Chapter 12 – Additional Equipment
12.10.4 NIC (Network Interface Card)
The Liebert Network Interface Card (NIC) provides Ethernet connectivity for your Liebert UPS equipment.
The card allows monitoring the operating status, and communication of alarms via the network.
The NIC transforms Liebert units into intelligent managed nodes in your network, enabling in-band communications
with network management systems (NMS) that monitor the well-being of your computing/communication
infrastructure.
This protocol allows simple integration into the network management system, thus leveraging prior investment and
established procedures.
The NIC may be ordered as a factory-installed option, or in a kit for field-retrofit to existing Liebert UPS units.
12.10.4.1 Connection with UPS
• Connection with UPS systems is through Ethernet 10BaseT connection
• A compatible Network Card Adapter (10BaseT or similar) will have to be fitted on the PC
• Connection can be provided through a standard Network Hub or Switch, or through a direct cable connection
A serial connector is available on the OpenComms NIC to allow configuration of card parameters (IP Address, SNMP
community name and SNMP station configuration) as well as for firmware updates.
The Ethernet line should be secured in the cable passage shown in the figure in Chapter 6.
12.10.4.2 Information provided with the SNMP protocol
The NIC SNMP interface provides information on the following 6 groups: Identification, Battery, Input, Output,
Bypass and Configuration.
12.10.5 Modbus/Jbus
Modbus is a field standard introduced in 1979 by Modicon. Modbus works on a "master/slave" protocol using a non-
powered two-wire (RS485) network. The controlling software, normally the BMS itself, will be the 'Modbus master',
allowing control of up to 247 slave addresses: in practice, typical implementations will support up to 32 nodes per
RS485 port.
Building Management Systems (BMS) are sophisticated programs that help facility managers and technicians monitor
and control temperature and ventilation conditions, security and fire safety, power distribution systems as well as power
supply systems - like UPS units - in non-residential
Hipulse E UPS by replacing a programmable component - namely an EPROM - on the UPS Logic Board. The Logic
Board is normally fitted with a component that allows communication via the standard IGMnet protocol - the protocol
used to get information from the UPS via the serial connector - when this is removed, in order to fit the Modbus/Jbus
option, it will not be possible to use the SNMP card (OpenComms NIC).
Jbus
Jbus is a subset of Modbus, generally identified as the "French" version of Modbus, because it was originally
developed in France. Conversion between the two protocols (Modbus and Jbus) is straightforward and it should always
be possible to use them interchangeably.
The UPS is not programmed to use the MODBUS protocol and must be configured from the UPS operator panel menu.
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Liebert Hipulse E
buildings.The Modbus/Jbus option is installed within Liebert
Figure 12-6 – Modmobus network
(07/04)
User Manual
Single or '1+N' UPS System