Control Network Newsletter
Continued Success Using BASgatewayLX
Modbus remains a popular network interface and is commonly found on jobs, such as boiler control, variable speed drives, and metering applications, but these devices lack BACnet compliance. To make Modbus devices appear as individual BACnet devices a BASgatewayLX is used.
The BASgatewayLX has one 10/100 Mbps Modbus TCP and BACnet/IP Ethernet port and an opto-isolated Modbus EIA-485 serial port for Modbus RTU or Modbus ASCII devices. Up to 100 Modbus serial devices represented by up to 1000 polled points can share the single Modbus EIA-485 port on the BASgatewayLX. BACnet COV notification is supported on 200 points (100 Analog and 100 Binary points). The virtual routing feature in the BASgatewayLX allows each connected Modbus device to appear as an individual BACnet compliant device.
The BASgatewayLX has provided the needed Modbus to BACnet solution for a number of integration challenges:
- Modbus Gateway Integrates Cleanroom Application with BMS
A mechanical contractor was developing a building management system for a cleanroom installation which included optimizing the operation of 105 fan filter units. The 105 units service one building with two cleanrooms that house eight separate rooms. The FFUs, from AirCare Automation, Inc., a leading supplier of cleanroom FFU controls for regulated air-control environments, used two BASgatewayLXs to convert the Modbus RTU protocol to BACnet/IP. - BASgatewayLX Helps Coventry University "Go Green"
There is an increased interest for more sustainable energy solutions. More and more businesses and other organizations are demanding environmentally friendly options, and universities are no exception. Using the BASgatewayLX and EISK5-100T 5-Port Skorpion Switch, Coventry University was able to implement two innovative energy solutions. - BASgatewayLX Plays a Role in the Binhai Cultural Center
BASgatewayLX is part of the latest exciting addition to Tianjin, the Binhai Cultural Center. Tianjin is a thriving modern Chinese city that is a hub for innovative architectural design and equally impressive building automation to support energy management. The Binhai Cultural Center is a large complex that includes a library, art gallery, museum and theater. - Modbus Integration Solved at Galeria Manhattan Shopping Mall
Three BASgatewayLXs were used to integrate 66 SystemAir heat pumps at the newly renovated Galeria Manhattan shopping mall in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland. Each heat pump then appeared as a "virtual BACnet device" to the BACnet headend. A single BASgatewayLX can easily handle up to 100 Modbus devices and 1,000 points.
To best support BASgatewayLX users, Contemporay maintains a library of common device profiles available for download in the Modbus Mapping Support Materials section.
If the device profile is not available, Contemporary Controls will provide it upon request. Custom Modbus device profiles can also be uploaded to the BASgatewayLX using the web page. Modbus data points from Modbus Serial or Modbus TCP/IP devices can be mapped to BACnet objects.
To learn more, visit the BASgatewayLX product page.