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A740 General Operation

The A740 Rack Locator is an infrared (IR) transmitting device designed specifically for use in IT data centers for both open and closed rack environments. When deployed in concert with IR-enabled tags, the system provides a method of locating tagged assets with rack-level precision. Each Rack Locator transmits an infrared pulse pattern containing a unique 4-digit location code. The intensity of the IR transmissions can be adjusted to achieve complete coverage for open or closed racks with minimal bleed-over to adjacent racks.

IR-enabled tags will detect incoming IR signals and periodically transmit the tag’s unique ID and a current IR loca- tion code. Tag transmissions are processed in real-time to quickly locate and identify tagged assets with rack-level accuracy.

The RF Code product set also includes A750 Room Locators which are used to cover larger areas or rooms such as receiving and staging areas. In a typical installation that utilizes both RF Code Room and Rack Locators, assets can be tracked during their complete life cycle from room to rack locations. The A750 Room Locators have a typical transmission radius of 35 feet or more. The IR transmissions occur within line-of-sight and by reflection effectively flooding the coverage zone with the room location code. It is important that A750 Room Locators are not installed directly in areas where the Rack Locators are being used since they will overpower the A740’s IR transmissions. IR coverage zones are limited by solid structures so Room Locators should be used only when there are physical walls between the Room and Rack Locators.

Features​

  • Software-configurable IR emissions control settings
  • Rack-level location reporting
  • Field upgradable firmware
  • Easy mounting configuration requires no dedicated U-space

Typical A740 Kit​

A740 Rack Locators generally come as a kit or a combination of components in bulk orders. An installable A740 kit includes the following components:

  1. A740 Rack Locator Controller Unit - The A740 Rack Locator Controller Unit is field upgradable and is used control the intensity and locator code that the IR Strips broad cast. One A740 Rack Locator is needed for each rack that needed automated rack level loation detection.

Design Layout

  1. IR Locator LED Strip - An IR locator strip plugs into the A740 Rack Locator Controller. Normally two IR Locator LED Strips are installed on each side of a rack. A third one can be installed in the rear of the rack when using a A740-YCBL signal splitter and a 36" or 60" extension cable.

  2. IR Locator Power Supply - Each A740 requires a powersupply that is typically plugged into a powerstrip in the cabinet. The power supply is a C14 plug and utilizes 110-240V AC power. The powersupply plugs into the A40 controller.

Rack Locator in Operation​

In the below graphic The A740 system is installed in a cabinet and broadcasting an IR code via infrared to the front of the rack. Asset tags are mounted to server on the front of the rack and are positioned just proud of the front of the server. These asset tags beacon RF at predetermined intervals whether or not an A740 Rack Locator is installed. When a sensor on the tag detects the presence of an IR code, that code is included in the RF beacon. When the beacon includes an RF Code the reader that is in range of the tag will report this code along with the tag serial number (also referred to as tag id) to the CenterScape/Zone Manager software. The Zone Manager/CenterScape software will evaluate the IR code and match a location if a corresponding IR rule. This will be reported as detected location in the Zone Manager/ CenterScape software.

Design Layout