Can bus router for building automation systems

Abstract

Systems and methods for implementing CAN bus routers in building automation systems are disclosed. An exemplary system may comprise a control area network (CAN) backbone. At least one CAN router may be connected in-line to the CAN backbone. A plurality of automation devices may be connected to the at least one CAN router for communication over the CAN backbone.

1 . An expandable building automation system comprising: 
 a control area network (CAN) backbone;    at least one CAN router connected in-line to the CAN backbone; and    a plurality of automation devices connected to the at least one CAN router for communication over the CAN backbone.    
     
     
         2 . The building automation system of  claim 1  wherein the at least one CAN router is a hub.  
     
     
         3 . The building automation system of  claim 1  wherein the at least one CAN router is a switch.  
     
     
         4 . The building automation system of  claim 1  wherein the at least one CAN router receives a CAN signal over the CAN backbone and automatically multicasts the CAN signal to at least one automation device connected to the CAN router.  
     
     
         5 . The building automation system of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of CAN routers connected to one another in a daisy-chain configuration.  
     
     
         6 . The building automation system of  claim 5  wherein the daisy-chain configuration includes a first CAN router coupled directly to the CAN backbone, and at least one expansion CAN router coupled to the first CAN router.  
     
     
         7 . The building automation system of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the automation devices includes a remote transmitter connected to the CAN router.  
     
     
         8 . The building automation system of  claim 7  wherein at least one of the automation devices includes control device issuing signals to a controlled device via the remote transmitter.  
     
     
         9 . The building automation system of  claim 1  wherein the CAN backbone remains operable even if the at least one automation device is inoperable.  
     
     
         10 . The building automation system of  claim 1  further comprising at least one CAN processor in the CAN router directly coupled to the CAN backbone.  
     
     
         11 . The building automation system of  claim 10  further comprising at least one cascading processor in the CAN router, the cascading processor connected serially to the CAN processor.  
     
     
         12 . The building automation system of  claim 1  wherein the at least one CAN router provides electrical power to automation devices connected to the CAN router.  
     
     
         13 . A method of configuring a building automation system, comprising: 
 providing a control area network (CAN) backbone for a building having a plurality of automation zones;    providing at least one CAN router for connecting a plurality of automation devices in each automation zone; and    communicatively coupling the plurality of automation devices to one another over the CAN backbone via the at least one CAN router.    
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising connecting at least one CAN router to a primary CAN router in a daisy-chain configuration.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising connecting at least one expansion CAN router to a primary CAN router in a daisy-chain configuration.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising connecting a plurality of CAN routers to a primary CAN router.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising communicatively coupling a wireless automation device with the CAN backbone via the at least one CAN router.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising expanding capacity of the CAN backbone without a repeater, while maintaining full functionality of the CAN backbone.  
     
     
         19 . A building automation system, comprising: 
 localized communication means for communicating control area network (CAN) signals for building automation; and    router means for connecting a plurality of automation devices to the localized communication means.    
     
     
         20 . The building automation system of  claim 19  wherein the router means is expandable in a daisy-chain configuration.  
     
     
         21 . The building automation system of  claim 19  further comprising means for maintaining integrity of the localized communication means even if the router means is inoperable.