Andover Controls Continuum Reference Guide

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 1998, Andover Controls Corporation
All Rights Reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced, read or stored in a retrieval
system, or tran smitted, in an y for m or by any means, electronic, mech anical,
ph otocop ying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written p er miss ion of
Andover Controls Corporation.

Produ ced in the Unit ed States of America.

Infinity is a trademark of Andover Controls Corporation. All other trademarks
are th e pr operty of their respective owners.

Continuum CPU Reference, Version: DRAFT January, 1998
Andover Controls part number: 30-3001-703

The i nfor m ation i n thi s book is fu rnished for informational purpos es only, is
subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment
by Andover Controls Corporation. Andover Controls Corporation, assumes no
liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this document.

Related Document s

Continuum Power Supply Reference, 30-3001-702
Continuum I/O System Reference, 30-3001-499
Continuum Display Module Reference, 30-3001-711

Andover Controls Corporation
300 Brickstone Square
Andover, MA 01810
[phone]
fax: [phone]

Andover Controls Corporation

Radio Interference

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,

pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions in this manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Note

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital

apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.

Avis

Le présent appareil numé r ique n’éme t pas de brui ts radioélectri q ue s dé passant les limites

applicables aux appareils numériques de la class A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage
radioélectrique édicté par le ministère des Communications du Canada.

Continuum CPU Reference

FCC Compliance Information for the Continuum Modem

Manufactured by:

Andover Controls Corporation
300 Brickstone Square
Andover, MA 01810

Phone Line Connector: RJ-11 Connector

This equipment complies with FCC rules, Part 68. Behind the upper (hinged) cable-trough door is
a label that contains, among other information, the FCC Registration Number and Ringer
Equivalence Number (REN) for this equipment (to open the cable-trough door, pull outward at the
lower or non-hinged side of the door). If requested, provide this information to your telephone
company.

The REN is useful to determine the quantity of devices you may connect to your telephone line
and still have all of these devices ring when your number is called. In most—but not all—areas,
the sum of the RENs of all devices should not exceed five (5.0). To be certain of the number of
devices you may connect to your line, as determined by the REN, you should call your local
telephone company to determine the maximum REN for your calling area.

If this equipment causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company may discontinue
your service temporarily. If possible, they will notify you in advance. But if advance notice isn’t
practical, you will be notified as soon as possible. You will be advised of your right to file a
complain t with the FCC.

Your telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations, or procedures
that could affect the proper operation of your equipment. If they do, you will be given advance
notice so as to give you an opportunity to maintain uninterrupted service.

If you experience trouble with this equipment, please contact the manufacturer for warranty/repair
information. The telephone company may ask that you disconnect this equipment from the
network until the problem has been corrected or until you are sure that the equipment is not
malfunctioning.

This equipment may not be used on coin service provided by the telephone company. Connection
to party lines is subject to state tariffs.

FCC rules prohibit the use of non-hearing aid compatible telephones in the following applications:

All public or semipublic coin-operated or credit card telephones.

Andover Controls Corporation

Elevators, highways, tunnels (automobile, subway, railroad or pedestrian) where a person with
impaired h e ar ing might be isolated in an emergency .

Places where telephones are specifically installed to alert emergency authorities such as fire,
police, or medical assistance personnel.

Hospital rooms, residential health care fa cilit ies , conval escent homes,
and prisons.

Workstations for the hearing impaired.

Hotel, motel, apartment lobbies; in stores where telephones are used by patrons to order
merchandise; in public transportation terminals where telephones are used to call taxis, or to
reserve lodging or rental cars.

Hotel and motel rooms. At least ten percent of the rooms must contain hearing aid compatible
telephones; or jacks or plug-in hearing-aid compatible telephones which will be provided to
hearing impaired customers upon request.

Hotel, motel, apartment lobbies; in stores where telephones are used by patrons to order
merchandise; in public transportation terminals where telephones are used to call taxis, or to
reserve lodging or rental cars.

Hotel and motel rooms. At least ten percent of the rooms must contain hearing aid compatible
telephones; or jacks or plug-in hearing-aid compatible telephones which will be provided to
hearing impaired customers upon request.

Continuum CPU Reference

DOC Compliance Information for the Continuum Modem

If you order your controller module with the Continuum modem option—the following
requirements of the Canadian Department of Communications apply.

Andover Controls Canada, Inc.
Unit 12
1087 Meyerside Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L5T1M5

The Canadian Department of Communications label identifies certified equipment. This
certification means that the equipment meets certain telecommunications network protective,
operational and safety requirements. The Department does not guarantee the equipment will
operate to the user’s satisfaction.

Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it is permissible to be connected to the
facilities of the local telecommunications company. The equipment must also be installed using an
acceptable method of connection. In some cases, the company’s inside wiring associated with a
single line individual service may be extended by means of a certified connector assembly
(telephone extension cord). The customer should be aware that compliance with the above
conditions may not prevent degradation of service in some situations.

Repairs to certified equipment should be made by an authorized Cana dia n maint enance facility
designated by the supplier. Any repairs or alterations made by th e user to this equipmen t, or
equipment malfunctions, may give the telecommunications company cause to request the user to
disconnect the equipment.

Users should ensure for their own protection that the electrical ground connections of the power
utility, telephone lines and internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected together.
This precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.

Caution:

Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but should contact the appropriate
electric inspection authority, or electrician, as appropriate.

Note—The Load Number (LN) assigned to each terminal device denotes the percentage of the
total load to be connected to a telephone loop which is used by the device, to prevent overloading.
The termination on a loop may consist of any combination of devices subject only to the
requirement that the total of the Load Numbers of all the devices does not exceed 100.

