Sercel AFU Analogic Field Unit User Manual
- June 4, 2024
- Sercel
Table of Contents
**Sercel AFU Analogic Field Unit User Manual
**
Guidelines for Safe and Efficient Use
Read this information before using your AFU, DFU.
Warnings, Cautions, and Important notices throughout this manual guide you to avoid injury, prevent equipment damage, and determine equipment use when varying components or configurations exist. Notes provide tips or additional information.
SERCEL is not responsible for damages or injuries that result from failure to observe the information provided.
WARNING
When a Warning or Caution appears with a lightning-bolt icon, as shown in this
example, this is to indicate a potential hazard that may lead to bodily injury
or even death.
CAUTION
When a Warning or Caution appears with an exclamation-point icon, as shown in
this example, this is to indicate possible equipment damage or potential risk
of misuse and incorrect operation.
IMPORTANT
Important notices appear in the manual to highlight information that does not
affect the risk of bodily injury, death, or equipment damage, but is
nevertheless important. These notices appear with a stop-sign icon, as shown
in this example.
Description
DFU – Digital Field Unit
The DFU is the WiNG system’s Digital Field Unit (ref. 10043828). It is a
single channel autonomous field unit including a QuietSeis MEMS Sensor. It
includes wireless communication capabilities to deliver its QC statuses and
acquisition samples.
DFU Functions
Ground acceleration recording
Filtering, compression and time stamping of the data
Offloading of recorded data in the rack
Local data storage transmission on request
Instrument and sensor tests
Selectable low cut filter down to 0.15Hz
AFU – Analogue Field Unit
The AFU is the WiNG system’s Analogue Field Unit (ref. 10042274). It is a
single channel autonomous node including an external KCK2 connector for
geophone. It includes communication capabilities to wirelessly deliver its QC
status.
AFU Functions
24 bit A/D conversion of the signal
Filtering, compression and time stamping of the data
Local data storage and re-transmission if needed
Instrument and sensor tests
Selectable low cut filter down to 0.15Hz
Magnetic power stick (ref. 10045283) enabling to power ON & OFF the field
units based on Hall effect.
*Refer to “Harvesting & Charging the battery” chapter.
High-sensitivity geophones
At 22°C | SG-5 | SG-10HS | SG-10HS 3C |
---|---|---|---|
Operating position | 1-C vertical | 3-C | |
Natural frequency | 51-12 ± 7.5% | 10 Hz (± 3.5%) | |
Distortion | i0.1% | ||
Sensitivity | 80 V/m/s± 5% | 85.8 Wm/s (± 33%) | |
Operating Temperature | -40T to +80°C |
Specifications subject to change without notice
Description of radio protocol
Dual radio
The MAC manage 2 independent radios with a separate data flow and different
radio modulation (LORA and GFSK).
Only one of them can be used without GNSS synchronization (this radio should
be used for a troubleshoot radio).
LORA is used to communicate between DFU through FHSS (Frequency Hopping spread
Spectrum) technical and transmit state of health and settings.
GFSK is used to communicate with an external equipment (WiNG Field Monitor
box) through FHSS technical to send state-of-health data of several DFU, some
of its own seismic data or receive settings.
Frequency range and channel spacing
The frequency range covered by the equipment is 2402.5MHz up to 2478.5MHz,
using 1MHz channel spacing. According to FCC rules FHSS (Frequency Hopping
Spread Spectrum) scheme is used, on 20 different frequencies.
Data rate
Data rate is 22.2Kbps with LORA modulation and 1Mbps with GFSK modulation.
FHSS
The FHSS operates on a set of frequencies. It uses one frequency for a fixed
period of time and then switches to another channel. The next frequency is
given by a pseudo-random sequence.
In order to communicate, the transmitter and the receiver have to us the same
set of frequencies, the same frequency sequence defined by the Frequency key.
Transmitter and receiver are time synchronized thanks to the GNSS receiver
module that delivered a PPS signal to the microcontroller. So both transmitter
and receiver switch their frequency at the same time.
Listen Before Talk (LBT) and backoff
The LBT is based on a Channel Control Access mechanism. DFU radio measures the
Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) before beginning packet
transmission. If the RSSI is too high, the media is said “busy” and the DFU
postpones the transmission for a random back off time.
