PICOBOX Alarm Gateway Controller

For more complex automation requirement, SCADA software can be used in place of the Management Controller. Many SCADA tools in the market offers rich features, complex alarm management, scalability and attractive graphical user interface (GUI), to name some. Picobox RTUs communicate the SCADA using ModbusTCP.

OPTION 4: SCADA/HMI Software

All RTU has built in ModbusTCP protocol and behave as servers. The device that manages all the servers is the Management Controller (MC), acting as the Client. The MC query all the RTU and high speed on the TCP/IP network and when one or more alarms is detected, the MC will act on these alarms. Alarms can be sent as SMS to mobile phones and/or e-mail alerts or SNMP traps. The MC keeps track of all alarm histories, perform data logging, fault reporting, etc. Depending on the model, MC can support up to maximum 60, 120 or 240 IO points.

OPTION 3: Centrally Managed Expansion

Some RTUs like the SMS Gateway Controller, Analog Input Controllers and Digital IO controllers implement the PBNet communication protocol. PBNet is a simple messaging protocol that passes alarm messages from the IO controllers to the SMS gateway. Up to 200 inputs (digital and analog) can be monitored and managed by 1 to 3 SMS gateway. The PC is not necessary for the operation of the RTU. The controller works with each other as server and clients using the PBNet protocol.

OPTION 2: Simple Expansion

One or more RTU controllers connect on the Local Area Network and can be accessed individually by one or more PC. Viewing of IO status, setting up or control of devices is through any standard web browser available in all PCs. No external application software is required. The PC is not necessary for the operation of the RTU. The controller works independently. The system can also be configured for remote access via the Internet.

OPTION 1: Standalone

Another method is to manage a series of RTUs on the network using a Management Controller or a SCADA/HMI application running on a PC or workstation. The Management Controller is a Picobox controller that works like a SCADA but in a more simplified form. Alarms can be sent via SMS, and for e-mail SNMP traps. Alarm histories, data logging, trending and other functions like and remote management of all RTU devices can be done through the Management Controller. This is how VERSATILE Picobox RTUs can be.

Picobox RTU controllers can be use as a standalone device to monitor or control just a few input or output points. No external PC or application software is required. IO status and alarms are viewed in real-time using any web browsers. Alternatively, it can be expanded to monitor more points and perform remote control by adding a few IO controllers with one or two GSM gateway/controller.

They are also FRIENDLY. All configuration setup are performed using the built in browser based user interface. Every page is carefully designed to help the user configure how the controller should perform or behave. Help or guide is available wherever necessary. NO programming or complex entries are required.

For example, the SMS gateway controller has all the built-in functions expected of its designed purpose: sending of time stamped alarm SMS, phone number management, automatic repeat of unacknowledged SMS, event loggings, remote commands and configuration, message queuing, browser based user interface, protocol suites and a host of other features to make this device powerful and complete. Other controllers have their own specific features, behaviors and intelligence. The user can input Boolean logic function to create a functional IO logic control. That makes Picobox controllers SMART.

Picobox range of RTU controllers are designed to meet todays demanding building automation requirements. Built with lots of powerful features but at the same time easy to setup, install use and manage. Different controllers have their specific purposes in the monitoring, management and control of sensors, machines or processes, therefore each controller is dedicated to perform the designed tasks efficiently.

Alarm Gateway Facility monitoring / environmental monitoring / invariably involve interfacing to sensors, equipment &machineries