7
ENG
c.pCO s0300057EN rel. 1.2 - 29.05.2017
1. INTRODUCTION
c.pCO is a microprocessor-based, programmable electronic controller,
featuring a multitasking operating system, compatible with the c.pCO
Sistema family of devices, which includes programmable controllers, user
terminals, gateways, communication devices and remote management
devices. These devices represent a powerful control system that can be
easily interfaced with most Building Management Systems (BMS) available
on the market. The controller has been developed by CAREL to provide
solutions for several applications in air-conditioning, refrigeration and
HVAC/R in general. Its flexibility allows for creation of tailor made control
solutions according to customer specifications. Compared to pCO sistema,
the range is enhanced by a new compact controller, and consequently
comprises the c.pCOmini (4 DIN module and panel mounting version),
featuring 10 universal inputs/outputs and available with built-in driver for
single-pole electronic expansion valve, as well as the c.pCO Small, Medium,
Large, ExtraLarge models. The number of inputs/outputs can be increased
by connecting a c.pCOe expansion board.
Medium size controllers can feature also one or two built-in drivers for
electronic expansion valves. The Ultracap module (accessory) can be used
as an emergency power supply for valve drivers, so as to ensure total closure
of the valves in case of power failures (alternating current).
c.pCO can be connected in an Ethernet LAN to other c.pCO family
controllers. Each device in the LAN can exchange digital or analogue
variables with all the others, based on the application program used. c.pCO
can also be connected via a pLAN (pCO Local Area Network) to the pGD
range of terminals.
Each Fieldbus serial port,
whether built into the controller or installed
via an optional card, can be connected to controlled field devices such as
valve and damper actuators and external drivers (e.g. drivers for electronic
expansion valves, EVD Evolution).
Each BMS serial port,
whether built into the controller or installed via
an optional card, can be connected to field-level, automation-level
or management-level standard bus systems, such as Konnex®, LON®,
BACnet™, etc.
The real-time operating system (OS)
manages priorities so as to ensure the
application program cycle time, 32-bit data and floating point numbers, and
the Ethernet multimaster and multi-protocol connection.
Main features:
•
optimization of the memory occupied by the Operating System and
the application program, of the boot time, of the time for loading the
application program and of the cycle time;
•
system response time optimization: the controller executes several
processes in parallel, each managed with a different priority;
•
independent processes: each process, whether a protocol, USB port
management, data and alarm log (datalogger), data exchange with
tERA cloud service, works independently of the others;
•
runtime debug (on target)
•
native management of TCP/IP multitasking protocol
Local connectivity:
•
built-in web server, completely customisable, supports HTML standard
and JavaScript. The 90 Mbyte memory can be used to store pages
created using the most common website development tools. Dynamic
methods (CGI, Common Gateway Interface) are available to read and
write the application program variables. Other innovative functions
include: the possibility to display the contents of the pGD1 terminal
in the browser, display graphs of data recorded by the datalogger and
plot data from probes and energy meters in real time (variable trends);
•
file server (FTP): the c.pCO public file system can be accessed in the
local network via FTP. Consequently, an FTP client can be used to
connect to the controller so as to upload updates, web pages and
documents. The “.csv” (comma separated value) files exported by the
datalogger can be downloaded
•
creation of accounts with different access privileges, associated to
both a webserver and an FTP server;
•
management of multiple simultaneous instances of Modbus TCP/IP
Master and Slave protocol;
•
management of BACnet™ protocol with B-BC profile (MSTP or TCP/IP,
license to be purchased separately).
Remote connectivity:
•
integrated connectivity to the Carel tERA cloud service: by connecting a
normal router to the controller, a secure connection can be established to
the tERA server. Remote services can be activated for the management
of control variables, alarm notification, data analysis and reports. The
connections are encrypted using the SSL (Secure Socket Layer) standard, in
compliance with NIST, international reference for information security over
the internet.
•
a firewall guarantees remote access only via a secure connection (tERA
cloud connection or encrypted VPN)
Integrated USB peripheral:
it can be used to update the controller and
save web pages, documents and applications in the flash memory. Also
used to download the logs from the controller.
•
c.pCO Small...Extralarge: the host and device USB ports are managed
directly by the operating system. USB host (top): a USB flash drive can
be used to load updates (operating system/application program) on
the controller. USB device port (bottom): by connecting c.pCO to a
personal computer, its memory is made available as a removable drive,
and at the same time a communication channel is established with the
c.suite software for programming and online debugging.
•
c.pCOmini: the 2 USB ports are physically integrated into a single micro
USB port; the same performance is available as for the two ports on
the larger models.
Other features:
•
the same controller can be connected to up to 3 pGD1/pGDE terminals;
•
external or built-in terminal with display and keypad with LED backlit
buttons, can be used for uploading software and commissioning;
•
universal inputs/outputs configurable via an application program,
for connecting active and passive probes, digital inputs, analogue
and PWM outputs. This extends the possibilities of configuring
inputs/outputs without having to install a larger controller;
•
possibility to use the c.suite software development environment,
installable on a personal computer, for creating and customising the
application program, simulating operation, supervising performance
and configuring the Ethernet network;
•
wide range of models that differ in terms of:
• size (mini, Small, Medium, Large and Extralarge), to ensure maximum
flexibility according to the application;
• digital outputs (24/230 V relay) and SSR (solid state relay);
• NO or NC relay outputs
• integrated optically-isolated/not optically-isolated serial ports;
• optional built-in display;
• various types of connectors (spring, screw, etc.).
Software programming suite, c.suite:
designed as a set of independent
modules, one for each phase in HVAC/R software development, c.suite
allows teams of professionals with different skills to work in a group on
the same project, increasing efficiency and adopting joint development
based on workflow. All the software modules cooperate with each other
based on centralised data exchange, optionally managed by a software
version number (SVN):
•
c.strategy: environment where expert algorithm programmers prepare
the core of the application program. Features of the programming
environment:
- total independence of programming logic from the hardware and
the connected devices;
- availability of IEC 61131 standard languages: ST (structured text), FBD
(function block diagram), SFC (sequential function chart), LD (Ladder
diagram), which can also be used simultaneously;
- datatype management: 32-bit, floating point, array and native
structures;
- debug on target via USB port or Ethernet;
•
c.mask: dedicated environment for developers of the user interface.
•
c.design: definition of configurations, such as controller type and size,
type of inputs/outputs, master/slave protocols, default parameter values,
datalogger, network address and user management, connection to tERA
cloud services.
•
c.factory: used to program the controller, loading the application program
and the appropriate unit configuration during assembly.