GE MDS SD Series User manual

Installation and Operation Guide
Technical Manual
MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D
OCTOBER 2010
Covering ES/SS Units with Firmware Version 4.x
MDS SD Series
Secure, Long Range IP/Ethernet & Serial
NowFeaturing Web-Based
DeviceManager
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Need Quick-Start instructions for this product? Please refer to publication 05-4847A01.
All GE MDS user guides are available online at www.gemds.com
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MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D SD Series Technical Manual i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Conventions Used in This Manual ..........................................................................................1
Software & Device Manager Notations............................................................................. 1
Model Number Notations .................................................................................................. 1
Authorization Features...................................................................................................... 2
2.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Front Panel Connectors and Indicators .................................................................................. 3
2.2 Key Product Features ............................................................................................................. 4
Media Access Control (MAC).................................................................................................... 4
Coordination of Channel Access....................................................................................... 4
Data Validation ................................................................................................................. 5
2.3 Model Offerings ...................................................................................................................... 5
Model Number Codes....................................................................................................... 5
2.4 Operating Modes and Applicable Manuals ............................................................................. 5
x710 Mode (Different Manual Required)........................................................................... 5
2.5 Accessories and Spares ......................................................................................................... 6
Protected Network Station ........................................................................................................ 7
Dual Protected Configuration....................................................................................................8
3.0 TYPICAL APPLICATIONS............................................................................................................. 9
3.1 Operating Parameters ............................................................................................................ 9
3.2 Example Systems ................................................................................................................. 10
Multiple Address Systems (MAS) ........................................................................................... 10
Point-to-Point System............................................................................................................. 10
IP/Ethernet Polling...................................................................................................................11
Port Sharing with Multiple Hosts............................................................................................. 12
Report-by-Exception............................................................................................................... 13
IP Polling of Serial Remotes................................................................................................... 13
Serial Remotes with Two Serial Ports..................................................................................... 14
4.0 INSTALLATION PLANNING........................................................................................................ 16
4.1 Mounting Options ................................................................................................................. 16
Optional DIN Rail Mounting .................................................................................................... 17
4.2 Antennas and Feedlines ....................................................................................................... 18
Antennas................................................................................................................................. 18
Feedlines ................................................................................................................................ 18
4.3 DC Power Connection .......................................................................................................... 19
4.4 Grounding Considerations .................................................................................................... 20
4.5 Ethernet Data Interface (RJ-45) ........................................................................................... 20
4.6 Serial Data Interfaces ........................................................................................................... 21
COM1 (Serial) Connection...................................................................................................... 22
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ii SD Series Technical Manual MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D
COM2 (Data) Connections...................................................................................................... 23
Pin Descriptions—RS-232 and RS-422/485 Mode......................................................... 23
5.0 STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION.................................................................................................25
5.1 Initial Configuration ............................................................................................................... 26
Web-Based Management ....................................................................................................... 26
Alternative Management Methods.......................................................................................... 27
Web Browser Connection ....................................................................................................... 27
Logging On...................................................................................................................... 27
Using the Basic Setup Wizard......................................................................................... 28
Using the Remote Management Wizard ......................................................................... 29
Getting an Overview of Radio Settings ........................................................................... 29
5.2 Initial Startup & Checkout ..................................................................................................... 29
Ethernet Connector LEDs....................................................................................................... 30
5.3 Optimizing the Radio Network .............................................................................................. 30
Modem Type Setting............................................................................................................... 30
Inter-Packet Gap Settings.......................................................................................................31
Baud Rate Setting................................................................................................................... 31
Ethernet Settings .................................................................................................................... 31
Antenna SWR Check.............................................................................................................. 32
6.0 USING THE DEVICE MANAGER ............................................................................................... 33
6.1 Navigating the Screens ........................................................................................................ 33
Overview Screen..................................................................................................................... 34
Printout Option ................................................................................................................34
Logging Out ..................................................................................................................... 34
6.2 Management Tasks .............................................................................................................. 35
6.3 Configuration Screens .......................................................................................................... 39
Radio....................................................................................................................................... 39
Basic Settings ..................................................................................................................39
Device Settings............................................................................................................... 41
Packet Settings............................................................................................................... 42
Media Access Control..................................................................................................... 43
Diagnostic Settings......................................................................................................... 44
