Belgium-based ADB Safegate is set to introduce its airfield-related OFDM-based power line communication platform, LINC 360, at inter airport Europe 2021 in Germany.
This solution provides a 360°, real-time view of the airfield, facilitating quicker control and monitoring of airfield assets, along with the collection of sensor data. The telemetry uses the current airfield lighting power circuit to transmit the data at high rates that are unaffected by external interference. As a result, LINC 360 is expected to provide a ‘cost-effective’ and ‘futureproof way’ for enhancing operations of airports.
ADB Safegate global product manager Nicholas Ververken said: “For assets and tools to be able to communicate with each other in real-time, a robust, fast, and reliable communications infrastructure is essential.
“LINC 360 is one of the building blocks of this communications infrastructure that we’re creating. What sets it apart from existing power line communication systems is its ability to transmit data two ways to and from assets at high speeds to fulfil the data needs of tomorrow, thus moving beyond pure ILCMS.”
The solution’s data rate has the capacity to transmit bigger payloads downstream for addressing signage with ‘flexible’ messaging. For making cost-effective migration, the current airfield ground lighting cabling infrastructure is utilised as a communication channel.
LINC 360 is a telemetry element of the company’s Airfield 4.0 roadmap, which will also be presented by ADB Safegate at inter airport Europe 2021. Some of its primary components are the internal or external remotes that back individual light control and monitoring in the field and the controller in the substation.
The field sensors can be incorporated into its system to sense and send local surveillance information through power line communication. Furthermore, LINC 360 can function as a standalone monitoring solution or be combined with an airfield lighting control and monitoring system (ALCMS).
It provides aircraft guidance in all-weather circumstances and enhances airside safety by minimising the risk of runway incursions. In a statement, ADB Safegate said: “Airports can also optimise airfield operations and maintenance as the system automatically detects and reports lamp failures, decreasing downtime and maintenance costs.”
Last month, iGA Istanbul Airport turned to ADB Safegate to automate the docking of aeroplanes in all weather conditions and improve parking accuracy.
