Data concentrator devices

Rubin SCADA hardware system components

System properties and features

Ruby Inc. has over a decade of experience in the development and manufacturing of infrastructure management devices. One-of-a-kind in the market, our company has all the competencies needed to develop, deploy and operate complex SCADA systems. This multi-faceted knowledge allows for the deployment of distributed systems where savings on labour time, operating and energy costs result in fast return on investment and increase the reliability of the managed system even in the short run.

Reliability

The devices of Ruby Inc. operate 24/7 at over 2,500 points of the national management system of Magyar Telekom Plc. The average annual fault rate is below 1% and the ratio of own faults is below 0.1%.

Support

We have contracted partners to carry out first line support tasks. Based on the specific contracts, second line tasks may include value added services like 12-hour or 24-hour "hotline" or "replacement device for the duration of repair".

Operating modes

Based on its configuration settings, every single product of Ruby Inc. is suitable to manage and control connected devices even when they are offline. The operating advantages of the system are visible when online and the relevant SCADA system (PNM) can significantly cut down operating costs with the organisation, processing, evaluation and single system display of the collected data.

Data transfer options

In terms of physical lines the system is rather heterogeneous because we use the data transfer channel most suitable for each specific location:

• RS232 and RS485 asynchronous physical lines with speeds between 1,200–115,000 bps

• 10BaseT Ethernet transfer,

• HDLC and E1/T1 protocol for communication with telecommunication devices,

• v.23 voice frequency modem connection,

• v.11 synchronous data transfer,

• GPRS modem connection with TCP/IP protocol,

• PPP, SNMP protocol over IP line,

• XML RPC, HTTP(S), SSH protocols over TCP/IP lines.

Protocol information

RSME devices are familiar with the heritage EL-90 protocol of the history system and are capable of XML RPC communication over TCP/IP line. The units are ready for the conversion from XML to EL-90 protocols. Based on the downloaded routing table, the devices can forward messages to the recipient without the need for any additional devices for this purpose.

Product line

Router

Operating safety of the system is primarily affected by the backbone network; disconnection means an ongoing issue in a tree system. One typical issue used to be related to the high number of devices. In order to minimize this issue, we separated the system into smaller pieces by adding our proprietary routers to create a system with redundant routes that we still use. Our routers are Linux based industrial computers with a maximum of 32 ports towards the devices and with IP connection to the centre. The key to this solution is the IP network with redundant transfer routes and a remotely managed (SNMP) intelligent device to create flexibility and increased reliability.

Data concentrator

The data collecting unit operating on site monitors incoming signals from other devices, generates data based on dialogues with intelligent devices and forwards such data to the centre. The device can identify and filter for events, perform scheduled tasks, run independent queries to implement event driven operations and offload the centre. In addition to performing data collection (on contact input, analogue signals, temperature), the device may be controlled remotely or by programming. There are a number of interfaces available to communicate with the devices to be queried (RS-232, RS-485, HDLC, BELL 103, V.11, etc.). These are replaceable modules to provide a high level of flexibility.

Device settings may be configured both on site and remotely. The fully scalable, complete text log function of the system helps maintenance by displaying signals real time on the computer of the maintenance personnel. The unit provides access to the majority of the services of the PNM system even for another device.

The device is built around the proprietary 32-bit processor module of Ruby Inc. Equipped with 32–64 MB of SDRAM and 32 MB–1 GB of flash memory, the module can implement control tasks in any device. The module has a real-time clock and an Ethernet interface in addition to the interfaces generally found in electronic devices (I2C, SPI, 16-bit data and address bus, UARTs, etc.).

The data concentrator uses a custom designed Linux distribution enabling the device to offer standard solutions to any new need and cooperate with various information systems using, for instance, advanced communication, standard protocols or distributed logging. In addition to EL-90 communication, the RSME devices can send data in XML format over IP and provide an advanced human interface using their integrated WEB server. One important criterion for the system was to ensure that the application performing logic control can be managed remotely. Thus, configurations and the application can be controlled and updated remotely as part of an automated process.

The operating system and the high-level programmability of the unit supports modern methods like fully automated, computer controlled calibration system and full-scale, daily software testing (NightlyBuild). Compared to traditional embedded systems, this significantly reduces the development and testing time of change requests. We are proud of deploying our developments and our own products virtually fault-free into our clients' systems.

The system may be expanded by connecting additional units, which the centre sees fully identical with the functions of base unit. Expanded with additional data concentrator and access control units, the RSME device can satisfy even the most demanding needs for functions and signals.

Access control

Operating independently or assigned to the RSME device, the RDOOR device can identify persons from remotely downloaded data and grant or deny entry/access permissions based on that data. Various identification units (proximity card readers) and electronic locks (motor, solenoid) may be connected to the device. Events are stored in the memory and can be forwarded to monitoring. We have years of experience in solving access control issues. As a result, sophisticated functions have been added to the device, which provides reassurance in solving daily issues (automatic locking and relocking, timed locking, sabotage monitoring)

Access is granted autonomously by the device but remote permission control is also possible in online mode. As with all products by Ruby Inc., the software for the access control unit can be updated remotely just as configuration data can be accessed and set up remotely.

With its battery back-up power supply, the device ensures that only authorized personnel can enter the room even when power outage occurs.

Basic security sensors may be added (smoke, motion and drilling sensors) thereby rendering additional intrusion detectors unnecessary in certain cases.

Data concentrator

Increases the input and output ports of the SME device as needed. Makes installation simpler because signals may be connected to the system near their origin.

Climate controller (HVAC)

The climate controller (HVAC) device developed by Ruby Inc. offers an energy efficient solution for temperature control of technology rooms. The unit can coordinate two air conditioners and use optional ventilation to keep room temperature within the specified range.

Operating the air conditioners at the most favourable location of the site can increase device efficiency and life expectancy. Maintenance costs can be significantly reduced by forecasted breakdowns and planned maintenance.

By installing a ventilation system and using it with the control device, one of our Client has saved 20% on their operating costs.

As with all products by Ruby Inc., the software for this device can be updated remotely just as configuration data can be accessed and set up remotely.