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SPT-PC RTU/IED SCADA Communication Gateway
OverviewApplied Systems Engineering, Inc.'s SPT-PC is a PC based Communication Gateway designed for use in SCADA environments to manage the flow of data and control operations between RTUs, IEDs, Master stations, HMI systems, and user-written application processes. SPT-PC can manage master and remote device communication on Ethernet port(s) and up to 32 serial channels, integrate protocol translation and data concentrator capabilities, and provide external process access to telemetered data and controls through industry standard OPC, or enhanced proprietary, interfaces. Support is available for a large number of serial and network protocols, including current technology protocols such as DNP 3 Serial, DNP 3 Wan/Lan, IEC 870-5-101, and IEC 870-5-104, as well as legacy "bit" protocols like Conitel 2020 and CDC I/II.  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. SPT-PC software replaces ASE’s previous PC based protocol translator, the RCOM product. The SPT-PC, which performs the same functions, has been redesigned for the latest in industry and coding standards. ASE can also provide I/O hardware (a processor based, PCI-bus, 8-channel, high-speed device) for serial communications. While byte protocols can use a number of I/O cards including those manufactured by ASE, bit protocols require the ASE I/O card. SPT-PC operates on configuration information entered through the program's graphical user interface. In addition to configuration capabilities, the GUI includes an online maintenance and diagnostic window for displaying:
SPT-PC modular design allows it to be configured to solve a variety of common SCADA communication requirements.
SCADA Protocol TranslatorSPT-PC maintains independent communication on up to 32 serial communication lines and multiple Ethernet ports. Each line can be individually configured for protocol and master/remote communication. The Ethernet port can handle multiple connections and multiple protocols. Data obtained from any subset of Remotes can be routed to one or more SCADA masters. Where certain SCADA masters need, or are only allowed access to a portion of the points at a given Remote, an SPT-PC configuration can provide the required restricted mapping. For selected protocols, SPT-PC supports listening mode operations. In this mode, SPT-PC eavesdrops on communication between a SCADA host and a set of Remotes. Point data values sent to the other host are copied into SPT-PC data storage, and made available for transmission to another host connected to SPT-PC.
OPC XML-DA ServerThe OPC server interface provides OPC XML-DA compliant HMI systems an access path to non-OPC compliant devices and to devices located remote from the HMI site. This capability extends to any protocol supported by SPT-PC's protocol translator component. Information brought into SPT-PC's common data area from any downstream protocol can be accessed through the OPC Server interface. For many protocols, SPT-PC may provide the only OPC access path commercially available.
Front-End ProcessorSPT-PC's custom API provides added functionality required by a SCADA host when those requirements are not part of the OPC standards. Examples include access to extended point types, communication status and statistics, and on-line data base configuration.
OPC XML-DA ClientThe OPC client interface provides a data path between OPC XML-DA compliant devices and existing SCADA hosts without OPC capabilities. Data obtained from OPC devices are placed into the SPT-PC database and made available through the standard SCADA host communication path.
Operation DetailsSPT-PC software completely manages the interface to all Remote units in their native protocols, including maintenance of all scan, control, and configuration requests. Information obtained from each Remote is processed for transmission to the host SCADA system, and commands received from the host are processed for transmission to the appropriate Remote. SPT-PC data acquisition software operates by continuously and independently issuing scan and other standard requests (e.g., time synchronization) to all Remotes defined in its database. Point information returned from the Remotes is placed in a local data area. Scan requests received from the host are immediately processed and responded to using this information. To insure that the host is not presented with out-of-date information, communication status is maintained for each Remote. When the host requests information from a Remote that is not in a valid on-line state, no response to that request is transmitted, thereby propagating communication error conditions back to the host SCADA system. This approach provides fast response time to host data requests under normal conditions, while protecting the integrity of system information under adverse conditions. SPT-PC control software processes host issued Remote commands including digital, analog, and pulse output controls, and counter (pulse accumulator) freeze and freeze-with-reset requests. Negotiation of these commands are completed with the SCADA host, queued, and processed on a priority basis as corresponding communication lines become available. The list of Remote functions includes:
SPT-PC operates as a process under the Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating systems. For most SPT-PC configurations, serial communication requires ASE-manufactured I/O boards, consisting of the PCI-bus BCOM8-56K. Designed by ASE specifically for remote device communication applications, this includes many features, some of which may not be available on other commercially available I/O boards. 
Communication HardwareSPT-PC operates as a process under the Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating systems. For most SPT-PC configurations , serial communication requires ASE-manufactured I/O boards, consisting of the PCI-bus BCOM8-56K. Designed by ASE specifically for Remote communication applications, these boards include many features, some of which may not be available on other commercially available I/O boards.
Each of the eight communication channels can be independently configured to support either bit or byte protocol communication. Especially in the electric utility industry, many Remotes employ protocols that are not compatible with conventional PC communication cards. BCOM8-56K hardware can interface to virtually any serial communication protocol. Speeds up to 56KB are supported for byte protocols, and up to 19.2KB for bit protocols.
The ASE Communication Status Panel provides visual channel status information through seven LEDs per channel. Five of the LEDs show standard RS-232 signals (RD, TD, RTS, CTS, and CD). The sixth is for an incoming synchronous-modem clock signal. The seventh is controlled by SPT-PC software to indicate Remote communication problems. The Communication Status Panel is 1.625" high and mounts into the front of a desktop or tower PC in a half-height opening. Each panel displays the status for up to 16 channels. |
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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 of the SPT-PC application, the configuration utility can be used to view diagnostic and program status information. This is a valuable diagnostic tool during initial installation and for on-going maintenance.
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You may contact us in Campbell, CA by phone at 408-364-0500, fax to 408-364-0550, or via email at products@ase-systems.com.
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Applied Systems Engineering, Inc.
1671 Dell Avenue, Suite 200
Campbell, California 95008
Phone: (408) 364-0500 • Fax: (408) 364-0550
Email: products@ase-systems.com
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