocol............................................ 4
1.1.7 SCADA Software Support............................................................. 4
1.1.8 Advantech Software Alignment..................................................... 4
1.2 Specifications ............................................................................................ 5
1.2.1 ADAM-2000 Series Hardware Specification ................................. 5
1.2.2 LED Status.................................................................................... 6
Figure 1.3 LED Indicators ............................................................ 6
Table 1.2: LED Indicator Definitions ............................................ 6
1.2.3 Wireless Communication Range................................................... 7
1.2.4 Selecting Topology ..................................................................... 10
Table 1.3: Topology Comparison Table .................................... 10
1.3 Dimensions ............................................................................................. 11
Figure 1.4 ADAM-2000 Series Dimensions ............................... 11
1.4 Mounting ................................................................................................. 12
1.4.1 Panel Mounting ........................................................................... 12
Figure 1.5 Panel Mounting Dimensions..................................... 12
1.4.2 DIN-rail Mounting ........................................................................ 13
Figure 1.6 Fixing ADAM-2000 to DIN rail adaptor ..................... 13
Figure 1.7 Fixed ADAM-2000 to DIN rail ................................... 13
1.5 Wiring & Connections.............................................................................. 14
1.5.1 Power Supply Wiring................................................................... 14
Figure 1.8 Power Wiring Diagram.............................................. 14
1.5.2 I/O Module Wiring ....................................................................... 15
1.5.3 Communication Wiring................................................................ 15
Figure 1.9 RS-422/485 and USB interface of ADAM-2520Z. .... 15
Figure 1.10Wiring Diagram for ADAM-2520Z............................. 16
Chapter 2 Selecting Your Hardware ..................17
2.1 Selecting an ADAM-2000 Module ........................................................... 18
2.1.1 Selecting a Communication Module ........................................... 18
Table 2.1: Communication Module Selection Guidelines .......... 18
2.1.2 Selecting an I/O .......................................................................... 19
Table 2.2: I/O Selection Guidelines ........................................... 19
2.1.3 Selecting a Sensor Module ......................................................... 19
Table 2.3: Sensor Mode Selection ............................................ 19
2.2 Selecting an Operator Interface .............................................................. 20
Chapter 3 Module Introduction ..........................21
3.1 Communication Modules......................................................................... 22
3.1.1 ADAM-2510Z .............................................................................. 22
3.1.2 ADAM-2520Z .............................................................................. 23

