Trend adds to interface options
Trend has introduced a device that enables its building and energy management systems to interoperate with single or multiple systems from other manufacturers. TONN (Trend Open Network Node) units provide unrestricted access to a Trend system driver and drivers for most of the other protocols used in building automation, including BACnet, LON, KNX, Modbus, M-Bus, SNMP and oBIX. No programming skills are required to set up a unit.
For an additional cost, drivers can be supplied for any of 11 proprietary protocols, including those used by Protec fire panels, Helvar lighting controls and the Fidelio hotel booking system.
A single TONN unit can route data between a Trend BMS and several other devices or systems. For example, it could simultaneously connect to M-Bus meters, Modbus packaged air-conditioning plant and LON lighting controls.
TONN can be set up by the same authorised controls contractors that supply and engineer Trend BEMSs, so that seamless integration with other systems is generally achievable without necessarily having to involve an interfacing expert.