Conversion of Continuum devices from i2 to b3 and vice-versa in the field

[AbeMeran]

Warning

Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support for assistance.

Issue

Continuum i2 and b3 field devices use the same hardware. With the exception of
their -V models and the bCX (bCX9640/bCX4040) controller, they were not
designed to have their firmware swapped from Infinet to BACnet (or BACnet to
Infinet) in the field.

Product Line

Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation

Environment

• Continuum i2 Controllers (except -V)
• Continuum b3 Controller (except -V)

Cause

With the exception of the -V controllers, the devices were not designed to have their protocol (Infinet/BACnet) swapped in the field, however, due to changes in market needs R&D is now providing a method to allow the protocol to be changed in the field.

Resolution

To convert i2 field devices into b3 BACnet (or vice-versa) from CyberStation

1. Contact PSS and request the conversion files for the specific model(s) you wish to convert.
2. Follow the procedure detailed below or as per the attached document.

To swap the firmware of any non -V i2 device from one protocol to the other (in this case, from Infinet to BACnet b3), you use the following procedure.  For more information, see section 1.3 “Converting Infinet i2 Field Devices to BACnet b3 Devices from CyberStation” below.

NOTE: This procedure was developed by Schneider Electric’s R&D and tested in the Product Support Services (PSS) lab.

Before starting the procedure, you need the following items:

• An I2 device(s) to be converted.
• A Continuum CyberStation with i2 device(s) configured and online.
• A special, conversion b3 upgrade file for the appropriate device model as provided by PSS
• A b3 bootloader file for the appropriate device model, provided by PSS
• Physical access to the device.  You need this to push its Restart switch or to access the switch or breaker where you can shut off power to the device to force a restart.
• A bCX4040 controller configured in CyberStation

1.2 Preparing the Field Bus for the i2 to b3 Device Conversion

To ensure a smooth conversion, it is necessary that you reduce the traffic on the field bus as much as possible in order to provide the necessary bandwidth to the upgrade operations required for the conversion. Before starting the process with the conversion file, be sure to follow these instructions. 

To prepare the field bus for the i2 to b3 device conversion

1. Disable all the programs in all the devices residing in the field bus.
2. Close all Continuum Workstations except the one performing the upgrade.
3. In the Workstation performing the upgrade, close all graphics, List views, and anything else that could be polling data from the field bus.
4. Make sure MS/TP field bus is on same baud rate as Infinet field bus, mainly
   19.2K

1.3 Converting i2 Field Devices into b3 BACnet from CyberStation
You can convert Infinet i2 field devices into b3 BACnet field devices by swapping the firmware of any non -V model i2 device.

IMPORTANT: When using this procedure, be aware of the following guidelines:

• It applies ONLY to the firmware or communication protocol (Infinet or BACnet) of the device. It does not convert the control application in the device. Following conversion, the device’s memory is cleared, so you need to configure a new control application.
• It may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning, ensure that all important data is backed up in the event of data loss or the device losing its application and becoming non-operational.  For more information, see section 1.1 “Introduction” above.

To convert i2 field devices into b3 BACnet from CyberStation

1. Contact PSS and request the conversion files for the specific model(s) you
   wish to convert.
   You will be provided with an application file (namely,
   i2920toB3920B4.500077.upd) and a boot loader file (namely,
   B3920BootB4.500077.upd).
2. From CyberStation, edit the i2 device and record its Serial Number and Infinet id.
   Consult the General tab to locate this information.
3. From the Runtime tab, perform a Reset to clear the device’s database.
4. Upgrade the i2 device using the application file provided by PSS.
   Once the upgrade is complete, the i2 device stays Offline since its communication protocol has now been swapped from Infinet to BACnet.
5. Disconnect the device from the Infinet field bus of its host master controller (for example, a CX9680 or a bCX9640).
6. Connect it to the bCX4040 MS/TP field bus. (MAKE SURE MS/TP FIELD
   BUS IS RUNNING AT SAME BAUD AS INFINET FIELD BUS DEVICE
   WAS ON, NAMELY 19.2K BAUD)
7. In the bCX4040, configure a b3 device using the appropriate model as well the Serial Number and ID recorded previously.
   NOTE: You will need to provide BACnet Device ID. Typically, it will be the same as the Serial Number. You can also use a Learn to bring the device online under the bCX4040 and automatically assign the model, id etc.  Refer to this Knowledge Base article on using the serial number for the Device ID.  Remember here to set the Comm Port for comm2.
8. Restart the device either by power cycling or using the restart button.
   The device will come online under the bCX4040 as a b3 device.
9. Perform an Update b3 OS operation to send the appropriate b3 boot loader file provided by PSS.
10. Go to the Runtime tab, and reset the device once the update is finished.
11. Once the device reboots and comes back online, you can confirm it has the right boot loader by looking at the device from the BACnet side.
    The screenshots that follow display the before and after results of the i2 to b3 conversion process.

Before:

After:

NOTE
Similar steps can be used to convert b3 device to i2 device, but once a b3 device has been converted to i2 using this procedure the device will ONLY accept conversion uprev files, attempt to uprev using regular uprev file will result in the following error:

This Uprev file does not match this type of controller.

This applies to b3 to i2 conversion only, it does not apply to i2 to b3 conversion.