ADAM-2000 Series User Manual viii
3.2 I/O and Sensor Modules ......................................................................... 24
3.2.1 ADAM-2017PZ............................................................................ 24
Figure 3.1 Current Input Wiring Diagram of ADAM-2017PZ ..... 26
Figure 3.2 Voltage Input Wiring Diagram of ADAM-2017PZ ..... 26
3.2.2 ADAM-2031Z .............................................................................. 27
3.2.3 ADAM-2051Z .............................................................................. 29
3.2.4 ADAM-2051PZ............................................................................ 30
Figure 3.3 ADAM-2051Z/2051PZ Wet Contact Diagram........... 31
Figure 3.4 ADAM-2051Z/2051PZ Dry Contact Diagram ........... 31
Chapter 4 Installation Guide.............................. 33
4.1 Determining the Proper Environment...................................................... 34
4.1.1 Package Contents ...................................................................... 34
4.1.2 System Requirements ................................................................ 34
4.1.3 Perform a Wireless Sensor Network........................................... 34
Figure 4.1 The Architecture of the Wireless Sensor Network.... 35
4.2 Establish the Connection ........................................................................ 36
4.2.1 Basic Installation......................................................................... 36
Figure 4.2 Multi-End Device Network performance................... 38
Figure 4.3 Multi-End Device and Router Network Relationship 39
4.2.2 ADAM-2000 Series Installation Flowcharts ................................ 39
Figure 4.4 ADAM-2000 Installation Chart.................................. 40
4.3 Advanced Functions ............................................................................... 44
4.3.1 Link Quality Indicator .................................................................. 44
Table 4.1: Level of LQI .............................................................. 44
4.3.2 Battery Level............................................................................... 44
Table 4.2: Level of battery power .............................................. 44
4.3.3 Pairing......................................................................................... 45
4.3.4 Associating Devices.................................................................... 45
4.3.5 Reboot ........................................................................................ 45
4.3.6 Button Function Table................................................................. 45
Table 4.3: Button Functions ...................................................... 45
4.4 Conduct a Site Survey ............................................................................ 46
4.4.1 Before Going Onsite ................................................................... 46
4.4.2 Onsite Survey ............................................................................. 46
Chapter 5 Software Configuration Guide ......... 47
5.1 System Software Configuration Utility..................................................... 48
5.2 Installing AdamApax .NET Utility Software ............................................. 48
5.3 AdamApax .NET Utility Operation .......................................................... 48
Figure 5.1 AdamApax .NET Utility Operation Window .............. 48
Figure 5.2 AdamApax .NET Utility Toolbar................................ 50
5.3.1 USB Driver Installation................................................................ 51
5.3.2 Search and Configure the ADAM-2000 Series ........................... 51
Figure 5.3 ADAM-2000 Series AdamApax .NET Utility Support 51
Figure 5.4 Search the USB interface ADAM-2000 devices on the
host PC for the virtual COM port. ............................. 52
Figure 5.5 Search the COM port for the ADAM-2000 devices. . 52
Figure 5.6 Searching the network dialog ................................... 53
Figure 5.7 Searching the ADAM-2000 coordinators.................. 53
Figure 5.8 ADAM-2000 devices lists on the Tree View and Infor-
mation page.............................................................. 54
Figure 5.9 The overview of ADAM-2000 end devices. .............. 55
Figure 5.10The overview of ADAM-2000 routers ....................... 55
Figure 5.11Information page of ADAM-2520Z............................ 56
Figure 5.12Wireless Configuration page of the ADAM-2520Z. .. 56
Figure 5.13 Information page of ADAM-2510Z........................... 57

ix ADAM-2000 Series User Manual
Figure 5.14Wireless Configuration page of ADAM-2510Z.......... 57
Figure 5.15 The Device Status page of the ADAM-2510Z ......... 58
Figure 5.16 Information Page ..................................................... 58
Figure 5.17Wireless Configuration page .................................... 59
Figure 5.18The Device Status page ........................................... 59
Figure 5.19The Signal page ....................................................... 60
5.3.3 Network Topology of ADAM-2000 Series ................................... 61
Figure 5.20Topology of the ADAM-2000 series.......................... 61
Figure 5.21Topology of ADAM-2000 network with specific back-
ground image............................................................ 61
5.3.4 Module Locate Function of ADAM-2000 Series (Except ADAM-
2520Z)......................................................................................... 62
Figure 5.22Node Tree................................................................. 62
5.3.5 Group Configuration.................................................................... 63
Figure 5.23Group Configuration ................................................. 63
Figure 5.24Firmware Update in Group Configuration................. 63
Figure 5.25Wireless Setting of Group Configuration .................. 64
Chapter A ADAM-2000 Series Functions...........65
A.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 66
A.2 ADAM-2000 I/O Modbus Mapping Table ................................................ 66
Table A.1: Modbus ID Table of ADAM-2000 series ................... 66
A.2.1 ADAM-2520Z .............................................................................. 67
Table A.2: ADAM-2520Z Mapping Table ................................... 67
A.2.2 ADAM-2510Z .............................................................................. 68
Table A.3: ADAM-2510Z Mapping Table ................................... 68
A.2.3 ADAM-2017PZ............................................................................ 69
Table A.4: ADAM-2017PZ Mapping Table................................. 69
A.2.4 ADAM-2031Z .............................................................................. 72
Table A.5: ADAM-2031Z Mapping Table ................................... 72
A.2.5 ADAM-2051Z .............................................................................. 74
Table A.6: ADAM-2051Z Mapping Table ................................... 74
A.2.6 ADAM-2051PZ............................................................................ 75
Table A.7: ADAM-2051PZ Mapping Table................................. 75
Chapter B Troubleshooting ................................77
B.1 Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 78
B.2 Notice ...................................................................................................... 79

