Bitwise Controls introduces BC4 Series Of Networked Control System Peripherals

(21/08/2008)

BitWise Controls has introduced the BC4, a standards-based control system network interface, which allows IP-based software and control systems to control and monitor virtually any hardware device available today.

The BC4 system’s modular design gives the integrator the flexibility to match base units and expansion modules to fit any application. It is the only PoE (Power-over-Ethernet)-capable product of its type on the market, eliminating the need to install a power supply at each BC4 location.

The BC4 system is made up of a base unit and various expansion I/O modules available from BitWise Controls. The base unit is housed in a rugged steel enclosure (4.5” x 5” x 1”) which contains the built-in network adaptor and temperature sensor. It can be powered by 802.3af PoE or a standard 12VDC wall supply.

Field-upgradeable firmware allows the BC4 to take advantage of future enhancements, and the on-board temperature sensor allows the host control system to monitor the ambient environment. It automatically recognizes and adapts to various I/O plug-in expansion modules, which become an internal part of the base unit. The base unit can be wall or shelf-mounted, or up to 16 BC4 units may be rack mounted in a 3U space.

Each expansion module is individually configured to perform a variety of control and monitoring tasks. The first available expansion module is the BC4-BCX1, which features five IR (infrared) ports, one three-wire RS232 port, two customizable GPIO (general purpose input/output) ports, and 2 SPDT relays. An extensive on-board IR code database with built-in IR learning makes the BC4-BCX1 an extremely fast and efficient way to add IR control of connected hardware.

IR signals can be routed to any or all of the 5 IR outputs – 4 standard 1/8” jacks for off-the-shelf emitters and one built in IR Blaster. The two GPIO ports can be individually configured as digital inputs, digital outputs or analog inputs. One input can also be configured to monitor signal frequency (up to 50 KHz) or as a counter input. The three-wire RS232 port can be used with their available virtual com port driver or via communication over TCP.

The BC4 system uses integration-friendly commands and feedback via two-way TCP or UDP. The extensive two-way command set makes for easy integration with popular control systems, as well as other products from BitWise Controls. The BC4, operating as a peripheral, communicates with the control processors via Ethernet and supports both Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP).

Lance Beck, CEO of BitWise Controls said “The BC4 will appeal to integrators with its extensive command set, flexibility of field configuration and choice of power supplies. Integration professionals can configure the BC4 to suit a specific need with a variety of expansion module configurations, all sharing a common command set. The BC4 can be configured via a web interface. The modular concept also allows better inventory control. Integrators can buy base units in volume and purchase modules to fit the job criteria.”

Related topics:  Application and software security   Building access control system   Monitoring systems 

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