Lonworks is another communications protocol useful in building automation applications. The protocol was developed by the Echelon Corporation in the late 1990s. Lonworks originally transformed from Echelon’s earlier “Lontalk”, and was submitted to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for acceptance. Lonworks was designed on a low bandwidth platform for networking devices through powerlines, fiber optics, and other media.
The entire Lonworks package consists of the following components by the Echelon Corporation:
Lonworks – communications protocol (ANSI/EIA 709.1, and others).
Echelon’s “Neuron” chip (Three 8-bit inline processor). Two are used by Lonworks, and one as a general application processor.
Twisted-pair and/or powerline transceivers to transmit Lonworks protocol.
LNS Network Operating System is the required software.
Internet connectivity through Standard Network Variable Types (SNVTs) or with LonMark profiles.
LonMaker allows interoperability among devices.
Lonworks has various advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include:
Less architecture at the device level.
Numerous developers of Lonworks products in the market.
Lonworks devices are close to “plug & play” ability, but still far from achieving interconnectivity in today’s computers using Microsoft Windows.
The disadvantages of Lonworks are presented in the following list:
Less architecture causes controlled devices and variables to be connected to a separate control device. Most designers do not recommend this type of architecture because network interruptions could eventually produce system failures.
The protocol is proprietary, and not truly open to the public. Only actual members, mostly manufacturers are included in standard development(s).
Extensions within Lonworks are allowable only through the LonMark Consortium.
Hardware specific, and requires the Neuron chip for network movement of the protocol.
The Lonworks Protocol has been used in various products and major building projects such as the Boeing Assembly Facility at Long Beach, California.
The Boeing facility consists of an integrated system that handles numerous applications including security, lighting, safety, and many other systems using the LonWorks protocol. By doing this, the Boeing Company has saved tens of thousands of dollars annually. The lighting related products offered by Douglas Lighting Controls are an example of a specific product based on the Lonworks protocol.
The WPS-5921/5941 Outdoor Photo Sensors are compatible with Lonworks through a W-2000 network maintained by a WNP-2150 Network Manager. The difference between the two models is related to the number of wires and power connections. The WPS-5921/5941 models are used in building areas that need precise light level switching. The two models are considered durable, and resistant to harsh environments.
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BACnet is described by experts in the field as a data communication protocol for Building Automation and Control networks. Previous products were not able operate within another developer’s system or device. This aspect is referred to as interoperability. During the late 1980s, members of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and others began to draft a standard building automation protocol in a committee setting. This first meeting developed the foundations of BACnet. In 1995, ASHRAE presented Standard 135; this details the BACnet protocol. The standard is a set of regulations that specifies the exchange of information over a computer network. The regulations consist of a written specification that states the requirements a developer of building automation devices must adhere to in the protocol. All aspects are included in the standard from hardware issues to the command requests of the protocol. The BACnet Protocol was specifically developed for the building automation industry for many applications from environmental to security of a building.
BACnet is based on the client-server system where a client device sends a request to the server for a specific task. The task is performed and a result report of that task is sent back to the client device. BACnet functions are referred to as “objects”. These objects are a collection of related information, and each object has its own properties that further describe it. An important property of an object is called the “identifier”. The identifier is a numerical designation that allows BACnet to access in a clear, precise manner. The current BACnet contains over 30 message types within 5 categories. BACnet messages perform a variety of functions from event alarms, temperature control, remote device management, and many other functions related to building automation.
The BACnet Protocol offers a variety of advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages is the protocol’s specific design for the building automation industry. Another advantage of BACnet is its “open” nature because of its development through the ASHRAE committee meetings. A disadvantage of BACnet was a compliant issue. Due to this disadvantage the BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL) were introduced in 2000. BTL is an independent testing and compliance organization. Their goal is to test BACnet products to determine compliance to the standard, if approved; the product receives the BTL logo.
The BACnet Protocol has been included in numerous products and major building projects such as the federal building in San Francisco, California. The Phillip Burton Federal Building is often referred to as “450 Golden Gate”. BACnet products are very available within the building automation industry. Some of these product examples include the Alerton BCM-ETH, a BACnet router and controller through a BACnet Ethernet and a BACnet MS/TP network connection. The CAS BACnet Explorer for testing, debugging and exploring BACnet networks. Another interesting product is the Network Automation Engine (NAE) produced by Johnson Controls, Incorporated. This BACnet-compliant device can function as an operator workstation and building controller. In the first function, the NAE can maintain a network of BACnet devices. As a controller, the NAE has the ability to “read and write” to other BACnet products within any of the four NAE models developed by Johnson Controls, Incorporated.
