Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology has utterly transformed navigation, logistics, and situational awareness across both industrial and consumer sectors. Countless applications rely on the ubiquitous coverage and meter-level accuracy offered by GPS satellites orbiting high above Earth. However, many critical infrastructure sites operate beyond the reach of reliable GPS signals and satellite connectivity. These “GPS-denied” environments create acute challenges for remote monitoring, asset tracking, and maintaining real-time data connectivity.
Industrial locations facing GPS denial include offshore platforms, remote pipelines, rural power substations, and underground facilities. Geographic features like steep valleys, heavy foliage, and manmade structures readily block satellite signals. And even consumer-grade GPS capabilities can suffer from jamming, spoofing, and other disruptions. Without reliable GPS, situational awareness, navigation, and asset monitoring become incredibly difficult. Still, these remote assets require the same degree of connectivity, control, and insight as infrastructure located in urban centers.
Overcoming GPS Dependency
The Interceptor modular line of IIoT edge devices offer a versatile, industrial-grade solution purpose-built for reliable operation beyond GPS coverage. The Interceptor’s rugged, compact edge computing devices and modular I/O provide precision monitoring and control regardless of location - whether a remote oil wellsite, an underground mine, or a deep ocean exploration vessel.
At the core of is the Interceptor single board computer (SBC). This pint-sized industrial computer packs the power of high-end server processors into a compact, ruggedized form factor of just 1” x 2”. Hardened for extreme environments, the Interceptor SBC withstands shock, vibration, and temperature extremes from -40°C to +105°C. Coupled with the QuarterMaster base board, the Interceptor handles HDMI, Gigabit ethernet, USB ports, 4-20mA inputs, 24 digital I/O connections, temperature sensor, and so much more, for modular expandability.
Despite its diminutive size, the Interceptor delivers server-class computing power running Linux, on an ARM Cortex-A9, 32-bit RISC processor. This full-fledged edge computer enables local analytics, automation sequencing, and machine learning - no external connectivity required. Run workloads completely offline or sync stored data when link availability permits.
Maintaining Connectivity
The Interceptor, coupled with the QuarterMaster, also offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Gigabit ethernet connectivity options. Need cellular? Interceptor’s Horizon cellular modem uncompromisingly seeks out the best available signal by automatically switching between multiple networks. Enjoy LTE speeds and eliminate roaming fees using the Horizon’s intelligent steering.
Additionally, the Interceptor SpearLink offers 900MHz long-range wireless mesh network for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communication. This peer-to-peer wireless network links across distributed infrastructure, creating a resilient mesh network without any cellular or satellite connectivity.
With all of these connectivity options, the Interceptor line of modular IIoT edge devices can remotely manage and monitor critical assets in real-time. The Interceptor’s modules and rugged hardware create situational awareness without relying on fickle consumer technology designed primarily for urban use. Interceptor purpose-builds solutions for industry, bringing precision monitoring and control within reach – for assets operating beyond the edge.
Real-World Applications
The Interceptor product line empowers reliable remote asset management across sectors like oil and gas, utilities, marine transport, and more. For example, an offshore oil platform located over the horizon from any landmass requires precise monitoring of production assets dispersed across a 5 mile radius.
The Interceptor provides a rugged, compact edge device for each production cluster. On-platform modules create a wireless monitoring mesh connecting wells, separators, power generators, and storage tanks back to the central platform - no external connectivity required. Horizon cellular links allow occasional syncing of historian data back to the mainland. The Interceptor delivers complete production oversight regardless of the elements or satellite availability.
Likewise, a remote wind farm or hydroelectric dam benefits from the Interceptor’s line-powered or solar-backed situational awareness. With edge logic, autonomy sequencing, and modular I/O, Interceptor controls, monitors, and optimizes generation assets with or without backend connectivity. Intelligent links maintain data continuity throughout the service territory. And cellular or satellite links offer optional cloud integration when available.
The Interceptor also empowers next-generation industrial applications like remote vessel monitoring, autonomous pipeline pigging, clandestine surveillance, and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drones. By decoupling from fickle consumer gadgets, the Interceptor enhances reliability while reducing complexity.
Purpose Built for Industry
Consumer location services and connectivity simply fail to provide the precision, reliability, security, and resilience needed for remote industrial operations. The Interceptor fills this gap by purpose-building solutions capable in the harshest real-world environments. No matter the sector - oil and gas, utilities, marine transport, defense, or other extremes – the Interceptor modular line of IIoT edge devices provide the situational awareness to operate beyond the reliable reach of conventional GPS and communications.
Contact us at marketing@blackpearltechnology.com to learn more!
