System for a machine or plant having a large number of sensors and/or actuators

A system for a machine having a large number of units selected from the group consisting of sensors and actuators, the system comprising:

• connecting cables;
• at least one communications device connected to at least two of the units through said connecting cables, said communication device mounted on the machine, said communications device having at least one of a modulator/coder and a radio transmitter for transmitting sensor signals disposed downstream of said modulator/coder, and a radio receiver and a demodulator/decoder for receiving actuator drive signals disposed downstream of said demodulator/decoder;
• a base station communicating via radio signals with said communications device, said base station having at least one of a radio receiver and a demodulator/decoder for receiving sensor signals disposed downstream of said radio receiver, and a modulator/coder with a radio transmitter for transmitting actuator drive signals disposed downstream of said radio transmitter;
• and
• a central computer connected to said base station.