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FieldServer Technologies has produced low-cost, quality ProtoCessors for the automation industry. ProtoCessors are Industrial Communication Protocol (ICP) modules with a standard interface. FieldServer ProtoCessors provide original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) expeditious implementation of various industrial, machine, and building automation protocols for the end-user.
The ProtoCessors are composed of an embedded system on a single board with an application central processing unit (CPU), through a field interface connection. FieldServer Technologies offers two types of ProtoCessors to the user, the FFPs or the ASPs. The Full Function ProtoCessors (FFPs) are easily configurable by the user. Application Specific ProtoCessors (ASPs) have a fixed design for high volume tasks where the configuration is required to stay the same. Specifically, FFPs are configured through a complex binary format and can be downloaded over an Ethernet connection. ASPs are fixed with an ASCII format for the user. The two types of ProtoCessors offer various specifications including 2 MB of program memory in the FFPs, and only 48 KB of program memory in the ASPs. Both also have varying RAM in their specifications, the ASPs offers 2 KB, and the FFPs include 8 MB of Random Access Memory (RAM). FieldServer Technologies can provide a user with their Rapid Deployment Kit (RDK) for an easy installation of either type of ProtoCessors. The RDK includes: (1) ProtoCessor Development Board, (2) ProtoCessor modules, product documents, and technical support as well.
There are many benefits in the implementation of FieldServer Technologies ProtoCessors. The user can add any of the supported protocols including BACnet, Modbus, Lonworks, Telnet, WebServer, and 110+ other protocols. FieldServer Technologies offers an extensive library of protocols to the user. The ProtoCessor will provide the user with minimal coding or modification to a current application or system already in place. ProtoCessors will decrease the user’s overall costs to maintain an automation application. Because the ProtoCessor only needs to place where it’s required, thus preventing other unnecessary equipment costs. Another benefit of ProtoCessors is all source code and hardware is provided by FieldServer Technologies. The user needs no further modification of a current automation system. FieldServer ProtoCessors also contains complete protocol compliance, which are tested and maintained through the organizations that set protocol standards. FieldServer Technologies provides the user with protocol conversion that necessary in today’s industrial marketplace where users are demanding integration of products into modern open protocol networks.
FieldServer Technologies is based in Milpitas, California. FieldServer Technologies is a division of Sierra Monitor Corporation. FieldServer Technologies’ goal is to design and produce a broad line of devices to enhance communication between various instruments related to the automation industry. FieldServer Technologies is a premier gateway manufacturer in the automation industry.
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The ModHopper wireless transceiver is a premier, low-cost product for building automation applications developed by the Obvius Corporation that supports Modbus and pulse equipment (i.e. sensors, meters, etc.) along with related networks. The ModHopper transceiver is best suited for energy monitoring in either industrial or commercial structures.
The ModHopper wireless transceiver provides the user with a variety of features. Among the features, this device includes a “mesh” network design introduced by the Obvius Corporation. Mesh technology is a self-contained networking system that allows reliable routing and lessens radio signal interference, and requires no further hardware or software modification from the user. The devices are able to recognized and operate with one another. The Obvius ModHopper transceiver accepts basic pulse inputs or Modbus/RS485 equipment. The transceiver allows approximately 130 RS485 devices to be connected to any Modbus network. The ModHopper transceiver functions through certain bands controlled by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These open FCC bands are referred to as the ISM or Instrumentation, Scientific, and Medical bands, which range in frequency from 400 Mhz to 5.0 Ghz depending on the user’s location. The Obvius Corporation offers the user a low or high power version of the ModHopper transceiver. The additional combination of the ModHopper transceiver and the Obvius Corporation’s AcquiSuite Data Acquisition Server (DAS) will provide the user with a more reliable connectivity option. The Obvius Corporation can provide the user 3 versions of AcquiSuite servers with varying features. The basic features of the AcquiSuite server includes the collection and movement of energy data (i.e. power, temperature, humidity, etc.), an automatic detect feature for Modbus equipment (i.e. Veris Enercept meters), and the ability to use standard browsers (i.e. Internet Explorer) to manipulate hardware with no extra software needed.
RS485 is the standard for the actual connection of Modbus devices. RS485 is considered to be balanced line for serial transmissions. Modbus is the protocol required in automation products for serial communication through RS485 lines. The maximum distance of RS485 transmissions may not exceed 4000 feet. The proper connection configuration for these devices requires them to be linked in a “chain” formation, and avoid other configurations.
