Ing. František Vaněk

The uLan protocol is the multi-master communication protocol aimed on small RS-485 control networks. It provides deterministic media access arbitration and it is open in design from its origin. An open-source implementation of the protocol has already been available for many years. The article focuses on its adaptation for use in distributed home appliances (switches, lights and HVAC components interconnection and control). Because devices do not have resources to mutually examine their often large objects/properties dictionaries, the mechanism to map properties values into process data messages slots has been implemented. The message slots act as (virtual) wires which are setup by configuration tools running on PC. Examples of developed devices using developed concept are presented at the end of the article together with tools available to help with fast prototyping of new devices and their testing in PC environment.