Echelon LonPoint Module - Manual (Page 8)

1-2 Introduction
Applications
Traditional control networks have been based on an hierarchical architecture using
proprietary controllers. This approach to control system design is expensive, complex,
and locks the customer into a closed, non-interoperable architecture. Ultimately, the
high costs of this design approach limits the market for control systems.
Overcoming the limits of traditional, closed, hierarchical systems is best accomplished
with a flat, fully distributed control architecture. Such a system must: (a) interface
with a broad range of sensors and actuators, (b) incorporate application programs that
blur the distinction between legacy sensors/actuators and intelligent, networked
devices, (c) include a design and installation tool that can seamlessly interconnect
everything in the control network, and (d) incorporate software that simplifies
hardware configuration and reduces commissioning time. Satisfying these diverse
requirements requires a systems approach to the architecture, hardware, and software;
it cannot be accomplished easily with a piecemeal collection of devices and components.
The LonPoint System is the result of just such a systems approach, providing at once
the low cost of a flat system architecture, the multi-user capabilities of the LNS
operating system, the distributed processing of capabilities of the Neuron Chip and
LonTalk protocol, and the wiring flexibility of free topology communications. The
system consists of the LNS-based LonMaker
™ for Windows ® Integration Tool, the
LonPoint Plug-In, LonPoint application programs, network interfaces, and LonPoint
interface, router, and scheduler modules.
The LonMaker for Windows tool is an LNS-based installation tool with a Visio ™ user
interface and support for both LonPoint devices and 3rd party L ON W ORKS ® devices. The
Visio user-interface provides a familiar, CAD-like design environment from which a control
system can be designed. Installation consists of interconnecting function blocks
(L ON M ARK objects) within LonPoint modules and 3rd party devices, using their
application resources to create a distributed control system. The LonMaker for Windows
tool can be used to design, configure, and commission a distributed control network, yet is
economical enough to be left behind as a maintenance tool. The LonPoint Plug-In is
provided with the tool to simplify the configuration of LonPoint devices.
Resident within each LonPoint module is a powerful, configurable L ON M ARK ®
application program. The program includes a variety of function blocks (i.e., PID
Controller, digital encoder, analog output, digital input, type translator) that are
configured by the LonMaker for Windows tool. Linking the function blocks of multiple
LonPoint modules, together with the resources of third pary L
ON W ORKS ® devices,
creates a distributed control system that is interconnected via the network, yet which
offers greater functionality, higher reliability, and lower cost than a traditional central
controller-based system. The LonPoint System may be operated as a self-contained
control system, integrated with other L ON M ARK or L ON W ORKS devices, or combined
with remote systems and a remote supervisory station via a WAN, IP, or PSTN
network to form a wide area control system.
The LonPoint interface, scheduler, and router modules provide I/O processing,
application resources, timekeeping, and routing for a LonPoint System. The interface