SE Protocols Guide A4 v21
SE Protocols Guide A4 v21
SE Protocols Guide A4 v21
Protocols
In Building Automation
Contents
Overview..................................................................................................... 3
Wired Protocols........................................................................................... 6
BACnet............................................................................................................... 7
LonWorks........................................................................................................... 8
KNX.................................................................................................................... 9
DALI................................................................................................................. 10
Clipsal C-Bus................................................................................................... 11
Modbus............................................................................................................ 12
M-Bus.............................................................................................................. 13
OPC................................................................................................................. 14
Web Services................................................................................................... 15
Wireless Protocols.................................................................................... 16
EnOcean.......................................................................................................... 17
ZigBee............................................................................................................. 18
These systems communicate with a wide variety of devices, from life-space positioned sensors and
lights to technical-space located equipment such as chillers, boilers, air handlers and electrical
panels. Regardless of the originating protocol from local controllers on different floors or zones, data
may be forwarded to the cloud using another protocol via gateways. Monitoring dashboards in the
local Facility Manager (FM) office or at corporate headquarters can see real-time visualizations of
energy performance and issues.
To enable all this communication, many different protocols have been developed over the years.
Protocols are the accepted rules and standards that allow communication and data-sharing
between building automation equipment. Devices and systems that conform to a given protocol can
communicate easily with each other, but not necessarily with other protocols.
Why does this matter? Because manufacturers that produce building automation equipment must
choose which protocol(s) their product will conform to, which means that users of this equipment are
choosing not just the product, but the protocol that goes with it.
This Guide is designed to help you navigate, at a high level, the choices in building automation open
protocols. First we examine some of the key issues involved in selecting which protocol(s) to choose,
then we review each major protocolwhy it was developed, who uses it, pros and cons, and any
relevant application-specific or regional-specific information.
Each protocol maintains standards and certifications through its own independent organization (such *www.calstate.edu/cpdc/ae/gsf/
documents/controls_procurement_
as bacnet.org and lonmark.org). Guidelines are updated as technology and needs evolve. guidelines.pdf
Wired vs Wireless
One essential choice is whether you will use wired or wireless communications, or a combination of
both. The most common wireless options utilize a wireless-specific protocol (see pages 17-18). Most
control devicessuch as room controllers, occupancy sensors, ventilation fan controls, and door
sensorsare available with either wired or wireless communications.
Note that we are referring here to communications. Device power is handled independently from
device communications. Devices will require electrical wiring to connect to the buildings power
system (although some products with low energy requirements now use batteries or energy-
harvesting technology for power generation).
Each protocol has its own advantages and adherents, and mixing protocols may be the most
effective way to optimize a building system to particular needs and budgets. Your facilities experts or
consulting partners can help you understand what approaches will work best for your requirements,
goals and budgets.
>>Define needs and goals. As always with technology, evaluate choices in the context of clearly
stated business goals and budgets.
>>Look for choices. It helps to work with providers that offer a wide range of product and
technology choices. This will improve the chances of finding an optimal solution for each facility.
>>Choose distributed intelligence. If possible, choose products that have built-in intelligence.
Distributed intelligence improves network performance and reliability, and eliminates bottlenecks
that can result from a single point of control.
>>Adapt to the region. Be prepared to deal with different standards and requirements,
depending on the region. Regional considerations are included for each protocol in this guide.
Light
Switch
Room
Controller
Variable
Gateway/ Room
Frequency
Network Controller Controller
Drive
Room
Controller
Power
Meter
BACnet is a worldwide standard used by more than 800 vendors across hundreds of devices.
Products that meet ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 135 can communicate with each other over a network.
BACnet clients must be backward compatible to ensure interoperability with multiple generations of
devices within an installation.
The protocol is supported and maintained by ASHRAE Standing Standard Project Committee
135. Products are certified for compliance and interoperability through BACnet International via
the BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL). BTL Certification is available from several testing facilities,
including all WSPLabs, MNB in Germany, and SoftDEL Systems headquartered in Pune, India.
Applications
BACnet supports most building operations, including HVAC, lighting, fire protection, and physical
security (access control, intrusion) devices.
Highlights
> Millions of installed devices
>Developed specifically for building automation
>Supported by more than 800 manufacturers
>Available in a wide range of products
>Flexible standard allows vendors to offer unique and custom applications
>Supported and updated by ASHRAE
>5 interoperable areas data sharing, alarms and events, scheduling, trending and
device management
Networking
>Topology: Daisy chain, star, or mixed topology, depending on transport utilized
>Media: Twisted pair (<1,500m/5,000ft recommended), fiber optics, wireless mesh
>Transport protocols: IP, Ethernet, LonTalk, Zigbee, ARCnet, MS/TP
License
No fees
Regional relevance
BACnet complies with the ISO 16484-5 global standard, and is used in the United States, Europe,
and more than 30 other countries.
