Applied Systems Engineering ASE2000

ASE2000 V2 Communication Test Set User Manual 12
2.2. Exchange Mode and Task Mode Operational Basics
From an operational perspective:
• Exchange Mode operates as an ASE2000 Version 1 Test Set. The user selects a protocol,
is presented with an applicable set of exchanges (messages), congures and enables one
or more of these exchanges, and starts communication. Master Simulation, RTU Simulation,
and Monitor modes appear very similar, if not identical, to those in Version 1. Some manual
editing of the default exchanges to account for specic point congurations may be necessary
prior to start of communication. The actual editing steps required are largely dependent on the
protocol selected and is very similar to Version 1 editing requirements.
• Task Mode communication is based on point conguration information for a particular device.
Before starting Task Mode operation for the rst time, the user must dene one or more devices
(RTUs, IEDs, PLCs). The properties for dening a device include a protocol, device address,
and point conguration information (point types, addresses, and counts). Device denition is
persistent (retained when the ASE2000 is stopped and restarted). The user starts Task Mode
operation by rst selecting a device from the pre entered list. The ASE2000 responds by
displaying a list of tasks applicable to the protocol of the selected device. Tasks are grouped
in functional categories such as Initialize, Acquire Data, and Time Sync. The user proceeds by
selecting a grouping and a task within the selected group.
In Master Simulation mode, communication is started by selecting one of the Transmit ICONS
(Send Once or Send Continuously). The ASE2000 automatically transmits messages required
to accomplish the selected task.
Monitor Mode contains a single task, selection of which starts the line monitoring process. Data
response interpretation uses point information entered during the device conguration step.
For some protocols, such as Harris, Conitel, and CDC, the ASE2000 can only parse point data
from a communication message if it knows, in advance, the device’s point conguration. For
these, message interpretation replies on correct user data base conguration information entry.
For other protocols such as IEC and DNP3 where point conguration can be determined from the
communication message, the ASE2000 automatically creates data base entries for undened
points. For these protocols, data base conguration information denition is desirable, but not
100% required. It su󰀩ces to enter only the correct device address or ID.
Task Mode monitoring is oriented to a single device. If you wish to monitor multiple devices on
a communications line, and have a protocol that requires advanced knowledge of the devices
conguration then you may nd the Exchange Mode better suited for this operation.
RTU Simulation mode also contains a single task. The ASE2000 builds response messages
based on point information entered during the device conguration step. Complete point
conguration information must be entered for all RTU Simulation devices being used, regardless
of protocol.
During online operation in RTU Simulation mode, values for individual points can be manually
entered in the Point Values view.
Both Exchange and Task Mode support RTU simulation of a single device. Task Mode enforces
this by only responding to messages addressed to the selected device.