ADAM-2000 Series User Manual x

Chapter 1
1Understanding Your
System

ADAM-2000 Series User Manual 2
1.1 Introduction
ADAM-2000 series is the wireless solution of the ADAM families and integrates the
IEEE 802.15.4 standard, I/O and Sensor technologies known as Wireless Sensor
Network. Different from the wired solution, the flexible network capability makes it
easy to extend or construct a cost-effective distributed monitoring system for variety
of applications. Through popular industrial Modbus protocol, the ADAM-2000 can be
integrated into any HMI and SCADA system. The low-power consumption design
also makes it possible for standalone applications with batteries. The sensor embed-
ded design provides compact size for specified application. With the ADAM-4000 and
ADAM-6000, the ADAM provides the total solutions of remote I/O. Please refer to
Figure 1-1 for a brief overview of the ADAM-2000 system architecture..
Figure 1.1 ADAM-2000 Series System Architecture
Figure 1.2 ADAM-2000 Series Operating Distance

3 ADAM-2000 Series User Manual
Chapter 1 Understanding Your System
1.1.1 IEEE 802.15.4 Wireless Standard
IEEE 802.15.4 is a wireless standard defined as Low Rate Wireless Personal Area
Network (LR-WPAN) or usually called Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)
instead. It is designed for low-power consumption and robust wireless communica-
tion, especially for small data packet applications, such as sensor, I/O and etc. IEEE
802.15.4 is a low data rate, low power consumption, low cost, wireless networking
protocol targeted towards automation and remote control applications. It is expected
to provide low cost and low power connectivity for equipment that needs battery life
as long as several months to several years but does not require data transfer rates
as high as those enabled by Bluetooth. The IEEE 802.15.4 standard only defines the
PHY and MAC layers. The working RF are 918MHz for EU, 868MHz for USA and
2.4GHz for World Wide.
1.1.2 Wireless Sensor Network
The Wireless Sensor Network is based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and inherits
all the characteristics. Coordinator, Router and End Device (or called End Node) are
the basic components to perform the PAN.
A coordinator is the data collection center in a PAN and also plays as a gateway to
transfer and translate wireless data to other interfaces, such as RS-232, RS-485,
Ethernet and so on.
A router is a wireless repeater to enhance the wireless signal and a wireless router to
select optimized path for wireless communication between coordinator and end
nodes.
An end node is a wireless remote I/O for data acquisition. The data acquires from
sensors or devices can be transmitted through it. The end node can communicate
with coordinator directly or via a router to coordinator.
As traditional network, the Wireless Sensor Network provides the star, tree and mesh
topologies for various applications.
Table 1.1: Wireless Specifications
Feature(s) IEEE 802.11b Bluetooth IEEE 802.15.4
Data Rate 11Mbps 1Mbps 250Kbps
Power Consumption Hours (High) Days Years (Low)
Connection Very Complex Complex Simple
Connection Speed Up to 3 seconds Up to 10 seconds 30ms
Extendibility Roaming possible No Yes
Reliability Low High High