Andover Controls Corporation

Limitations DDC de Fixation de Dispositifs Auxiliaires

Andover Controls Canada, Inc.
Unit 12
1087 Meyerside Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L5T1M5

L’étiquette du Département de Communications Canadien identifie un équipement certifié. Cette
certification veut dire que l’équipement satisfait à certaines exigences de sûreté, d’exploitation, et
de protection de réseau de télécommunications. Le Département ne garantit pas que l’équipement
fonctionnera à la satisfaction de l’utilisateur.

Avant d’installer cet équipement, les utilisateurs doivent s’assurer qu’il est admissible d’être
connecté aux installations de la société de télécommunications locale. L’équipement doit
également être installé en utilisant une méthode de connexion admissible. Dans certains cas, le
câblage intérieur d’une société associé avec une ligne unique de service individuel peut être
étendu par un ensemble connecteur certifié (prolongateur téléphonique). Le client doit être
conscient du fait que la conformité aux conditions ci-dessus n’empêcherait pas la dégradation de
service dans certaines situations.

Les réparations à l’équipement certifié devraient être effectuées par un établissement d’entretien
canadien autorisé qui est désigné par le fournisseur. Toutes réparations ou modifications faites par
l’utilisateur à cet équipement ou aux mauvais fonctionnements de l’équipement, peut donner à la
société de télécommunications un sujet de demander que l’utilisateur déconnecte l’équipement.

Les utilisateurs devraient s’assurer, pour leur propre protection, que les connexions électriques
mises à la masse du service électrique, des lignes téléphoniques et du système de tuyaux d’eau
métallique, si présent, sont interconnectées. Cette précaution pourrait être très significative à la
campagne.

Avertissement:

Les utilisateurs devraient ne pas tenter de faire de telles connexions eux-même, mais devraient
prendre contact avec l’autorité d’inspections électriques ou un(e) électricien(ne) convenable.

Note—Le numéro de chargement (load number / LN) assigné à chaque dispositif terminal indique
le pourcentage du chargement total à être connecté à une boucle téléphonique qui est utilisé par le
dispositif, pour empêcher une surcharge. Le raccordement sur une boucle peut consister de
quelque combinaison de dispositifs, assujettis uniquement à l’exigence que le total des numéros de
chargement ne peut pas dépasser 100.

Continuum CPU Reference

Andover Controls Corporation

Contents

Introduction...................................................................... 1

NetController Module Characteristics............................3

Mechanical Installation....................................................4

DC Power Connection..................................................... 7

Output Power-I/O Connections....................................... 9

Connec tion of I/O Modules.......................................................10

Maximum N um be r of I/O Module s............................................11

Maximum Length of I/O Bus.....................................................11

Connecting Remote I/O Modules with RS-485.........................11

RS-485 Termination Guidelines ...............................................12

Communications Ports..................................................16

RS-232.......................................................................................17

Infinet (RS-485).........................................................................20

Ethernet....................................................................................22

Modem......................................................................................26

Status/Control Panel .....................................................27

Operation........................................................................ 31

UPS Programming.........................................................32

Continuum CPU Reference

Andover Controls Corporation

TCX 865

ÈNTINUUM

NetController

This manual describes the installation, care and use of the Continuum Net Controller CPU
module.

The

Continuum

Ethernet-based intelligent building system. The
effectively mix and match DIN rail-mounted CPU, power supply, and var ious
combinations of I/O modules and us er interfaces to meet your control and monitoring
needs. This CPU includes an impres s iv e ar r ay of f eatures.

NetController CPU module is part of t he A ndov er Controls

Continuum

system allows you to cost-

Continuum

Continuum

The
Unit (CPU) module and networ k manager f or the Andov er Controls
building system.

High-Speed Communications

The NetController ac ts as the system coordinator for the
providing integrated global control and monitoring, history logging, local and r em ote
alarming. It communicates with the I/O modules via LON communications and a choice of
RS-485 or free topology bus media. In addition, an optional Ether net support interface
allows the NetController to communicate with other NetCont r oller s and
Workstations over a high-speed 10Mb Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN) using the
TCP/IP protoc ol. T wo diff er ent Ethernet interface modules ar e av ailableyou c an c hoos e
either a 10BASE-2 (thin coax) or 10BASE-T (twisted pair) cable media.

Flash Memory

NetController’s 2Mb of flash EPROM (expandable to 4Mb) allows y ou to download
software revis ions ov er Ether net or standard telephone lines using a
workstation. This flash memory feature eliminates the need to perform EPROM change­outs in the field.

NetController with flash EPROM is the high-powered Central Proces s ing

Continuum

Continuum

I/O modules,

Continuum

Continuum

intelligent

Continuum CPU Reference

1

Serial Communicatio ns

NetController’s f our pr ogr am m able c om m unic ations ports can be configured as either an
RS-232 or an RS-485 interface to modems, printers, third-party devices, and the

Infinity

Infinet field bus network. Andover Controls has developed an extensive library of third­party software int er faces, including tie-ins to c hiller c ontrol panels, fire alarm system s,
emergency generator systems, bar code readers, elevator controls, and video switchers.

Plai n English

The

Continuum

application using the powerf ul A ndov er Controls
Programs are enter ed into NetController using the

®

Programming

NetController can be configured to meet the exact requirements of your

Plain English

Continuum

programming language.
Workstation. The program

is then stored in, and executed by, the NetController.

