TWIN SYSTEM

Powerful and fault-tolerant sensor-actuator-system

TWIN is a powerful and fault-tolerant sensor-actuator-system:
It is able to collect data from thousands of sensors over kilometer distances, process them locally or in the cloud, and reversely drive actuators at the site of the sensors. TWIN’s new and unique approach provides sensors inside a cable, encapsulated and well protected. At its core is our Computer-In-Cable-Technology™.

Key features

TWIN is specially designed for monitoring assets of up to 10km² and can withstand harsh environmental conditions. Among TWIN’s exciting features are:

Massive array: thousands of sensors in one TWIN system, hundreds of sensors on one TWIN cable.
Very high speed: samples 1,000 sensors per second with 12 bits resolution.
Fault tolerant by design: short-circuit the cable, cut it, or destroy a sensor node and the system retains its full function.
Extreme low power consumption: typically < 5W (can drive several hundred sensors even from a battery).
Generic sensor interface: adapts to almost any sensor type.
Data Output: actuator functionality at each node .
Distributed Intelligence: local computing power at each node.

To these powerful features, add reliability and quality resulting from industrial production methods. TWIN systems are easy to document, maintain, extend and repair.
Furthermore, the system has complete remote configuration and maintenance capabilities.
TWIN is a game changer, enabling solutions for many problems, which are infeasible with conventional technology.

TWIN Systems Components

TWIN consists of the TWIN Root connecting hundreds of TWIN Nodes (sensor-actuator nodes) with a TWIN Modem (local analysis and alarming unit). The TWIN Bridge interfaces with local or remote networks and automation systems and optionally with the TWIN Dashboard.

TWIN Root (TR)

The TWIN Root's medium for power and data transmission is the simplest conceivable cable, a twisted pair. It is optimized for harsh environments:

EMC: strongly twisted; double shielded by drain wire and foil.
Thin & light: diameter 7mm; weighs only 61kg per km.
Strong: Tensile strenght > 300N.
Rugged: cross-linked PUR mantle protects against acids, oil, gases.
Safe: FRNC (flame retardant non-corrosive) and halogen-free.

According to other application requirements, the cable characteristics can be changed.
On one TWIN Root hundreds of TWIN nodes can be integrated.

TWIN Node (TN)

The TWIN Node is the key part of the TWIN technology: It is a sensor-actuator node which provides a data output function via a programmable LED able to command a relay; and it interfaces the sensor type of your desire through:

Constant current source for variable resistance sensors.
Second voltage input (0-10V) with 12bit ADC.
Serial I/O interface.
Standard serial interfaces (asynchronous, PWM, I²C, SPI)

We currently provide TN with sensors for temperature, humidity, CO₂, NH₃, H₂S, vibration, and proximity measurements. Up to 3 sensors may be attached to one node.

TWIN Modem (TM)

The TWIN Modem is located at the head of the TWIN Root and addresses the TN. The patented addressing method between TN and TM is the core of the TWIN technology, and provides unsurpassed and uncompromised fault-tolerance by design.

Local data analysis: Real-time evaluation of complex (alarm) algorithms.
Local alarming via potential-free contacts.
Included cabling zone makes electrical cabinet and external wiring obsolete.
Housing variants from premium (IP67, stainless steel, sea-water resistant) to PCB-only variant (OEM-version).

TWIN Bridge (TB)

The TWIN Bridge is a software that serves 3 main purposes:

Configuration and control of the lower layers of the TWIN system (TM, TN).
System-wide data analysis, alarming and data filtering.
Interfacing with higher level networks and platforms (local or remote networks, automation and control systems, SCADA, IoT platforms, cloud).

The TWIN Bridge is a cross-platform program (Linux, Windows) and runs on different computer types, from single board computers to industrial computers.
In our native configuration we operate the TWIN Bridge on a Raspberry Pi, connected to the TM via RS485 interface. Our preferred protocol for the upward interface to your platform is https/JSON.

TWIN Dashboard (TD)

The TWIN Dashboard is a powerful web-based platform for data visualization and analysis. It is viewed in a web browser and based on the open-source solution Grafana.

Live-Heatmaps

To visualize the current sensor data at a glance, we offer live-heatmaps: They are an intuitive way to grasp at a glance what is going on. This is equally important for regular operation with non-trained personnel as for emergencies where time is of major importance.

Time Series

To visualize sensor data time-series, users may configure their own custom-tailored dashboards representing specific sensor data over freely selectable timeframes. It supports graphs, tables, the summary of statistics, gauges as well as integration with dozens of plugins for data visualization panels, external data sources and apps.

System Architecture

In a TWIN System under one TWIN Bridge up to 32 TWIN Modems with 1 TWIN Root each may be deployed. Such architecture results in thousands of sensors and actuators mastered centrally by the TWIN Bridge.

The TWIN Bridge itself may be controlled remotely by the operator´s platform (SCADA, etc.).

Note that the latency and analysis cadence for every TWIN Root may be optimized and adapted to the application.

Sensor Portfolio

Temperature Sensor

This sensor operates between - 40°C and +105°C with a resolution of ±0.025°K. The node is integrated in the cable and encapsulated under a protective sea-water resistant hull (conforming to ATEX zone 1).

Carbon Dioxide Sensor (CO₂)

The CO₂Sensor is based on the NDIR measurement principle (Non-Dispersive Infrared principle) and measures between 300 to 5,000 ppm with an accuracy of ±50 ppm (3% of value).

Ammonia Sensor (NH₃)

The NH₃ sensor is an electrochemical sensor and measures with a resolution of ±1 ppm in a range from 0 to 100 ppm.

Hydrogen Sulfide Sensor (H₂S)

The H₂S sensor is an electrochemical sensor and measures with a resolution of ±0.1 ppm in a range from 0 to 100 ppm.

Humidity Sensor

The humidity sensor operates in a range from 0% to 100% rH and measures with a resolution of ±0.01% rH.

Vibration Sensor

The vibration sensor is an omnidirectional tilt and vibration sensor with a minimum sensitivity of 0.2 to 0.6g.

Proximity Sensor

The proximity sensor is an industrial grade inductive sensor with a measurement distance of 8mm.