The Obvius Corporation is based in Hillsboro, Oregon. The corporation’s goal is to provide automation products with the focus on energy monitoring applications such as gas, water, electricity, and others to maintain effective operation. The Obvius website provides the user with introductory and advanced information on the ModHopper transceiver and the AcquiSuite server, and best way to utilize their products.
Scott Cosby is an Engineering Technician and experienced writer at a state agency in Oklahoma for over 10 years. Mr. Cosby holds a B.S. degree in Geography from Oklahoma State University (OSU), studies in Engineering and Electronic Technology at the OSU campus in Oklahoma City.
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TIA Telecommunications Industry Association, TIA defined standard TIA-568-B which defines the cables and structured or modular cabling systems and termination standards for building and telecom cabling systems.
Cat5 and Cat5e Cable – What is the difference?
Very simply put – The 5e cable is tested to a higher standard. A manufacturer may produce a single cable and only test some of it to the 5e standard. The physical characteristics of the cable are no different but the Cat5e’s higher specification makes it suitable for Gigabit Ethernet.
Whilst we are on the subject – what about Cat6 ? Bandwidth is 2.5 greater at 250MhZ and that’s probably the limit with RJ45 connectors. You might be future proofing using this cable but you could also be wasting money. Also remember that Cat6 is a high tech cable and requires connectors and patch cables assembled to meet the standard.
Category 5
Category 5e
Frequency
100 MHz
100 MHz
Attenuation (Min. at 100 MHz)
22 dB
22 dB
Characteristic Impedance
100 ohms ± 15%
100 ohms ± 15%
NEXT (Min. at 100 MHz)
32.3 dB
35.3 dB
PS-NEXT (Min. at 100 MHz)
no specification
32.3 dB
ELFEXT (Min. at 100 MHz)
no specification
23.8 dB
PS-ELFEXT (Min. at 100 MHz)
no specification
20.8 dB
Return Loss (Min. at 100 MHz)
16.0 dB
20.1 dB
Delay Skew (Max. per 100 m)
no specification
45 ns
Source : discountcablesusa.com
Below are comparisons of two cables – one a Cat5 and the other Cat5e.
Cat5e Cable Example
Part Number: 11700A Paired – Category 5e DataTuff® Twisted Pair Cable
DESCRIPTION:
24 AWG Bonded-Pairs solid bare copper conductors, polyolefin insulation, PVC inner jacket, rip cord, industrial grade sunlight- and oil-resistant PVC outer jacket. Sequential marking at two foot intervals.
CONDUCTOR :
Number of Pairs: 4
Total Number of Conductors: 8
AWG: 24
Stranding: Solid
Conductor Diameter: .020 in.
Conductor Material: BC - Bare Copper
INSULATION :
Insulation Material: PO - Polyolefin
Nom. Insulation Wall Thickness: .009 in.
Insulation Diameter: .035 in.
Pair Color Code Chart:
Number Color
1 White/Blue Stripe & Blue
2 White/Orange Stripe & Orange
3 White/Green Stripe & Green Number Color
4 White/Brown Stripe & Brown
INNER JACKET :
Inner Jacket Material: PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride
Inner Jacket Diameter: .200 in.
Inner Jacket Ripcord: Yes
OUTER SHIELD :
Outer Shield Material: Unshielded
OUTER SHIELD SEPARATOR :
Outer Shield Separator Thickness: 0.001 in.
OUTER JACKET :
Outer Jacket Material: Industrial Grade PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride
Outer Jacket Nominal Wall Thickness: .035 in.
Outer Jacket Ripcord: Yes
OVERALL NOMINAL DIAMETER :
Overall Nominal Diameter: .285 in.
MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS :
Operating Temperature Range: -40°C To +75°C
Storage Temperature Range: -40°C To +85°C
Installation Temperature Range: -25°C To +75°C
Bulk Cable Weight: 35 lbs/1000 ft.
Max. Recommended Pulling Tension: 40 lbs.
Min. Bend Radius (Install): 0.29 in.