Advanced Settings.......................................................................................................... 45
Features..................................................................................................................................47
Bridge Configuration ....................................................................................................... 47
Listen Before Transmit (LBT) Settings............................................................................ 47
IP Payload Configuration (1/2/3)..................................................................................... 49
Multihost Settings (Use only if operating in Packet mode without MAC) ........................ 49
Communications Ports............................................................................................................50
COM1 Port Settings........................................................................................................ 50
COM2 Port Settings........................................................................................................ 50
IP Configuration .............................................................................................................. 51
Security................................................................................................................................... 52
Device Security............................................................................................................... 52
Wireless Security............................................................................................................ 53
Login Password .............................................................................................................. 53
Encryption Phrase .......................................................................................................... 54
6.4 Maintenance & Status Screen ..............................................................................................54
Event Log................................................................................................................................ 55
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MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D SD Series Technical Manual iii
Alarm Summary...................................................................................................................... 55
All Alarms / Events.......................................................................................................... 55
Alarm Signal Configuration............................................................................................. 56
Performance........................................................................................................................... 57
Radio Performance......................................................................................................... 57
I/O Statistics.................................................................................................................... 57
Ethernet Statistics........................................................................................................... 58
Radio Test............................................................................................................................... 58
RTU Simulator................................................................................................................. 58
Link Test.......................................................................................................................... 59
Ping Test ......................................................................................................................... 60
RF Keying Test ............................................................................................................... 60
Spectrum Graph .............................................................................................................. 60
Firmware Utilities.................................................................................................................... 62
Version Information ......................................................................................................... 62
Web Reprogramming...................................................................................................... 62
TFTP Reprogramming .................................................................................................... 63
Remote Reprogramming................................................................................................. 64
Verify Image.................................................................................................................... 65
Copy Image..................................................................................................................... 65
Device Reboot................................................................................................................. 66
Authorization Codes ........................................................................................................ 66
Configuration Files.................................................................................................................. 67
Dump/Load Configuration File ........................................................................................ 67
TFTP Configuration File .................................................................................................. 67
Save/Restore Configuration ............................................................................................ 68
7.0 TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................................... 69
7.1 LED Indicators ...................................................................................................................... 71
7.2 Checking for Alarms/Events ................................................................................................. 71
Major Alarms vs. Minor Alarms............................................................................................... 72
Status and Informational Events............................................................................................. 72
Event Code Definitions ........................................................................................................... 72
7.3 Operating Constraints ........................................................................................................... 74
8.0 TECHNICAL REFERENCE......................................................................................................... 75
8.1 Performing Network-Wide Remote Diagnostics ................................................................... 75
Setting Up Diagnostics.............................................................................................................76
8.2 Over-the-Air Firmware Upgrades ..........................................................................................76
Intrusive vs. Passive (Non-Intrusive) Mode ............................................................................ 77
OTA Reprogramming Overview.............................................................................................. 78
Cancelling OTA Reprogramming ............................................................................................ 79
Error Conditions/Recovery...................................................................................................... 79
Execution and Screen Examples............................................................................................ 79
User Data Explanations .................................................................................................. 79
User Command explanations .......................................................................................... 79
Screen Example.............................................................................................................. 79
8.3 COM1 Operating Modes ...................................................................................................... 80
Changing COM1 Modes ......................................................................................................... 80
8.4 Implementing Sleep Mode .................................................................................................... 81
How Sleep Mode Works .................................................................................................. 81
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iv SD Series Technical Manual MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D
Sleep Mode Example ...................................................................................................... 81
8.5 User-Programmable I/O Functions ....................................................................................... 82
8.6 Technical Specifications ...................................................................................................... 82
8.7 dBm-Watts-Volts Conversion Chart ........................................................................................ 89
9.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ABBREVIATIONS............................................................................ 84
Copyright and Trademark
This manual and all software described herein is protected by Copyright: 2010 GE MDS, LLC. All
rights reserved. GE MDS, LLC reserves its right to correct any errors and omissions in this publi-
cation. Modbus® is a registered trademark of Schneider Electric Corporation. All other trademarks
and product names are the property of their respective owners.
Quality Policy Statement
We, the employees of GE MDS, are committed to understanding and exceeding our customer’s
needs and expectations.
