Semaphore Applications in Broadcast Transmission Facilities

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1 Semaphore Applications in Broadcast Transmission Facilities Introduction Since broadcast transmission installations are often in unmanned, remote locations, use of a rugged, reliable RTU is essential. Intelligent monitoring and automation functionality provides immediate notification of alarms and live process conditions, reduced risk of downtime, improved preventative maintenance, increased energy efficiency and increased operational efficiency. Key Semaphore remote site monitoring product features for telecom and broadcast applications include: Wide temperature range/outdoor environment operation Local alarm management High capacity data logging and sequence of events (SOE) monitoring Broad communications protocol support for compatibility with wide area networks and SCADA systems SNMP protocol for systems monitoring Push technology that informs multiple recipients of conditions via PDA, lap top computer, and mobile phone Redundant configurations to provide high availability Semaphore RTU products consolidate the functionality of an alarm notification/dialer product, data logger, programmable controller, and security system for complete monitoring and automation of the entire facility, including: Transmitter monitoring Remote control of transmitter changeover Tower monitoring and aircraft warning light monitoring Mains power monitoring including voltage, current, phase and frequency Monitoring of primary and backup generator Generator fuel level monitoring Battery voltage, temperature and charge/discharge monitoring Facility monitoring including temperature, humidity, lighting, HVAC system status, smoke/fire alarms Automation of HVAC and lighting systems Security monitoring and control including intrusion detection, motion detection, IP video, and access control 8 (877)

2 Semaphore Products for Broadcast Transmission Facilities Both Kingfisher and T BOX products are currently operating in numerous, broadcast facilities, worldwide. The primary differentiator betweenn the two product lines is that T BOX is best for decentralized systems in which reporting is on exception via push technology while Kingfisherr is best for traditional, centralized SCADA systems that require live updates throughout. Semaphore s T BOX line combines alarm notification, data logging, integral web server, IP telemetry, and programmable automation in a single, rugged package that is perfect for decentralized applications. T BOX offers up to 50% less total installed cost per point versus traditional SCADA and PLC systems. Traditional, centralized SCADA architecture, whether on a flat or hierarchical network, is best for process automation systems that are distributed over a wide, geographical area. Semaphore s Kingfisher line provides the industry s strongest platform for RTU applications inn a traditional system. Kingfisher ensures all requirements are satisfied in terms of automation programmability, availability, communications networking, processing capabilities and security. The Kingfisher product family includes the G300 compact RTU and Kingfisher Plus+ modular RTU. Selection among these products dependss primarily on the I/O count. While the G30 is suitable for locations with limited I/ /O requirements, up to 32 points, the Kingfisher Plus+ is highly scalable and suits processes requiring upp to 1024 points. 8 (877)

3 Remote Communication Operations T BOX will initiate communications as specified by the user. Push communications via e mail, SMS text or FTP will take place on a periodic basis or when an alarm occurs. As determined by the user, a daily call can provide the latest reading, each of the readings since the last call and/or figures from the historical log (please refer to the section, below, for information on the logging capabilities). E mail and FTP messaging can include files, for example, tabular logs or trend graphs. T BOX also includes a number of traditional, SCADA protocols such as IEC and Modbus. Kingfisher firmware includes a very large selection of communications protocols to provide wide compatibility with SCADA networks and PLCs as well as intelligent end devices such as analyzers, sensors, tank gauges and transmitters. The drivers list includes such protocols as DF1, DNP3, Kingfisher, Modbus, SNMP, Cooper recloser, Enraf tank gauge, etc. This allows a Kingfisher RTU to drop in to most any SCADA system in the industry. In Semaphore s opinion, DNP3 is the most powerful, SCADA communication protocol. Among the strongest implementations in the industry, the Kingfisher DNP3 suite exceeds level 3. Most RTUs are at level 2. Among such level 3 functions in the Kingfisher implementation is support of both DNP3 master and outstation modes. Kingfisher also supports data concentrator, report by exception, multiple masters, prioritizing, peer to peer, objects and unsolicited messaging functions as well as most all data types. For secure SCADA networks, end to end, DNP3 Secure Authentication is included in master and outstation modes. In addition to the broad selection of communications protocols, Kingfisher is available with a large array of communications hardware. Communication via the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Since broadcast equipment commonly supports SNMP, the Semaphore implementation of this protocol provides powerful functionality for monitoring remote systems. Semaphore has implemented the SNMP protocol in the Kingfisher Plus+, G30 and T BOX MS (using the CPU32 processor) RTU products. The protocol implementation is in three parts: SNMP Trap Protocol Implementation SNMP Daemon Protocol Implementation SNMP Client Protocol Implementation SNMP Trap Protocol The SNMP trap protocol implementation allows Semaphore RTUs to send and receive SNMP trap messages. In this manner, the RTUs may be used to monitor system health and alarm states for information technology or broadcast equipment where the trap functionality associated with SNMP is widely used to provide a mechanism to monitor equipment of different models and from different manufacturers in a unified manner. 8 (877)

