ALTUS Nexto Series User manual

Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
1. Product Description
Nexto Logger is a Datalogger belonging to the Nexto Series product family. It was developed to expand the Series’ fields of
activity and provides high-speed processing power in a compact design with digital and analog inputs, SDI-12 communication,
and LoRa long-distance radio integrated into the same equipment.
This product was developed with a focus on monitoring and telemetry applications, in other words, systems that collect
remote data, offering digital and analog inputs, all of them with high precision as required in the hydrological parameter mon-
itoring market, solar energy generation applications, and other areas related to science and monitoring of physical quantities.
In addition to the integrated inputs, it is possible to collect sensor data via SDI-12 network, the data is stored in the Datalog-
ger’s internal memory and sent to collection stations via the integrated ethernet network or via the long range radio frequency
infrastructure, LoRa.
Nexto Logger is suitable for data collection in systems that require remote data collection. Its extended power supply
range allows applications in different areas including powering with alternative energy sources such as solar power. It can be
used in applications such as hydrology, sanitation (water and effluents), agribusiness, private and public urban infrastructure,
sensor data collection for data analysis, and other scientific applications as a replacement for traditional analytical methods. In
addition, it is an ideal solution to complement large applications together with the Nexto Series portfolio, extending the range
of applications using the same technology and engineering environment. This is a great advantage for OEMs and integrators
in these application areas where application scalability is required.
Its main features are:
Compact design
DIN rail mount
High-speed 32-bit ARM-based processor
10/100 Mpbs Ethernet interface with protocols like
OPC UA, EtherNet/IP, MODBUS and MQTT
LoRa Long Range Radio
Optoisolated digital inputs
Analog current inputs
Real-time clock (RTC)
2. Ordering Information
2.1. Included Items
The product package has the following items:
Compact NL717 module
Connectors
2dbi Omnidirectional Antenna
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
2.2. Product Code
The following code should be used to purchase the product:
Code Description
NL717 NL717 - DATALOGGER 8DI 8AI LORA
Table 1: Product code
3. Related Products
The following products must be purchased separately when necessary:
Code Description
MT8500 MasterTool IEC XE
NX9202 RJ45-RJ45 2 m Cable
NX9205 RJ45-RJ45 5 m Cable
NX9210 RJ45-RJ45 10 m Cable
AMJG0808 Simple cable RJ45-RJ45 2 m
GW700 GATEWAY LORA, ETH, USB
Table 2: Related Products
Notes:
MT8500: MasterTool IEC XE is available in four different versions: LITE, BASIC, PROFESSIONAL and ADVANCED.
For more details, please check MasterTool IEC XE User Manual - MU299609.
NX92xx: Cable for programming the CPUs of the Nexto Series and Ethernet point-to-point with another device with
Ethernet interface communication.
AMJG0808: Cable for programming the CPUs.
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
4. Product Features
4.1. General Features
NL717
Digital Inputs 4
Fast Inputs 4
Max. number of high-speed counters 1
Max. number of external interruptions 2
Current Analog Inputs 8
Ethernet TCP / IP interface 1
Max. number of tasks 16
Programming languages
Structured Text (ST)
Ladder Diagram (LD)
Sequential Function Chart (SFC)
Function Block Diagram (FBD)
Continuous Function Chart (CFC)
Online changes Yes
Watchdog Yes
Real-time clock (RTC)
Yes
Resolution of 1 ms, max. variance of 95 seconds per year,
retention time of 20 days.