Software Capabil ities

The dynamic memory of the

Continuum

NetController can be allocated f or any
combination of program s , scheduling, alarming, report ing and data logging. Our object­oriented

Plain English

programming. In addition,

language with intuit iv e k ey wor ds pr ov ides eas y oper ation and

Plain English

‘s pre-defined and cust om iz ed functions and

powerful math capabilit ies r educ e pr ogr am m ing time for repetitive applications.

Optional Auto-Baud Modem

The optional Andover Cont r ols

Continuum

modem allows NetController to communicate
and exchange data over st andar d v oic e gr ade telephone lines with speeds up to 14. 4K
baud. The modem has built-in data compression and error-correction protocols, auto­dial/auto-answer capabilities, and is UPS-support ed.

UPS Operation

Continuum

The

NetController incorpor ates software programmable battery backup that
reduces or eliminates the impact of power failure. On UPS, the NetCont r oller CP U c an
turn off I/O power to extend bat tery life and support modem and network oper ation for up
to four hours. In addition, NetController can go into a low-power mode in which only the
DRAM and real-time cloc k are powered for up to 72 hours.

Modular Design for Snap-Tog et her Connection

NetController features a sleek, lightweight cas ing des igned for natural convect ion c ooling.
Built-in connector s on either side of the NetController module allow power transmission
from the power supply module and com m unic ation signals to the

Continuum

I/O modules
to feed through easy snap-together connections. Built-in quick-release fasteners at the
back of the module are provided f or DIN rail mountingno tools required. These
fasteners also s nap into a locked position for panel mounting. The NetController module
is designed for mounting in an optional NEMA 1-sytle

2

Andover Controls

Continuum

enclosure.

NetController Module Characteristics

The following lists the features included in the Continuum NetController Module:

Internal Lithium battery backed Real Time Clock.

•

Watchdog timer.

•

Scan, CPU, Error and Communications status LEDs.

•

Reset Button on the front panel.

•

A 1MB boot Flash/EPROM sock et.

•

Ethernet inter face with two cable options:

•

10Base-T Unshielded twisted pair cable
10Base-2 Shielded thin coaxial cable
4MB DRAM, expandable to 8MB.

•

2MB Flash, expandable to 4MB .

•

4K bits serial EEPROM.

•

Optional on-board 14.4 KBPS PPP modem.

•

Controls I/O modules on “I/O B US” via 5- pos ition male connector located on the

•

right side of the case. Support s either RS-485 (Andover LON) @ 39k baud or
FTT-10 (LONMark) @ 78k baud communication interfaces.

4 Communications port s ( excluding I /O BUS):

•

COMM1 – RS-232 / RS-485 Infinet network or RS- 232

•

COMM2 – RS-485 Infinet networ k

•

COMM3 – RS-232 / Modem Int er nal M odem or RS-232

•

COMM4 – RS-485 Infinet networ k

•

During UPS operation, the CPU can turn off the I/O power to extend battery life.

•

Also, the CPU can go into low-power m ode in whic h only the DRAM and Real
Time Clock are powered.

Continuum CPU Reference

3

Mechanical Installation

The NetController m odule c an be m ounted to a standard DIN rail or be directly
mounted to a panel using screws. Hardware facilitating both mounting methods is
included as an integral part of the case design.

On the back of each module are molded DIN r ail guide fingers. The design allows the
module to easily hook onto and s lide along a s tandard DIN rail.

Special clamps are provided on the case that allow you to lock the module in place,
once it is in position.

4

Andover Controls

These clamps, when extended, provide an alternative m ethod of m ounting to the DIN
rail. You can mount the module dir ec tly to a panel using the reinforced mounting
holes provided on each of the c lam ps .

Once the module is in the desired pos ition, it is locked to the rail by pushing the
bottom clamps inward. A ft er the bot tom is secure, press the top clamp inward to
complete the operat ion.

Continuum CPU Reference

5

Overall Dimens ions

The overall dimensions of the CPU unit are as shown:

6.70''

(170.2 mm)

2.50 ''

(63.5 mm)

9.0 ''

(228.7 mm)

6

Andover Controls

DC Power Connection

y

The CPU module is powered by an external 24 V DC s our c e. This sour c e is supplied
by one of the three

Continuum

located on the left side of the CPU module case and c ons is ts of five pins.
The power input connect or is a fiv e- pin m ale as s em bly that is des igned to easily

insert directly into the right side (output) connector of any Power Supply module. The
signals within that c onnec tor are as follows:

PIN Function

5 +24 VDC
4 24 VDC Return
3 Ground
2 Low Battery *
1 AC Power *

* Only supplied from PS 120/240 AC 50-U Power Supply

It is assumed that the CPU is direc tly connected to a power supply module as shown
below:

Power Supply Modules. The input power connec tor is

5

Power Suppl

CPU

Continuum CPU Reference

7

The power supply generates a +24 V DC s our c e for the CPU and all other m odules in
the system. This power source is located on pins 4 and 5. Pin 3 (Ground) is intended
as an Earth ground connection.

The NetController c ons um es a maximum of 15 Watts of 24V power .
The UPS version of the power supply ( P S 120/240 A C 50- U) pr ov ides the CPU with

two power status signals on pins 1 and 2. T heir function is as follows:

AC Power

available. When AC is int er r upted and the power supply has switched to UPS
battery mode, this s ignal pr es ents a logic low. The CPU can use this signal to
start an orderly system s hutdown. For more information on the use of this signal,
refer to the section titled

Low Battery

the battery has dropped below 22 Volts. When the power supply has switc hed to
UPS battery mode, this s ignal pr es ents a logic high. Should the batter y volt age
drop, this signal switches to a logic low. The CPU can use this signal to start an
orderly system shutdown. For more information on the use of this signal refer to
the section titled

is a logic signal that is intended t o c ommunicate that AC power is

UPS Programming

is a logic signal that is intended t o communic ate that the voltage of

UPS Programming

.