ADAM-2000 Series User Manual 4
1.1.3 Low-power Consumption and Battery-Powered Design
ADAM-2000 is designed as a standalone device for applications that require long-
time operation without maintenance. Therefore power consumption taken into con-
sideration during its design. The ADAM-2000 not only follows the IEEE 802.15.4
standard for low-power consumption wireless communication, but also optimizes the
peripheral HW and FW design to achieve the uA-level power consumption: making it
capable of being powered using 2 AA batteries.
1.1.4 Sensor Embedded Design
Sensor embedded design makes the ADAM-2000 even better in some specified and
compact applications. The ADAM-2031Z integrates a temperature and a humidity
sensor. The module is suitable for building automation, Green-house, environment
applications which require the specified sensors. With the batteries installed into the
ADAM-2031Z no extra wiring is required to power the module.
1.1.5 Wireless Signal Indicator
There are LEDs in the front of the panel to display the status of device. The LEDs can
indicate the device's status, wireless signal strength, battery power level and error
conditions. With the LEDs, users can easily check the status of the ADAM-2000 by
pressing a button on the side of the ADAM-2000.
1.1.6 Industrial Standard Modbus Protocol
Modbus is an industrial standard serial communication protocol, and a commonly
available way of connecting industrial electronic devices. Modbus allows for commu-
nication between many devices connected to the same network. Modbus RTU is
used in serial communication and makes use of a compact binary representation of
the data for protocol communication. The RTU format follows the commands/data
with a cyclic redundancy check checksum as an error check mechanism to ensure
the reliability of data.
1.1.7 SCADA Software Support
ADAM-2000 supports industrial standard Modbus protocol and can be integrated into
Advantech HMI- WOP, SCADA - WebAccess and 3rd party HMI. With the different
ADAM-2000 modules, it is able to acquire signal from digital input, analog input, tem-
perature, humidity and concentration then the signals can be apply to your applica-
tion.
1.1.8 Advantech Software Alignment
As with all other ADAM devices, the ADAM-2000 series is integrated into the AdamA-
pax .NET Utility, therefore users will have an identical user experience. With the pow-
erful Advantech software, only a few steps are required to search and configure the
ADAM-2000 series.
Note! 1. When Device adopts batteries for main power source, long network
disconnection or association fail which will cause device into net-
work reassociation mechanism then sharply reduce battery life.
2. For the choice of battery, we suggest Energizer L91 Ultimate Lith-
ium AA battery.

5 ADAM-2000 Series User Manual
Chapter 1 Understanding Your System
1.2 Specifications
1.2.1 ADAM-2000 Series Hardware Specification
IEEE Standards: IEEE 802.15.4
Modulation Type: OQPSK
Frequency Band: 2.4GHz ~ 2.4835GHz
Channels: 11 - 26
RF Data Rate: 250 kbps
Transmit Power: 3dBm (1.6mW), 15dBm(20mW) & 19dBm(79mW)
Receiver Sensitivity: -97 dBm
Transmission Power:
–ADAM-2031Z, ADAM-2051Z: 3 ± 1dBm
–ADAM-2017PZ: 16 dBm(max peak power)
–ADAM-2051PZ, ADAM-2510Z, ADAM-2520Z: 19 ±1dBm
Outdoor Range (Line of Sight *):
–ADAM-2031Z, ADAM-2051Z: 110m
–ADAM-2017PZ, ADAM-2051PZ, ADAM-2510Z, ADAM-2520Z: 1000m
Topology: Star/Tree/Mesh
Range Extenders: Maximum 5 Hops
Operating Temperature Range: -20°C ~ 70°C (-4°F ~ 157.9°F)
Operating Temperature Range (Battery Powered): 0oC ~ 50oC (32oF~122oF)
Storage Temperature: -40oC ~ 85oC (-40oF~185oF)
Operation Humidity: 20% ~ 95%
Storage Humidity: 0% ~ 95%
Note! * Outdoor Range is estimated with line of sight. The real transmitting dis-
tance would be affected by the environment of application site. Please
perform site survey to determine the set up range of wireless network.

