SPT4-NET Protocol Translator / Data Concentrator
Overview
Applied Systems Engineering, Inc.'s SPT4-NET is a Protocol Translator and Data Concentrator product with one network channel, four serial channels, and a large software library of RTU/IED communication protocols. It provides cost-effective support for a wide array of protocol and data transport applications common in the SCADA industry. These include operating as a data concentrator, translating one protocol to another, adding dual-port capability to an otherwise single-ported device, providing network access to serial-only equipment, and transporting legacy bit-protocols over a frame relay, or similar network.
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SPT4-NET Protocol Translator / Data Concentrator |
Designed for operation in a substation environment, the device does not contain disk drives. It operates on input power of 24 to 160 VDC or 110/120 VAC. The serial communication interface supports speeds up to 56 KB for byte protocols and 9600 baud for bit protocols. The Ethernet port supports 10Base-T operation.
Support is available for a large number of serial protocols, including present-day ones such as DNP3 and IEC 60870-5-101, as well as legacy "bit" protocols such as Conitel and CDC. The Ethernet channel can be configured for DNP 3 LAN/WAN, Modbus/TCP, and IEC 60870-5-104. Support of both master/host and remote/slave operations are available for all protocols. Each communication port, serial or network, can be configured for a different protocol as well as for master or remote operations.
SPT4-NET's software protocol translation "engine" is based on ASE's protocol library product, a set of field-proven routines that process the protocol unique aspects of data communication messages. The hardware design is based on ASE's field-proven BCOM8-56K PCI-bus I/O board: a processor based, 8-channel, high-speed, serial communications device used by several SCADA companies as well as other ASE products.
Configuration
The SPT4-NET Configuration Editor is a graphical based tool for easy and convenient generation of configuration files used by the SPT4-NET Application. Device, and point configuration information is specified through this Windows based utility program and downloaded through the SPT4-NET configuration and maintenance port, or through a network connection.
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The configuration editor employs standard Windows procedures. An entire data base configuration can be entered and running within a few minutes. Changes to an active database can be downloaded and activated in seconds to minimize the entire configuration test and development process.
During on-line operation, point data and communication statistics are accessible through a standard web browser. More detailed diagnostic and program status information are available through the configuration utility. This can provide valuable information during the initial installation stage, as well as a useful tool for on-going maintenance.
SPT4-NET Features
Key features of the SPT4-NET are presented in the following table:
Topic |
Feature |
Description |
| Communication | Serial | Four RS-232 ports, one of which can be used for RS-485 operation. |
| Network | 10Base-T Ethernet port | |
| Maintenance | Separate configuration and maintenance port | |
Web Browser |
Point data values and communication statistics are available for view through a standard Web browser |
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| Software Configuration | Database | Off-line creation via Windows utility, loaded through network or configuration and maintenance port |
| Protocol | Selectable by channel | |
| Master/Slave Mode | Selectable by channel | |
| RTU/point counts | Capacity for over 20,000 points and a large number devices | |
| Applications | Protocol Translator | Add new protocol capabilities to existing devices |
| Multi-port | Allow multi-host access to a single-ported RTU. Each host port can support a different protocol | |
| Network Transport | Add Ethernet access to a serial port. Supports DNP 3 LAN/WAN, IEC 60870-5-104, and Modbus/TCP | |
| Byte Transport | Transport legacy bit-protocols over almost any serial communication equipment | |
| Data Concentrator | Concentrate data from three slave channels to one master serial channel, or four slave channels to a LAN/WAN circuit | |
| Hardware | Processor | AMD Élan microprocessor |
| Power | 24 to 160 VDC or 110/120 VAC (5VDC option available on request) Max 8W. | |
| Temperature | 0° to 70°C operating, -20° to 70°C storage | |
| Watchdog Timer | Automatic restart in the event of a fatal hardware or software error | |
| Activity LEDs | Complete set of RS-232 and Ethernet signal LEDs plus one software controlled communication status LED per channel | |
| Dimensions | SPT4-NET-I (with enclosure) |
An evaluation package, including the Configuration Editor and SPT4-NET Application software for use under Windows, is available. Please contact Applied Systems Engineering for more details.
Protocol Support
Available protocols include DNP 3.0 (serial and LAN/WAN), IEC 60870-5-101, and IEC 60870-5-104, in addition to many legacy ones such as Conitel, CDC 1 and 2, Telegyr 8979, Harris 5000/6000, and RP570. Click Here for a full list.
SPT4-NET Pricing
SPT4-NET pricing includes per-unit charge for the hardware and a license fee for the protocol support software.
The protocol license fee is a one-time charge of $750 per protocol. This fee entitles the licensing company to unlimited use of the protocol on all SPT4-NET and SPT-PC units. Separate license fees are charged for master and slave implementations of the same protocol. Category "C" protocols, as described on the Protocols Available page, may be subject to a development fee. Please contact ASE for more information. There is no development fee for Category "A" or “B” protocols.
SPT part SPT4-NET-I (pictured at the top of this page) includes an internally regulated power supply for operation at 24 to 160 VDC or 110/120 VAC and a full enclosure. An option for operation with regulated 5VDC input power is available. Please contact ASE for more information
| Quantity | SPT4-NET-I |
| 1-24 | 1145 |
| 25 + | 1115 |
| One time Protocol License Fee (Per protocol, Per direction) |
750 |