Proprietary Information of EnTek Systems
Do not reproduce or disclose any part of this document without written approval from EnTek Systems
Section I
General Description of ATC 1000
The Entek ATC (Advanced Transmitter Controller) is a general purpose controller which serves
as a bridge between the Master Controller and the system transmitter(s). This interface device
has the capability of receiving serial data directly from the computer serial port, USB to serial
adapter or through modem connections (RS232 compatible). Its general function is to accept the
data from the Master Controller and generate format specific signals for transmission over the
network.
The ATC accepts serial data from the master controller either directly via serial communications
or through a communications network via wired or RF modems. The data is stored and
transmitted on command at the appropriate time. The ATC supplies a standard PTT output
allowing a flexible interface to the transmitters and analog and digital outputs over a common
port into a LINE output to modulate the transmitter.
The ATC is compatible with both analog and digital type formats and transmitters. The output
stage is DC coupled to the transmitter allowing baseband connections to the transmitter for NRZ
compatible signalling. AFSK signaling is output on the same port and swings symmetrically
above and below ground.
Although the ATC can be used in Simulcast systems, its principal use is in either single
transmitter systems or sequenced networks. In anticipation of the need for regional control the
address structure was designed to allow global, group, or individual data download to the ATC.
Time Slotting is accomplished either locally as a function of time or remotely on command
allowing for dynamic allocation of time as required for unbalanced regional controls.
Proprietary Information of EnTek Systems
Do not reproduce or disclose any part of this document without written approval from EnTek Systems
Page 1 of 7
1
Proprietary Information of EnTek Systems
Do not reproduce or disclose any part of this document without written approval from EnTek Systems
Section II
Modes of operation:
a. Automatic mode allows the Master Controller to configure the ATC such that it
will buffer data to be transmitted and then transmit the data on command. The
ATC is configured by the Master Controller with the desired number of time slots
and the duration of each time slot. When the master trigger is sent to the group of
ATCs, each will observe the slot assigned by the Master and will transmit at the
assigned time automatically. This operation terminates at the end of the assigned
time cycle requiring that a new trigger command be sent for each desired transmit
cycle.
b. /Sync. Mode is a dynamic mode where the Master Controller sends time slot
information, including duration of the time interval on the fly allowing for
dynamic allocation of time as needed. This mode is very useful in large systems
where message balance is impractical. The maximum duration of the transmission
is 60 seconds and the minimum time is one second
c. Ping : This command allows the user to verify communications to and proper
operation of the ATC. The ATC will respond to this query with either an “ACK”
indicating that the ATC is ready for operation or a “NACK” indicating a failure in
the ATC.
d. RESET : This command is used at the beginning of load control operations to
assure fresh start of the ATC devices and clear buffers of any residual
information. This command is not required and is not necessary for normal
operation but is provided for the user as a method of assurance that the ATC is in
proper working order and ready for operation. This command initiates a full
initialization of the ATC and any data in the buffer will be lost.
e. Buffer Status : Reports the number of messages in the queue to be transmitted.
This is important in cases where LBT (Listen Before Talk) is required or is in use.
f. LBT : Listen Before Talk feature allows for operation in a crowded spectrum.
This feature will cause the ATC to hold its messages until the LBT line is clear.
This mode is used via the use of squelch operated relays being connected to the
status input and the ATC being configured to hold messages while the input is
“low”. This mode can be overridden by command from the Master if necessary.
Proprietary Information of EnTek Systems
Do not reproduce or disclose any part of this document without written approval from EnTek Systems
Page 2 of 7
2
Proprietary Information of EnTek Systems
Do not reproduce or disclose any part of this document without written approval from EnTek Systems
g. Override LBT : This command is used where SQR (Squelch Operated Relay) is
determined to be inoperative or when atmospheric noise is high making the SQR
unreliable. When this bit is set the ATC will disregard the LBT and will operate in
its normal time slot.
h. Transmit until done : This command is used to assure that any and all messages
in the buffer will be transmitted immediately regardless of other issues. This
command overrides LBT and time slot limitations. The ATC will transmit until its
buffer is clear.
i. Flush Buffer : This command allows any messages in the buffer to be removed
without being transmitted. This command is useful during changes in strategy and
at the termination of load control activities.
j. Time Slot : This is the trigger for the ATC to transmit its messages. This can be a
simple “time” message in the AUTOMATIC mode or can contain duration
information in the Synch mode. In any case, this message is required to tell the
ATC that it is time to transmit any messages in its buffer. It is important to note
that the ATC will transmit for its allotted time only and may not empty its buffer
in a given time interval. It is also important to note that the ATC will forecast the
end of its time interval based on the length of messages in the queue to assure that
the time interval is honored and that partial messages are not transmitted.
k. Formats : The ATC is multi-lingual or is capable of transmitting several formats.
These formats are identified by the serial string into the ATC. The ATC is
programmed to know the general structure of the selected format and to append
the “data” field for specific content information. This method of operation is
particularly useful in variable length messaging where smart thermostats or text
messaging is required. Up to 32 formats can be controlled by the ATC, each one
having its own properties of advantages and limitations.
l. Acknowledge : The ATC will acknowledge packets of data only if requested by
the Master. It can be appreciated that when using global addressing,
acknowledgements can be troublesome. A “Request ACK” bit will be set when
“ACKs” are required. Otherwise the bit will be clear and the ATC will not ACK.