4 Alternatively, using the ability to generate SNMP traps, the RTUs may be integrated in such network environments in a manner that alleviates the requirement for a separate supervisoryy system. SNMP Daemon Protocol The SNMP daemon protocol implementation provides a server (or slave) SNMP implementation which allows configuration and state information about RTUs to be set, queried or retrieved by remote agents using SNMP. This functionality allows the RTUs to be integrated within network environments where SNMPP is employed and administered using existing SNMP management tools. The configuration and state information about the RTUs exposed through this interface include: RTU network address and system identifierr RTU hardware modules and I/O states Event log information Network interface and traffic information 8 (877)

5 The Semaphore MIB defines those elements off RTU hardware and software configuration available for query and manipulation through the SNMP agent interface provided by the SNMP daemon protocol implementation. The Semaphore RTUs also support the Management Informationn Base for Network Management off TCP/IP based internets (MIB II) as defined in RFC document 1213 which describes SNMP objects that expose information about system configuration, network interfaces and connection and protocol information. SNMP Client Protocol The SNMP client protocol implementation provides a client (or master) SNMP implementationn that allows the RTUs to be used to query, retrieve and set informationn associated with remotee devices using SNMP. In this manner this protocol implementation may be used to extend the scope of monitoring of the RTUs beyond traditional SCADAA applications and physical I/O to incorporate the monitoring of SNMP enabled network equipment. ALARM MANAGEM MENT T BOX uses an alarm management system thatt not only detects and reports alarms but can bee configured to require alarm acknowledgementt and escalate unacknowledged alarms. If configured to do so, an alarm transition will initiate communications. Messagingg can be to multiple recipients while escalation can be to multiple groups, each including multiple recipients. Alarm acknowledgement is performed by userss via a PC, PDA or even a cellular phone. Using a phone, the user sends a text message to acknowledge the alarm. T BOX will not only clear the alarm, internally, but can initiatee programmable logic functions in response to a text message. T BOX also maintains an alarm history, which can be displayed as a web page and attached, ass a file, to and FTP messages. Each message includes a time and date stamp, signal i.d. and text description. Kingfisher RTUs similarly provide alarm management capabilities and provide the strongest implementations allowed by the particular SCADA communications protocol that is used. 8 (877)

6 Historical Data Logging and Trending Unlike remote I/O devices, Kingfisher and T BOX provide sophisticated, data logging capabilities. On user defined intervals, both RTUs will perform statistical calculations on measured inputs and update the historical dataa base. Averages, totals, minima and maxima can be run over intervals such as hourly, daily, monthly, etc. In T BOX, historical logs can be displayed as web pages on a PC and transmitted, as files, with e mail and FTP messaging. Logs can be maintained in tabularr as well as trend graph format. To simplify configuration, Semaphore offers a software tool, Report Studio, which provides powerful trending capabilities. In Kingfisher, transmission of historical logs depends on the protocol. The Kingfisher implementation is commonly among the most powerful available. For example, using DNP3, a Kingfisher RTU is able to automatically upload historical logs that weree missing in the SCADA server due to a communications failure. Web Server The integral web serverr in T BOX provides an HMI capability, which can offer significant cost savings versus expensive licensing for SCADA software. Web pages can be accessed by users, anywhere in the world, via the Internet or an intranet. For broadcast transmission applications, web pages also comprise an inexpensive HMI for local technicians. Not only is process information provided but system diagnostic information is available in the T BOX data base. Semaphore s software tools greatly simplify configuration of web pages and eliminate software integration problems. No programming is required. Using WebForm Studio, dynamic objects, entry fields, tables, trends, and links to other pages are simply added with a few clicks. Kingfisher systems normally use one of the many, commercial/off the shelf of a variety of communications protocols provides strong functionality and broad compatibility. SCADAA software packages on the market. Comprehensive implementation 8 (877)

