1-Wire interface for SCADA RTUs

Semaphore has introduced a 1-Wire interface for its T-Box line of SCADA system products. This interface is compatible with a T-Box MS Modular System, when equipped with a 32-bit CPU.

1-Wire is a half duplex communications network that uses a single wire to provide data transmission and power. 1-Wire provides access to a wide range of small, inexpensive sensor devices, which are used in energy management, infrastructure management and environmental monitoring applications.

Semaphore has developed 1-Wire communications compatibility with support for two products from Maxim Integrated Products, Dallas Semiconductor. The DS18S20 is a high-precision, digital thermometer that includes an alarm function. It is appropriate to applications in HVAC environmental controls, temperature monitoring in buildings, machines and mobile assets, and process monitoring and control systems. The DS2438 is a smart battery monitor with on-chip temperature sensing. It is designed for use in battery packs for portable equipment with temperature, current and voltage measurement requirements.

The combination of T-Box and 1-Wire devices is particularly applicable to infrastructure management and mobile asset management. In addition to process control, T-Box performs alarm management and data logging and uses push technology to keep multiple recipients fully informed on the status of all assets. Push messaging includes IP forwarding, email with attached files and SMS text. Via an integral web server, T-Box serves live and historical information on the internet or an intranet.