Lonworks fieldbus network - technology overview

Lonworks - Control Network for Building Automation

Lonworks networks really describe a complete solution to the problem of control systems. Like the computer industry, the control industry was, and in many cases is, creating centralized control solutions based on point-to-point wiring and hierarchical logic systems. This meant that you had a "master" controller, like a computer or programmable logic controller, physically wired to individual control, monitoring and sensing points, or "slaves." The net result worked, but was expensive and difficult to maintain, expand, and service. It was also very expensive to install.

Lonworks networks started out with some very simple notions - control systems are fundamentally the same regardless of application; a networked control system is significantly more powerful, flexible, and scaleable than a non-networked control system; and businesses can save and make more money building control networks over the long term than they can with non-networked control systems.

Where and how is Lonworks used?
Lonworks networks can be found in all key building automation sub-systems including heating, ventilating, and air conditioning, lighting, boilers, air handlers, security, elevators, fire detection, access control, energy monitoring, irrigation control, and window blinds. In factories, Lonworks technology can be found performing a multitude of industrial tasks — from running wastewater treatment plants to checking paint colors to monitoring the arrival of parts at assembly stations. Lonworks is supported by Echelon.

LONWORKS FACTS
Network Size:    32,000 nodes/domain
Network Length:    2000m @ 78kBit/s
Data Rate :    1.25 MBit/s Full Duplex
Bus Topology :    Bus, Ring Loop and Star
Addressing:    Master/Slave & Peer-to-Peer
Network Features :    Configurable network variables. Uses LonMark objects and profiles