.

Warning

Make sure that AC power is
supply while you are connecting the CPU module. The module could be
damaged or you could receive an electrical shock that is lif e- threatening.

applied (switch is off) to the power

not

8

Andover Controls

Output Power-I/O Connect ions

The

Continuum

the case for further distribution of the 24 VDC input power and special I /O
communications signals . Continuum I/O modules use thes e s ignals for power and
communications as well.

The power-I/O connec tor is a five-pin male assembly that is designed to easily insert
directly into t he left s ide ( input) connector of any I/O module. The signals wit hin that
connector are as follows:

PIN Function

5 +24 VDC
4 24 VDC Return
3 Ground
2 Comm B
1 Comm A

NetController module includes a c onnec tor on the upper right side of

5

The power supply generates a +24 V DC s our c e for all modules in t he s y stem . T his
power source is received through the input power connector on the left side of the
CPU module and sent through to pins 4 and 5 of this connector. Pin 3 (Ground) is
intended as a signal ground connect ion.

Communications between the CPU and I/O modules is through a two signal ser ial
interface that can be internally configured as eit her RS 485 or Echelon LON FT T-10.
Pins 1 and 2 (Comm B and Comm A) provide the elect r ic al c onnec tion for this
interface.

Continuum CPU Reference

9

Connection of I/O Modules

y

The CPU can directly connect to I/O without the use of cables through a syst em of
built-in plugs and jacks. All I/O modules include two complementary module inter­connectors.

Creating a system is as simple as physically plugging the modules together.

Power Suppl

CPU

I/O

I/O

In vertical extended systems, I/O modules may be located above or below other
modules. In this case, cable as s em blies br idge the I/O modules together.

The cable necessary to connect the CPU and external I/O modules is five c onduc tor
and would be attached using a plug-in screw terminal connector. Connection
between the modules is one-to-one straightforward wir ing as s hown below:

5
4
3
2

5
4
3
2

This connector is available f r om A ndov er Controls under part number 01-2050-283;
Wieland manufactur es it under par t number 25.340.0553.0.

10

Andover Controls

Maximum Number of I/O Modules

There is no operational limit to the number of I/O modules connected to the CPU except
the capacity of the power s upply . It is pos s ible to insert auxiliary power supplies int o the
I/O bus to increase the num ber of modules s uppor ted.

To determine the maximum number of I/O modules your system can support, subtract the
power requirements f or eac h module fr om the max im um available f r om y our power
supply.

PS 120/240 AC 50 U, UPS power supply provides 35 Watts of power

•

PS 120/240 AC 50, non-UPS power s upply pr ov ides 50 Watts of power

•

PS –48 DC 50, Battery operated power s upply pr ov ides 50 Wat ts of power

•

NetController requires 15 Watts of power

•

Start by subtracting the NetController from the power available from your power supply.

PS 120/240 AC 50 U

35 – 15 = 20 Watts of available power for I/ O

PS 120/240 AC 50

50 – 15 = 35 Watts of available power for I/ O

PS –48 DC 50

50 – 15 = 35 Watts of available power for I/ O

The power requirements for each I/O module is listed in the

Reference Guide

ACC # 30-3001-499 and can be found on individual dat a s heets.

Continuum I/O System

Maximum Length of I/O Bus

A repeater is necess ar y if the cable lengths get too long. The following are
recommendations regar ding c able lengths for both RS-485 and FTT- 10 interfaces:

RS-485 Repeater required if lengt h is >2000 ft. (610 m) or after 32 modules.
FTT-10 Repeater required if lengt h is >8858 ft. (2700 m) bus topology

>1640 ft. (500 m) free topology

Connecting Remote I/O Modules with RS-485

The

Continuum

system allows I/O modules to be plac ed in a remot e loc ation from the
CPU (NetController) . However, long cable lengths can cause s ignal c om m unic ations
problems on the Power/I- O bus.

When locating an I/O module remotely, it is necessary to add a 120

terminator to the

Ω

bus to compensate for the distance. The terminator must be connec ted at both ends of
the bus for proper operation.

Continuum CPU Reference

11

Terminat i on Guideline s

The following are typic al ins tallations that indicate the placement of the terminator:

Simple CPU and 1 remote I/O Module:

The I/O Bus that needs to be term inated is the one formed by the cable attaching the
remote module to the CPU. In this c as e, a t erminat or r es is tor is connected across the
communications lines ( pins 1 & 2) directly at the NetController and again at t he r em ote
I/O module.

CPU

5
4

3
2
1

120 Ω
Resistor

120 Ω
Resistor

5
4

3
2
1

Remote

I/O

Module

12

Andover Controls

CPU with local and 1 remote I/O Module:

The I/O Bus that needs to be term inated is the one formed by the cable that starts at
the NetController and ends at the remote module. The bus that extends from the
NetController thr ough the local I/O stack does not need terminat ion. In this case, the
terminator res is tor is connected directly across the c om m unic ations lines ( pins 1 & 2) at
the NetController and again at the remote I/O module.

