How C-Bus Works

C-Bus Network Wiring

The C-Bus Network Bus is the communications wiring for the system, consisting of an unshielded twisted pair (UTP) 'Cat 5' cable.  The Bus not only provides the means of communication between units, but also the small amount of power needed to operate the circuitry within each C-Bus unit.

The C-Bus Network is electrically isolated from the mains power, and operates at safe extra low voltage levels (36 V dc).  Legal restrictions of mains wiring do not apply, so C-Bus wiring may be run into places that would be dangerous (or illegal) with normal mains wiring.

All Input and Output devices are wired to any point in the C-Bus Network by a twisted pair cable, which carries all communications between the Units.

The C-Bus connections may be looped from unit to unit or a branch can be made at any point.  This 'free topology' structure provides a flexible system layout.  New units can be added anywhere, at any time, without re-configuration.

During commissioning, the system is programmed so that specific commands trigger specific responses in one (or more) devices on the Network.  At any time the commands can be re-programmed, and C-Bus units can also be added, removed or moved.

The size of a C-Bus Network is practically unlimited.  A large network is usually divided into sub-networks of 100 C-Bus Units, with a total cable length of 1000m per sub-network.  This allows a C-Bus system to be divided into manageable sections, simplifying design, limiting potential fault propagation and aiding in any troubleshooting. C-Bus can control any type of load, digital and analogue.

C-Bus Units

All Units on the C-Bus Network have their own built-in microprocessor, allowing them to operate independently with "distributed intelligence".  This provides extremely reliable and efficient communications, and also means that a malfunction in one unit will not affect the operation of any other Unit or the Network.
Every C-Bus Unit has a unique number, so that all devices on the Network can communicate directly. Also, as C-Bus uses point to multi-point communication, every device on a C-Bus Network issues and responds to commands directly from the Network, rather than requiring a central computer or controller.

Simple Control

Each C-Bus device is programmed to issue and respond to the certain commands.  A virtually unlimited number of commands can be programmed into the C-Bus system.  Generally, Input Devices are programmed to issue commands, and Output Devices are programmed to execute those commands.
When a C-Bus Group Address command is issued by a C-Bus Device, any other Devices that have been programmed with that Group Address will be activated, wherever they are on the C-Bus Network. There is no need for any direct 240V connection between any C-Bus units.

Multiple Events

Single Devices can also produce multiple events.  For example, you may program an Input Switch so that the length of time the key is pressed determines what Command is issued - a short press issues an on/off command and a long press controls a dimming command.
Multiple commands do not have to control the same Output Device(s), so complex scenarios can be easily created, for example a single push button switch controlling a whole floor of a building.
Multiple Input devices can conditionally control a single Output Device, dependant on specific circumstances.  This allows multiple levels of over-ride switching and other complex control systems to be created easily.

Control Flexibility

The C-Bus system can carry out control in virtually unlimited ways, including:

• Any input device can be programmed as a master control point. Master overrides can be positioned anywhere in the network, and control any other unit or units on any connected network.
• The system can allow unlimited switching configurations.  Two, three (or any number) of switches can be set to toggle or control any other switch or device.
• Overrides can be easily re-programmed via Windows software at any time.

A computer or cental controller is not required for normal C-Bus operation, but can be used to add additional features if desired.

Example

In the diagrams and text below we give a very simple example of lighting in a boardroom

An Input Switch in the boardroom is programmed with the C-Bus Group Address 'Boardroom Main Lights'.  When the switch is pressed, it issues an ON Command to the 'Boardroom Main Lights' C-Bus Group Address. 

This Group Address command from the Input Switch is sent onto the C-Bus Network for all units throughout the network.  Only those C-Bus Units programmed to respond to the 'Boardroom Main Lights' Group Address command react- other units will ignore commands not intended for them. 

This simple example only gives you an overview of the power and control flexibility of the C-Bus system.  

As you can see from this simplified diagram, every device requires a C-Bus connection.  Devices that control mains power also need a connection to the mains, of course.  The mains wiring and C-Bus wiring do not need to be adjacent, and the mains can be connected to different phases, or even completely separate distribution systems.