7 Programmable Automation Since both Kingfisher and T BOX are automation controllers, not simply data loggers or remote I/O devices, they perform full, local, standalone control of all processes at the station. For T BOX, the TWinSoft Suite programmable automation environment consists of programming tools, a real time execution engine, and personalized development tools for equipment manufacturers and systems integrators. In TWinSoft, a user friendly and interactive Ladder Diagram editor that complies with the IEC standard facilitates design and testing of the control program. The editor is immediately familiar to the LD programmer and intuitive for the novice programmer. A simple combination of mouse and keyboard commands is all that is needed to complete development. TWinSoft contains a complete set of tools, including an editor, debugger, code generator, documentation generator, library manager, archiver, and online control. It is very easy to add lines or comments, duplicate entire parts of the program, or create new variables, modules, and macros. Using TWinSoft, users minimize design time by directly using libraries of predefined functions and subprograms, which include control, mathematical functions and conversions, and Boolean functions. Dynamic analytical tools allow programmers to rapidly perfect their applications and include online ladder display, states of timers, meters and internal registers, locally or remotely in complete security. For programmers who are more at ease with high level languages, programming in BASIC is also available. Kingfisher is the first RTU to support ISaGRAF version 5, which includes IEC and IEC for distributed processing. The IEC standard provides a choice of five languages (ISaGRAF adds a sixth) in order for programmers to use the language they find most suitable. A set of pre programmed function blocks provides numerous short cuts and significantly reduces project engineering time. Semaphore has added, considerably, to the function block library that is standard with ISaGRAF 5. Semaphore has also built ISaGRAF programming into the Toolbox Plus+ configuration environment, which uses familiar, Outlook style menus that users find intuitive. Toolbox Plus+ includes powerful features such as online simulation and is designed to provide high functionality plus the tools to expedite configuration, testing and start up. 8 (877)

8 Kingfisher PLUS+ Redundancy Since broadcast transmission facilities are required to operate on a 24/7 basis in remote locations, high availability for the monitoring and control system has become a common requirement. One means by which high RTU availability can be realized is through redundancy and coordinated operation of critical system elements. Within the Kingfisher RTU platform, redundant configurations are available in three levels: Power supply Processor operations Communications These different elements of redundancy to ensure high availability within critical monitoring and control applications are afforded within the Kingfisher RTU platform by way of separate modules for power supply, processor operations and communications that can be connected together on a single RTU backplane. Conclusion Broadcast transmission management applications take full advantage of the features offered by Semaphore s Kingfisher and T BOX product lines: Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Since broadcast equipment commonly supports SNMP, Semaphore products are able to take full advantage of their capabilities for reporting and IT purposes. Alarm management The RTU alarm system detects alarm conditions and reports them using push technology. This is normal operation for T BOX and protocol dependent in Kingfisher. Alarm management ensures that un acknowledged alarms will be escalated. Even cellular phone users can acknowledge alarms and send text commands to a T BOX. Data logging Kingfisher and T BOX data logging capability retains historical information and allows users to adapt operations for the highest efficiency. Trends can also assist in maintenance management and continuous improvement. Push technology Using T BOX or Kingfisher (the latter depends on the protocol, e.g. DNP3), end user operations personnel are immediately notified of alarms and important events without the need for polling. This takes best advantage of inexpensive data communications plans on public networks. Integral Web server This T BOX feature provides significant savings vs. SCADA/HMI software licensing. Web pages are accessible to users, anywhere, anytime. PC based Web pages also provide all, local HMI operations when maintenance personnel visit the sites, thus saving the cost of additional software. Both Kingfisher and T BOX are also compatible with a wide range of SCADA host software. Programmable automation A choice of programming in two languages in T BOX (IEC Ladder Diagram and Basic, plus Microsoft Automation) or all five, IEC languages in Kingfisher provides calculation functions as well as control outputs for automation. These capabilities are not available in remote I/O and other products that are intended for monitoring, only. Redundancy Three levels of redundancy in Kingfisher Plus+ meet requirements for high availability in a manner that is similar to other sub systems in a broadcast transmission facility. 8 (877)