SPT4-NET Protocol Translator / Data Concentrator

Overview
Configuration
SPT4-NET Features
Protocol Support
SPT4-NET Pricing

Overview

Applied Systems Engineering, Inc.'s SPT4-NET is a Protocol Translator and Data Concentrator product with one network channel, four serial channels, and a large software library of RTU/IED communication protocols. It provides cost-effective support for a wide array of protocol and data transport applications common in the SCADA industry. These include operating as a data concentrator, translating one protocol to another, adding dual-port capability to an otherwise single-ported device, providing network access to serial-only equipment, and transporting legacy bit-protocols over a frame relay, or similar network.

SCADA Protocol Translator / Data Concentrator

Designed for operation in a substation environment, the device does not contain disk drives. It operates on input power of 24 to 160 VDC or 110/120 VAC. The serial communication interface supports speeds up to 56 KB for byte protocols and 9600 baud for bit protocols. The Ethernet port supports 10Base-T operation.

Support is available for a large number of serial protocols, including present-day ones such as DNP3 and IEC 60870-5-101, as well as legacy "bit" protocols such as Conitel and CDC. The Ethernet channel can be configured for DNP 3 LAN/WAN, Modbus/TCP, and IEC 60870-5-104. Support of both master/host and remote/slave operations are available for all protocols. Each communication port, serial or network, can be configured for a different protocol as well as for master or remote operations.

SPT4-NET's software protocol translation "engine" is based on ASE's protocol library product, a set of field-proven routines that process the protocol unique aspects of data communication messages. The hardware design is based on ASE's field-proven BCOM8-56K PCI-bus I/O board: a processor based, 8-channel, high-speed, serial communications device used by several SCADA companies as well as other ASE products.

Configuration

The SPT4-NET Configuration Editor is a graphical based tool for easy and convenient generation of configuration files used by the SPT4-NET Application. Device, and point configuration information is specified through this Windows based utility program and downloaded through the SPT4-NET configuration and maintenance port, or through a network connection.

The configuration editor employs standard Windows procedures. An entire data base configuration can be entered and running within a few minutes. Changes to an active database can be downloaded and activated in seconds to minimize the entire configuration test and development process.

During on-line operation, point data and communication statistics are accessible through a standard web browser. More detailed diagnostic and program status information are available through the configuration utility. This can provide valuable information during the initial installation stage, as well as a useful tool for on-going maintenance.

SPT4-NET Features

Key features of the SPT4-NET are presented in the following table:

Topic	Feature	Description
Communication	Serial	Four RS-232 ports, one of which can be used for RS-485 operation.
	Network	10Base-T Ethernet port
	Maintenance	Separate configuration and maintenance port
	Web Browser	Point data values and communication statistics are available for view through a standard Web browser
Software Configuration	Database	Off-line creation via Windows utility, loaded through network or configuration and maintenance port
	Protocol	Selectable by channel
	Master/Slave Mode	Selectable by channel
	RTU/point counts	Capacity for over 20,000 points and a large number devices
Applications	Protocol Translator	Add new protocol capabilities to existing devices
	Multi-port	Allow multi-host access to a single-ported RTU. Each host port can support a different protocol
	Network Transport	Add Ethernet access to a serial port. Supports DNP 3 LAN/WAN, IEC 60870-5-104, and Modbus/TCP
	Byte Transport	Transport legacy bit-protocols over almost any serial communication equipment
	Data Concentrator	Concentrate data from three slave channels to one master serial channel, or four slave channels to a LAN/WAN circuit
Hardware	Processor	AMD Élan microprocessor
	Power	24 to 160 VDC or 110/120 VAC (5VDC option available on request) Max 4W.
	Temperature	0° to 70°C operating, -20° to 70°C storage
	Watchdog Timer	Automatic restart in the event of a fatal hardware or software error
	Activity LEDs	Complete set of RS-232 and Ethernet signal LEDs plus one software controlled communication status LED per channel
	Dimensions	SPT4-NET-I (with enclosure) 10.25 in. Wide x 7.5 in. Deep x 2.7 in. High

An evaluation package, including the Configuration Editor and SPT4-NET Application software for use under Windows, is available. Please contact Applied Systems Engineering for more details.

Protocol Support

Available protocols include DNP 3.0 (serial and LAN/WAN), IEC 60870-5-101, and IEC 60870-5-104, in addition to many legacy ones such as Conitel, CDC 1 and 2, Telegyr 8979, Harris 5000/6000, and RP570. Click Here for a full list.

SPT4-NET Pricing

SPT4-NET pricing includes per-unit charge for the hardware and a license fee for the protocol support software.

The protocol license fee is a one-time charge of $750 per protocol. This fee entitles the licensing company to unlimited use of the protocol on all SPT4-NET and SPT-PC units. Separate license fees are charged for master and slave implementations of the same protocol. Category "C" protocols, as described on the Protocols Available page, may be subject to a development fee. Please contact ASE for more information. There is no development fee for Category "A" or “B” protocols.

SPT part SPT4-NET-I (pictured at the top of this page) includes an internally regulated power supply for operation at 24 to 160 VDC or 110/120 VAC and a full enclosure. An option for operation with regulated 5VDC input power is available. Please contact ASE for more information

Quantity	SPT4-NET-I
1-24	1095
25 to 99	1070
100 to 249	1045
250 +	1020
One time Protocol License Fee (Per protocol, Per direction)	750

For more information about the products and services Applied Systems Engineering provides, select from the main menu on the top or please feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions or would like to discuss your requirements with an application engineer.

You may contact us in Campbell, CA by phone at 408-364-0500, fax to 408-364-0550, or via email at products@ase-systems.com.

Normal business hours are 9:00AM to 6:00PM Pacific Time, M - F.

Applied Systems Engineering, Inc.
1671 Dell Avenue, Suite 200
Campbell, California 95008
Phone: (408) 364-0500 • Fax: (408) 364-0550
Email: products@ase-systems.com

If you would like additional information on any of the ASE products or would like to discuss your specific requirements with a sales engineer, you can call directly or fax/e-mail the information about your requirement and a sales engineer will contact you.