EMI disruptive effect on wireless industrial communication systems in a paper plant

It is well known that industrial and factory environments present considerable challenges for wireless communications. Because every industrial environment is different, and may offer a unique set of obstacles to effective wireless communication, a site characterization is needed at first step in determining improvements of existent wireless technologies to increase the reliability. In this work electric field strength and APD measurements have been performed to characterize electromagnetic interference in an industrial paper plant. Common characteristics of the industrial environments affecting wireless communication were identified. Additionally, results show high interference levels at the frequencies for the DECT band 1880-1890 MHz. The interference level is correlated to the working mode of the electrical engines used in the process.