GPS configuration
List of allowed GNSS constellations (QZSS, GALILEO, BEIDOU, GLONASS, GPS)
- GPS Only is the default mode
- GPS Only + SBAS
- GLONASS only
- GPS+GLONASS+SBAS
- GPS+GLONASS+GALILEO
- GPS+GALILEO
Navigation model
- Stationary (Default mode)
- Pedestrian
Deployment
AFU – Analogue Field Unit
Before connecting the geophone string to the AFU, it is important that the
geophones are properly deployed in their correct position and orientation. For
AFU, the connector should first be correctly oriented, then pushed straight in
and pressed firmly against the socket. If a lockring is present on the
geophone string connector, it should be tightened by hand only.
DFU – Digital Field Unit
DFUs must be planted into the ground with base of the field unit level with
the ground. DFUs may also be buried – no deeper than the TOP of the field
unit. However, this will reduce GPS performance.
Power-up the Field Unit
The Field Unit is powered from its internal battery, and it should be ensured
that the battery is fully charged before deployment. The internal power supply
of the Field Unit is enabled using the Power stick.
When the Field Unit is powered up, it will enter a power-up boot sequence,
which should take about 1 minute to complete. The boot sequence is indicated
by the Operation LED flashing very rapidly, this should take approximately 1
minute to complete.
Upon wakeup, the field unit will perform a test of the geophone string,
including a tilt test to ensure that the geophones (for AFU) are correctly
planted, therefore it is important that the geophones are not disturbed during
this period, and that as little ground noise as possible is generated.
Completion of the boot and test phase is indicated by the Operation LED changing rate to 1 blink per second. This indicates that no faults were detected during the boot test.
In case of problems detected during startup, the LED will blink 2 times per second. If a fault is detected, the geophones and their planting should be investigated.
Once the AFU/DFU is in acquisition, the LED will blink 1 time per 4 seconds.
In order for the integral GPS receiver to receive the best possible signal, the AFU/DFU should be placed on the ground vertically, and as far away as possible from objects that may obstruct the receiver’s view of the sky, such as trees or buildings.
Once the AFU/DFU has achieved GPS lock, it will immediately begin acquiring data. The exception to this would be if the working hours have been so configured that the AFU/DFU would normally be in sleep mode at the time of the deployment. The table below gives a full description of the AFU/DFU LED patterns.
AFU / DFU Behaviour | LED Pattern |
---|---|
Field Unit to OFF | blinks for 3 sec before shutdown |
Waiting for Acquisition | 1 blink / sec |
Acquisition in progress | 1 blink /4 sec |
Acquisition failure due to Major error | double blink / 2 sec continuous |
Rack connected | LED ON |
STORAGE state | 1 blink intense / 500 ms |
Harvesting & Charging the battery
The Harvesting & Charging Rack application provides an interface to Charge, Update, Troubleshoot and Harvest data from field units.
There are two versions of WiNG CHARGER AND HARVESTING RACK:
- AFU (Analogic Field Unit) version – PN 10045411
- DFU (Digital Field Unit) version – PN 10045410
The Charger & Harvesting rack performs several functions. It allows:
- Simultaneous Data Harvesting and Battery Charger of field units
- Configuration and Testing of field units
- Features a display controller showing the status of each field unit
- 36 slots per rack
- Networked with DCM
- Standalone mode with reduced functionality
WING CHARGER & HARVESTING RACK connector
Interface connection for:
Connect field units to the Rack. The LED on the Field Unit will remain lit. See the WiNG Installation Manual, section fixing Field Units to Rack
The Harvesting & Charging Rack Graphic display (application) provides a graphic view of Field Units status.
The application allows you to Charge, Update, Troubleshoot, and Harvest data
from Field Units.
The table below indicates the legend for the Harvesting & Charging rack icons
Icon | Definition |
---|
| Indicates Battery OK. Harvest
OK.
| Indicates Harvest is ongoing.
- Battery is fully Charged (100% battery level)
- Battery is Charging (battery level above 30% but not yet complete charge)
- Low Battery level (0 – 30%)
| Indicates field unit charge is
not possible due to high/low temperature.
|
Storage mode is enabled and unit is ready to unplug.
