October 5, 2010 - Software Toolbox released the N2 OPC Server for Johnson Controls Metasys and N2 Open networks. The software was jointly developed by OPC Labs and PiiGAB, a developer of M-Bus technology, to measure heat, water and electricity usage in the facilities management industry.The N2 OPC Server enables connectivity for any HMI/SCADA or other type of OPC client application supporting OPC DA 2.0/3.0 to facilities automation system devices that use the N2 and N2 Open protocols.
The N2 OPC server acts as a communications master on Johnson Controls Metasys N2 network consisting of a mix of slave devices which communicate using the N2 Open protocol or N2, the original proprietary Johnson Controls protocol.The N2 and N2 Open protocols are Optomux-based protocols commonly used in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and other facilities automation networks. These protocols are designed for monitoring and controlling the vital functions of a facility using N2 or N2 Open-capable controllers.The N2 OPC Server can be used to replace network control modules and enable OPC clients to access N2 slaves. In addition, the OPC server can forward communication from other masters, such as the NCM units.
It supports both serial and Ethernet communications, including serial connectivity via Ethernet encapsulation for flexible physical connectivity options. “Johnson Controls is a significant player in the facilities automation market,” said Boyce Baine, brand manager for the N2 OPC Server at Software Toolbox. “With the growing need for efficient use of energy resources, facilities operation data is required as a crucial component of the overall data needed for general facilities management as well as good manufacturing decision-making.
With standards-based OPC connectivity, customers using Johnson Controls equipment can utilize this software to improve their manufacturing decision-making and other facilities management operations using any industrial automation software package supporting OPC.”
ABOUT SOFTWARE TOOLBOX
Since 1996, Software Toolbox has been an industry source for industrial automation software, from project conception to completion. The company has served more than 10,000 clients in 110 countries helping them find, evaluate, purchase and support automation software solutions. These solutions include OPC servers, clients, development toolkits, HMI/SCADA add-ins/enhancements, and ActiveX and .NET development tools for Visual Studio C#/VB/C++. Software Toolbox works with its clients in all phases of projects to help them find and determine the right tools to use and to support overall project objectives and maximize their industrial software results.