Status and diagnostic indication LEDs, web pages and CPU’s internal memory
Isolation
Protective earth to all 1500 Vdc / 1 minute (1000 Vac / 1 minute)
Ethernet to all 1500 Vdc / 1 minute (1000 Vac / 1 minute)
Power Supply/Analog Inputs to all 1500 Vdc / 1 minute (1000 Vac / 1 minute)
Digital Inputs to all 1500 Vdc / 1 minute (1000 Vac / 1 minute)
Maximum power dissipation 15 W
Maximum wire size 0,5 mm2(20 AWG) with ferrule
1,5 mm2(16 AWG) without ferrule
Minimum wire temperature rating 75 ◦C
Wire materia Copper only
IP level IP 20
Conformal coating of electronic circuits Yes
Operating temperature -20 to 60 ◦C
Storage temperature -25 to 75 ◦C
Operating and storage relative humidity 5% to 96%, non-condensing
Vibration resistance (IEC 60068-2-6, sinus)
7 mm from 5 to 8,4 Hz
2 G from 8,4 to 500 Hz
10 sweeps each axis, 1 octave per minute
Shock resistance (IEC 60068-2-27, half-sine) 15 G for 11 ms, 6 shocks in each of 3 axis
Product dimensions (W x H x D) 215,5 x 98,8 x 34,0 mm
Package dimensions (W x H x D) 270,0 x 102,0 x 40,0 mm
Weight 370 g
Weight with package 430 g
Standards and Certifications
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
NL717
RoHS – 2011/65/EU
Yes
ANATEL (16956-22-14445)
Yes
Table 3: General Features
Notes:
For more details, please consult: www.gov.br/anatel.
This equipment is not entitled to protection against harmful interference and may not cause interference to properly autho-
rized systems.
This product is not suitable for use in domestic environments as it may cause electromagnetic interference in which case
the user is required to take necessary steps to minimize this interference.
Maximum Number of Tasks: This value represents the maximum total of user and system tasks. The detailed description
of possible user tasks can be found on Project Profiles section of User Manual.
Conformal coating of eletronic circuits: Conformal coating protects the electronic components inside the product from
moisture, dust and other harsh elements to electronic circuits.
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
4.2. Memory
NL717
Direct representation input variable memory (%I) 2 Kbytes
Direct representation output variable memory (%Q) 2 Kbytes
Direct representation variable memory (%M) 1 Kbytes
Symbolic variable memory 2 Mbytes
Maximum amount of memory configurable as retentive or persistent 7,5 Kbytes
Full Redundant Data Memory -
Direct representation input variable memory (%I) -
Direct representation output variable memory (%Q) -
Direct representation variable memory (%M) -
Symbolic variable memory -
Total memory 64 Mbytes
Program memory (limited to 6 MBytes) +
Source code memory (backup)
User files memory 8 Mbytes
Table 4: Memory
4.3. Protocols
NL717 Interface
MODBUS TCP Client Yes NET 1
MODBUS TCP Server Yes NET 1
MODBUS RTU via TCP Client Yes NET 1
MODBUS RTU via TCP Server Yes NET 1
OPC DA Server Yes NET 1
OPC UA Server Yes NET 1
EtherNet/IP Scanner Yes NET 1
EtherNet/IP Adapter Yes NET 1
MQTT Client Yes NET 1
SNTP Client (for clock synchronism) Yes NET 1
SDI-12 Master Version 1.4 Yes SDI-12
Table 5: Protocols
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
4.4. Ethernet
Ethernet
Connector Shielded female RJ45
Auto crossover Yes
Maximum cable length 100 m
Cable type UTP or ScTP, category 5
Baud rate 10/100 Mbps
Physical layer 10/100 BASE-TX
Data link layer LLC
Network layer IP
Transport layer TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
Diagnostic LED (Link/activity)
Table 6: Ethernet Interface Features
4.5. LoRa Radio
LoRa Radio
Connector SMA female
Maximum cable length 10 m (Maximum)
Cable type PigTail
Baud rate 290 bps to 50 kbps
Radio type LoRaWan
Frequency Range 915-928MHz
Network layer LoRaWan
Receiver Sensitivity -140 dBm
Type of Antenna Omnidirectional for outdoor environments
Output Power 27 dBm
Gain 2 dBi
Line-of-Sight Range 3 to 4km in urban areas and 10 to 12km in rural
areas
Table 7: LoRa Radio Features
4.6. SDI-12
SDI-12
Connector 3-pin connector block
Physical interface SDI-12
Power Supply Output 12V
Maximum Current 500 mA
Communication Direction Single data line in half-duplex
Cable length 60m (Maximum)
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
SDI-12
Transmission Rate 1200 bps
Protocols SDI-12 Master Version 1.4
Max SDI-12 Sensors 10
Table 8: SDI-12 Interface Feature
Note:
For the correct operation of the SDI-12, the MainTask must be configured with a time lower than or equal to 20 ms.