APPLICABLE SPECIFICATIONS AND AGENCY COMPLIANCE :
APPLICABLE STANDARDS :
NEC/(UL) Specification: CMR, CMX-Outdoor, UL444
CEC/C(UL) Specification: CMR
IEC Specification: 11801 Category 5
EU RoHS Compliant (Y/N): Yes
EU RoHS Compliance Date (mm/dd/yyyy):: 01/01/2004
PMSHA Specification: P-07-KA060005
TIA/EIA Specification: 568-B.2 Category 5e
Other Specification: NEMA WC-63.1 Category 5e, Ethernet/IPâ„¢ compliant, UL verified to Category 5e
FLAME TEST :
UL Flame Test: UL1666 Riser
CSA Flame Test: FT4
SUITABILITY :
Suitability - Indoor: Yes
Suitability - Outdoor: Yes
Sunlight Resistance: Yes
Oil Resistance: Yes
PLENUM/NON-PLENUM :
Plenum (Y/N): N
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS :
Nom. Mutual Capacitance @ pF/ft
Maximum Capacitance Unbalance (pF/100 m): 66 pF/100 m
Nominal Velocity of Propagation: 70 %
Maximum Delay (ns/100 m): 510 ns/100 m
Maximum Delay Skew (ns/100m): 25 ns/100 m
Maximum Conductor DC Resistance @ 20 Deg. C: 9 O/100 m
Maximum DCR Unbalance @ 20 Deg. C: 3 %
Max. Operating Voltage - UL: 300 V RMS
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS - PREMISE :
Premise Cable Electricals Table 1:
Frequency (MHz) Max. Attenuation (dB/100 m) Min. NEXT (dB) Min. PSNEXT (dB) Min. ACR (dB) Min. PSACR (dB) Min. Return Loss (dB) Min. Structural Return Loss (dB)
1 2.0 65.3 65.3 63.3 63.3 20.0
4 4.0 56.3 56.3 52.3 52.3 23.0
8 5.7 51.8 51.8 46.1 46.1 24.5
10 6.4 50.3 50.3 43.9 43.9 25.0
16 8.1 47.3 47.3 39.1 39.1 25.0
20 9.2 45.8 45.8 35.2 35.2 25.0
25 10.3 44.3 44.3 34.1 34.1 24.3
31.25 11.6 42.9 42.9 31.3 31.3 23.6
62.5 16.8 38.4 38.4 21.6 21.6 21.5
100 21.7 35.3 35.3 17.1 17.1 20.1
155 27.7 32.5 32.5 4.7 4.7 19.0
200 32.0 30.8 30.8 3.0 3.0 19.0
250 36.4 29.3 29.3 >0 >0 18.0
300 40.5 28.2 28.2 >0 >0 18.0
310 41.3 27.9 27.9 18.0
350 44.3 27.2 27.2 17.0
Premise Cable Electricals Table 2:
Frequency (MHz) Input (Unfitted) Impedance (O) Fitted Impedance (O) Min. ELFEXT (dB) Min. PSELFEXT (dB)
1 100 ± 12 105 ± 10 63.8 60.8
4 100 ± 12 100 ± 10 51.7 48.7
8 100 ± 12 100 ± 10 45.7 42.7
10 100 ± 12 100 ± 10 43.8 40.8
16 100 ± 12 100 ± 10 39.7 36.7
20 100 ± 12 100 ± 10 37.7 34.7
25 100 ± 15 100 ± 10 35.8 32.8
31.25 100 ± 15 100 ± 10 33.9 30.9
62.5 100 ± 15 100 ± 10 27.8 24.8
100 100 ± 15 100 ± 10 23.8 20.8
155 100 ± 18 100 ± 10 19.9 16.9
200 100 ± 20 100 ± 10 17.7 14.7
250 100 ± 20 100 ± 10 15.8 12.8
300 100 ± 20 100 ± 10 14.2 11.2
310 100 ± 20 100 ± 10 13.9 10.9
350 100 ± 22 100 ± 10 12.9 9.9
Cat5 Cable Example
Part Number: 1633A Paired – Category 5 Unbonded-Pair Cable
DESCRIPTION:
24 AWG solid bare copper conductors, non-plenum, Polyolefin insulation, twisted pairs, overall Beldfoil® Shield, drain wire, rip cord, see color code chart (below), PVC jacket (gray or blue).
SUITABLE APPLICATIONS :
Suitable Applications: Premise Horizontal Cable
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS :
CONDUCTOR :
Number of Pairs: 4
Total Number of Conductors: 8
AWG: 24
Stranding: Solid
Conductor Material: BC - Bare Copper
INSULATION :
Insulation Material:
- Polyolefin
>Pair Color Code Chart:
Number Color
1 White/Blue Stripe & Blue
2 White/Orange Stripe & Orange
3 White/Green Stripe & Green
4 White/Brown Stripe & Brown
OUTER SHIELD :
Outer Shield Material Trade Name: Beldfoil®
Outer Shield Type: Tape
Outer Shield Material: Aluminum Foil-Polyester Tape
Outer Shield %Coverage: 100 %
OUTER SHIELD DRAIN WIRE :
Outer Shield Drain Wire AWG: 24
Outer Shield Drain Wire Stranding: Solid
Outer Shield Drain Wire Conductor Material: TC - Tinned Copper
OUTER JACKET :
Outer Jacket Material: PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride
Outer Jacket Ripcord: Yes
OVERALL NOMINAL DIAMETER :
Overall Nominal Diameter: .260 in.
MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS :
Operating Temperature Range: -20°C To +80°C
Bulk Cable Weight: 28 lbs/1000 ft.
Max. Recommended Pulling Tension: 25 lbs.
Min. Bend Radius (Install): 1 in.
APPLICABLE SPECIFICATIONS AND AGENCY COMPLIANCE :
APPLICABLE STANDARDS :
NEC/(UL) Specification: CM, UL444
CEC/C(UL) Specification: CM
EU CE Mark (Y/N): Yes
EU RoHS Compliant (Y/N): Yes
EU RoHS Compliance Date (mm/dd/yyyy):: 01/01/2004
TIA/EIA Specification: 568 TSB 36, Category 5
Other Specification: UL verified to TSB 36, Category 5
FLAME TEST :
UL Flame Test: UL1685 UL Loading
CSA Flame Test: FT1
PLENUM/NON-PLENUM :
Plenum (Y/N): N
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS :
Nom. Mutual Capacitance @ pF/ft
Maximum Capacitance Unbalance (pF/100 m): 330 pF/100 m
Nominal Velocity of Propagation: 67 %
Maximum Delay (ns/100 m): 538 @ 100MHz ns/100 m
Maximum Delay Skew (ns/100m): 45 ns/100 m
Maximum Conductor DC Resistance @ 20 Deg. C: 9.38 O/100 m
Maximum DCR Unbalance @ 20 Deg. C: 5 %
Max. Operating Voltage - UL: 300 V RMS
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS - PREMISE :
Premise Cable Electricals:
Frequency (MHz) Max. Attenuation (dB/100 m) Min. NEXT (dB) Min. PSNEXT (dB) Min. Structural Return Loss (dB) Fitted Impedance (Ohms)
1 2.0 62.3 No Spec No Spec 100 ± 15%
4 4.1 53.3 No Spec No Spec 100 ± 15%
8 5.8 48.8 No Spec No Spec 100 ± 15%
10 6.5 47.3 No Spec No Spec 100 ± 15%
16 8.2 44.3 No Spec No Spec 100 ± 15%
20 9.3 42.8 No Spec No Spec 100 ± 15%
25 10.4 41.3 No Spec No Spec 100 ± 15%
31.25 11.7 39.9 No Spec No Spec 100 ± 15%
62.5 17.0 35.4 No Spec No Spec 100 ± 15%
100 22.0 32.3 No Spec No Spec 100 ± 15%
Straight Thru Patch Cable vs Cross-Over Cable
The easiest way to tell the difference is to take the two ends and gold them up against each other. If the same color wires on are the same pins it’s a straight through path cable. If any of them cross-over then it’s a ….. cable.
Ethernet Cable Color Coding
There are two color coding standards. The color coding standard does not affect whether the cable is a cross-over or straight through patch cable. Color does not affect performance or use of the cable.
Standard 568A
Standard 568B
This is the most commonly used for patch cables.
1
White-Green
1
White-Orange
2
Green
2
Orange
3
White-Orange
3
White-Green
4
Blue
4
Blue
5
White-Blue
5
White-Blue
6
Orange
6
Green
7
White-Brown
7
White-Brown
8
Brown
8
Brown
Why twist the pairs ?
Signals can bleed or crosstalk from one pair to another. Twsisting significantly reduces the degree of crosstalk.
Near End Cross Talk is known as NEXT
Far End Cross Talk is known as FEXT
Ethernet Cables and RJ45 Connectors
It is often recommended that the RJ45 connector match the cable – If the cable is stranded the use a RJ45 plug with stranded conductors. The author cant find a reason for this assertion.
The standard for the use of RJ45 connectors on cat5 and Cat5e cable is a maximum untwist of 0.5inch for termination on the RJ45 connector.
Under no circumstances should an other part of the cable be unwound. Take great care in assembling cables and inspect the assembly if the cable doesn’t perform well.
Stranded vs Solid Conductors
The use of stranded conductors is recommended for flexible cables like patch cable. There is some discussion suggesting that solid conductors offer slightly better performance over the life of the cable.
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Lonworks is another communications protocol useful in building automation applications. The protocol was developed by the Echelon Corporation in the late 1990s. Lonworks originally transformed from Echelon’s earlier “Lontalk”, and was submitted to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for acceptance. Lonworks was designed on a low bandwidth platform for networking devices through powerlines, fiber optics, and other media.
