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BMS - CBus

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Overview

The BMS (Building Management System) Communications Task provides a high-level interface between the Integriti controller and the C-BUS automation system. It uses Automation Points to map Integriti entities (inputs, auxiliaries, areas, doors) to C-BUS Groups, enabling bidirectional state monitoring and control.

Key features:

  • Scans mapped Integriti entities for changes and sends updates to C-BUS
  • Processes incoming C-BUS messages and updates Integriti entities
  • Requires a BMS feature license in the controller
  • Currently only supports C-BUS protocol

Prerequisites

  • Integriti controller with BMS feature license
  • C-BUS Network Interface (CNI) — serial or TCP connected
  • Integriti System Designer software
  • Knowledge of C-BUS Group numbers to be controlled/monitored
  • For TCP: static IP address of the CNI

Step-by-Step

Part A: Configure the BMS Communications Task

  1. In Integriti System Designer, navigate to Communications Tasks tab and click Add.
  2. Enter a Name for the task and any notes.
  3. Under Comms Task Setup, set the Type drop-down to BMS.
  4. Under Settings, set the BMS Protocol to C-BUS.
  5. Optionally assign an Input for status monitoring (C01:Z33-Z99 recommended — input alarms if task fails).

For TCP connection to C-BUS:

  1. Expand Tcp Options under Settings.
  2. Enter the Server IP Address of the CNI (static address only).
  3. Enter the TCP Port of the CNI.
  4. Set TCP Mode to Client.

For Serial connection to C-BUS:

  1. Expand Connectivity > RS-232 Serial Interface.

  2. Set the Serial Channel to the port connected to the CNI.

  3. Set Baud Rate to 9600.

  4. Save and close the Communications Task editor.

Part B: Create Automation Points

Automation Points map C-BUS Groups to Integriti entities. Create one Automation Point per C-BUS Group you want to control or monitor.

  1. Navigate to the Automation Points tab and click Add.
  2. Enter a Name for the Automation Point and any notes.
  3. Under Automation Setup, set Type to CBus: Lighting.
  4. Expand CBus Lighting Options.
  5. Set the Group Number to the C-BUS Group to control.
  6. If using ramping, set the Ramp Threshold.
  7. Set the Assert Command (e.g. On, Off, Ramp).
  8. If ramping on assert: set Assert Ramp Rate and Assert Ramp Level.
  9. Set the Deassert Command.
  10. If ramping on deassert: set Deassert Ramp Rate and Deassert Ramp Level.
  11. If C-BUS network routing is required, expand CBus Route and enter the bridge address(es).
  12. Expand Common Options.
  13. Tick Update Entity if you want C-BUS Group state changes to affect the associated Integriti entity.
  14. Click the ellipsis next to Mapped Entity to select the Integriti entity (input, auxiliary, area, door, etc.).
  15. Optionally set a Qualify Entity — the mapped entity’s state changes are ignored unless the qualify entity is in a valid state (e.g. an auxiliary in the ON state).
  16. Optionally select an Associated Action to follow the C-BUS Group state change.
  17. Save and close the Automation Point editor.

Repeat steps 1–17 for each C-BUS Group you need to integrate.

Verification

  • Check that the BMS Communications Task starts without errors.
  • Verify the status input (if configured) remains sealed.
  • Test state changes from Integriti to C-BUS: Change an Integriti entity mapped to an Automation Point and confirm the C-BUS Group responds.
  • Test state changes from C-BUS to Integriti: Toggle a C-BUS Group and confirm the mapped Integriti entity updates (requires Update Entity enabled).
  • If using a Qualify Entity, verify that state changes are correctly gated by the qualify condition.

Troubleshooting

  • Comms task won’t start: Verify BMS feature license is present on the controller.
  • No C-BUS communication (TCP): Confirm CNI IP address is correct and reachable. CNI only supports static IP — no DHCP. Verify TCP port matches CNI configuration.
  • No C-BUS communication (Serial): Confirm baud rate is set to 9600 and serial channel is correct. Check cabling between controller and CNI.
  • Automation Point not responding: Verify Group Number matches the C-BUS Group address exactly. Check that the Automation Point is associated with the correct BMS Communications Task.
  • Entity not updating from C-BUS: Ensure Update Entity is ticked in the Automation Point’s Common Options.
  • State changes ignored: Check the Qualify Entity configuration — the mapped entity’s state changes are only processed when the qualify entity is in a valid state.
  • Network routing issues: If using C-BUS bridges, verify bridge addresses are correctly entered under CBus Route.

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