BACnet object reading by LabVIEW

BACnet is a communication protocol which stands for building automation and control network. It is developed by ASHRAE and still governed by ASHRAE. BACnet protocol was specifically designed for the building automation, which includes HVAC that is heating ventilation and air conditioning devices.

Why BACnet became so popular in automation industry?

The reason is interoperability and interchangeability. In previous days there was no compatibility between two devices made of the different manufacturer.

Let's take an example

The Building owner who has control devices from manufacturer X in his company premises and wants to expand their facilities with new control devices made of manufacturer Y. But He cannot do that because there is no compatibility between two devices because the devices from the different manufacturer using different

Idea behind BACnet Protocol

Digital system came from numeric, in 1980’s we have predominantly numeric controls, but still, in nowadays, peoples are working with numeric controls. Numeric controls are the first interoperable system (Interoperability is a property of a product or system, whose interfaces are completely understood, to work with other products or systems, present or future, without any restricted access or implementation.) The best example of an interoperable system in which one can install its plant with different vendor’s instruments. One could use a thermostat from one company and actuator from another company and can make the system work.

So numeric controls are the pyramid of interoperable and interchangeable systems, which can be easily compatible with other systems.

Introduction on BACnet protocol

The BACnet stands for “Building Automation and Control Networks”.It is a communication protocol which is used for the services used by building automation devices to communicate with each other and also with building control systems. The BACnet protocol specifies that how the data will move from one BACnet device to another, just like the other protocols, it specifies both network details and the services

No special chip or any electronic device is needed in order to implement the BACnet protocol. In previous days building automation used the proprietary networks, and there was the problem that instruments from different manufacturers are not able to communicate with each other due to miscommunication.