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Ethernet BACnet Sedona Framework Modbus ARCNET EIA-485 CAN Networked Controls Interviews

BACnet

Introduction to BACnet Video Series: Introduction to BACnet
Understanding BACnet is an eight-part video series that provides an overview intended for those who are encountering BACnet for the first time or those who simply wish to review basic BACnet concepts. The series covers the basics of BACnet, including device modeling, network types, BACnet services, interoperability, BBIBs, device profiles and compliance.

Connecting BACnet Devices to an IP InfrastructureWhite Paper: Connecting BACnet Devices to an IP Infrastructure
The BACnet community recognized the need for a convenient method of attaching to IP networks in a meaningful way with the release of BACnet/IP, but many legacy BACnet devices exist and non-IP BACnet devices continue to be produced everyday. This paper reveals how all BACnet devices can effectively share a common IP network ? thereby enhancing the power and convenience of BACnet.

BACnet is Changing Building Automation NetworkingExtension Article: How BACnet is Changing Building Automation Networking
BACnet is both an International (ISO) and ANSI standard for interoperability between cooperating building automation devices. Originally developed in 1987 under the auspices of the American Heating Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), BACnet has been an ANSI standard since 1995 and ISO standard since 2001. BACnet was developed, and is under continuous maintenance, using an open consensus process that is welcome to all interested parties who may participate without fees.

Object ModelingExtension Article: Object Modeling a Physical BACnet Device
This is a two-part series. Part 1 is entitled Object Modeling a Physical BACnet Device while Part 2 is entitled Achieving BACnet Compliance. Together they explain how BACnet devices are constructed ?with emphasis on the latest BACnet/IP standard.

Achieving BACnet ComplianceExtension Article: Achieving BACnet Compliance
This is a two-part series. Part 1 is entitled Object Modeling a Physical BACnet Device while Part 2 is entitled Achieving BACnet Compliance. Together they explain how BACnet devices are constructed ?with emphasis on the latest BACnet/IP standard.

DDC SystemExtension Article: Specifying a Direct Digital Control (DDC) System
Direct Digital Control System (DDC) is a term frequently found in building automation specifications. According to Levenhagen and Spethmann, "Direct Digital Control is the use of computers or microprocessors in conjunction with sensors and actuators to provide closed-loop control." Over the last sixty years, control systems have evolved from pneumatic to electronic to microprocessor- based controls while reducing costs and improving performance.

Examining the BACnet MS/TP Physical LayerExtension Article: Examining the BACnet MS/TP Physical Layer
BACnet supports several data links and physical layers, but Master-Slave/Token-Passing (MS/TP) is by far the most popular due to its low-cost and reasonable performance. EIA-485 is not a complete physical layer specification so the BACnet specification attempts to address what is missing.

Applying BACnet Routers in the FieldEssentials Article: Applying BACnet Routers in the Field
When we promote the concept of Raising BACnet to the Next Level, we are talking about having all BACnet devices accessible from an IP infrastructure. However, the majority of BACnet devices are not IP-ready ? with the most popular being BACnet MS/TP.

BBMDInformation Sheet: What Is BBMD and Why Should I Care?
BACnet utilizes broadcast messages for certain functions, such as when you try to discover BACnet devices. If your BACnet devices are interconnected via IP routers then these broadcast messages will, normally, be blocked by the IP router. This may cause issues for your BACnet communications.


BACnet Discovery Tool (BDT)

BACnet Discovery ToolInstruction Sheet: BACnet Discovery Tool (BDT) Instructions
Step by step instructions for running BDT, a a BACnet/IP application for Windows® that is easy to install and use. It is an excellent means for verifying communication with MS/TP devices that are being accessed through BACnet/IP routers such as those available from Contemporary Controls.

Esesntials articleEssentials Article: BACnet Discovery Tool Better than Ever but Still Free!
An introduction to the BACnet Discovery Tool (BDT) ? a vendor-neutral tool to determine if a BACnet router is successfully communicating to attached devices.


Additional Resources

Interested in learning more about BACnet? Download BACnet International's "Introduction to BACnet for Building Owners and Engineers".