CPU

120 Ω
Resistor

Local

I/O

5
4
3
2
1

5
4
3
2
1

Local

I/O

120 Ω
Resistor

5
4
3
2
1

Remote

I/O

Module

Continuum CPU Reference

13

CPU with local and several rem ote I/O Modules:

The I/O Bus that needs to be term inated is the one formed by the cable that starts at
the NetController and ends at the first remote module. The bus that extends from the
NetController thr ough the local I/O stack and the one that st arts at t he firs t rem ote
module and extends through s ubs equent modules do not need termination. In this
case, the terminat or r es istor is connect ed dir ec tly across the communications lines
(pins 1 & 2) at the NetController and again at the first remote I/O module.

CPU

120 Ω
Resistor

Local

I/O

5
4
3
2
1

5
4
3
2
1

Local

I/O

120 Ω
Resistor

5
4
3
2
1

Remote

I/O

Module

5
4
3
2
1

Remote

I/O

Module

14

Andover Controls

CPU with two remote modules s epar ated by distance:

The I/O Bus that needs to be term inated is the one formed by both cables on either
end of the first remote I/O m odule. In this case, the bus begins at the NetCont r oller ,
flows by the first remote module and ends at the second. The terminat or resis tor is
connected directly ac r os s the communications lines (pins 1 & 2) at the NetContr oller
and again at the last remote I/ O module. If the last module is actually a stack of
directly connect ed I/ O modules , the terminator is placed at the fir s t module of the
stack as indicated in the scenario described on the previous page.

CPU

5
4
3
2
1

120 Ω
Resistor

5
4
3
2
1

Remote

I/O

120 Ω
Resistor

Module

5
4
3
2
1

Remote

I/O

Module

Continuum CPU Reference

15

Communications Ports

The

Continuum

external devices suc h as pr inters, Andover
connections are called Comm P or ts. It also optionally includes Ethernet connections.

The NetController inc ludes four Comm Ports called COMM1 through COMM4 with
the following possible conf igur ations:

NetController module includes c onnec tions for communications with

Infinet

controllers and others. Thes e

COMM1 – RS-232 / RS-485
COMM2 – RS-485

Infinet

network or RS-232

Infinet

network
COMM3 – RS-232 / Modem Internal Modem or RS-232
COMM4 – RS-485

Infinet

network

Ethernet inter face connectors are available in both 10Base-T and 10Base-2 styles.
The physical locations of these ports on the NetController module cas e ar e illus trated
below:

Ethernet / BACnet
10Base-T or 10Base-2
Connector

COMM 1
Infinet Connector

10Base-2

OR

10Base-T

COMM 4

Infinet Connector

COMM 1
RS-232 Connector

COMM 2
Infinet Connector

16

Andover Controls

COMM 3

Modem Connector

COMM 3

RS-232 Connector

RS-232

y

The NetController c an be c onnec ted to other support devices such as print er s for
reports and other P Cs used as command terminals. These connections are
accomplished using either of the two RS-232 ports.

Power
Suppl

PC

NetController

Printer

I/O

I/O I/O

Both COMM 1 and COMM 3 include general-purpose RS- 232 c onnec tions. An
industry standar d 8- pin s hielded ins ulation displacement RJ-t y pe termination
connector is provided for the RS-232 interconnect ion. Although the official
specification def ines 25 s ignals , typically most devices us e only eight of these. A full
compliment of these signals ar e inc luded in both COMM ports.

The following lists t he signals provided and t heir description:

Signal Abbreviation Description

Protective Ground SHLD Connected to the outer shield of the cable
Signal Ground RTN Return for all data signals
Transmitted Data TD Serial data originating at the NetController
Received Data RD Serial data originating at the connected

device
Data Terminal Ready DTR NetController signals it is operating
Data Set Ready DSR External device signals it is operating
Clear to Send CTS External device signals it is ready for a

transmission from NetController
Request to Send RTS NetController signals it wants data from

external device
Data Carrier Detect DCD External device (usually a modem) signals

that it is communicating with another device

and is ready for operation

Continuum CPU Reference

17

RS-232 Connection s

A standard 8-pin shielded insulation displacement RJ-t y pe termination connector is
provided for the RS- 232 interconnection. Protectiv e gr ound is c onnec ted to the outer
shield of the connect or that is connected to the shield of the cable. Both COMM 1
and COMM 3 provide the same connector .

These COMM Ports provide both Infinet and RS-232 connections. Howev er , only one
type may be connected at any one tim e. F or example, COMM 1 can be used as an
Infinet connection or an RS-232 connection

BUT NOT BOTH!

COMM 3 can be configured as an internal modem or an RS-232 connec tion. When
the internal modem opt ion is ins talled, the RS-232 connection is no longer av ailable.

The RS-232 pin connections ar e s hown below:

COMM 1 & 3
RS-232 Connectors

18

Andover Controls

DTR
CTS

DCD

RTS

Ground

RD

DSR

TXD

Connection to a standar d RS - 232 dev ic e us ing a c able terminated with an RJ-45 and

r

25-pin D-type connect or ar e s hown below:

RJ -4 5 Co nn ec t or
at CommPort

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

DTR

(Data Termi nal Ready)

CTS

(Clear to Send)

DCD

(D ata Carri er Det ect ed )

RTS

(Ready to Send)

Signal RTN
RD

(Receive Data)

DSR
TD

(Tr a nsmi t Data )

Straight-Through Cable

(Signa l Retu rn)

(Data Set Ready)

Standard DB-25 Connecto
(2 5-Pi n Male)

20
5
8
4
7
3
6
2

Use a cable of this type to connect t o pr inters and other devices. Depending on the
device, it may be necessar y to rev er s e the RD and TD connections. This can easily
be accomplished using an adapter c alled a “ null m odem ” .

