BACnet-2-OPC

BACnet-2-OPC

"Fresh from the field" directly into the control system

Control technology and Scada systems for industrial automation are increasingly growing together with building automation. Devices at field level are increasingly using BACnet as the communication standard, while Open Platform Communications (OPC) is often used for control technology. The BACnet-2-OPC software solution from Krefeld-based MBS GmbH ensures that these systems can use the operating and consumption data from the field level easily, quickly and cost-effectively.

Building automation relies on BACnet: The cross-manufacturer and cross-trade network protocol is being used in more and more field devices. Whether the sensors and actuators at field level measure temperatures or control air conditioning systems, for example, the majority of them communicate using this manufacturer-independent ISO 16484-5 standard. Building management systems, on the other hand, are often based on Open Platform Communications (OPC) or its latest Unified Architecture (UA) specification. MBS has developed the BACnet-2-OPC software solution so that these two worlds can communicate smoothly with each other. This replaces the tried-and-tested BACnet OPC server with a much more modern system.

Current status of BACnet, OPC UA and Windows

In short, BACnet-2-OPC transmits building automation data generated by BACnet field devices to UA-based applications. Of course, coupling to OPC DA is still possible, even in parallel to coupling to OPC UA if required. It goes without saying that the solution supports both the current version of the BACnet standard and the latest OPC specification plus all Windows systems. As the successor to the tried-and-tested BACnet OPC server from MBS, it is based on many years of experience and guarantees reliable application.

The system is very easy to parameterize during installation, as the BACnet data can be automatically transferred to OPC with just a few mouse clicks. However, it is also possible to create individual and more granular configurations. But basically, if you want to put your systems into operation quickly, easily and cost-effectively, BACnet-2-OPC is the right solution.

• Support of all standard objects and properties up to BACnet Protocol Revision 14

• Support of OPC Unified Architecture (UA V1.03), OPC Data Access (DA V1.0a, V2.05, V3.0) and OPC Alarm/Event (AE V1.10) as OPC Server

Fast and cost-effective commissioning

During operation, BACnet-2-OPC provides an insight into the data currently being generated in the BACnet network via online monitoring. The specific transmission values, such as the temperature, can be viewed directly. As several data points can be combined, the software solution can also be used as a tool that directly supports the commissioning of a network.

The highlight is the color-coded status, which provides an optimal overview of the network: All data points and their operating statuses are displayed in different colors (green, yellow, red) on the user interface. This makes it possible to determine the status of a data point at a glance - whether it is "out of service" or in alarm status, for example - even independently of a control system.

Simplified handling

BACnet-2-OPC has been adapted to the current Windows systems, which require a log-in before use. To simplify handling, the user interface and service have been separated. This means that data can be forwarded from a data center server, for example, without having to start the user interface first. OPC data points can be added and deleted during operation without interrupting the function.

Many years of expertise for smooth communication

MBS GmbH has been part of the BACnet community for 20 years and is a member of BIG-EU and BACnet International. With this long-standing expertise, the company stands for the reliability of its products, software solutions and services. This also applies to communication between the manufacturer-independent BACnet standard and the OPC architecture. BACnet-2-OPC is the first in a series of new products that the BACnet specialist has developed for seamless communication between the BACnet and OPC UA worlds.

Runs under:

• Windows Server 2012 R2

• Windows Server 2016

• Windows Server 2019

• Windows 7 Pro SP1

• Windows 8.1

• Windows 10

System requirements:

Processor: 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor with 1.4 GHz or faster
Main memory: 2 GB RAM
Hard disk: 32 GB
Network card: Ethernet adapter (Gigabit)

A BACnet MS/TP router (e.g. MBS UBR-01) is required for communication with BACnet MS/TP networks.

• Support of all standard objects and properties up to BACnet Protocol Revision 14

• Support of OPC Unified Architecture (UA V1.03), OPC Data Access (DA V1.0a, V2.05, V3.0) and OPC Alarm/Event (AE V1.10) as OPC Server

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