2
Concepts
, functions and gateway design
UGW X-series
Concepts, functions and gateway design
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2
Concepts, functions and gateway design
2.1
Universal gateways
A gateway enables communication between devices which use different communication protocols
(data exchange). The job of universal gateways is to connect data points of one network technology
with data points of a large selection of other technologies. A typical area of application is the field of
technical building service equipment:
•
Control technology systems
•
DDC systems
•
Control units for refrigeration units or CHPs
•
Room controllers
•
Security technology
•
Fire and burglar alarm systems
•
Lighting control units
For various reasons, these systems use different communication protocols. They differ in speed,
complexity, number of connectible devices, range and the type of information transmitted.
Since each bus system works with its own data formats and protocols (e.g. BACnet IP, EIB/KNX,
BACnet MS/TP…), data conversion is performed within the gateway. In order to convert the input
format to the output format, an internal intermediate format is used. This enables effective
conversion between two or more formats. The internal intermediate format consists of individual
data points that are to be regarded as the smallest amount of information.
Schematic design of the gateway (functions and modules)
The UGWs consist of a central message distributor (dispatcher), one or more drivers (e.g. M-Bus,
Profibus or BACnet) and an interface configurator.
Interface mapping of the serial interface
Assigning gateway serial interfaces to device drivers
X-series RS232 Terminal (1)
Com1 4-pole
RS232
/dev/ttyS3
X-series RS485 Terminal (1)
Com1 4-pole
RS485
/dev/ttyS3