RS-232 COMM Port Configu rati on

After physic al connect ion, the COMM Port must be configured as an RS-232 device
properly through the

Continuum

workstation. Configuration requires selecting t he
type of device to be connected (i.e., Printer, Command, etc.) and s ett ing v ar ious
communications-related parameters. Refer to the on-line help system of the

Continuum

workstation for detailed information regarding configuration issues.

Continuum CPU Reference

19

Infinet (RS-485)

The NetController c an be c onnec ted to other Andover Controls devices s uc h as local
VAV controllers and display modules. These connections are accomplished using
any of the three Infinet RS - 485 por ts.

COMM 1, COMM 2 and COMM 4 include Infinet connections. A removable screw
terminal type connec tor is provided for the interconnection.

The

Infinet

for Andover Contr ols
network master at a time. It is the int er face that all earlier models of the Andov er
product line communicate through.

is a high-performance, t ok en- pas s ing loc al ar ea network (LAN) designed

Infinet

controllers where mor e than one controller can be the

Infinet

transmits data a rate of up to 19.2 KB/sec. Although
access system, it can have a combination of daisy-chained bus and star topology.

Cable lengths of up to 4,000-ft (1,219.2-m) daisy chained from

Infinet

After 31 nodes or 4,000 ft ( 1,219. 2 m ) an
is required to add more nodes to the network or further extend the cabling. Us ing an

InfiLink 210

recommended for running c able between buildings and through noisy environm ents.
You can have a maximum of 127 nodes on one

For more detailed information on the Infinet network , cons ult the

Infinet Networ k Configur ation Guide

Infinet Cable Specifications

Cables used to form the
shielded copper wire. The c able s hould hav e nom inal im pedanc e of 100 Ω and a
nominal velocity of pr opagation of 78%. Capacitance of

12.5 pF/ft between conductors and below 22 pF/ft between the c onduc tor connected
to ground and the next conduct or .

Recommended: Twisted pair Brand Rex H 9002

is physically wired using t wo conduct or s hielded twisted pair cable that

Infinet

has a token-passing data

Infinet

controller to

controller for every 31

allows you to extend the length of

Infinet

controllers on one arm of a star ar e support ed.

InfiLink 200

Infinet

or

InfiLink 210

with fiber optic cable,

Infinet

with

InfiLink 200

signal repeater

or

210

Andover Controls

, document number 30- 3001- 169.

Infinet

should be 24-gauge, single-twis ted-pair, tinned,

Infinet

cable should be below

Twisted Pair Plenum Anixter 9J2401021

.

20

Andover Controls

Infinet Connections

COMM Port 1 provides both Infinet and RS-232 connections. However, only one type
may be connected at any one tim e. For exam ple, COMM 1 can be used as an Infinet
connection or an RS-232 connec tion

BUT NOT BOTH!

The Infinet pin connect ions ar e s hown below:

COMM 1 & COMM 4
Infinet Connectors

+

Shield

COMM 2
Infinet Connector

+

Shield

The connector for COMM 2 includes an extra connection for the shield.
Connection to the cable is done by ins er ting a stripped conductor

into the opening on a screw terminal position and tightening the
associated screw to secure it in place.

When the network is connected to more than one device, it is done so in a daisy
chain manner as shown below:

+ - SHLD

Shield

Infinet Cable

* Wire colors are included for clarity. The colors of your cable may vary. However, make sure that all
Infinet connections are consistent on their connections.

White

Black

Shield

White

Black

Infinet Cable

Continuum CPU Reference

21

Ethern et

The NetController is c onnec ted to workstations and other Net Controller s v ia an
Ethernet inter face. These connections are accom plis hed v ia one of t wo phy s ic al
methods. Both 10Base- T (RJ - 45) and 10B as e- 2 (Thin c oax ) connect ion options are
available. Only one of the methods is installed depending upon your configuration.

The Ethernet is a high-speed CS M A/CD loc al ar ea network (LAN) that includes all
Andover Controls controllers and workstations and the network software that makes
them communicat e.

Ethernet consis ts of a minimum of two NetControllers or a NetController and a
workstation, usually connected via RG-58 a/u coaxial cable (10Base-2). Data
transmits ov er the Ether net at a rate of 10 Mb/sec. Depending on your particular
installation, you m ay want to use unshielded twisted-pair ( 10B as e- T), or both in a
variety of combinations .

Ethernet can be constr uc ted as a bus or daisy chain or in a combination bus/daisy
chain and star topology c alled “ dis tributed star” topology.

Andover’s Ethernet implementation is a baseband network , connected by up to
1,635-ft (500 m) of twis ted pair cabling or 3,033 ft (925 m) of thin coaxial cable. The
number of nodes on the network depends on the type of cable you use. For each
applicable segment of coaxial cable, you can have 30 nodes. Each segm ent of
twisted pair cable connec ts two nodes in an arrangement called a “point-to-point”
configuration.

As with any baseband networ k , Ethernet is easy to install. It requires only c abling and
interface modules. Depending on cable length, you may need an elec tronic repeater
and/or cable switching box , to extend the amount of cabling to its maxim um , t o form a
distributed st ar topology, and to utilize every type of cable av ailable.

Ethernet Nodes

The two types of nodes on the Andover Ethernet are NetControllers and
workstations. Each controller requires two types of IDs: one you assign strictly for use
by the local network and another that allows the unit to be used on not only your
Ethernet, but on a world- wide Internet.

Configuration of bot h these identifiers is done through the

22

Andover Controls

Continuum

workstation.

