metasys architecture

Metasys® System Extended Architecture Product BulletinCode No. LIT-1201526Software Release 5.2Issued May 13, 2011

Supersedes October 4, 2010Refer to the QuickLIT Web site for the most up-to-date version of this document.

Metasys System ExtendedArchitectureThe Metasys® system excels in providing the traditionalbuilding automation and facilitiesmanagement capabilitiesand features. The adoption of IT standards and use ofthe Internet extends the Metasys system capabilitiesbeyond the realm of traditional building control systems.With authorized access to your network, you can requestinformation concerning the technical and economicperformance of your facility from any computer orhandheld device using a supported Web browser. Totalfacility management is made possible by a network ofservers and automation engines that integrate all facilitysystems using a combination of standard BACnet®,LonTalk®, and existing Metasys system protocols.

Figure 1: Metasys System Hardware Components

Features and BenefitsBenefitsFeaturesEnables user display and control capabilities over your intranet, or worldwide viathe Internet. You can view and control the system from any computer or handhelddevice using a supported Web browser.

System Access from Anywhere

Provides a window into the system that can be tailored to multiple types of users.You can view facility data from purely textual screens to dynamic, highly integratedgraphical displays.

Flexible, Varied User Interface

Provides a flexible network architecture on which to build or expand an automationsystem for your building, campus, or entire enterprise.

Fully Scalable System

Uses standard IT networking technologies and enterprise systems, allowing securecommunication over your private enterprise networks and access to operationaland historical data for business analysis and planning.

Standard IT Protocols and EnterpriseIntegration

Distill and transform raw system data into table-based summaries or full featuredcustom reports enabling users to measure, analyze, and improve the control of theirsites.

Comprehensive System InformationManagement and Reporting Capabilities

Manage and reduce energy consumption and utility bills using custom scheduling,optimal start, demand limiting, load rolling, efficient central plant optimization, andcustom programs.

Powerful and Customizable EnergyManagement Tools

Integrates BACnet devices at both the IP and Master-Slave/Token-Passing (MS/TP)level and LONWORKS® devices into theMetasys architecture. Integration with MetasysN1 and N2 networks is also provided, protecting existing investments.

Open Building Management System(BMS) Protocols Support

Allows economical control and commissioning of difficult or frequently changingspaces at multiple system levels.

Wireless Communication

1Metasys® System Extended Architecture Product Bulletin

http://cgproducts.johnsoncontrols.com/default.aspx

Figure 2: Metasys System User Experience

System CapabilitiesThe Metasys architecture has evolved to bring thebenefits of the latest computing and communicationtechnologies into building automation and facilitymanagement. At the same time, it preserves andenhances existing investments in building control systemsand technology in your facilities.

While maintaining all the basic features of a buildingautomation system, the Metasys system embraces thestandard and open technologies of the IT and Internetage, enabling the system to be fully integrated into theinformation and networking infrastructure of buildings andenterprises. The management of information and itselectronic distribution provide extra value to the buildingowner and operator, along with more efficient day-to-dayoperation. Enhanced access to data is available forperformance analyses and financial planning.

The integration of systems and devices from othermanufacturers has always been a major feature of theMetasys system. The Web-based generation of theMetasys system continues in this tradition, makingextensive use of open protocols and standards in thedesign. The system is able to integrate BACnet, N2, andLONWORKS devices in a single cohesive system.

Although the Metasys system extended architecture isbased on leading edge software and hardwaretechnology, it fully integrates Metasys N1 networks toprotect existing investments and provide a path for thecontinuous upgrade of the systems installed in yourbuilding.

User Interface (UI) ExperienceToday’s facility managers and operators demand anexperience that is intuitive and easy to use without specialtraining or complex technical manuals. The Metasys userinterface offers a textual summary display of importantbuilding automation data as well as fully integrateddynamic graphical displays with smooth navigationbetween floors and buildings. A computer with a Webbrowser is used to log on to any site. TheMetasys systemuser experience is a portal into a site. It can be tailoredto fit the needs of all potential system users. The userexperience provided by the Metasys system can evolveand scale to match the needs of any single facility orcampus of multiple buildings.