ADAM-2000 Series User Manual 6
1.2.2 LED Status
There are four types of LED status on the front panel of ADAM-2000 series.
1. Ext PWR: Green LED
2. Error: Red LED
3. Status: Yellow LED
4. Level Index:4x Amber LEDs
Figure 1.3 LED Indicators
Table 1.2: LED Indicator Definitions
Name Color LED Status Definition
1ExtPWR Green On External/USB Power Input
Off No External/USB Power Input
2Error Red
Blinking Network Connecting
On Error, refer to Appendix B for more information
Off No error
3 Status Yellow
On Initial Mode
Off Normal Mode
Blinking Configure Pairing ID (Initial Mode)
4 Level Index Amber
On Pair ID
Off No LQI / Battery Level
Blinking LQI Level and Battery Level

7 ADAM-2000 Series User Manual
Chapter 1 Understanding Your System
1.2.3 Wireless Communication Range
Thought the wireless technology brings the advantage of flexibility, cost-effective wir-
ing and easy deployment, but users must understand its limitations to enjoy the ben-
efits of the wireless technology.
The Link Quality Indicator (LQI) of the ADAM-2000 displays how the facts below
affect the wireless signal. Its indicator represents the Received Signal Strength Indi-
cation (RSSI) and the retransmission times of a packet. The better the LQI, the better
the wireless data packet transmission quality. The limitation of the wireless communi-
cation range depends on following factors:
1.2.3.1 Line of Sight
The distance of each node is defined as the clear path between the antennas which
known as line of sight. Anything within the path will interrupt the radio transmission
that interference the communication. Beware of the trees, buildings, moving objects,
or other obstacles in between the antennas.
Transmission power Receiver sensitivity
Interference Line of Sight
Antenna Performance Shelter
Altitude above Ground Free Space Loss

ADAM-2000 Series User Manual 8
1.2.3.2 Multi-path and Reflection of Signal
When the modules used in indoor place, beware of the signal reflection. The reflec-
tion can help the signal cross the obstacle. It can also generate the multi-paths which
will also cause signal attenuation. This is the reason why the transmission distance
may be reduced in indoor place.
1.2.3.3 Distance between Different Types of Modules
Following figure demonstrate the transmission distance between each type of mod-
ules. The distance between the modules with power amplifier can be around 1000m
under clear line of sight. But if the module without power amplifier is used here, the
distance will be restricted by the power of the antenna of the module. So the path will
be around 110m.

9 ADAM-2000 Series User Manual
Chapter 1 Understanding Your System
1.2.3.4 ADAM-2000 Antenna Pattern
The antenna of the modules with power amplifier uses the Omni-directional antenna.
Its antenna pattern looks like a doughnut as the figure on the left below. The cross-
sectional view of the antenna pattern is on the right below. The plane vertical to
antenna has stronger signal, but the region on or under the antenna has lower signal.
The modules including: ADAM-2520Z, ADAM-2510Z, ADAM-2017PZ, and ADAM-
2051PZ.
The modules without power amplifier use a build-in antenna inside the module. The
build-in antenna is shown as a white bar on the left figure below. Its antenna pattern
is also looks like a doughnut which vertical to antenna. The modules including:
ADAM-2031Z and ADAM-2051Z.
For improving better performance of signal, user may need to adjust the angle of the
antenna to change the antenna pattern. Beware of the relationship of the angle
between position of router and end-devices.
The transmission distance of the modules is defined under the condition of clear line
of sight. Following are the top view of antenna. The modules with power amplifier has
less than 1000 m distance as the figure on the left, and the modules without power
amplifier are less than 110 m.

ADAM-2000 Series User Manual 10
1.2.4 Selecting Topology
Usually, when building a network solution, the user has to take into consideration the
topology that will be used since different topologies have different characteristics.
The ADAM-2000 series provides start, tree and mesh topologies. No further configu-
ration is required, the ADAM-2000 series will automatically associate the network by
the locations of the ADAM-2000 series units. Users may select the correct topology
and install ADAM-2000s for their application systems. The topology is depend on the
number and the position of routers.See the image below and Table 1.3 provide the
illustrations and characteristics comparison table of the three topologies.
Table 1.3: Topology Comparison Table
Topology Star Tree Mesh
Power Consumption Low Medium High
Installation Fee Low Medium High
Network Coverage Small Large Large
Network Capability Small Large Large