Web
www.bacnet.org/
www.bacnetinternational.org/
The protocols largest application area is in building automation and is an international standard, with
millions of installed devices around the world.
Applications
The majority of LonWorks devices involve buildings projects, including HVAC and lighting. The
protocol is also used in many other markets such as outdoor lighting, transportation, utility, process
control, and home automation.
Highlights
> Millions of installed devices
>Developed specifically for building automation
>Standardized applications assure consistency regardless of vendor
>Supported by hundreds of manufacturers
>Simple installation
>Flexible connectivity via range of media
Networking
> Topology: Daisy-chain, star or mixed topology
>Media: Twisted pair (daisy chain maximum distance of approximately 2,700m/8,800ft), power
lines, fiber optics, wireless
>Transport protocols: Connects to IP-aware applications or remote network-management tools
using (IP) tunneling standard ISO/IEC 14908-4 (ANSI/CEA-852)
License
Fee required (paid by product manufacturer)
Regional relevance
ISO/IEC 14908 global standard, Europe EN 14908, U.S. ANSI/CEA-709/852 and
China national controls standard GB/Z 20177.1-2006, and China building and intelligent community
standard GB/T 20299.4-2006
Web
http://www.lonmark.org/
The KNX Association administers the standard, providing vendor- and product-independent
commissioning software for standardized commissioning procedures (ETS). KNX Association has
396 member companies in 38 countries, offering more than 7,000 certified products for building
automation, which are handled by approximately 48,000 certified KNX-partners in 138 countries.
KNX Association is a non-profit organization governed by Belgian Law.
Applications
KNX is used in residential and commercial building automation for HVAC, lighting, security, remote
access, blind and shutter control, visualization, and energy management.
Highlights
>Millions of installed devices
>Developed specifically for building automation
>Standardized applications assure consistency regardless of vendor
>Supported by hundreds of manufacturers
> Tree topology appropriate for large networks
> Choice of transmission media
> Backward compatible with former European Installation Bus (EIB)
Networking
>Topology: Tree, line and star topologies (or any combination)
>Media:
- Twisted pair (KNX TP): KNX is transmitted across a separate bus cable (recommended
maximum of approximately 1,000m/3,280ft), hierarchically structure in lines and areas
- Power Line (KNX PL): KNX is transmitted on the existing mains network
- Radio frequency (KNX RF): KNX is transmitted via radio signals. Devices can be uni- or
bidirectional
- IP/Ethernet (KNXnet/IP): This widespread communication medium can be used in
conjunction with the KNXnet/IP specifications, which allow the tunnelling or routing of KNX
frames encapsulated in IP frames
>Transport protocols: KNX communicates with other protocols via gateways
License
Fee required (paid by product manufacturer)
Regional relevance
Complies with International standard (ISO/IEC 14543-3), U.S. standard ANSI/ASHRAE 135,
Canadian standard CSA-ISO/IEC 14543-3, European standards CENELEC EN 50090 and CEN EN
13321-1, and China standard GB/T 20965.
Web
www.knx.org/
DALI provides exceptionally fine-grained control over lighting, with each device being separately
addressable. 256 levels of brightness are possible. Features that are or will be available under DALI
2 include remote control, integration with fire and emergency lighting systems, balancing of light
output as LEDs age, and the ability to adjust lighting load based on electricity demand.
The protocol is administered by the DALI working party (AG DALI), ensuring that DALI compliant
products will have the highest levels of interoperability with other DALI products. Testing can be done
either by an approved test house or by DALI members themselves using DALI software.
Applications
DALI is used exclusively for lighting and related controls. DALI devices include fluorescent HF
ballasts, low voltage transformers, PE cells, motion detectors, wall switches and gateways to other
protocols.
Highlights
>High signal-to-noise ratio for reliable communications
>Fine-grained control of lighting intensity
>Bidirectional communication enables feedback of operating state (dim level, lamp failure, etc.)
>Free and flexible assignment of lamps for easy changes
>Emergency lighting can be integrated in lighting systems
>Up to 64 devices can be on a single DALI network; multiple DALI networks can be linked
via gateways
Networking
>Topology: Line or star topologies, or a combination
>Media: A single pair of wires forms the bus for a DALI network (approximately 300m/1,000ft
max); wireless extension is available
>Transport protocols: Communicates with other protocols via gateways
License
Free to members of AG DALI; non-members can apply for a fee bearing license
Regional relevance
DALI is a worldwide standard, specified by the International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC 62386).