The Site Management Portal provides systemadministrators or building operators online user andsystem configuration capabilities along with real-timeviews into their site’s systems. The Site ManagementPortal transforms the raw data from the site and organizesit into a comprehensive set of information managementtools and reports.

This portal is accessed using Microsoft® InternetExplorer® Web browser through an Internet or intranetconnection to a Metasys server or network engine. TheSite Management Portal has all the features one expectsfrom a full function traditional workstation, including:

• customizable navigation tree that represents thelogical layout of the facility

• dynamic graphics of systems and floor plans that canbe zoomed in to show fine details

• multiple display areas that can be individually sizedand controlled

• powerful global search function and sorting abilitywithin the navigation tree that finds system informationwithin seconds

• the entire user manual available in online help format

The Ready Access Portal software provides a natural,complementary extension of the Metasys SiteManagement Portal UI. The Ready Access Portal UIprovides an intuitive, task-based interface that can betailored to meet the needs of service professionals andbuilding tenants. Available on a computer or handheldplatform, the Ready Access Portal UI requires only aWebbrowser connected via the Internet or intranet to a ReadyAccess Portal server.

Building Control Through GraphicsThe evolution of the Metasys system has also spurredan evolution in graphic offerings as new softwaretechnologies have emerged. Building control throughgraphics is available from a standard graphic createdwith the User Graphics Tool (UGT), an advanced graphicdevelopedwith the AdvancedGraphics Application (AGA),and now a Graphics+ graphic designed with the GraphicGeneration Tool (GGT). All three graphic solutions offerrich, customized graphical views of a site’s floor plansand systems. Full monitoring, control, and navigationcapabilities are available from the graphic, offering theuser an intuitive method of managing the daily events ofbuilding control. In addition, an extensive library oftemplates, symbols, and controls is provided with theGraphic Generation Tool, simplifying the task of graphiccreation. Once the images are saved to the system, theUI uses color and animation to effectively display thecondition of monitored systems and provide the operatorwith methods of commanding and navigating the facility.

Information ManagementA BMS is not only a control system but also a source ofvaluable information for the management of your facility.The Metasys system transforms raw data into valuablesupport information that authorized users or businessand enterprise systems can access on the network. Trendlogs, historical data, transaction logs, audit trails, anddiagnostic reports are all available to the user who cangenerate customized reports to meet local managementrequirements.

Standard Online ReportsThe Metasys system offers several standard onlinereports including:

• event and audit viewers/reports• standard online/offline, alarm, and override summaries• global search for user-defined queries• trend studies and trend viewers

Advanced Reporting SystemTheWeb-based reporting option provides standard reportsets to allow users to review the alarm and trendconfiguration of their site, run summary and detail reportsto monitor alarm and event information, view offlineinformation, combine alarm and audit information in asingle report, and view trend summary or detailed reports.

Export UtilityExport Utility software is an option that provides facilitymanagers with the ability to build custom reports usinghistorical data from the BMS. You can use this data tomanage daily building operations.

The Export Utility software downloads historical data suchas trends, alarms, and audit data from an engine orserver. This data can be stored in a format desired bythe customer for analysis such as Microsoft Word orMicrosoft Excel.

Energy Management ToolsMetasys provides a complete suite of powerful energymanagement tools to help you manage energy use inyour facilities and reduce your energy costs. Energymanagement features include:

• Scheduling• Optimal Start• Demand Limit and Load Rolling• Custom Programs• Energy Essentials Reporting• Central Plant Optimization™ 10


Systems Integration and ConnectivityThe Metasys system has always been a means tointegrate multiple systems to provide a common userexperience. It uses a combination of standards and openprotocols from both the IT and building automationindustries to extend the integration beyond the facilitymanagers.

Open StandardsBy using the standard data formats and communicationprotocols of the IT world, the Metasys system extendedarchitecture is compatible with the networkinginfrastructure in most buildings and facilities today. Thesestandards include:

• Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol(TCP/IP) as the communication protocol betweennetwork engines, servers, and Web browsers

• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) foralarm traps and object queries in the ManagementInformation Base (MIB)

• Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) for networktime synchronization

• Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) for e-mailmessage transfer

• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) andDomain Name System (DNS) for device naming anddynamic network addressing

• Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) andExtensible Markup Language (XML) transfer databetween components of the system and make itavailable to enterprise applications through the useof published Web services

• Wireless communication standards, includingBluetooth® standard, (used during commissioning),WiFi (used in network communication), and Zigbee™standard (for field controller and sensor mesh)

• Microsoft Active Directory® service provides astandard IT integration of the Metasys system into acustomer’s existing Active Directory serviceinfrastructure for Site Management Portal UI logonauthentication purposes

The system also uses standard system security andencoding protocols to protect against unauthorized accessto data and control systems.

