Datasheet
Network Router Module
RTR / DIN / FTT / .../ ...
Main Features Segregates Network for Multi-Domain Systems Filters Communications messages to optimise network performance Supports 3km between buildings using Fibre Optic cabling option

Description of Features

All SeaChange modules are connected together on a common communications network so that they can exchange information and talk to a PC based Graphical User Interface such as Doorway.

Housekeeping

Every SeaChange system must have a single Housekeeping Module (see our Design Guide publication for details). The Housekeeping function can be provided by a Boiler Controller, AHU Controller or Floor Controller. Systems with one Housekeeping (or Registration) Module are called single-domain systems.

However there are limits on the amount of modules that a single housekeeping (registration) module can handle (see our Design Guide publication for details), and limits on the amount of network traffic allowed in a large system; therefore you may need to choose another type of Housekeeping Module, or maybe create a Multi-Domain system. Remember to allow for future expansion.

In general, if the quantity of any class of module exceeds the address capacity supported for that class of module by the housekeeper then you will need a Multi-Domain system (see the Design Guide Section 7 page 11 for details of module classes). In practice, the Zone classification (Zone, Slave Zone, DHW, Fan Coil or VAV Controllers etc) is usually the first address limit that is met. As a rough rule of thumb (albeit not a substitute for proper verification), systems approaching 100 zone class devices (whatever housekeeper you choose) need to have Multiple Domains.

Routers are needed to partition the system into smaller sub-systems called Domains. Each Domain has its own Registration device (a Floor Controller, Boiler or AHU Controller with System Housekeeping). The Housekeeping Function for the whole system will automatically be performed by the Registration device with the lowest Domain number; all other Housekeeping devices will disable their Outside Temperature and Real-Time Clock Housekeeping Functions (to avoid duplication) and will only retain the Address Allocation feature (Registration) for the Modules in their Domain.

Routers - Domains & Segments

Routers can be used to partition large systems into Domains. The Routers pass messages between the Domains whilst constraining local SubSystem network traffic within the SubSystem.  Up to a maximum of 8 Domains are on a system (1500 Zones).

A Domain can be split across 2 or more Routers (see Domain 3 in the example below); however it is better to use Repeaters to divide the Domain into multiple segments (less Global Traffic) - see the Sub Backbones on each Domain in the example below.

Each Domain can be sub-divided into multiple segments using Repeaters in the normal way. Each Domain must independently follow the same network rules as for single domain systems - maximum 500m cable length per segment and/or maximum 64 nodes per segment. If either of these thresholds is met use Repeaters to divide the Domain into segments.

Note that Routers additionally provide a repeater function (hence the Domains are electrically isolated from the main system Backbone). The repeater function of the Router must also be taken into account if dividing a Domain into segments (remember, no more than 4 Repeaters between any two devices on the Whole system).

Note - the main system Backbone joining the Domains must also not exceed 500m and requires a Terminated Power Supply.

Interconnect Filtering

Routers filter Interconnect messages to prevent the network from becoming overloaded. Interconnects are split into 2 categories:-

Demand Interconnects - (Heating-, Cooling- and Occupancy- Demand) are Global signals which pass through Routers, and can be sent between Domains.

Supervision Interconnects - (Occupancy-, Setpoint-, Supply Setpoint- and Time Schedule- Supervision) and Submodule Interconnects are Local signals which do not pass through Routers and are hence confined to one Domain.

Other Global messages are Outside Temperature and Real-Time-Clock Housekeeping Functions, and all communications from a Serial Adaptor (which can be located anywhere on the system, and can access all Modules) and Alarm Messages.

Registration

Routers are registered to the Registration Module (Housekeeper) for their Domain, and are therefore allocated an address. The Registration Module is put into registration mode and the router service pin is pressed just like any other standard SeaChange product.

Routers do not have any Configuration parameters.

The examples above are also shown in Section 7 of our Design Guide publication (available by post, or to see it on line go to the 'Design' option on the top menu above). See also Section 8 for details of Commissioning a Multi Domain system.

Options and Product Codes

Network Router Module

RTR / DIN / FTT / [lan] / [option]

Options

SC Controls Ltd

PO Box313
Wadhurst
East Sussex
TN5 6JL

phone 08707 606040
fax 08707 606041
e-mail seachange@sccontrols.co.uk
http:// www.seachange.co.uk