Web
www.dali-ag.org/
C-Bus provides a great deal of flexibility in switching and control functions can be changed,
added, removed, moved, or reprogrammed at any position on the network without cumbersome
hard-wiring. It uses a dedicated low-voltage cable up to 1,000m/3,000ft to carry command and
control signals, making it suitable for large commercial applications.
The protocol is administered by the C-Bus Enabled Program which provides certification as well as
information and support to third-party developers for the design and development of commercial
products.
Applications
Usually used for lighting control, but can also control pumps, motors, and virtually any other type of
electrical load.
Highlights
> Highly robust and reliable control system
> Interfaces to both PC-based and embedded systems
> Devices controlled via a single cable (maximum recommendation is 100 devices per cable)
> Simple to install and commission
> Can control any type of load, digital and analog
Networking
>Topology: Free topology architecture
>Media types: Unshielded twisted pair (up to 1,000m/3,000ft)
>Transport protocols: Proprietary (however, C-Bus allows for integration with DALI, OPC, Web
Services and ZigBee)
>Data can be transported over RS232 and TCP/IP
License
No fee required; paid license available with increased support for partners
Regional relevance
C-Bus is used in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, USA, South Africa, the UK
and other parts of Europe including Greece and Romania.
Web
www.cbus-enabled.com/
The Modbus protocol uses a client/server architecture to manage communication between a host
and intelligent devices, especially sensors in data acquisition systems. In building automation,
it is used to control equipment such as chillers, boilers, and fans. Noted for its flexible and open
communications, Modbus is one of the most widely used protocols in the world.
The protocol is administered by the Modbus Organization, a group of independent users and
suppliers of automation devices. The organization promotes the use of Modbus, supports users and
suppliers, and certifies compliant devices.
Applications
Modbus is used to communicate between intelligent devices and sensors and instruments, and
to monitor field devices using PCs and human-machine interfaces. Modbus is most widely used
as an industrial protocol, but is also popular in building, infrastructure, transportation, and energy
applications.
Highlights
> Developed for industrial applications, now widely used in buildings
> Millions of Modbus nodes in use worldwide
> Easy to deploy and maintain
> Offers vendors low-cost development
Networking
> Topology: Line topology
>Media: Two-wire, four-wire, wireless mesh
>Transport protocols: IP, Ethernet
>Data can be transported via ASCII, RTU)
License
No fees
Regional relevance
International de facto standard.
Web
www.Modbus.org/
M-Bus makes it possible to read meters remotely from a host computer or handheld device. In
building automation, M-Bus can be linked to the building system to provide integration with other
systems such as HVAC and lighting. The protocol is based on the ISO-OSI Reference Model to
provide openness and easy integration with other protocols.
M-Bus is administered by the M-Bus User Group, which conducts occasional seminars and user
group meetings.
Applications
M-Bus is used to report readings from water, gas, heat, and electric meters, as well as valves and
actuators. It is also sometimes used for alarm systems and flexible illumination systems.
Highlights
> A single cable can link all meters in a building
> Wireless version available for maximum flexibility
> Meters are individually addressable
> Allows meters to be installed in hard-to-access places
> Provides integration of energy monitoring for building optimization
Networking
>Topology: Line topology (technically M-Bus is not a network)
>Media types: Twisted pair; wireless version available (868MHz, 433MHz, and 169MHz)
>Transport protocols: Not defined in standard; gateways are available for IP
License
No fees
Regional relevance
M-Bus (Meter-Bus) is a European standard (EN 13757-2 physical/link layer, EN 13757-3 application
layer, EN 13757-4 wireless).
Web
www.m-bus.com
OPC
OPC is a global software interface that enables the exchange of data among devices, control
systems and applications from different vendors. It was originally developed in 1996 for machine-
to-machine communication in industrial settings, and was limited to Windows platforms. In 2008 a
newer and more open standard of the protocol, OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA), was introduced
and has been adopted in other applications including building automation.
The protocol is administered by the OPC Foundation, an independent group of more than 450
manufacturers, suppliers, and integrators. The OPC Foundation oversees compliance and offers
developer tools and test kits for members.
Applications
OPC UA is used in building automation to provide connectivity between different protocols. It enables
different systems such as security, lighting, elevator, and HVAC to be networked using a single
connectivity standard.
