Request InfoAlarm Remote (RTU) Features Explained
Discretes
Short for "discrete alarm points". Also called "contact closures" or "digital inputs". Discrete inputs monitor simple on/off switches that produce
an electrical impulse when activated or deactivated.
Discrete alarms are the simplest kind of alarm input, so
they’re often used as a kind of lowest-common-denominator
means of getting some kind of alarm from any kind of equipment.
Analogs
Short for "analog inputs". Analogs accept current or voltage level inputs over a
continuous range. They’re the ideal kind of alarm for monitoring
things like temperature and battery charge, where it’s
important to get an actual, physical measurement of the condition
in real time.
Controls
Short for "control relays". A simple on-off switch that can be operated remotely. Wire your equipment into these switches to push buttons and flip switches from your central office - without wasting time and fuel driving to the site.
Serial Ports
Also called "terminal serverinputs". Used to gain remote access to legacy serial equipment that normally requires a local serial connection. Connect a device to a serial port, then access it remotely over the RTU's transport (usually LAN, T1, or dial-up) without driving to the site.
Protocols
Computer communication language used to report alarms. Your RTU and master must share a common protocol to communicate. SNMP is a major industry standard.
Transport
Once alarm data collected at your remote sites, it needs
to be transmitted over a data network to your alarm
presentation master at your NOC. Alarm data can be
sent over nearly any kind of data transport: Ethernet
LAN/WAN, dial-up modem, dedicated circuit, overhead
channel, etc.
Free Updates
DPS Telecom offers free lifetime RTU firmware updates. In most cases, these updates can be installed remotely via LAN.
Windows Config
Included Windows-based configuration utility that supports the creation, archiving, uploading, and downloading of device configurations to RTUs in the field.
Paging
Many DPS RTUs can page you in the field using an integrated modem.
Email Notification
Many DPS RTUs can send alarm updates via email.
Web Interface
Convenient configuration interface accessible from any network workstation with a web browser. Simply type the IP address of your RTU into the address bar.
Dual NIC
Short for "dual Network Interface Card". Allows simultaneous connection to 2 networks. Often used to connect to public and private networks without requiring firewall holes. The RTU exists in both networks, but the networks remain separate.
RoHS
Short for "Restriction of Hazardous Substances", especially lead. This is very important when products will be used in the European Union (EU) and other areas that enforce RoHS regulations. DPS products with the "RoHS" designation are compliant with RoHS restrictions. Generally, lead is present only in solder, an exemption created for some types of industrial equipment, including alarm monitoring equipment. Products that utilize this exemption are commonly referred to as "RoHS 5/6 compliant".
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To find out more about this and other DPS applications, give us a call at our toll-free number and talk to one of our network specialists. They'll help you put together a perfect fit solution for your network!
