DF1 to Carrier DataLink

This protocol translator/gateway provides a wealth of features to enable data transfer between different devices and networks utilizing serial, Ethernet or LonWorks ports. The extensive library of FieldServer drivers provides easy interoperability with devices and networks used in building automation, HVAC, fire and process control industries.

The FS-B3510 is one of the FS-X30 Series FieldServers designed to meet the needs of system integrators in designing a complete interoperable system. The FS-B30 Series brings together the powerful FieldServer driver library with state-of-the-art gateway design. This FieldServer includes four serial connections (two RS-232, two RS-485), two Ethernet ports, and a LonWorks port. The multiport design allows for serial-to-serial interfaces or interface from mulitple serial products to an Ethernet or LonWorks network. The two Ethernet ports enable the integrator to connect a PC to download configuration changes without disturbing the system connections and without the additional cost of an external hub.

The Allen Bradley DF1 driver, FS-8700-03 aka 8700-03, allows the FieldServer to transfer data to and from devices over RS-232 using DF1 protocol. The FieldServer can emulate either a Server or Client. The information that follows describes how to expand upon the factory defaults provided in the configuration files included with the FieldServer.  

The Carrier DataLink Serial Driver allows variables to be read and written in system elements connected to a Carrier Comfort Network communication bus. Up to 15 system elements may be connected to a DataLink Device. Display, Occupancy, Set Point Tables and Carrier Comfort Network (CCN) variables may be read or written.

The DataLink devices provide a gateway to CCN devices. This driver polls the DataLink device which in turn reads/ writes data to the CCN devices. Carrier limits the number of CCN devices that can polled from a DataLink Device and also limits the data that can be transferred between some CCN devices and the DataLink device. For information on these limitations please consult the Carrier Corporation.

The driver is an active client driver. This means that it initiates read/write polls with the DataLink device which is expected to provide responses. Server functionality is provided by the driver too. The driver is configured to allow data tables to be read from the CCN devices via the DataLink device. As the tables typically contain more than one data element, the retrieved data is stored in a number of consecutive FieldServer data array locations in the FieldServer.

The driver can provide descriptions for each of the table values retrieved.

The driver can be configured to read a specific variable from a CNN device and store its value using optional scaling in a configurable location in a FieldServer data array.

The driver can be configured to write a value (using optional scaling) from a FieldServer data array to a specific variable in a CNN device, provided that the variable allows its value to be written.

The driver has no advanced knowledge of the CCN devices and their data tables. Therefore it cannot validate table names or variables names specified in the configuration file. In addition, this means that the driver handles each table in a generic way, without regard for the particular variables that constitute the tables.