Highlights
> Thousands of OPC-compliant products available
> Allows interoperability across platforms
> Avoids being locked into a specific vendor or protocol
> Increases options and flexibility for integrators and end users
> Simplifies installation in heterogeneous environments
Networking
> Topology: Server-client
> Media and Transport: OPC client applications can communicate with OPC servers via any
appropriate communication technology, such as TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, or XML
License
Fee required (paid by product manufacturer)
Regional relevance
OPC is a de facto global standard used North and South America, Europe, Israel, China, Japan,
Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Web
https://opcfoundation.org/
In building automation, Web Services are often used to integrate building systems that have various
protocols in use. For example, an enterprise with a mixture of BACnet- and LonWorks-based facilities
could use a Web Services application to integrate the information from both networks and provide
unified reporting and analysis.
The W3C Web Services Architecture Working Group defines and maintains the standard for Web
Services Architecture. It should be noted that some protocols have issued their own Web Services
standards. In October 2004, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning
Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) released an addendum to standard 130-2004, called BACnet/WS to cover
Web Services.
Applications
Web Services are used in building automation to integrate reporting across facilities, and provide
a bridge between legacy and new systems. It can also be used locally within a single building, for
example to link a Modbus sensor network with the facility managers control portal.
Highlights
> Extremely open web-based standard
> Enables communication between virtually any device, system or application
> Future-proof method of integrating and interoperating
> Easy to implement in most applications
Networking
> Communicates via any valid Internet connection
License
Depends on vendor
Regional relevance
Web Services are Internet-based and can be used globally.
Web
http://www.w3.org/
The standard specifies the use of energy-harvesting technology that does not require batteries or
other power sources. EnOcean devices utilize kinetic and thermal energy-harvesting techniques
such as solar cells, making them economical to use and environmentally friendly. The most typical
applications in building automation are for lighting controls and sensors.
The protocol is administered by the non-profit EnOcean Alliance, comprised of some 350 member
companies. The organization pursues standardization of communication profiles, ensuring that
devices sharing the EnOcean protocol can communicate.
Applications
EnOcean products are commonly used in occupancy sensors, lighting controls, key card switches,
and other room control applications.
Highlights
> More than 800 certified products, most of them for building automation
> Energy harvesting for greener operations
> Wireless installation is low-cost and non-disruptive
Networking
> Topology: Point-to-point communications
>Media: Wireless
>Generally, devices must be within 30m/100ft of each other
License
Fee required (paid by product manufacturer)
Regional relevance
EnOcean is a global standard based on International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard
ISO/IEC 14543-3-10 for low-energy wireless applications.
Web
www.enocean.com
A major feature of the ZigBee protocol is its mesh network topology that is self-healing and auto-
routing. Mesh networks do not depend on any single connection; if one link is broken, devices
search through the mesh to find another available route. This capability makes a ZigBee-based
network very reliable and flexible.
The protocol is administered by the ZigBee Alliance, an open, non-profit association of approximately
400 members. The Alliance certifies products and promotes worldwide adoption of ZigBee as the
wirelessly networked standard for sensing and control in consumer, commercial and industrial areas.
Applications
Typically, ZigBee devices are used as room and HVAC controllers, as well as door/window contacts
and occupancy sensors.
Highlights
>Long reach suitable for larger buildings and campuses
>Wireless installation is low-cost and non-disruptive
>Low power end devices can run on batteries for years
>Secure networks using 128-bit encryption keys
Networking
>Topology: Mesh network (self-healing)
>Media: Wireless
>Operates at 2.4 GHz for longer reach (up to 100m/300ft or more)
License
Fee required for commercial use. No fee for non-commercial use but membership in ZigBee Alliance
required.
Regional relevance
ZigBee and ZigBee Pro are international standards based on IEEE 802.15.4.
Web
www.zigbee.org/
The above list represents native support of each protocol. In many cases
gateways can be added that enable the support of additional protocols.
Schneider Electric Americas Schneider Electric Asia Pacific Schneider Electric EMEA
Boston ONE Campus 13th Floor, East Wing, Warwick House, Jgershillgatan 18
800 Federal Street Taikoo Place, 979 Kings Road, SE-213 75, Malm, Sweden
Andover, MA 01810-1067 Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, SAR Tel: +46 (40) 38 68 50
Tel: +1-978-794-0800 Tel: +852 2980 8528
Document Number
20 Guide to GDE-OPEN_PROTOCOL-A4.EN.11.2015.v2
Open Protocols in Building Automation November 2015