Technical information

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
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C-Bus Enabled Program
The C-Bus Enabled program is Clipsal’s Open Systems program for third party
developers and manufacturers, who wish to develop and integrate C-Bus compatible
products and software applications. The C-Bus Enabled program ensures 100%
compatibility between applications and products developed by third parties and
existing products. It also facilitates the successful and seamless integration between
the robust and reliable C-Bus protocol standard with other third party protocols.
Companies that develop products and software programs which meet the requirements
of the program, and which have been certied by Clipsal, may use the C-Bus Enabled
logo on their equipment.
As part of this program, Clipsal has developed new applications and messaging
structures that support third party applications such as security and access control,
metering, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning control and others. The Clipsal
C-Bus control system is widely recognised as the Asian standard for control system
architecture, with local manufacture of products and technical support in this region.
C-Bus is a low cost, microprocessor based, distributed intelligence system, with
patented message structure realising high reliability and robust communications
between devices.
C-Bus Protocol
The C-Bus protocol is designed on the International Standards Organization (ISO)
‘Open Systems Interconnection’ seven-layer reference model for communication
protocols. The protocol utilises high speed, full duplex communications and provides
constant feedback on the operational status of inputs and outputs, including the ability
to interrogate the status of specic modules. The protocol utilises communication
algorithms based on Synchronous Carrier Sense, Multiple Access with Collision Detection,
implemented with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CD-CA) standards (IEEE Standard 802).
Serial Integration
The serial C-Bus protocols permits third parties to develop software to interface to
the C-Bus via the serial RS232 communications port. The C-Bus protocol document
denes the message syntax, to issue commands and retrieve status directly from the
C-Bus, via the C-Bus PC Interface. This technique of interfacing is particularly useful
between C-Bus and microprocessor embedded applications such as security systems,
building and home controllers and HVAC equipment for instance.
Example 1: PC to C-Bus Integration
COM 1 - C-Bus RS232 Serial Port
Example 2: Security to C-Bus Integration
C-Bus RS232 Serial Port
5500PC
5500PC
Hardware Integration
The C-Bus Enabled program permits the direct implementation of the C-Bus core
onto third party equipment. Clipsal have developed a masked processor with the
embedded software core, which permits third parties to develop “input and output
modules” such as switches, sensors, dimmers, relays and dimmable electronic ballasts.
The C-Bus input and output cores consist of all the electronic interface circuitry,
network impedance matching components, and C-Bus transceivers to provide full
C-Bus integration.