Control Network Newsletter

Sedona Framework™ - Opportunity for a Truly Open Controller

July 2015 - When we talk about an open protocol BACnet immediately comes to mind. It is backed by ASHRAE, has universal industry support and world-wide appeal as an ISO standard. All the major BAS suppliers offer a BACnet solution. There is no license required to use BACnet so all would agree that BACnet is open. However, the complaint we hear is that BACnet is closed because a programming tool from one BACnet supplier will not program a controller from another BACnet supplier. This is an unfair criticism of BACnet because BACnet addresses data definitions and communication protocols but nowhere does it mention a programming language. To create a truly open controller BACnet should be part of the solution but BACnet alone is insufficient. Contemporary Controls has authored a white paper that promotes Sedona Framework as the best hope for creating a truly open controller based upon readily available technology and a Sedona community of developers and integrators.

Contemporary Controls defines an open controller as follows:

• Utilizes an open protocol for network communications
• Supports an open programming language for implementing control strategies
• Provides a programming tool that is available to systems integrators without restriction
• Fosters a community of developers and integrators that share technology for the public good

These four attributes of an open controller are discussed in detail in the white paper entitled Creating an Open Controller with Sedona Framework™. Sedona Framework is a component-oriented programming language where components are assembled onto wire sheets creating applications. This language is ideally suited for graphical representation of control strategies. The graphical representation of components linked on a wire sheet to create applications is intuitive and can be easily learned with a minimum of training. It is available to the public through an Academic Free License.

Having an open protocol and an open programming language is useless without an open programming tool that is available to all. This is discussed in the white paper along with the need of an active Sedona community of developers and integrators.

Read the full white paper (PDF).