• We appreciate our customers’ patronage. They are our business.
• We promise to serve them and anticipate their needs.
• Wearecommittedtoproviding solutionsthatarecosteffective,innovativeand reliable, with
consistently high levels of quality.
We are committed to the continuous improvement of all of our systems and processes, to improve
product quality and increase customer satisfaction.
RF Safety Notice
Concentrated energy from a directional antenna may pose a health hazard to
humans. Do not allow people to come closer to the antenna than the distances
listed in the table below when the transmitter is operating. More information on
RF exposure can be found online at the following website:
www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins.
Antenna Gain vs. Minimum RF Safety Distance
Antenna Gain
0–5 dBi 5–10 dBi 10–16.5 dBi
Safety Distance (SD4) 0.79 meter 1.41 meters 3.05 meters
Safety Distance (SD9) 0.46 meter .82 meters 1.74 meters
Safety Distance (SD2) For SD2, maintain an RF safety distance of
1.50 meters for a 7 dBd (9.15 dBi) antenna.
Use of higher gain antennas means
increasing the distance accordingly.
Safety Distance
(Other SD models): Consult factory prior to operation.
RF Exposure
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MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D SD Series Technical Manual v
FCC Part 15 Notice
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful inter-
ference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation. Any unauthorized modification or changes to this device without the
express approval of the manufacturer may void the user’s authority to operate this device. Further-
more, this device is intended to be used only when installed in accordance with the instructions out-
lined in this manual. Failure to comply with these instructions may void the user’s authority to
operate this device.
Manual Revision and Accuracy
This manual was prepared to cover a specific version of firmware code. Accordingly, some screens
and features may differ from the actual unit you are working with. While every reasonable effort
has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, product improvements may also result in
minor differences between the manual and the product shipped to you. If you have additional ques-
tions or need an exact specification for a product, please contact GE MDS using the information at
the back of this guide. In addition, manual updates can often be found on our web site at
www.gemds.com.
Environmental Information
The manufacture of this equipment has required the extraction and use of natural resources.
Improper disposal may contaminate the environment and present a health risk due to hazardous
substancescontained within. Toavoiddissemination of thesesubstancesinto our environment,and
to limit the demand on natural resources, we encourage you to use the appropriate recycling sys-
temsfor disposal. These systemswillreuse or recyclemostof the materials foundinthisequipment
in a sound way. Please contact GE MDS or your supplier for more information on the proper dis-
posal of this equipment.
Product Test Data Sheets
Test Data Sheets showing the original factory test results for this unit are available upon request
from the GE MDS Quality Leader. Contact the factory using the information at the back of this
manual. Serial numbers must be provided for each product where a Test Data Sheet is required.
BSD License Information
TheSDSeriesproducts contain source code originallyreleased aspartof“WPASupplicant”which
is copyrighted as indicated below and is redistributed under the terms of the BSD license:
WPA Supplicant
Copyright (c) 2003-2010, Jouni Malinen <[email protected]> and contributors
All Rights Reserved.
Battery Disposal—This product may contain a battery. Batteries must be disposed of properly,
and may not
be disposed of as unsorted municipal waste in the European Union. See the product
documentation for specific battery information. Batteries are marked with a symbol, which may
include lettering to indicate cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), or mercury (Hg). For proper recycling
return the battery to your supplier or to a designated collection point. For more information see:
www.weeerohsinfo.com
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vi SD Series Technical Manual MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D
BSD License
-------
Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are permitted pro-
vided that the following conditions are met:
1. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and
the following disclaimer.
2. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice, this list of conditions
and the following disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials provided with the distri-
bution.
3. Neither the name(s) of the above-listed copyright holder(s) nor the names of its contributors may
be used to endorse or promote products derived from this software without specific prior written
permission.
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS
“AS IS” AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIM-
ITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT
OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE,
DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON
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MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D SD Series Technical Manual 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This Technical Manual is one of two publications for users of the MDS
SD Series Transceiver (Figure 1). It contains an overview of common
applications, installation planning data, specifications, troubleshooting,
and instructions on using the web-based Device Manager for user con-
trol. This manual is intended for technical personnel who perform net-
work design, configuration, and troubleshooting of the equipment.