For historical data storage, the application data serversuse SQL database format, which allows use of MicrosoftSQL Server™ software.

Integration ServicesThe Metasys system (Figure 3) integrates buildingsystems using BACnet, N2, LonTalk, and Web servicescommunication technology. BACnet devices areconnected directly to the IP Ethernet network or to theMS/TP Field Bus. LONWORKS controllers from JohnsonControls or LONMARK® certified devices from anothermanufacturer can be integrated into the Metasys systemarchitecture. In a similar fashion, Metasys connects toN2 and N1 protocol devices. Regardless of protocolsused, the data is available for display on the Metasysuser interface, for archiving in application servers, or fortransmission to other devices on the IP network.

The Johnson Controls® P2000 Security ManagementSystem can be integrated with the Metasys system. TheP2000 server provides door reader status, security pointinformation, and access transactions used to maintainnetwork security of this information. Security data isdisplayed on the Metasys Web browser UI in the samemanner as the other building systems connected to thenetwork.


Figure 3: Metasys System Network Integration


System ComponentsTheMetasys system is highly scalable and can be appliedto different sizes and complexities of facilities through itsnetwork of system components.

ServersThe Server (Application and Data Server [ADS] orExtended Application and Data Server [ADX]) is anoptional component of the Metasys system that managesthe collection and presentation of large amounts of trenddata, event messages, operator transactions, and systemconfiguration data. As Site Director, the server providessecure communication to a network of NetworkAutomation Engines (NAEs), Network Control Engines(NCEs), and Network Integration Engines (NIEs).

The ADS runs on a Microsoft Windows® OperatingSystem (OS). It includes an Open Database Connectivity(ODBC) compliant database package for storage of trenddata, event messages, operator transactions, and systemconfiguration data. The ADS supports up to five usersconnected to the Site Management Portal UI via a Webbrowser. It provides manual archiving of historical dataand standard reporting capabilities.

The ADX runs on a Windows Server OS and usesMicrosoft SQL Server software to provide more advancedhistorical data management. The ADX supports up to 10or 25 users connected to the Site Management UI via aWeb browser. The ADX offers manual, automatic, andscheduled archiving of historical data and offers extendedreporting capabilities using SQL Serversoftware/third-party software.

At sites where tenants/occupants desire or require accessto building system information, the Ready Access PortalUI can be deployed on a server platform to enableconcurrent delivery of specified BMS information to manyauthorized building occupants.

The Metasys Advanced Reporting System, including theoptional Energy Essentials software, is available on ADXswith specific Microsoft SQL Server software componentsand offers a separate UI on which you can run reportson system configuration and performance.

Network EnginesFigure 4: Network Engines

Network Automation EnginesNetwork Automation Engines (NAEs) monitor fieldcontrollers and include the embedded Site ManagementPortal for system navigation, configuration, and operation.When connected to the TCP/IP network, the NAE alsoprovides data to other NAEs and to Servers.

The NAE55 Series supports a comprehensive set ofsupervisory features and functions for large facilities. TheNAE45 and NAE35 Series extend the power of the NAEto the smaller building and enable the wider distributionof supervisory functions in larger facilities. The NAE85 isa high-capacity NAE that allows the integration of largeBACnet systems.

The NAE represents all data internally as BACnet objects.Its integration capabilities allow it to behave as a BACnetgateway to LONWORKS and N2 network devices. It alsodirectly communicates with other BACnet devices usingBACnet IP or BACnet MS/TP. All NAEs are BACnetTesting Laboratories™ (BTL) certified as BACnet buildingcontrollers.

Network Control EnginesThe Metasys Network Control Engine (NCE) controllerscombine the network supervisor capabilities and IPnetwork connectivity of a Metasys NAE with theInput/Output (I/O) point connectivity and direct digitalcontrol capabilities of a Metasys Field EquipmentController (FEC).


