Atlas Copco 8436 6770 00 ILT Base Station

The Atlas Copco 8436 6770 00 is an Industrial Location Tethering (ILT) Base Station, part of the advanced indoor positioning ecosystem designed for industrial environments. This unit serves as a fixed reference point within a facility, enabling ultra-wideband (UWB) two-way ranging to determine the precise location of mobile tags attached to personnel, vehicles, or equipment.

Technology Overview

Using UWB radio technology, the ILT base station achieves centimeter-level accuracy in real-time, even in complex indoor settings with multipath reflections and metallic structures. It operates in the 6.5 GHz to 9 GHz frequency band, which is globally allocated for low-power indoor positioning. The system employs time-of-flight measurement, eliminating interference from Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signals.

Hardware Specifications

• Power Supply: Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3af, or 24 VDC input

• Communication: Ethernet 10/100/1000 Base-T, with integrated switch

• Antenna: Integrated omnidirectional UWB antenna, gain 2 dBi

• Range: Up to 100 meters line-of-sight, 30 meters through obstructions

• Positioning Update Rate: Up to 50 Hz per tag

• Environmental Rating: IP65, suitable for indoor and protected outdoor use

• Operating Temperature: -20 °C to +55 °C

Deployment and Coverage

Multiple base stations are deployed throughout a facility to triangulate tag positions. The 8436 6770 00 is typically ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted, with a coverage cone of approximately 60 degrees horizontal and 45 degrees vertical. The system automatically calibrates using known reference points, ensuring consistent accuracy across the coverage area.

Integration with Industrial Automation

The ILT base station integrates with existing industrial networks via standard Ethernet protocols, including Modbus TCP, OPC UA, and MQTT. Position data can be fed into SCADA systems, asset management software, or safety interlock controllers. This enables applications such as crane anti-collision, automated guided vehicle navigation, and personnel proximity detection.

Safety and Security Applications

One primary application is real-time location-based safety, where the system can trigger alarms or slow down machinery when a worker enters a restricted zone. It also supports emergency stop tethering: if a mobile tag loses contact with the base station (e.g., due to out-of-range), the system can initiate a safe shutdown of nearby equipment.

Installation and Configuration

Installation involves mounting the base station, connecting to the network, and performing a site survey to determine optimal placement. Configuration is done through a web-based interface that allows setting of transmit power, channel selection, and data output format. The system supports automatic firmware updates via the network.

Reliability and Maintenance

The unit is built with industrial-grade components and features a robust metal housing. It has no moving parts, reducing maintenance requirements. LED indicators on the front panel provide status information for power, network link, and UWB activity. Diagnostic logs are accessible via the network interface for troubleshooting.

Compatibility with Atlas Copco Ecosystem

This ILT base station is fully compatible with Atlas Copco’s digital service platform and can be integrated with tools like the Power Focus and Tensor controllers for collaborative automation. It also supports third-party RTLS platforms via open APIs.

Benefits

By deploying the 8436 6770 00 ILT base station, facilities gain real-time visibility of their assets and personnel, improving operational efficiency, safety, and resource allocation. The system’s high accuracy and reliability reduce uncertainty and enable automation of processes that were previously manually managed.

Conclusion

The Atlas Copco 8436 6770 00 ILT Base Station is a cornerstone of modern industrial indoor positioning, offering exceptional accuracy, easy integration, and robust performance. It empowers businesses to implement location-aware automation and safety solutions with confidence.