4.7. Power Supply
Power Supply
Nominal Input Voltage 12 / 24 Vdc
Input Voltage 10 to 30 Vdc
Maximum Input Current (in-rush) 50A / 300 us
Maximum Input Current 1500 mA
Table 9: Power Supply Features
4.8. Digital Inputs
Digital Inputs
Input Type Optoisolated point type 1
An isolated group of 8 inputs
12 Vdc / 24 Vdc
Input Voltage 5 to 30 Vdc for logic level 1
0 to 2 Vdc for logic level 0
Input Impedance 4,12 kΩ
Maximum Input Current 7,28 mA @ 30 Vdc
Input State Indication Yes
Response Time 0,1 ms
Input Filter Disabled or 2ms to 255ms - by software
Table 10: Digital Inputs Features
Note:
Input Filter: The filter sampling is performed on MainTask (or Refresh function), then it’s recommended to use multiple
values of the task interval.
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
4.9. Fast Inputs
Fast Inputs
Number of fast inputs 4 (can be used as high-speed counter, External interrupt or
normal input)
Max. number of high-speed
counters 1
Max. number of external in-
terrupts 2
Connector configuration I00, I01, I02 and I03
12 Vdc / 24 Vdc
Input voltage 5 to 30 Vdc for logic level 1
0 to 2 Vdc for logic level 0
Input impedance 4,12 kΩ
Maximum input current 7,28 mA @ 30 Vdc
1-input modes:
Normal digital input
External interrupt
Configuration mode 2-input modes:
Up/Down (A count, B direction) with zero (uses I00, I01,
I02)
Quadrature 2x (uses I00, I01)
Quadrature 2x with zero (uses I00, I01, I02)
Quadrature 4x (uses I00, I01)
Quadrature 4x with zero (uses I00, I01, I02)
Counting direction control By software or hardware
Counting input detection edge Rising edge, active at logic level 1 (except for quadrature 4x,
where it counts on both edges)
Data format Signed 32-bit integer
Operation limit From - 2.147.483.648 to 2.147.483.647
Maximum input frequency 100 kHz
Minimum pulse width
@ 24 Vdc 2µs
Table 11: Fast Inputs Features
4.10. Analog Inputs
Analog Inputs
Input Type Voltage or current input, single ended, individually config-
ured
Data Format 16 bits in two’s complement, justified to the left
Converter Resolution 24 bits monotonicity guaranteed, no missing codes
Conversion Time 400 µs
Input status indication Yes
Module Protections Yes, protection against surge voltages and polarity inversion
Table 12: Analog Inputs Features
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
Current Input Mode
Input ranges Range Engineering Scale Resolution
0 to 20 mA 0 to 30.000 5,12 µA
4 to 20 mA 0 to 30.000 5,12 µA
Precision ±0,3 % of full scale @ 25 ◦C
±0,015 % of full scale / ◦C
Over scale 3 % of full scale
Maximum input current 30 mA
Input impedance 270 Ω
Configurable parameters Signal type per input
Filters
Open Channel
Low pass filter time constant 100 ms, 1 s, 10 s or disabled
Table 13: Analog Input Characteristics - Current
Note:
Input ranges: : When configured as 4 to 20 mA, input signals lower than 4 mA will result in negative values (-7,500 for 0
mA). In MasterTool IEC XE, there is a parameter called Open Loop Value was included to select the behavior in this situation.
