Substitution of RS422 navigation sensor networks using Bluetooth communication for integrated bridges on vessels

A major application for Bluetooth communication is cable replacement. This paper proposes its application on vessel's integrated bridges that are characterized by numerous internal cables. Bluetooth is well suited for this application due to the use of the unlicensed ISM frequency band, network support, sufficient transmission capacity, robustness by using FHSS modulation and adequate coverage, even for a large bridge of up to 50 m. The translation of a typical ship's cabling into an adopted Bluetooth network is presented. For the efficient operation of the proposed configuration a new 'maritime profile' is proposed that allows an almost automatic network configuration and offers a standardised application interface.