Ethernet Connectio ns

The controller module is equipped with an on-board Ethernet interface—complete
with connector—corresponding to one of the following Et hernet media types:

10BASE-2
10BASE-T
Different connec tors, cable limitations, and net wor k term ination requirements apply t o

the Ethernet, depending on which type of option your NetContr oller us es .

10BASE-2 Ethernet

Cable Limitations:
This option provides a standar d B NC c oax ial c able c onnec tor for Ethernet. RG-58

coaxial cable is used to f or m this type of net wor k . T he maximum cable length y ou
can use without a repeater is 606 ft (185 meters) for an Ethernet with 30 nodes.

10BASE-2 Cable Specifications

Cables used to form the 10Bas e- 2 Ether net should be RG-58 thin coaxial, shielded
wire. The cable should have nom inal im pedanc e of 50 Ω.

Recommended: Thin Coaxial RG-58 a/u or RG- 58 c/u Brand Rex RG 58

Installation

Plug the end of coaxial ‘RG - 58 T’ connec tor directly into the coaxial connector on the
back of the NetController . Every T connector on the Ethernet has three ends . The
bottom of the T always connects to the coaxial connector on a NetController or
workstation. Each side of the T connector connects either to a coaxial cable that is
connected to other dev ic es or t o a coax terminator if this device is at either end of a
line.

One side of T
can connect to
either a coaxial
cable or a
terminating resistor

Connects to coaxial
connector on NetController

One side of T
always connects
to a coaxial cable.

Continuum CPU Reference

23

The following illustrates a simple 10Base-2 Ethernet ins tallation with termination:

Terminator

Terminator

10BASE-2 Ethernet requires 50 Ω terminating resistor s on the first and last nodes on
the bus. The figure shown below illus trates the connection of the t erminat ing r es is tor.

Coaxial T

Terminating
Resistor

Coaxial

24

Andover Controls

Connects to Coaxial
Connector on NetController

10BASE-T Ethernet

Cable Limitations:
This option provides a standar d RJ - 45 c onnec tor for Ethernet. Unshielded t wis ted

pair cable is used to form t his ty pe of net wor k (you ac tually use a cable with dual
twisted pairs—one for the transmit signal, and one for t he receive s ignal) . The
maximum cable length you can use between two nodes is 327 feet (100 meters). The
maximum length for the total network is 1,635 feet (500 meters). If you need to use a
cable that exceeds the recommended maximum length, use a network r epeater.

10BASE-T Cable Specifications

Cables used to form the 10Bas e-T Ether net should be twisted pair wire. The cable
should have a nominal impedance of 100

(85 –111 Ω).

Ω

Recommended:

Twisted Pair Anixte r C M-00224TAG-B
Twisted Pair Plenum Anixter B88102

Installation

Plug the connector of t he Ether net cable into the RJ-45 connector on the
NetController module. Y ou m us t connec t the other end of the cable to an Ethernet
Hub or to another NetController .

TD+

TD-

RD+

Not Used

Not Used

RD-

Not Used

Not Used

NetController to Bridge, Hub

Use a straight-through cable to
attach to a bridge or hub

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

TD+1

TD-

RD+

Not Used

Not Used

RD-

Not Used

Not Used

NetController to NetController

The TD and RD pairs on the unshielded
twisted pair cable should be crossed if two
controllers are attached at each end of
the unshielded pair link segment.

TD-

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

TD+

RD+

Not Used

Not Used

RD-

Not Used

Not Used

Continuum CPU Reference

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

TD+1

TD-

RD+

Not Used

Not Used

RD-

Not Used

Not Used

25

Modem

When you order the modem option for your NetController, COMM Port 3 includes an
internally connected data modem. All you need to do is connect a telephone line to
the modem using the Modem port. The Modem por t acc epts a standard RJ-11
telephone jack connector .

Having a modem built into t he CP U facilitates connection to remote sites and allows
remote data acquisition.

You can switch from using the modem to using the standard RS-232 connection of
COMM 3 simply by pressing the Modem/RS - 232 Over r ide button on the front status
panel.

COMM 3
Modem Connector

TIP

RING

Before the modem can be operat ed, it m ust be configur ed from the

Continuum

workstation.
The communications data rate, handshaking options, etc . are s et up when def ining

COMM 3 as a Modem. Consult the

Continuum

workstation on-line help files for

specific inform ation.

26

Andover Controls

Status/Control Pa nel

Status In dic a t or s

The NetController inc ludes a c om plete indicator status panel on t he front of the module.

Status Panel

Indicators prov ide s tatus information on communicat ions por t use, Ethernet traffic and
NetController inter nal oper ation.

The following page lists the various indicators and describes their operation.

Control Push Buttons

There are two control push buttons along with the status indicators located on the front
panel. These butt ons pr ov ide a har dwar e r es et t o the module as well as a way to
disengage the modem from COMM Port 3. The following describes the action of each:

CLEAR MEMORY

The

CLEAR MEMORY

configuration details , point information, and
often referr ed to as a “hard res et. ” Clear ly , this is not a button you want to press unless
you

MODEM-RS-232 OVERRIDE

This button alt er nately engages and disengages the optional internal m odem from
operating on COMM Port 3. Pr essing t he button disengages the modem. Another pr es s
engages the modem, etc.

mean it—Be careful!

really

button erases

the memory in the NetController, including

all

Plain English

programming— this action is

Continuum CPU Reference

27

Indicator Descrip t io ns

The following describes the functions of each of the status indicators on the front panel:

CPU Status Indicators

POWER

The power status indicat or is ON if the NetController module is receiving power f r om
the power supply.