The default value is Disabled (which provides a linear reading as described above), having also the option to provide a fixed
reading equal to lower and upper limits ("0" or "30000").
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
5. Compatibility with Other Products
To develop an application for Nexto Series CPUs, it is necessary to check the version of MasterTool IEC XE. The following
table shows the minimum version required (where the controllers were introduced) and the respective firmware version at that
time:
Controller model MasterTool IEC XE Firmware version
NL717 3.51 1.13.9.0
Table 14: Compatibility with other products
Additionally, along the development roadmap of MasterTool IEC XE some features may be included (like special Function
Blocks, etc...), which can introduce a requirement of minimum firmware version. During the download of the application,
MasterTool IEC XE checks the firmware version installed on the controller and, if it does not meets the minimum requirement,
will show a message requesting to update. The latest firmware version can be downloaded from Altus website, and it is fully
compatible with previous applications.
6. Installation
ATTENTION
Products with broken warranty seal are not covered in warranty.
CAUTION
The device is sensitive to static electricity (ESD). Always touch in a metallic
grounded object before handling it.
DANGER
Nexto Series can operate with voltage up to 250 Vac. Special care must be
taken during the installation, which should only be done by qualified technical
personnel. Do not touch on the wiring field when in operation.
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
6.1. Electrical Installation
DANGER
When executing any installation in an electric panel, certify that the main energy supply is
OFF.
Figure 1: Electrical Installation
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
Diagram Notes:
1. Protective Earth terminal for power supply. Shall be externally connected to ground.
2. External power supply connection.
3. Typical connection of digital input (sink type). C0 is the common point for the isolated group I00 to I07.
4. Protective Earth terminal for communication ports. Shall be externally connected to ground.
5. Use Ethernet cables informed on Related Products section.
6. Typical connection of current analog input (field device with power supplied separately from analog signal).
7. Typical connection of current analog input (field device with power supply with the analog signal, 2-wire).
8. Typical sensor connection with 12Vdc power supply and SDI-12 communication.
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
6.2. Physical Dimensions
Dimensions in mm.
Figure 2: Physical Dimensions
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
7. Configuration and Usage
The configuration of the Nexto Logger NL717 in a LoRaWAN network is performed through an application for CPUs
developed in the MasterTool IEC XE software in conjunction with the LoRa "NextoLora" library. Will be described in this
topic the entire routine of creating an application and configuring the NL717 in a LoRa network, from registering the activation
keys to using the library to send and receive data through the LoRaWAN network.
Registering a device in a LoRaWAN network requires prior configuration of the device on the server where it will be
registered. This configuration will contain the radio frequency parameters that must be applied as well as the server access
keys. During the creation of a new device (called end node) in the server, several configurations should be noted for later use
when configuring Nexto Logger in the LoRaWAN network.
Among these configurations are:
Frequency Plan (or Regional Band): This parameter defines the frequency plan that the device will operate on. The
setting of this parameter must be in absolute parity between all elements that involve the LoRaWAN network, such as
the server, Gateway and End Device. (e.g. AU915).
Frequency sub-bands (or FSBs): Some frequency plans also offer the configuration of communication sub-bands. As
with frequency plans, sub-bands must be configured accordingly on all network elements (e.g. FSB1).
Adaptive Data Rate (ADR): Defines the optimization of the choice of radio parameters in the device. When enabled,
it allows the server to choose the parameters optimally (e.g. TRUE).
Unique Device Identifier (or Device EUI): Unique identifier of an End node, can be generated by the server or provided
by the device itself. This identifier is a 64-bit key, usually expressed in 8 hex bytes (e.g. [01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08]).