A companion Setup Guide is also available (Part no. 05-4847A01). The
scope of the Setup Guide is limited to installing the transceiver and
placing it in service for the first time. All product documentation may be
downloaded free of charge from the GE MDS website at
www.gemds.com. The website also contains links to Application Bulletins
and other product information.
Invisible place holder
Figure 1. MDS SD Series Transceiver
1.1 Conventions Used in This Manual
Software & Device
Manager Notations This product is designed for software control via a connected PC. To
show the names of screen names, keyboard entries, or other information
displayed on a PC, a distinctive bolded font like this is used throughout
the manual:
Bolded font example (for screen names and keyboard entries)
To show the navigation path leading to a particular screen, this same
font is used with forward-pointing arrows between screen names. For
example, suppose you wish to access the radio’s Packet Settings Screen.
The navigation string shown for it would appear as follows:
Configuration>>Packet Settings
Model Number
Notations The term “SD” or “SD Series” is used in this manual to denote all
models in the SD product line. Specific model numbers such as MDS
SD2 (216-235 MHz), MDS SD4 (350-512 MHz), and MDS SD9
(928-960 MHz) are used only when necessary to reference model-spe-
cific features.
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2 SD Series Technical Manual MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D
Authorization
Features Some features of the radio are dependent on purchased options and
applicable regulatory constraints. A “key” icon is shown near the
heading of any such features. In some cases a feature upgrade may be
available. Contact your sales representative for additional information.
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MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D SD Series Technical Manual 3
2.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The SD Transceiver is a software-configurable, industrial radio for use
in licensed data acquisition networks. It may be interfaced with a variety
of data control equipment including remote terminal units (RTUs), pro-
grammable logic controllers (PLCs), flow computers, and similar
devices. Data interface connections may be made for both serial
(RS-232/RS-485) and Ethernet protocols. It is designed for use with
both polled networks and report-by-exception (push) systems.
The radio employs digital signal processing (DSP) technology and a
fully digital transmit and receive IF chain to provide robust communica-
tions even under adverse conditions. DSP also helps eliminate the
effects of component variations or temperature changes, resulting in
optimized performance at all times.
2.1 Front Panel Connectors and Indicators
Figure 2 shows the transceiver’s front panel connectors and indicators.
These items are referenced in the installation steps and in various other
locations in the manual. The transceiver’s LED functions are described
in Table 10 on Page 30.
Invisible place holder
Figure 2. Front Panel Connectors & Indicators
ANTENNA
CONNECTOR (TNC)
SERIAL DATA
CONNECTORS (DB-9)
DC INPUT
POWER
LED INDICATOR
PANEL
ETHERNET
CONNECTOR (RJ-45)
COM1 used for radio management
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4 SD Series Technical Manual MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D
2.2 Key Product Features
The transceiver is designed to meet the demanding needs of today’s
wireless networks in a compact, and rugged package. It offers an array
of features in a single hardware platform:
• Software-configurable via a built-in Device Manager—no man-
ual controls or adjustments.
• MediaAccessControl(MAC) to prevent datacollisions whentwo
or more radios try to use the radio channel at the same time.
• Available encryption of payload data (AES 128-bit)
• Supports a wide variety of modem speeds and bandwidths for reg-
ulatory compliance in virtually all regions of the world
• Ethernet & serial interfaces—ideal for migration to IP networks
• Dual serial functionality (RS-232 and RS-485)
• Over-the-air reprogramming of remote units—no unnecessary
trips to radio sites
• Licensed 5-watt design, maximizes communications range with
low interference risk from other users
• Configurable via software as a Remote or a Master unit
• Low power “sleep mode”—ideal for battery-powered solar sites
• Virtual Radio Channels (VRC) support multiple polling applica-
tions on one radio
NOTE: Some features may not be available on all units, depending on the
options purchased and regulatory constraints for the region in which
the radio will operate.
Media Access Control (MAC)
An important feature of the SD Transceiver is Media Access Control
(MAC). The SD's MAC is specifically designed for use with narrow
bandwidth, half duplex radio networks such as those commonly used in
licensed telemetry systems. A central unit is designated an Access Point
(AP)and other units aredesignatedasremotes.Whenenabled, the MAC
provides efficient support of multiple data traffic models including mul-
tiple hosts, synchronous and asynchronous polls, and report-by-excep-
tion (push traffic).
