Parallel Sequence Spread Spectrum: Bit Error Performance under Industrial Channel Conditions

Abstract:
Communication systems for factory automation (FA) have to guarantee very high reliability and low latency. The use of wireless communication is desired to achieve better mobility and flexibility in terms of modification compared with wired networks. In an industrial environment, multiple reflections from steel truss works, machinery or walls can occur. Due to the harsh channel conditions, FA requirements cannot be entirely fulfilled by state of the art wireless technologies yet. Parallel Sequence Spread Spectrum (PSSS) provides very short latencies and thus is a very promising technology. However, the Bit Error Performance has not been analyzed yet for a realistic industrial channel. In this paper, we focus on a simple multipath channel, as well as on a realistic multipath channel. Based on the simple multipath channel, which includes only one echo path, basic properties of PSSS are revealed. The realistic multipath channel CM 7 is taken from IEEE 802.15.4a and adapted to evaluate the PSSS performance in industrial environments.