Class: Defines the mode in which the end node will communicate over the LoRaWAN network. This parameter should
be chosen according to the needs of energy use. Class A devices use less energy with some penalties in communication
availability. Class C devices are always available on the network, but use more energy
Activation Modes: Defines the mode in which the end device will be registered to the server. There are two ways
of doing the device validation procedure on the server. The first, called Over the air activation (OTAA), activates the
device via radio communication. During this process, the device communicates with the server using two identification
keys for the server and the application, and then the security and encryption keys are exchanged between the server and
the device in a secure manner. This activation process is called JOIN and ensures that the encryption keys are hidden,
maintaining the security of the network and the secrecy of the communication content.
The two keys required for the JOIN by OTAA process are:
1. Unique application identifier (APP EUI): 8 byte key. (e.g. [01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08]).
2. Application Key (APP Key): 16 byte key (e.g. [01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 0A 0B 0C 0D 0E 0F 10]).
The second activation mode is called Activation By Personalization (ABP), in this activation mode the security keys
are generated by the server and loaded manually on the end device. Since these keys are responsible for encrypting
the content of the communication, this activation mode is highly insecure and should not be used in applications that
demand high reliability. This activation mode does not perform the JOIN process, since the keys will be written directly
to the device. Altogether there are two security keys and one device address.
1. Application session key (APP Session KEY): 16 byte key.
2. Network session key (NWK Session KEY): 16 byte key.
3. Device Address (Dev ADDR): 4 byte key (e.g. [01 02 03 04]).
Once you have the access keys and the other activation configuration parameters for the device, you can start the device on
the network without difficulty. The first step is to open the MasterTool IEC XE development software and create a new project.
The procedure for creating a new project can be seen in the following figures.
When opening MasterTool IEC XE access the menu "File" and then "New Project..." as illustrated in the figure below.
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
Figure 3: File -> New Project...
Next, select the "MasterTool Standard Project" template, indicate the project name and path to be saved, and continue by
clicking the "OK" button as illustrated in the figure below.
Figure 4: Configuring the project
Then choose the target device for the application. In this case, you should configure the Datalogger NL717 device, found
in the "Datalogger Controllers" category. As illustrated in the figure below.
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
Figure 5: Selecting the device
With the new project created it’s necessary to add the LoRaWAN interface library. To do this, access the "Library Manager"
menu. The figure below illustrates the menu in question.
Figure 6: Library manager
A new library management tab will open in the main window of MasterTool IEC XE, click on the "Add Library" menu to
access the menu for adding a new library to the project. The figure below illustrates the location of the access button.
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
Figure 7: Add library
In the search bar type "Nexto" and in the results you will find the "LibNextoLora" library as shown in the figure below.
Double-click on it to add it to the project.
Figure 8: LibNextoLora library
Once included in the project it is possible to check the functional block of use, as well as the associated data structures.
The block called LORA_MASTER is the only user interface of the library and provides all the operating states of the device
through its state structures.
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
Figure 9: LibNextoLora library struct
To configure the LibNextoLora library blocks, see the following sections.
7.1. Usage of the LibNextoLora library
7.1.1. Configuration
The LibNextoLora library has a main block called LORA_MASTER, this block is responsible for executing the configu-
ration and usage routines for the LoRa device. Device related settings are performed via the LORA_CONFIG input of the
LORA_MASTER block, which receives a data structure of type LORA_RADIO_SET_PARAMETERS. Before executing the
LORA_MASTER block via the ENABLE input, it is necessary to configure and assign its input parameters.
Figure 10: LORA_MASTER
7.1.1.1. LORA_RADIO_SET_PARAMETERS
With the development environment configured and having the keys and configuration parameters, it is possible to start the
development of the application that will configure the device in the LoRaWAN network.
The device-related settings are made via the LORA_CONFIG input of the LORA_MASTER block, which receives a data
structure of type LORA_RADIO_SET_PARAMETERS to be used as input parameters.
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
The use of this structure is quite simplified and can be seen in the figure below. Besides the access keys, which should
be passed via a pointer to the array where they are stored, there is a variable type for each given parameter, in these types are
listed the applicable configuration options available.