Figure 5: Network Control Engines

The NCE provides a cost-effective solution designed forcentral plant applications and large built-up air handlers.All NCEmodels provide IP Ethernet network connectivity,the Metasys Site Management Portal, and the networksupervisory capabilities featured on NAE Series networkautomation engines, including the BACnet IP integration.

Network Integration EnginesThe Network Integration Engine (NIE) communicatesover the IP Ethernet network with Network Control Module(NCM) supervisory controllers on Metasys N1 networks,integrating them with other engines and servers. The N1network is a token-passing local area network thatenables communication between NCMs and OperatorWorkstations. The NIE allows the monitoring and controlof these existing Metasys N1 systems using the Metasysuser interface of the extended architecture. The NIEincludes the Site Management Portal for access to its N1network data. The NIE85 is a high capacity NIE, whichallows large N1 integrations and can take the place ofmultiple NIE55s.

BACnet Family of ControllersThe Metasys system provides a fully-programmable,high-performance line of devices including FECs,Input/Output Modules (IOMs), Network Sensors, VariableAir Volume (VAV) Modular Assembly (VMA) 16controllers, and Thermostat Controllers.

FECs are stand-alone digital control devices that applyto a wide range of Heating, Ventilating, and AirConditioning (HVAC) and other building systemapplications.

Figure 6: FEC and IOM Controllers

All FEC models feature continuous adaptive controlalgorithms, which significantly reduce commissioningtime and automatically respond to seasonal and otherfacility load changes. The FECs can be combined withIOMs to provide control for larger applications such aslarge central plant applications. Some FEC controllermodels are available with built-in Liquid Crystal Displays(LCDs).

The VMA16 provides single and dual duct Variable AirVolume applications. The Network Sensors providetemperature and humidity sensing and occupancyoverride functions. FEC controllers can be configured forpeer-to-peer communication to provide directcommunication between field devices on a trunk.

Figure 7: VMA16 Variable-Air-Volume Controller

The Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Series of productsprovide speed control of fans and pumps, and can befully integrated with FEC controllers using the BACnetprotocol.


The TEC26 Series Thermostat Controllers areconfigurable controllers that provide control of rooftopunits, heat pumps, pressure-dependent VAV equipment,local hydronic reheat valves, zoning equipment, andsingle- and multi-stage heating/cooling equipment.Various TEC26 Series Thermostat Controllers feature anintuitive user interface with backlit display that makessetup and operation quick and easy. The thermostatcontrollers also employ a unique, Proportional-Integral(PI) time-proportioning algorithm that virtually eliminatestemperature offset associated with traditional,differential-based thermostat controllers.

LN Series Application-SpecificControllersThe Metasys system LN Series controllers use theLONWORKS communication protocol and can beprogrammed through any compliant software, such asLN Builder. The plug-in for these devices features agraphical control logic interface that is custom-made tosuit control requirements. LN Series controllers areavailable either in fully-programmable or LONMARK

Profile-compliant configurable models. LN Seriesapplication-specific controllers allow you to controlequipment such as rooftop units, fan coils, heat pumps,unit ventilators, VAV boxes, and other terminal units. LNSeries programmable controllers apply to multistage airhandling units, chillers, boilers, and refrigeration systems.

Wireless CapabilitiesFigure 8: ZFR Wireless System Components

Several wireless Metasys solutions are available forintegrating wireless connectivity in desired portions of aMetasys network. These solutions provide wirelesscommunication between controllers, thermostats,coordinators, routers, and room sensors. These wirelesssolutions reduce costs by minimizing wiring, provideapplication mobility and flexibility, and simplify thechallenges of difficult or cost-prohibitive installations orrenovations. The wireless solutions can coexist with eachother, and offer the flexibility of coexisting with hard-wiredMetasys solutions.

System Configurations forSpecial ApplicationsMetasys for Validated EnvironmentsMetasys for Validated Environments (MVE), extendedarchitecture is designed for facilities that requireregulatory compliance for their environmental systems.It brings the flexibility and convenience of aWeb interfaceto your regulated facility. The MVE feature operates onan ADX, NAE55, NIE55, and NCE25; all supported asvalidated devices.