Maintenance
IMPORTANT
In order to clean field unit power input plugs, only use fresh water. Do not
use any aggressive chemicals (like petrol or gasoline) liable to attack
plastic. Prior to connecting any plug, make sure there is no water inside
connectors.
Electrostatic discharge:
Use the following guidelines to provide a static-free repair station that will
preclude any ESD-related damage to electronic circuits:
- All spare parts (circuit boards and ESD sensitive devices) should be stored and transported in static- shielding bags.
- Unless the repair station rests on a conductive floor, chairs or stools should rest on a grounded, rigid-type, static dissipative floor mat.
- Use a static-dissipative table mat.
- Wear a static-control wrist strap or foot grounder.
- Provide common-point grounding for all conductive items (including personnel and soldering iron tip).
- To control the discharge rate and protect workers from electric shocks, both the table mat and wrist strap should be grounded through a 1-MΩ resistor. The mat should be connected to the same earth ground point as the wrist strap.
- Wear static-dissipative garments.
Battery
CAUTION
Use only the type of battery provided by Sercel: WING FIELD UNIT PACK BATTERY
50WH, ref. 10042109
Caution: risk of explosion if the battery is replaced by an incorrect type.
**** Do not put the battery in a fire or a hot oven. Do not crush or cut the battery as this could cause an explosion.
-
Shut down the Field Unit using the Power stick.
-
Untighten the 4 SCREWS DELTA PT 40×16 on cover (screw head type : TORX T20).
-
Unplugged the battery connector from the electronic board.
-
Pull battery out.
-
Put the new battery in the two shock absorbers.
-
Place BATTERY PACK in place, take care of the orientation of both parts.
-
Connect the battery connector to the electronic board.
-
Close the Field Unit using a HAND CLAMP to press the two parts together, and tighten the 4 SCREWS DELTA PT 40×16 (screw head type: TORX T20 ; torque 2,1Nm)
CAUTION
Do not discard Sercel product batteries in the trash.
****This product contains sealed batteries and must be disposed of properly. For more information, contact your local recycling/reuse or hazardous waste center.
Specifications
| AFU – Analogue Field Unit| DFU – Digital Field Unit
---|---|---
Operating Voltage| 3,6V
Battery autonomy| > 960 hours (40 days 24hr/7day) Pathfinder enabled
1200 hours (50 days 24hr/7day) Pathfinder disabled
Dimensions (HxWxD):| 231mm X 112mm X 137mm| 231mm X 112mm X 118mm
Weight| 760g| 780g (no spike), 830g (with spike)
Operating Environment| IP68
Operating Temperatures| -40°C to +60°C
Storage Temperatures| -40°C to +60°C
Battery charge temperatures| 0°C to +30°C
Pollution degree| II
Altitude functioning| < 2000m
Radio data rates| LORA: 22kbps ang GFSK: 1Mbps
Radio Frequency Characteristics:
Frequency band
Spreading method
Number of channels
| 2402 – 2478 MHz LORA/GFSK FHSS 3×20
Radiated output power| 14dBm
Supported GNSS Constellations| GPS, GLONASS
Regulatory Information
European Union Statement
Sercel products meet the essential requirements of Directives
- RED 2014/53/UE (Radio)
- 2014/ 30/UE (EMC)
- 2014/35/UE (Low Voltage)
- 2011/65/UE (ROHS).
IMPORTANT
The WiNG DFU & AFU are a class-A devices. In residential areas, the user may
be requested to take appropriate measures in the event of RF interference
caused by this device.
FCC US Statement
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause harmful interference, and
- this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
This equipment complies with FCC’s radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment under the following conditions :
- This equipment should be installed and operated such that a minimum separation distance of 20cm is maintained between the radiator (antenna) and user’s/nearby person’s body at all times.
- This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
IC Canadian Statement
SERCEL products comply with Industry Canada EMI Class A requirements according
to ICES-003 and RSS Gen.
Note These devices comply with Industry Canada’s license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- These devices may not cause interference; and
- These devices must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
This equipment complies with RSS102’s radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment under the following conditions:
- This equipment should be installed and operated such that a minimum separation distance of 20cm is maintained between the radiator (antenna) and user’s/nearby person’s body at all times.
- This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter
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