Introduction
C-Bus Home Automation or more simply 'C-Bus' is a microprocessor-based control and management system for Buildings and Homes. It is used to control lighting and other electrical services such as pumps, Audio Visual Devices, Motors, etc. Whether simple ON/OFF control of a lighting circuit, or variable (analogue) type control, such as electronic dimmable fluorescent ballasts, C-Bus can be used to easily control virtually any type of electrical load.
To ensure fast and reliable operation, each C-Bus device has its own in-built microprocessor and “intelligence”, allowing units to be individually programmed.
C-Bus uses a patented method for updating the status of units. This method does not require a central computer or central controller to handle databases or lookup tables to operate. The status of each C-Bus unit is initiated at specific time intervals, without the need of a central controller. Each device is allocated a specific time frame to broadcast its status, synchronised by a self-generated system clock pulse. This allows large amounts of data to be transmitted in a very small time frame, effectively and reliably on the network, leading to low processing overheads and low bandwidth requirements.
Why C-Bus?
The primary reasons to use C-Bus are:
- Highly robust and reliable control system, but low cost per node.
- Wide range of tools available to allow 3rd party companies to interface to both PC based and embedded systems.
- A single C-Bus cable connection can control an unlimited number of devices.
- Ultimate flexibility in switching and control – functions can be changed, added, removed, moved, reprogrammed, at any position on the network, at any time - without any cumbersome hard-wiring.
- C-Bus is simple to install and commission.
- C-Bus can control any type of load, digital and analogue.
(For more information about Clipsal C-Bus see our Home Page section 'Getting Started')
Getting Technical - How C-Bus Works
C-Bus Network Wiring
The C-Bus Network Bus is the communications wiring for the system, consisting of an unshielded twisted pair (UTP) ‘Cat 5’ cable. The Bus not only provides the means of communication between units, but also the small amount of power needed to operate the circuitry within each C-Bus unit.
The C-Bus Network is electrically isolated from the mains power, and operates at safe extra low voltage levels (36 V dc). Legal restrictions of mains wiring do not apply, so C-Bus wiring may be run into places that would be dangerous (or illegal) with normal mains wiring.
All Input and Output devices are wired to any point in the C-Bus Network by a twisted pair cable, which carries all communications between the Units.
The C-Bus connections may be looped from unit to unit or a branch can be made at any point. This ‘free topology’ structure provides a flexible system layout. New units can be added anywhere, at any time, without re-configuration.
During commissioning, the system is programmed so that specific commands trigger specific responses in one (or more) devices on the Network. At any time the commands can be re-programmed, and C-Bus units can also be added, removed or moved.
The size of a C-Bus Network is practically unlimited. A large network is usually divided into sub-networks of 100 C-Bus Units, with a total cable length of 1000m per sub-network. This allows a C-Bus system to be divided into manageable sections, simplifying design, limiting potential fault propagation and aiding in any troubleshooting.
C-Bus Units
All Units on the C-Bus Network have their own built-in microprocessor, allowing them to operate independently with "distributed intelligence”. This provides extremely reliable and efficient communications, and also means that a malfunction in one unit will not affect the operation of any other Unit or the Network.
Every C-Bus Unit has a unique number, so that all devices on the Network can communicate directly. Also, as C-Bus uses point to multi-point communication, every device on a C-Bus Network issues and responds to commands directly from the Network, rather than requiring a central computer or controller.
Simple Control
Each C-Bus device is programmed to issue and respond to the certain commands. A virtually unlimited number of commands can be programmed into the C-Bus system. Generally, Input Devices are programmed to issue commands, and Output Devices are programmed to execute those commands.
When a C-Bus Group Address command is issued by a C-Bus Device, any other Devices that have been programmed with that Group Address will be activated, wherever they are on the C-Bus Network. There is no need for any direct 240V connection between any C-Bus units.
Multiple Events
Single Devices can also produce multiple events. For example, you may program an Input Switch so that the length of time the key is pressed determines what Command is issued - a short press issues an on/off command and a long press controls a dimming command.
Multiple commands do not have to control the same Output Device(s), so complex scenarios can be easily created, for example a single push button switch controlling a whole floor of a building.
Multiple Input devices can conditionally control a single Output Device, dependant on specific circumstances. This allows multiple levels of over-ride switching and other complex control systems to be created easily.
Control Flexibility
The C-Bus system can carry out control in virtually unlimited ways, including:
- Any input device can be programmed as a master control point. Master overrides can be positioned anywhere in the network, and control any other unit or units on any connected network.