Coordination of
Channel Access The main objective of the MAC is to coordinate channel access for all
radios in the network, preventing interference or data “collisions” that
can occur from simultaneous transmissions of radios on the same RF
frequency. With MAC operation a single radio is configured as an
Access Point. This AP serves as the controller of the RF network. All
other radios are configured as remotes. Remote's request permission
from the AP to use the RF channel before sending payload data, thus
avoiding collisions of data, and creating a highly reliable wireless net-
work. The MAC is responsible for allocating which unit gets access to
the broadcast medium (the RF channel), when, and for how long.
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MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D SD Series Technical Manual 5
Data Validation Additionally,theMAC validates all messages and purges corrupteddata
from the system. Successful delivery of data is ensured through the use
of retries and acknowledgements. Minimal overhead is used to accom-
plish these tasks, which translates to increased bandwidth efficiency of
the radio channel. The SD MAC introduces minimal latency, ensuring
that messages are delivered in a timely manner.
2.3 Model Offerings
The radio is available in three model configurations:
•Ethernet—All SD features and functionality
•Standard—All SD features, except over-the-air Ethernet data
•x710—Direct, drop-in compatibility for networks using a mix of
SD and older MDS x710 radios
Model Number
Codes The unit’s complete model number is printed on the bottom label. Addi-
tional unit details are available through the Overview Screen, described
later in this manual.
2.4 Operating Modes and Applicable Manuals
The radio may be configured to operate in any of three modes as fol-
lows:
•Packet Mode—Payload data from the radio’s serial and Ethernet
ports is assembled into packets and transmitted over the air.
Packet mode supports Ethernet Bridging, AES 128-bit encryp-
tion, and Virtual Radio Channels (VRC). Packet Mode encom-
passes both “Packet” and “Packet w/ MAC” mode selections.
Packet mode is intended for networks containing all SD radios.
This manual covers Packet Mode radios.
•Transparent Mode—This mode is over-the-air compatible with
MDS x710 transceivers, while supporting payload data on the
Ethernet interface. This mode is ideal for mixed networks con-
taining SD and older MDS x710 radios. It allows currently
deployed x710 networks to add support for Ethernet data. This
manual covers Transparent Mode radios.
x710Mode(Different
Manual Required) •x710 Mode—This mode provides direct, drop-in compatibility
with MDS x710 (4710 or 9710) transceivers, and uses the same
corecommand set as theseradios. It is designedforusein systems
containing a mix of newer SD radios and legacy MDS x710 units.
This manual does not cover x710 Mode operation. Refer instead
to the following manuals for x710 instructions:
•Start-Up Guide (x710 Mode)— Part No. 05-4669A01
•Technical Manual (x710 Mode)—Part No. 05-4670A01
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6 SD Series Technical Manual MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D
Invisible place holder
Figure 3. SD Transceivers offer compatibility with older MDS x710
Transceivers (right), and may be used for replacement and/or
interoperability in these networks. A retrofit kit is available for
connector conversion (see Table 1).
2.5 Accessories and Spares
Table 1 lists common accessories and spare items for the transceiver.
GE MDS also offers an Accessories Selection Guide listing additional
items that may be used with the product. Visit www.gemds.com or contact
your factory representative to obtain a copy of the guide.
Table 1. Accessories & Spare Items
Accessory Description Part Number
DC Power Plug,
2-pin, polarized Mateswithpowerconnectoronradio case. Screw terminals provided for
wires, threaded locking screws to
prevent accidental disconnect.
73-1194A53
Retrofit Kit, Digital Contains adapters and connectors
needed to facilitate the replacement
of an existing MDS x710A/C/M
digital transceiver.
03-4696A01
Retrofit Kit, Analog Contains adapters and connectors
needed to facilitate the replacement
of an existing MDS x710A/C/M
analog transceiver.
03-4697A01
Setup Guide
(for Packet and
Transparent Modes)
Describes the installation and setup
of the transceiver. A companion to
this Technical Manual.
05-4847A01
Flat Mounting
Brackets
(Standard)
Brackets that attach to the bottom of
the unit. Used for mounting to a flat
mounting surface.
