Application of Ultra-Wide Band Sensors in Mining

Abstract

Ultra-wideband (UWB) sensors are a radio frequency technology that use wireless communication between devices to precisely determine the position. The most recent applications focus on locating and sensor data collecting on mobile phones, car keys and other similar devices. However, this technology is still not being utilized in the mining sector. To overcome this gap, this perspective offers implementation options and solutions. Additionally, it evaluated the benefits and drawbacks of using ultra-wideband for mining. The measurements provided were made using QORVO two-way ranging sensors, and these were compared to theoretical and existing technological solutions. To ensure the optimal use of UWB sensors, a special emphasis was placed on certain influencing factors, such as ways of locating via UWB and factors affecting measurement accuracies, such as the line of sight, multipath propagation, the effect of shielding and the ideal measurement setup. A conducted experiment showed that the most accurate results are obtained when there is no multipath propagation and the arriving signal travels directly from the transmitter to the receiver.

Keywords

• ultra-wide band
• sensors
• sensor measurements
• mining