- The system can have a multiple over-ride control hierarchy allowing zone control, area control, building control and site controls.
- The system can allow unlimited switching configurations. Two, three (or any number) of switches can be set to toggle or control any other switch or device.
- There is no need for any direct 240V ac connection between an input and output, only the bus cable links units together. This means that an input can control a load regardless of which electrical circuit the load is connected to.
- Overrides can be easily re-programmed via Windows software at any time.
- A computer or cental controller is not required for normal C-Bus operation, but can be used to add additional features if desired.
Example
In the diagrams and text below we give a very simple example of lighting in a loungeroom
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An Input Switch in the loungeroom is programmed with the C-Bus Group Address ‘Loungeroom Main Lights’. When the switch is pressed, it issues an ON Command to the ‘Loungeroom Main Lights’ C-Bus Group Address.
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This Group Address command from the Input Switch is sent onto the C-Bus Network for all units throughout the network. Only those C-Bus Units programmed to respond to the ‘Loungeroom Main Lights’ Group Address command react– other units will ignore commands not intended for them.
This simple example only gives you an overview of the power and control flexibility of the C-Bus system.
As you can see from this simplified diagram, every device requires a C-Bus connection. Devices that control mains power also need a connection to the mains, of course. The mains wiring and C-Bus wiring do not need to be adjacent, and the mains can be connected to different phases, or even completely separate distribution systems.
C-Bus Network Design Considerations
• Up to 1000m of C-Bus Cat. 5 UTP cable may be connected to a single C-Bus network
• Up to 100 C-Bus units may be connected to a single C-Bus network
• Where more than 1km and/or 100 standard C-Bus units are required, two or more networks can be created and linked with C-Bus Network Bridge and/or C-Bus Ethernet Interface Units
• Maximum number of networks in one installation is 255 (this limitation does not apply if a C-Bus Ethernet interface is utilised, the system size is then limited to IP addressing only)
• Maximum number of networks connected in series to the local network via Network Bridges is
seven (i.e. using six network bridges)
• Each standard C-Bus unit requires 18mA @ 36V d.c. to operate correctly. Some C-Bus units, for example 5500PC, require 32mA. Some C-Bus units, for example L5508D1A, are self-powering and o not sink current from the 36V d.c. C-Bus network
• More than one C-Bus power supply can be connected to a C-Bus network to provide sufficient
power to the C-Bus units. The C-Bus power supplies will share the load evenly. Maximum total
power supply allowed is 2,000mA (2A)
• Any combination of power supply units is allowed as long as the total power available is
2,000mA or less
• Each C-Bus network requires only one network burden. This network burden is software selectable on C-Bus output units or physical.
• Each C-Bus network requires at least one system clock-generating unit (for data synchronisation)
• C-Bus power supply units may be connected to different phases
• Individual relay channels may be connected to different phases
• On L5508D1A and L5504D2A units the mains supply to the units power supply and the mains
supply to the output channels must be on the same phase
• The isolation between the mains supply circuitry and the 36V d.c. C-Bus circuitry is greater than 3.75kV. This is achieved using double wound transformers and opto isolators. This means the C-Bus wiring, connections and circuitry can be considered extra low voltage
• C-Bus Cat. 5 UTP cable has mains rated sheathing, which means the C-Bus cable can be taken nside electrical distribution boards, provided segregation requirements of local wiring standards are met
• The following are control methods that provide a number of options when either manual or override control of electrical loads connected to a C-Bus network is required:
>- Manual toggle of output channels using the manual override buttons on output units
>- Remote ON/OFF override of a C-Bus network using standard 30 mechanism switches
>- Auto remote ON override of a C-Bus network using the C-Bus Network Monitor (5500NMA)
• All C-Bus output units consist of electronic components that may be damaged by surges, short circuits and over-voltages. All equipment should have over-current protection relevant to installed equipment and cable size, and surge protection fitted.
Helpful C-Bus Resources
- Fix my Home's C-Bus
- My New Home has C-Bus - now what?
- Learn C-Bus Programming and Maintenance
- C-Bus Forum - a community of C-Bus Users and Gurus
- C-Bus Training Courses - Learn on a training course run by Clipsal
More information about Clipsal C-Bus products can be found at : www.clipsal.com/products/c-bus-control-and-management-system
Inexpensive Upgrades to your C-Bus
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Nous House are C-Bus Approved installers, C-Bus experts (Schneider Electric EcoXperts), enthusiasts, CBus specialists, consultants, contractors and designers based in Sydney, Australia. We are happy to help you with any questions and provide free advice on Home Automation. Email your questions to [email protected]