03-4123A14
Flat Mounting
Brackets
(x710-compatible)
Brackets that attach to the bottom of
the unit. Used for mounting to a flat
mounting surface. Bracket matches
MDS x710 Transceiver mounting
holes.
Consult
Factory
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MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D SD Series Technical Manual 7
Protected Network Station
Thetransceiverisavailablein a protectednetwork configuration, known
as the SDxP (Figure 4), where xdenotes the particular model of SD
transceiver installed inside the chassis (i.e., SD2, 4, 9, etc.).
The SDxP is a tabletop or rack-mount unit designed to hold two trans-
ceivers, two power supplies, and a switchover logic board that automat-
ically selects between transceiver A or B as the active unit. Manual
selection may also be made using a front panel switch.
Invisible place holder
Figure 4. Protected Network Station
With two transceivers and two power supplies installed, the unit con-
tinues to communicate even if a failure occurs in one ofthe transceivers,
or its associated power supply. This capability is important in mis-
sion-critical applications where uninterrupted service is required. Refer
to publication 05-4161A01 for detailed information on this product.
DIN Rail Mounting
Bracket Kit Contains bracket for mounting the transceiver to standard 35 mm DIN
rails commonly used in equipment
cabinets and panels.
03-4125A04
Reprogramming
Application for
Firmware Upgrade
Automated software program for
upgrading the radio’s internal
firmware code. This application is
under development at press time.
Check with your factory
representative for availability.
06-6241A01
Table 1. Accessories & Spare Items (Continued)
Accessory Description Part Number
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8 SD Series Technical Manual MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D
Dual Protected Configurations
Two dual transceiver configurations are offered for the SD Series. They
are known as the SDxDT and the SDxDP. These configurations are used
for the following purposes:
• When full duplex operation is desired using dedicated Transmit
and Receive transceivers.
• When a Master or Repeater site requires bandpass duplexers due
to the presence of co-located antennas.
• When streaming Repeater operation is desired using dedicated
Transmit and Receive transceivers
The SDxDT uses the same chassis as the SDxP described above. How-
ever, one radio is configured with the transmit frequency and the other
for the receive frequency with appropriate connections between them. It
also includes a bandpass duplexer tuned to a specific frequency for
simultaneous transmission and reception (full duplex) operation. Note
that the SDxDT provides one serial port and one Ethernet port for user
equipment.
The SDxDP is a protected, full duplex Master or Repeater site configu-
ration. This configuration consists of two SDxP chassis described
above, with appropriate interconnect cabling between the units. The
radios in one SDxP are configured with the transmit frequency and the
radios in the other are configured with the receive frequency. The
SDxDP also includes a bandpass duplexer tuned to a specific frequency
for simultaneous transmission and reception (full duplex) operation.
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MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D SD Series Technical Manual 9
3.0 TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
This section describes common scenarios the transceiver may be used
in.A number ofvariationsare possible; If youhaveunique requirements
not found here, it is recommended that you consult a support specialist
at GE MDS. Contact information is provided at the back of this manual.
3.1 Operating Parameters
The transceiver can operate in both poll-response and “push” communi-
cation/report-by-exception networks. In poll-response networks a cen-
tral Master unit communicates with a number of Remote radios one at a
time. The Master exchanges data with the currently-connected Remote,
and when finished, it establishes a new connection with the next Remote
in the polling order. In push communication/Report by Exception net-
works, a Remote can also transmits if it has data to send, typically
prompted by a change in status conditions from connected data equip-
ment.
The radio includes a number of parameters which may be set to suit the
requirements of a particular application. Table 2 provides a summary of
common applications, protocols, and radio modes used. Refer to the
table to determine what applications can be supported and what the
required radio settings are.
Table 2. Application Types vs. Key Radio Settings
Application Protocol
(Example) Recommended Radio Mode Notes
Polled Bridged Ethernet MODBUS TCP Packet w/MAC Mayalso use Packet modeandenableLBT
w/Listen on RX.
Bridged Ethernet IP(ICMP/TCP/UDP/
MODBUS TCP) Packet w/MAC Mayalso usePacket modeand enableLBT w/Listen on RX.