Proprietary Information of EnTek Systems
Do not reproduce or disclose any part of this document without written approval from EnTek Systems
Page 3 of 7
3
Proprietary Information of EnTek Systems
Do not reproduce or disclose any part of this document without written approval from EnTek Systems
Section III
Specifications :
Input Voltage : 120 / 240 Vac 50 / 60 Hz
Operating Temperature : 0 to 65 Deg C at 0 to 90% RH
Enclosure : Suited for indoor or outdoor operation
Transient performance : ANSI C37.90A 1974
Output : PTT – 1 amp at 48 VDC
LEDs – Power, Data Rx, Data Tx, Tx Key, LBT Active
Section IV
LBT
Transmit until done
[ add these commands]
Command Breakdown
1. Address:
a. Group – 6 groups ( 3 bits)
b. Individual – 64 individual addresses (6 bits)
c. Global – (1 bit) if set ignore all addresses transmitted and respond to this
command.
d. Ack – (1 bit) tells the ATC whether or not to respond with an acknowledgement
to this message.
2. Command:
a. Setup Commands
i. Automatic/Sync. - (1 bit)
ii. Timeslot – one of seven (3 bits)
iii. Allowable duration – (6 bits)
b. Operational Commands
i. Format – (5 bits)
ii. Number of bits – (8 bits)
iii. Data – (max 255 bits)
c. Informational Commands
i. Ping
ii. Status Queries
iii. Empty Buffer
iv. Flush Buffer
Proprietary Information of EnTek Systems
Do not reproduce or disclose any part of this document without written approval from EnTek Systems
Page 4 of 7
4
Proprietary Information of EnTek Systems
Do not reproduce or disclose any part of this document without written approval from EnTek Systems
v. Reset Command
vi. Read Buffer
3. CRC – made up of all bits XOR together.
Section V
Explanation of Operation
1. Each ATC has the following address structure:
a. Individual Address
b. Group Address
c. Global Address
2. Time slot messages (7) identify when it is time to transmit message.
3. Each ATC should performs self tests to determine status of ATC on power up and on
demand.
4. There are a series of commands that the ATC will respond to:
a. Setup Commands:
i. These commands determine whether the ATC is in Automatic or Sync
mode
ii. Identify timeslots and allowable duration of transmission
b. Operational Commands:
i. These commands instruct the ATC to download one of 32 formats
ii. Inform ATC of the number of message bits to follow
iii. Delivers data the ATC is to transmit.
c. Information Commands:
d. These commands include:
i. Ping requests
ii. Status Queries
iii. Flush buffer instructions
iv. Buffer status queries
v. Reset commands.
5. The ATC will acknowledge message packets, if instructed, upon receiving any command.
6. The ATC will contain a watchdog and perform periodic resets.
7. There will a 4 – 8 bit CRC appended to every message transmitted.
Section VI
Command Summary
B. Setup Commands:
a. Automatic/Sync. Mode: 1 bit allocated for this field. Describes timeslot, time
and allowable duration of transmitting messages.
Proprietary Information of EnTek Systems
Do not reproduce or disclose any part of this document without written approval from EnTek Systems
Page 5 of 7
5
Proprietary Information of EnTek Systems
Do not reproduce or disclose any part of this document without written approval from EnTek Systems
b. Timeslot: 3 bits allocated for this field. Describes one of seven timeslots to
perform message transmissions.
c. Allowable Duration: 6 bits allocated for this field. Minimum of one second, and
maximum of 60 seconds. This describes the maximum amount of time this ATC
may transmit its messages at one time.
d. Sync Mode: 6 bits allocated for this field. If the ATC is to be in Sync. Mode this
commands tells it the duration of time slots from a minimum of 1 second to a
maximum of 60 seconds.
e. LBT Active / Inactive
C. Operational Commands:
a. Formats: 5 bits allocated for this field. This field will determine which format of
32 formats the following data is to be transmitted.
b. Number of bits to follow: 8 bits allocated for this field. Identifies the number of
bits to follow. Describes where the end of message is located.
c. Data: Data to be transmitted. Maximum of 255 bits.
d. Transmit to end of Buffer
e. Status input : Reads the status of the input lines (4)
D. Information Commands:
a. Ping: Sends an acknowledgment or no-acknowledgement as to the status of the
ATC upon request.
b. Status Queries: One response to this command will deliver the status of 4
inputs/outputs, and status as to whether the inputs/outputs are read/write. Another
response to this command will be the status of the buffer. The buffer will be read
and a status will be transmitted accordingly.
c. Empty Buffer: The ATC will send a solicited response when the buffer is
empty.
d. Flush Buffer: Global, Group or Individual
e. Reset: Global, Group or Individual reset command. Maybe put on a timed
schedule (possibly every 12- 24 hours, sync at midnight).
Section VII
Command Breakdown
4. Address:
a. Group – 8 groups ( 3 bits)
b. Individual – 64 individual addresses (6 bits)
c. Global – (1 bit) if set ignore all addresses transmitted and respond to this
command.
Proprietary Information of EnTek Systems
Do not reproduce or disclose any part of this document without written approval from EnTek Systems
Page 6 of 7
6
Proprietary Information of EnTek Systems
Do not reproduce or disclose any part of this document without written approval from EnTek Systems
d. Ack – (1 bit) tells the ATC whether or not to respond with an acknowledgement
to this message.
5. Command:
a. Setup Commands
i. Automatic/Sync. - (1 bit)
ii. Timeslot – one of Eight (3 bits)
iii. Allowable duration – (6 bits) in seconds
b. Operational Commands
i. Format – (5 bits)
ii. Number of bits in DATA field [Message] – (8 bits)
iii. Data – (max 255 bits)
c. Informational Commands
i. Ping
ii. Status Queries
iii. Buffer Status
iv. Flush Buffer
v. Reset Command
vi. Read Buffer
6. CRC – made up of all bits XOR together.
Section VIII
Protocol Details
Proprietary Information of EnTek Systems
Do not reproduce or disclose any part of this document without written approval from EnTek Systems
Page 7 of 7
7