Mircom FX2000 to BACnet IP 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 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.

The FX2000 driver is a passive client driver intended for connection to the serial printer port of a FX2000 Panel. A passive client driver waits for messages to be sent to it (by the panel). The driver cannot send messages to the panel and hence it cannot request the state of any point in the panel.

The driver can process alarm and trouble events and the system reset message. All other messages and events are ignored.

The driver can only be used as a client. Minimal server functionality is provided only to support our ongoing quality assurance program by facilitating automated testing of the driver. It is not documented or supported.

Synchronization

A consequence of the fact that this is a passive client driver, is that the FieldServer must be synchronized with the panel by clearing all abnormal states, resetting the panel and then restarting the FieldServer/Sending the FieldServer a command to reset the data.

Driver Functionality

When an alarm occurs the panel reports the alarm with a message which identifies the loop and address. The driver will store a 1 in a Data Array location mapped for that point. When the condition causing alarm is cleared, the panel does not send a message reporting this. Thus the driver will not know the condition has been cleared until a panel reset is performed. When a reset is performed the driver will clear all the alarm states, previsouly stored, to zero. For those points where the alarm condition has not been cleared, the panel sends a new alarm notification which the driver will recognize and store a 1 in a Data Array location mapped for that point.