Mixed Serial and Bridged
Ethernet MODBUS RTU & IP Packet w/MAC
Report by Exception Serial and/or IP Packet w/MAC
Single Poll Multiple
Response Serial and/or IP Packet w/MAC
Two or more concurrent
serial polling applications
(COM2, COM1, and /or
IP Payload at master
DNP3 and Modbus
RTU Packet w/MAC
Single Port Serial Polling
withencryption(COM2or
COM1)
Modbus RTU Packet AES On
Single Port Serial Polling
without encryption
(COM2, COM1, or IP
Payload at master)
Modbus RTU Transparent AES Off
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10 SD Series Technical Manual MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D
3.2 Example Systems
The following sections describe common system arrangements for the
SD transceiver. Other variations are possible, and if you have questions
about a specific application not covered here, you may contact your fac-
tory representative using the information at the back of this guide. For
typical radio settings in these systems, refer to Table 2 on Page 9.
Multiple Address Systems (MAS)
This is a common application for the transceiver. It consists of a central
masterunit and several associated remoteunitsas shown in Figure 5. An
MAS network provides communication between a central host com-
puter and remote terminal units (RTUs) or other data collection devices
in the field. Often, such a system is used to carry telemetry data to and
from widely separated remote radios.
Typical MAS applications may be for automatic, remote monitoring of
gas wells, water tank levels, electric power distribution systems, and
similar control and measurement functions.
Invisible place holder
Figure 5. Typical MAS Point-to-Multipoint Network
Point-to-Point System
Where permitted, the transceiver may also be used in a point-to-point
arrangement. A point-to-point system consists of just two radios—one
serving as a master and the other as a remote (see Figure 6). It provides
a simplex (or half-duplex) communications link for the transfer of data
between two locations.
RTU
MASTER STATION
REMOTE RADIO
REMOTE RADIO
RTU
HOST SYSTEM
OR: SDA-Augmented
Master Station
RTU
REMOTE RADIO
RTU
REMOTE RADIO
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MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D SD Series Technical Manual 11
Invisible place holder
Figure 6. Typical Point-to-Point Link
IP/Ethernet Polling
Modern data/control networks often employ IP/Ethernet connectivity
throughout the system. The SD transceiver is well suited to provide con-
nectivity between such sites using its RJ-45 modular connector on the
front panel and enabling Ethernet Bridging capabilities. Figure 7 shows
an overview of such a system.
Invisible place holder
Figure 7. IP/Ethernet Polling Example
This type of network can also be used for general Ethernet bridging as
supported by the over-the-air bandwidth of the system. Bridge filters are
available to reduce Ethernet traffic over the RF channel, and improve
performance.
HOST
COMPUTER
REMOTE RADIO
MASTER RADIO
RTU
MASTER UNIT
To Ethernet Port
REMOTE RADIO
(One of several possible sites)
Ethernet
Ethernet RTU
REMOTE RADIO
(One of several possible sites)
Ethernet RTU
Ethernet Ethernet
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12 SD Series Technical Manual MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. D
Port Sharing with Multiple Hosts
The transceiver allows for several external data networks to use the
same RF network without confusing the data streams. In such a system,
multiple host computers at the Master Unit poll their respective RTUs,
which may be alone or co-located at the Remote sites. Figure 8 shows
an example of such a system. In this case, two host computers (Host A
and Host B) are connected to the Master Unit via the applicable data
ports.
At the Remote sites, serial and Ethernet-based RTUs are employed, and
responding to a specific host computer. In the case of the Remote shown
on the lower right side of the drawing, two RTUs are co-located, but
responding to different host computers and handling entirely different
data streams.
The SD eliminates the need for two transceivers to support separate data
collection/control networks. Virtual Radio Channels (VRCs) are used to
separate serial data streams on COM2, COM1, or IP payload ports.
Packet With MAC operation provides Media Access Control. It is the
recommended method of operation for port sharing systems.
An option exists to operate in Packet mode without MAC. In fact, this is
the default mode in both the SS and ES models. However, this Packet
mode option should only be used for systems that use legacy methods of
collision avoidance including Multihost and Listen Before Transmit
(LBT).ThemodePacketwithMACprovides superior performance and
better network reliability, collision avoidance and better overall
throughput. See corresponding sections of the manual for more informa-
tion on these Packet mode options.
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