April 01, 2022

Universal gateways | Interpreters for building automation

April 01, 2022/ Tom Wolters

Gateways are important components in building automation network architectures. As intermediaries between the various devices and communication protocols, they ensure smooth data exchange.

In line with the large number of devices and protocols in building automation (BA), the universal gateways from MBS are literally "universal": they include not just individual bus protocols, but all common bus protocols that can be implemented within the scope of the available physical interfaces. Whether mounted as a component on a top-hat rail in a control cabinet or as an edge device in a virtual environment - the universal gateways cover all hardware interfaces as well as all communication protocols. Not only can they link up to five bus systems, they also offer a wide range of data points with a minimum of 25 to a maximum of 40,000.

Building automation with Thread - From the field to the Internet of Things

April 23, 2021/ Robin Wolters

The wireless bus protocol Thread is preparing to move into building automation. Planners, integrators and property operators should now find out what they need to consider when planning and setting up such networks.

Ensuring the efficient use of energy in properties is the central task of modern building automation (BA). However, energy consumption also plays a major role in building technology itself. For example, electrical devices without a fixed power connection such as sensors, smoke detectors or thermostats should be able to operate for several years without having to change batteries, as this involves a great deal of manual effort in addition to the cost of the energy storage itself.

BACnet: Full speed ahead for interdisciplinary communication

May 20, 2020/ Tom Wolters

Modern building management faces a variety of challenges. In a landscape of devices from different manufacturers and different communication protocols, systems such as cooling and ventilation, lighting and shading must be coordinated in a sensible way. At the same time, efficient energy use and climate protection are the order of the day. Against this backdrop, the BACnet network protocol is now a key technology worldwide - with a current market share of 64 percent.

There are tangible reasons for this triumphant advance. When it comes to more complex control parameters or functions, the communicative connection via data protocol offers advantages that result from the coordinated interaction of the individual systems.

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