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B&C Communications
Protocol Terminal Server
The B&C Communications Protocol
Terminal Server is testing tool that can be used during the testing and
verification of train control system software to simulate field devices.
The tool can either be used to test office
system software -- with the tool either emulating non-vital
processors, or used to test non-vital microprocessors to emulate an
office system, depending on the current need.
This application can also be used as a
permanent part of your office system network as a communications
distribution server.
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Projects
The Communications Protocol
server (CPTS) can be set up to contain multiple
projects. A project contains a list of communication
links defined for that project defined by the user.
The reason for having projects
is simple. Once communication links are set up in a
specific way, the project can be opened and those
communication links automatically appear. This allows a
user to have various communications setting available
for any different application need. |
Modifying Communication Links on an Open Communications
Project
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What Does this do for
Me?
When Server /
Slave communications are setup, the CPTS functions as a data
terminal server to distribute data from a single source to multiple
monitoring and control sources. These links are configurable to have
multiple Server/Slave link relationships, such that information
received on one link (communications port) will be passed through to
multiple slave sources (other communications ports) independent of
data and transport layers on any of the individual ports. For
example, one communication link can be "talking" to a processor
using the DT8 (DataTrain VIII) protocol, and pass this information
to a different processor "talking" with the GENISYS communications
protocol. Any mix of serial and Ethernet links can be easily
converted to "talk" to each other.
Sure, other
applications or hardware solutions might be able to do this, but
where else can you visually monitor communications on each of these
links simultaneously?
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Setting up Communication
Links
A project can have an
unlimited number of communications links.
Wizards are used to assist the
user in defining each communication link and the
individual address that may exist on that link.
If the user identifies the
link as a serial type, a link through a modem or remote
high security modem, or via Ethernet, only though
settings needed for the specific link are shown to the
user. This makes setup easy and painless.
Each link must have at least
one address. The address contains the number of
indications and controls passed to processors over the
communications link. The user has many available
settings, such as communications logging, CRC checking,
and other such vital options. |
Wizards to Create or Modify Links
and Addresses
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Methods to Map communication Links as independent, or as
Server / Client relationships
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Mapping
Links
In most simple trouble
shooting cases, a single independent link is all that is
needed to set the application up to simulate a field
processor or an office system.
However, the "real" power is
in setting up Server/Slave link relationships.
Server links "talk" to a
processor or office system and automatically pass this
data on to each defined Slave link (that are attached to
the computer to some other system). This power gives the
user the ability to pass information regardless of
protocol to other systems.
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Visual Monitoring
Once links are setup, or a
project is opened where links were previously setup and
are now recalled, the user selects the START
COMMUNICATION button (shown on the bottom left in the
illustration).
Once communication is started,
the user can visually monitor the communications active
on each link and freeze or expand the displays to show
information most important to the user.
The status of each link on the
communications windows and link list on the left are
represented by various color states. |
Shows real time transmission on two simultaneous
communication links
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Shows real time state of specific indication bits for a
communication address
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Data Interaction
Through various window
options, the user can see the state of individual
indication and control bits passed over any active
communication link (see pop up window in the
illustration).
When the control bit window is
activated, the user can toggle the state of control bits
on multiple addresses and send them all at once to over
the communication link to the processor or office
system. |
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SUMMARY
The B&C Communications Protocol Terminal Server allows the user to
simultaneously link to any number of field processors of various types and
distribute that information to any number of workstation clients (of other field
processors).
Some links can be serial (at different baud rates), while others
are connected Ethernet. And while all this communication is active, the real
time state of these communications can be observed and recorded.
Use this application as either a comprehensive on-line testing tool, or as a
permanent component of your Office System network.
The choice is yours.
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