Figure 11: LORA_RADIO_SET_PARAMETERS
The types of configuration variables and their respective available options are:
REQUEST: Enables a new configuration on the device, if the device does not yet have a valid join.
FORCE_CONFIG: Forces a new configuration on the device, even if the device already has a valid join.
REGIONAL_BAND: Defines the frequency band that will be used for LoRa communication. Frequency bands are
groupings of frequency channels in which the device will communicate via the LoRa protocol. Each country has its
own regulations and pre-definitions for the use of the radio spectrum for communication, so the device must operate in
different frequency bands that fit the laws of the region where it will be used.
Configuration options:
1. According to the region where it is used. In Brazil: AU915.
DEV_EUI: Unique device identification key. Receives the pointer to the vector containing the saved key.
MAX_PAYLOAD_LEN: Defines the maximum size of the message that can be sent. Represents the maximum size in
bytes that the device can send. Takes the integer value from 1 up to a maximum of 36.
ACT_CLASS: The activation mode refers to the way the device sends and receives messages. When activated in ClassA
the device prioritizes saving power and in ClassC prioritizes the availability of sending and receiving messages. It is
recommended to use ClassC in all cases except when there is a need to save power.
Configuration options:
1. ClassA
2. ClassC
FSB: Frequency sub-band, within the regional bands there are also working frequency sub-divisions, the so-called
frequency sub-bands (FSB). This should be chosen in parity with the working subband chosen in the Gateways and the
server, by default the NL717 and GW700 devices use FSB2 for working.
Configuration options:
1. FSB1
2. FSB2
3. FSB3
4. FSB4
5. FSB5
6. FSB6
7. FSB7
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Nexto Logger
Nexto Series NL717 CE117100 Rev. B
8. FSB8
ADAPTATIVE_DATA_RATE: The Data Rate parameter of LoRa communication indicates the bandwidth at which the
message will be sent. The higher the Data Rate, the greater the capacity for sending data, i.e. more data can be sent
in a single message. Conversely, the higher the Data Rate, the less effective the communication over long distances,
significantly decreasing the communication distance. When the ADAPTATIVE_DATA_RATE mode is activated, the
server takes care of choosing the ideal Data Rate for device communication, this adaptation process is time consuming
and can cause a lot of communication instability, with few real gains associated with it. It is recommended to disable
this function, so the device will communicate at the lowest Data Rate, but having a significant gain in communication
distance.
ACT_TYPE: Mode in which the device will be joined on the server. The first join mode, OTAA, allows the device to
exchange access and encryption keys with the server during the join process. In this way the encryption keys are hidden
and secure during the entire process, this is the most secure mode of join. In the second join mode, ABP, the access and
encryption keys are pre-generated and loaded on the device before the join process. This mode offers a faster and easier
join process but is less secure, since the encryption keys can be misappropriated.
Configuration options:
1. OTAA
2. ABP
ABP_KEYS: Receives a structure of type LORA_ABP_CONFIGURATION that must be filled in if the choice of join
mode is of type ABP.
•LORA_ABP_CONFIGURATION: Different from the others, which list available options, this is a data structure
that contains the three keys needed for the join of ABP type.
1. ABP_APP_SESSION_KEY: Receives the pointer of a vector that contains the saved key;
2. ABP_NWK_SESSION_KEY: Receives the pointer of a vector that contains the saved key;
3. ABP_DEV_ADDR: Receives the pointer of a vector that contains the saved key.
Figure 12: LORA_ABP_CONFIGURATION
OTAA_KEYS: Receives a structure of type LORA_OTAA_CONFIGURATION that must be filled in if the choice of
join mode is of type OTAA.
•LORA_OTAA_CONFIGURATION: Data structure that contains the two keys needed for the join of OTAA type.
1. OTAA_APP_EUI: Receives the pointer of a vector that contains the saved key;
2. OTAA_APP_KEY: Receives the pointer of a vector that contains the saved key.
Figure 13: LORA_OTAA_CONFIGURATION
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