The ADX with MVE software provides secure datamanagement and reporting capabilities, traceableelectronic records and signatures, and time-stampedaudit trails for facilities subject to Food and DrugAdministration (FDA) Title 21, Code of FederalRegulations Part 11 compliance. It manages and protectsthe long-term storage of trend data, audit data,event/alarm messages, and system configuration data.In addition, complex passwords and message encryptionsecure the system from unauthorized access and datatampering. Whether your focus is meeting regulatorydemands or reducing business risk, MVE is designed todeliver.

UL864 Smoke Listed SystemsThe Metasys system at Release 4.1 can be configuredto provide a UL864 Ninth Edition Smoke Control Listedsystem. The system integrates the Intelligent FireController (IFC) fire alarm panel, the Firefighter’s SmokeControl Station, and damper and fan control pointsthroughout the facility using BACnet and LONWORKS

devices.

System Configuration ToolsThe tools for system configuration are an integral part ofthe concept and design of the Metasys system extendedarchitecture. The user experience for offline or onlineconfiguration and system operation have a similar lookand feel.


The SiteManagement Portal’s online system configurationcapabilities are integrated into both Server and Enginedevices. The integrated configuration capabilities include:

• automatic discovery of field devices on an engine’sBACnet, LONWORKS, and N2 buses to accelerate theconfiguration process

• automatic discovery for Metasys N1 networks throughNIEs

• standard system navigation tree for all connectednetworks

• simple creation of customized user navigation treesand powerful tabular summaries

• custom graphics configuration• user administration for the Site Management and

Ready Access Portals• point naming and setting of operating parameters• alarm and event message routing• graphical Logic Connector Tool for custom

programming• downloading, uploading, and archiving network engine

databases• support of the configuration and commissioning tools

for controllers on the N2 bus, MS/TP bus, and ZigBeewireless mesh network

• demand limiting and load rolling configurations

The SCT provides an offline mechanism for a projectdesign engineer to create a database for their site andsimulate automatic sequence of control and custom logicprograms before starting up the equipment at the job site.The SCT can be integrated with the site to providedatabase loading and scheduled backups of the site’sserver and engines.

The SCT software package includes the ControllerConfiguration Tool (CCT) for the BACnet MS/TPcontrollers. CCT allows you to build a control applicationfrom the ground up or to use the library of standardapplications. Once the application is built, the CCT allowsyou to run and test the application in simulation mode tosee how it performs.

SummaryThe Metasys system extended architecture is the mostcomprehensive building automation and facilitymanagement system on the market. Over time, thesystem has evolved with today’s Internet technologiesand IT standards, and now offers even more featuresthat enhance the performance of the systems andservices within your facilities.


Related DocumentationRefer to the following product bulletins listed in Table 2 for technical specifications and information on operating andperformance characteristics of the Metasys system extended architecture.

Table 1: Related DocumentationLIT or Part NumberSee DocumentFor Information OnLIT-1201527Metasys System Extended Architecture Overview

Technical BulletinMetasys System Overview

LIT-1201160Network Automation Engine (NAE) Product BulletinNetwork Automation Engine

LIT-1201525Application and Data Server (ADS/ADX) ProductBulletin

Application and Data Server

LIT-1201537Network Integration Engine (NIE) Product BulletinNetwork Integration Engine

LIT-12011283Network Control Engine (NCE) Product BulletinNetwork Control Engine

LIT-1201800Export Utility Product BulletinExport Utility

LIT-12011698Graphic Generation Tool Product BulletinGraphic Generation Tool

LIT-12011042Metasys System Field Equipment Controllers andRelated Products Product Bulletin

Metasys System Field Controllers andRelated Products

LIT-1201979LN Series Controller Overview Product BulletinLONWORKS® Based Products forIntegration into Metasys system

LIT-12011326Metasys for Validated Environments, ExtendedArchitecture Product Bulletin

Metasys for Validated Environments(MVE)

Building Efficiency507 E. Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Metasys® and Johnson Controls® are registered trademarks of Johnson Controls, Inc.All other marks herein are the marks of their respective owners. © 2011 Johnson Controls, Inc.

www.johnsoncontrols.comPublished in U.S.A.


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