Installation Manual

Versus Technology, Inc.
DT10000-A0001 3 Revision 8 December 1998
Collector - This device gathers the tracking data from as many as 24 Sensors, processes it as required, and
sends it via the 2-pair collecting network to the concentrator. Each system must contain at least one collector,
and many systems will contain more than one.
Sensor - A sensor is a device that gathers infrared light energy and converts it to an electrical signal, which is
then sent over a single pair of wires to a collector. Sensors offer various options of coverage and resolution.
Collecting or Sensory Network - The 2-pair cables which connect collectors to one another and then to a
concentrator.
Sensor Connection - A sensor connection is a single pair cable that connects a sensor to a collector port. All of
the sensor connections in a system may be referred to as the "Sensory Network".
Plenum - This term refers to any area that serves as a duct or passage for breathable air. Many office buildings
use the space above the suspended ceiling as a return air "plenum" for the heating and air conditioning systems.
The law requires that any cables, which run in an air plenum, be made of materials which will not burn, or
which will not release toxic gases when burned. (See Safety and Fire Codes.)
Punch Block - This device is used to connect sensor wires to the collector in an organized fashion. A special
tool is used to "punch" the wire onto the punch block terminals, which causes the terminals to penetrate the wire
insulation and cut off excess wire in one easy step. Punch Blocks are the preferred method of connection for
solid wire in telephone systems.
Twisted Pair - The wire used to interconnect sensors, collectors, and interfaces is twisted into pairs to make the
wire characteristics more uniform and to cancel out many types of interference to which the wires might be
subjected. (See UTP.)
UTP - Acronym for Unshielded Twisted Pair - This is the typical solid, paired wire used in phone system
installations. It has no outer shield layer. (See Twisted Pair.)
STP - Acronym for Shielded Twisted Pair - This is wiring usually used in audio system installations where
electrical interference is a prime concern. (See Shielded Wire.)
Shielded Wire - This type of wire is wrapped in a braided or foil shield that protects it from electrical
interference. Use of shielded wire may be the only solution in a very high noise environment. (See Wiring
Considerations.)
Coaxial Cable - This type of cable is a special form of shielded wire in which there is a single inner conductor
held at a fixed distance from an outer braid or foil shield in a precise manner. Control of the spacing and
makeup of the cable dielectric allow it to handle very high frequencies in a predictable fashion.
Impedance - This is a measure of a characteristic of wire that is very important when digital data signals are to
be sent over the wires at high speeds. All wires have impedance determined by their makeup and twisting
called the "characteristic impedance" of the wire. Most solid twisted pair wire is about 100 ohms impedance,
and the coaxial cables used are 50, 75, or 93 ohms.
Termination - This term may refer to the mechanical method by which a wire is connected, or it may refer to
the electronic way that a wire is ended.
Bridging Clip - A small metal clip used in a punch block to short the left-hand columns to the right hand
columns of punch-down terminals.