1.   Introduction

The OPC server acts as a master on Johnson Controls Metasys N2 network consisting of a mix of slave devices communicating using N2 (original Johnson Controls protocol) or N2Open protocol. N2 and N2Open are Optomux-based protocols used in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) and other building automation networks. The server supports DC, DX, FX, TC, VND and many other N2/N2Open devices, and is extensible using “hardware type definition” files.

Can be used to replace the NCM (Network Control Module) and enable OPC access to N2 slaves. Optionally, the OPC server can also pass through (forward) communication from other master, such as the NCM unit.

The server can handle multiple N2 networks simultaneously, and up to 255 slave devices on each network. The computer can connect to an N2 network via serial port, or using TCP through an Ethernet/serial convertor.

Configuration program with rich user interface is supplied with the server. You can use both the items pre-defined for a hardware type of your device, or add your own named items. The configuration is stored in an XML file. The server can run as Windows Service or Local Server.

Block Diagrams

Connection via serial port:

Serial port may be internal, or external to the PC (e.g. connected by USB).

Connection using TCP through an Ethernet/serial convertor:

Modes of Operation

The OPC server collects data by reading values from N2 and N2Open slaves. The reading is one-shot (for OPC reads) and/or periodic (for OPC subscriptions). Multiple subscriptions to the same item are merged together.

OPC writes are transformed to N2 write commands on per call basis.

2.   Requirements

 

Hardware

Any PC hardware compatible with operating systems listed below.

Serial communication port(s) for RS-232 connection to slave devices, and/or for connection to a master device for pass-through (if configured).

Ethernet network adapter(s) for connection with slave devices through Ethernet/serial convertor (if configured).

Software

Operating system:

o    Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or later (x86)

o    Microsoft Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 or later (x86, x64)

o    Microsoft Windows 7 (x86, x64)

o    Microsoft Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 or later (x86)

o    Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (x86, x64)

o    Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 (x64)

Prerequisites:

§  Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 with Service Pack 1 (x86)

§  Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 with Service Pack 1 (x86)

3.   Connection Information

Serial port to Metasys N2 network:

Setting

Recommended (default)

Available

Baud rate

9,600

Standard rates between 110-256,000

Byte size

8

7/8

Parity

None

None/Odd/Even/Mark/Space

Stop bits

1

1/1.5/2

Handshaking

None

None/Hardware/Software

TCP/IP socket to Ethernet/serial convertor:

Setting

Recommended (default)

Available

Host address

(192.168.1.21)

Any numeric IP address, or symbolic DNS host name

Host port

10001

1-65535

4.   Supported Functionality

 

Commands

N2 Protocol:

üSingle Item Read

üSingle Item Write

üExtended Single Item Read

üExtended Single Item Write

üFunctional Module Block Read

üFunctional Module Block Write

N2Open Protocol:

üRead Analog Input (Region 1)

üRead Binary Input (Region 2)

üRead Analog Output (Region 3)

üRead Binary Output (Region 4)

üRead Internal Parameter (Regions 5,6,7)

üWrite Analog Input (Region 1)

üWrite Binary Input (Region 2)

üWrite Analog Output (Region 3)

üWrite Binary Output (Region 4)

üWrite Internal Parameter (Regions 5,6,7)

üOverride Analog Input

üOverride Binary Input

üOverride Analog Output

üOverride Binary Output

üOverride Internal Parameter

üOverride Release

üIdentify Device Type (*)

 

(*) issued automatically

Data Types

N2 Protocol:

üFloating point number (16 bits JC format)

üUnsigned 8 bits

üUnsigned 16 bits

üUnsigned 32 bits

üOther types that can be mapped to types listed here

N2Open Protocol:

üFloat (32 bits IEEE format)

üInteger (16 bits signed)

üInteger (32 bits signed)

üByte (8 bits unsigned)

5.   Compatibility

 

Slave Devices

 

Protocol

Device Model

Abbre-viation

Compati-

bility

Hardware Type Definition Provided

N2

Johnson Controls DC-9100 Plant Controller

DC9100

Assumed

üYes

N2

Johnson Controls DX-9100 Extended Digital Plant Controller

DX9100

üTested

üYes

N2 through DX9100

Johnson Controls XT-9100 Extension Module

 

Assumed

üYes

N2

Johnson Controls TC-9100 Universal Controller

TC9100

Assumed

üYes

N2 through TC9100

Johnson Controls TM-9180 Room Command Module

 

Assumed

üYes

N2

other models

 

Assumed

No

N2Open

General Vendor Device

VND

üTested

üYes

N2Open

Johnson Controls MR40 Advanced Electronic Control for compressor and defrost management

 

üTested

üYes (VND)

N2Open

IME NEMO 96/35 Multimeter

 

üTested

üYes (VND)

N2Open

Johnson Controls FX-15 “Universal” Controller

 

Assumed

üYes (VND)

N2Open

Johnson Controls FX-16 Master Controller (multi-media programmable controller)

 

Assumed

üYes (VND)

N2Open

other models

 

Assumed

üYes (VND)

VND test represented by MR40 device. Single hardware type definition is provided for all VND devices.

Master Devices

The OPC server can pass through (forward) requests and responses from/to any Optomux-compatible master, including N2/N2Open serial masters.

Communication Devices

Serial to N2 (RS-232/RS-485) convertors:

Protocol

Device Model

Compati-

bility

serial

Johnson Controls IU-9100 Interface Unit

üTested

serial

other models

Assumed

The convertor must support automatic DSC (Data Send Control).

Ethernet/serial convertors:

Protocol

Device Model

Compati-

bility

TCP

Lantronix UDS1100

üTested

TCP

Lantronix UDS2100

Assumed

TCP

MOXA NPort 5150

üTested

TCP

MOXA NPort 5110

Assumed

TCP

other models

Assumed

Supported OPC Interfaces

ü  all OPC DA (Data Access) 2.0x Specifications (Released)

ü  all OPC DA (Data Access) 3.0x Specifications (Released)

ü  all OPC Common 1.0x Specifications (Released)

ü  OPC UA (Universal Architecture) 1.00 Specifications for Data Access

ü  OPC UA (Universal Architecture) 1.01 Specifications for Data Access

OPC clients can access the server locally, or remotely (over DCOM, or UA transport protocols).

 

Mark "Johnson Controls" and mark "Metasys" are owned by Johnson Controls, Inc. and/or its affiliates.

OPC Labs, s.r.o. or PiiGAB, Processinformation i Göteborg AB, are not associated with Johnson Controls. Johnson Controls has not provided any assistance in developing this product, and have not made determination that the server is compatible with Johnson Controls' products.