GE TLC Lighting to BACnet QuickServer Gateway

The BACnet/IP driver allows the FieldServer to transfer data to and from devices over Ethernet using BACnet/IP protocol. The FieldServer can emulate either a Server or Client.

All information in a BACnet system is represented in terms of objects. The Object_Identifier is a 32-bit code that identifies the type of Object (also identified by the Object_Type Property) and its "Instance" number, which together uniquely identify the Object within its BACnet device. Theoretically, a BACnet device could have over four million Objects of a particular type. The Object_Name is a text string, which has a unique capability.

BACnet devices may broadcast queries for devices that contain Objects with a specific Object_Name. This can greatly simplify project setup.

Every BACnet device must have a Device Object, which provides details about the device and its functionalities to other networked devices. Before engaging in control communications, a BACnet device must acquire pertinent information from the Device Object of the target device. Unlike other Objects, the Instance number of the Device Object must be unique across the entire BACnet internetwork, serving as the device's distinct identifier. This uniqueness facilitates easy identification of the BACnet device during installation and operation.

Standard object types are used to hold real time data and other information. Each Object Type is referenced by a number, for example 0 represents an Analog Input. See Appendix D.1 for abbreviation list.

Each Object consists of a number of prescribed properties, the main property being the Present_Value. Objects are monitored and controlled through their properties.

The BACnet Master-Slave/Token-Passing (MS/TP) driver implements a data link protocol that uses the services of the RS-485 physical layer. See the FieldServer BACnet PIC statement for the level of conformance that this driver implements.

All information in a BACnet system is represented in terms of objects. The Object_Identifier is a 32-bit code that identifies the type of Object (also identified by the Object_Type Property) and its "Instance" number, which together uniquely identify the Object within its BACnet device. Theoretically, a BACnet device could have over four million Objects of a particular type. The Object_Name is a text string, which has a unique capability. BACnet devices may broadcast queries for devices that contain Objects with a specific Object_Name. This can greatly simplify project setup.

BACnet requires one Device Object to be present in every BACnet device. The Device Object makes information about the device and its capabilities available to other devices on the networks. Before one BACnet device starts control-related communications with another, it needs to obtain some of the information presented by the other device's Device Object. Unlike other Objects, the Device Object's Instance number must be unique across the entire BACnet internetwork because it is used to uniquely identify the BACnet devices. It may be used to conveniently identify the BACnet device from other devices during installation.

Standard object types are used to hold real time data and other information. Each Object Type is referenced by a number, for example 0 represents an Analog Input.

Each Object consists of a number of prescribed properties, the main property being the Present_Value. Objects are monitored and controlled through their properties. The Analog Input Object is representative of the Objects involved directly with control elements and many of its Properties reflect this.

The QuickServer is a high performance, fully configurable, cost effective Building and Industrial Automation gateway for integrators to easily interface devices to networks in commercial buildings and industrial plants.

System integrators world-wide have benefitted from the value of the powerful line of interoperability gateways offered by FieldServer. Now, QuickServer adds to that value by running the same robust FieldServer protocol conversion software on a highly cost effective platform backed by the experience, engineering expertise and proven technical support that integrators have come to expect from FieldServer.

QuickServer (Serial-Ethernet) is available in two series:

The QuickServer FS-QS-2X10 series is available at four different point capacities. Each QuickServer is preloaded with two drivers (serial and/or Ethernet) from a customer’s choice of 140 different drivers, E.G. Modbus, BACnet, SNMP, EtherNet/IP and many more.

The FS-QS-2010 with 2 RS485 and 1 ethernet port can support up to 250 points. The FS-QS-2210 can support up to 500 points. The FS-QS-2310 can support up to 3,000 points. The FS-QS-2410 can support up to 5,000 points.

Equivalently the FS-QS-2020 with 1 RS485, 1 RS232 and 1 ethernet port can support up to 250 points. The FS-QS-2220 can support up to 500 points. The FS-QS-2320 can support up to 3,000 points. The FS-QS-2420 can support up to 5,000 points.

Every QuickServer includes browser-based tools to make it easy to set-up QuickServer and perform diagnostics including determination of status, network settings, node information, map descriptors and more. The USB flash drive also includes the Discovery utility to determine what FieldServers are on a network.

BTL Mark is registered to the MSA BACnet Driver for MSA QuickServer line of products

The Dual port QuickServer takes the QuickServers to the next level with Security and Power. With two Ethernet ports, the Dual port QuickServer allows data to move seamlessly across disparate subnets, using a dedicated port for Cloud connectivity. This port isolation allows for enhanced LAN security from the BMS/WAN/Cloud. An embedded OpenVPN Server enables secure remote access to Ethernet devices in the field.

The QuickServer FS-QS-3X10-F series is available at four different point capacities. Each QuickServer is preloaded with 140 different drivers, such as Modbus, BACnet, SNMP, EtherNet/IP and many more. See page 3 for the complete list. The FS-QS-3010-F can support up to 250 points. The FS-QS-3110-F can support up to 500 points. The FS-QS-3210-F can support up to 1,000 points. The FS-QS-3310-F can support up to 3,000 points. The FS-QS-3410-F can support up to 5,000 points. The FS-QS-3510-Fire can support up to 10,000 points.

This serial driver allows connectivity to a GE-TLC network by providing data transfer to the RLINK device. The RLINK device is provided by GE Lighting Controls as a gateway between its proprietary network and building automation networks. Thus to provide data transfer between a 3rd party protocol such as BACnet, it is necessary to connect the BACnet network to the RLINK by means of a FieldServer.

The driver may be configured as a client or server. The Client functionality is fully documented and supported. The FieldServer cannot be used as a substitute for the RLINK device – for this reason the server side functionality is not documented. If you are interested using the server side please contact the sales group.

As a client the driver is capable of:

• polling for status data, sending commands to operate the relays
• sending commands as if a PSS switch had been operated
• receiving unsolicited status messages from the TLC network. 
  

The driver can be configured as an adapter – a device which reads a predefined data set and automatically make its available as a set of BACnet data objects.

The driver can support a simultaneous connection for a PC running TLC configuration software.