Connecting network variables, 49 d, Connecting – Echelon Neuron C User Manual

Page 61: Network variables

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Neuron C Programmer’s Guide

49

network input SNVT_temp nviTemp;
network output SNVT_switch nvoHeater;
network output int nvoCurrentTemp;

Examples of priority network variable declarations are shown below:

network output SNVT_alarm bind_info(priority)
nvoFireAlarm;
network input boolean bind_info (priority(nonconfig))
nviFireAlarm;

An example of declaring a network variable using the unacknowledged service is

the following:

network output SNVT_lev_cont bind_info(unackd)
nvoFillLevel;

The unacknowledged service can be used for this network variable because we
can assume that the control dial generates numerous messages as it is being

turned, and you probably don’t need or want to receive an acknowledgment for

each one. In addition, it is probably not critical to this application if a single
message out of several is not received.

Connecting Network Variables

Network variable

connections

are independent of the Neuron C application on a

device. Network variable connections are created by a portion of a network tool
called the

binder

. The binder can be part of the LonMaker Integration Tool or

another network tool.
The binder assigns addresses and transport properties, such as timer values, to
all appropriate devices to ensure that information flows to and from the right

places.

Example: Binding output network variables to input network variables creates a

“closed-loop system”, also sometimes called a “servo system”. By connecting the

network variables of two or more devices, you allow the system to use feedback or
error-correction signals from one device to set or maintain the control mechanical

position or other parameters of the other device. Figure 7 on page 50 shows a

simple closed-loop system for a stairwell lighting system.

In the figure, the dashed line represents the “forward” connection that drives the

lamp from both switches. The lamp reports its current on/off state and dimming

level through the solid line that represents the feedback connection to the
switches, which allows all components of the stairwell lighting system to be

aware of current lighting conditions.

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