Control Network Newsletter
Integrating Non-BACnet Devices into a BACnet System
BACnet provides the unifying protocol and universal access for operator workstations, global controllers, and any value-added application that follows the BACnet standard. This includes incorporating legacy, proprietary Building Automation Systems (BASs) into BACnet as well as newer non-BACnet technologies into this common ecosystem.
A gateway can translate one protocol to another, and there are multiple protocol gateways available for integration to BACnet. Routers and gateways have enhanced the life of legacy BAS installations, such as N2-Metasys and Novar, through BACnet integration. Replacement devices in these installations can be based on the latest BACnet standard and can co-exist with existing legacy devices with the use of gateways, preventing a full-scale replacement. This allows energy optimization and savings techniques to be applied to legacy installations while they are being slowly retrofitted and upgraded.
Modbus is a popular protocol traditionally used in the energy industry that lends itself well for BMS integration with the use of a gateway. Chillers, energy meters, and variable frequency drives (VFDs) are an important part of any energy optimization strategy in building automation, but these devices lack BACnet compliance. Some equipment manufacturers incorporate BACnet for these devices, but a Modbus to BACnet gateway can provide a viable alternative.
Contemporary Controls' BASgatewayLX Modbus to BACnet Gateway supports up to 100 Modbus serial devices, with each device appearing as an individual BACnet device. The Modbus to BACnet Gateway provides...
Gateway functionality between:
- Modbus Serial (RTU or ASCII) and BACnet/IP
- Modbus TCP and BACnet/IP
Routing functionality between:
- Modbus Serial (RTU and ASCII) and Modbus TCP
EnOcean is another protocol that provides options for easy installation. Its wireless energy-harvesting technology powers devices without the need for batteries or an external power source, making EnOcean devices ideal for cleanroom, retrofit, or remote installations. Again, a gateway, such as a our EnOcean to BACnet Gateway, can provide bidirectional gateway functionality between EnOcean wireless and BACnet/IP devices in a BMS.
Our gateway features EnOcean device discovery with built-in EnOcean Equipment Profiles (EEPs) and web-page configuration using a common web browser, and there are no external tools required for configuration. This allows EnOcean devices to be easily combined with BACnet devices/supervisors into one automation system.
As the BACnet protocol continues to gain the global market share, the ability to integrate non-BACnet devices into a BACnet network becomes increasingly important. Both the Modbus to BACnet Gateway and the EnOcean to BACnet Gateway feature virtual routing which allows each connected device to appear as an individual BACnet compliant device. The EnOcean to BACnet gateway has built-in EnOcean EEPs to provide seamless integration. For the Modbus to BACnet gateway, Contemporary Controls maintains a library of common device profiles available for download. If the device profile is not available, we will provide it upon request.
For more information, visit our BASgateways Series page.