CPU

The CPU (for

Central Processing Unit

) indicator flashes once ever y 0.1 sec onds if
the NetController m odule is ac tive—many refer to this indicator as the Net Controller’s
“heartbeat.”

SCAN

The scan indicator flashes once for every scan executed by Net Controller .

ERROR

The ERROR indicator remains OFF until an error occurs.
If the NetController fails an internal system test, the ERROR indicator blinks a preset
number of times, then pauses, and repeats the blinking and pausing sequence—this
blinking pattern will persis t until you reset the cont r oller . The number of blinks
between pauses identifies the specific problem (as shown in t he table below).

ERROR Indicator Blink Rat es

Blinks before a Pause

1 blink
2 blinks or 7 blinks
12 blinks

Note: If an Andover Controls

Plain English

Type of Fai lur e

ROM Test Failed

EnergyNet

RAM Test Failed

Test Failed

program disables due to an err or, the
ERROR indicator illuminates and stays ON (without blinking) — if this occurs, you can
turn the indicator off by setting the

28

Andover Controls

ERRORS

system variable to 0 through soft war e.

CommPort Activi t y Indicators

There are four sets of CommPort activity indicators—one for each CommPort. The
indicators in this gr oup r epor t on the following:

TD

The TD (for Transmit Data) indic ator flashes quickly as data is being tr ans m itt ed out
through the CommPort.

RD

The RD (for Receive Data) indic ator flashes quickly as data is being receiv ed through
the CommPort.

Modem Activity Indicators

These indicators ar e applic able only if your NetController m odule is equipped with an
internal modem option. The indicators in this group report on t he following:

DCD

The DCD (for Data Carrier Detected) indicator is ON if the modem has detected and
synchronized with an external carrier signal fr om another m odem .

DTR

The DTR (for Data Terminal Ready) indicator is ON if the modem has asserted DTR,
or if the device attac hed to t he RS-232/ RJ - 45 c onnec tion for COMM 3 has asserted
DTR.

SELECTED

This indicator is ON if the modem has been enabled via the MODEM-RS-232
OVERRIDE push butt on. When it is ON, it indic ates COMM Port 3 is in Modem
mode. When OFF, COMM Port 3 is a general RS-232 port.

I/O Bus Activity Indicator

This indicator repor ts on the following:

STATUS

The STATUS indicator f las hes r apidly as data is being transmitted out across the I/O
Bus.

Continuum CPU Reference

29

Ethernet Activity Indicators

The indicators in t his gr oup r epor t on t he following:

TD

The TD (for Transmit Data) indic ator flashes rapidly as data is being trans m itt ed out
across the Ethernet .

RD

The RD (for Receive Data) indic ator flashes rapidly as data is being received from
the Ethernet.

COL

The COL (for Collision) indicator is ON whenever the contr oller detects data collisions
on the Ethernet.

(Note: this indicator applies only to 10BASE-T Ethernet.)

LINK

The LINK indicator is ON whenever the controller detects a valid 10BASE-T Ethernet
link.

(Note: this indicator applies only to 10BASE-T Ethernet.)

POL

The POL (for Polarity) indic ator is ON if a cable polarity reversal has been det ec ted
on the 10BASE-T Ethernet.

30

Andover Controls

Operation

Power On

IMPORTANT

Before applying power to the NetController make sure all connec tions are secure. The
system is not designed to allow you to add I/O modules while the power is on.

The NetController has no power s witch. It is assumed that it is connected to an
appropriate
switch located on t he left s ide of t he power supply module c as e m us t be depres s ed.

The switch is a rocker type with each side marked according to funct ion. Pr es s ing the side
marked with the I turns the power on. The

To remove power, press the side m ar k ed O.

Continuum

power supply module. To apply power to the system, the power

POWER

status indicator illuminates.

Once power is applied, any
operating.

Plain English

programs residing in the NetController begin

Continuum CPU Reference

31

UPS Programming

The NetController acts as the intelligence in your system.
created and then downloaded fr om the
CPU within this module. There ar e s ev er al
into your programs, allow t he NetController to sense when the sy stem is operat ing on
battery backup power ( UPS operation) and to remove power from critical areas before the
available power is depleted.

The following

PowerFail
CPUPower
ModemPower
PowerUpTime

Plain English

keywords and system variables pertain to this UPS operation:

Continuum

Plain English

workstation and are execut ed by the

Plain English

commands that, when inserted

programs are

Detecting a Power Fai lur e

When the main AC power fails, the UP S vers ion of t he power s upply (PS 120/240 AC 50
U) signals the NetCont r oller that it has lost AC power. You can add a routine to your
program to test for t his occur r enc e us ing the PowerFail system variable:

If PowerFail is ON then …..

Turning Off Various Subsystems

When a loss of power is detected, it signals that the system is operating using backup
batteries. In order to conserve power during this operation, you have the ability to remove
power from the optional modem and or the CPU itself. The following commands would be
used in both of these scenarios :

If PowerFail is ON then SET ModemPower to OFF ‘ turns off power to the modem
If PowerFail is ON then SET CPUPower to OFF ‘ turns off power to the CPU and all

subsystems including the modem

How Long Was I Down?

The following system variable can be used to keep track of how long it has been since
the last power failure. For a comprehensive example of its use, refer to the description of

PowerUpTime

the

32

Andover Controls

system variable in the

Continuum

workstation Help file.

30-3001-703 Continuum CPU Reference Rev DRAFT 1/98