Echelon FTXL User Manual
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FTXL User’s Guide
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Type translators are also available to convert network variables of one type to
another type. Some type translators can perform sophisticated transformations
between dissimilar network variable types. Type translators are special
functional blocks that require additional resources, for example, a dedicated type-
translating device in your network.
You can minimize the need for type translators by using standard network
variable types (SNVTs) for commonly used types, and by using changeable-type
network variables, where appropriate. You can also define your own user
network variable types (UNVTs).
You can use the NodeBuilder Resource Editor to look through the standard
network variable types, as described in
on page 40, or
you can browse the standard profiles online at
You can connect network variables on different devices that are of identical type,
but opposite direction, to allow the devices to share information. For example, an
application on a lighting device could have an input network variable of the
switch type, while an application on a dimmer-switch device could have an
output network variable of the same type. You can use a network tool, such as
the LonMaker Integration Tool, to connect these two devices, allowing the switch
to control the lighting device, as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6. Simple Switch Controlling a Single Light
A single network variable can be connected to multiple network variables of the
same type but opposite direction. The example in Figure 7 shows the same
switch being used to control three lights.
Figure 7. Simple Switch Controlling Three Lights