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About SCInterfaceSCInterface® (pronounced S-C-Interface) is an open source middleware platform developed to manage, control and monitor distributed heterogeneous sensor networks such as SCADA and M2M networks. Functioning as the "glue" to tie together these sensor networks, SCInterface works with a multitude of sensor protocols to retrieve sensor data and distribute this information securely to a centralized interface. SCInterface enables sensors to be monitored, managed and controlled seamlessly without requiring a new standard to be adopted or implemented at the sensor level. This universal software platform offloads the processing from multiple types of sensors to a secure and central location that renders this information to any type of interface. SCInterface is a linearly scalable monitoring and control solution that leverages proven technologies including XML, AJAX, AES, mult-threading, and advanced caching mechanisms for improved performance. Download the SCInterface Brochure (Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 or higher required) Where is SCInterface Practical?SCInterface is the ideal platform for integrating disparate sensor networks. Here is one quote from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): "In recent years, the manufacturing industry has shifted from centralized control to more distributed architectures. Manufacturing process measurement and control applications are increasingly using distributed system technologies such as network communication and distributed objects. Manufacturing sensor networks, consisting of a number of sensor and actuator nodes, are connected to monitor specific physical parameters of a machine or to control machine motions. Hence, sensor networks play a very important role in distributed manufacturing process measurement, monitoring, diagnosis, and possible control operation." - National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) - 9.04.2-2.R Time Synchronization of Wireless Sensor Networks SCInterface's XML meta-protocol is the ideal platform for integrating these disparate sensor networks into an easy to use centralized platform. A whitepaper is avialable addressing how the architecture of SCInterface functions. Want to learn more? Take a look at SCInterface's product highlights. Product Highlights
For a full feature list, click here.
ArchitectureSCInterface has a unique architecture that provides optimal flexibility. We consider flexibility a fundamental component and it encompasses the entire product from our software architecture to the licensing model. The software architecture for SCInterface is simplified below by dividing it into three core components. The diagram below depicts the essential operation of each component, providing a clear vision why SCInterface is the most flexible sensor control system on the market today.
VersatileThe SCInterface architecture provides versatility and autonomy regarding the data link (Ethernet, sensor bus, RS232, Wireless) and application (Modbus/TCP, DeviceNet, PROFInet) layers, providing unlimited sensor access. This level of autonomy is achieved through the SCInterface Controllers (SCs) and Hardware Connectors (HCs).
The SCs are software agents that function as the connection between SCInterface and any type of sensor. In addition to managing, the SCs provide the ability for the end user to apply unique settings or required maintenance events to a sensor via a central Graphical User Interface (GUI). The GUI provides an accessible, distributed and secure framework for controlling all sensors from any location via any type of electronic device (i.e. Computer, PDA, Phone, etc.) regardless of the platform or geographic location. The HCs are hardware enabled SCs that provide the hardware layer to communicate with sensors and control systems. Depending on the complexity of the data link layer, the HCs can be as small as a stick of gum. The HCs are Bluetooth, serial, wireless and Ethernet compliant to allow for versatile deployment across all types of sensor networks.
The HCs are deployed within the range of the sensors and can extend as far as the SCInterface XML-based communication protocol called SCML (SCInterface Control Markup Language) can reach. SCML is the communication protocol that is transmitted between the SC and the SCM (SCInterface Control Manager) where it is processed and rendered to the end user. Universal ManagementThe SCM is responsible for managing all HCs and SCs within the SCInterface network and sending the sensor data back to the end user. The SCM handles all the complex computations to allow the SCs and the sensor networks to function at optimal performance levels. Only one SCM is needed to control hundreds of sensors and can be scaled to accommodate even larger networks. The SCM can also be shared to accommodate multiple interfaces include web, cell phone, desktop and PDA. ScalableSCInterface has the ability to operate in a cluster environment and leverage parallel processing techniques. This provides a scalable solution for controlling very large sensor networks while supplying required data to the end user. Accessible
SCInterface provides a powerful user interface that allows the end user to access information about their sensor network from any location. In combination with the SCIML (SCInterface Control Interface Markup Language) XML-based communication protocol, a powerful set of APIs (Application Program Interface) are available for quick customization and integration into any new or existing user interface. SCIML is the communication protocol between the SCM and user interface in order for the end user to interact with their sensors from any location.
SecureSCInterface uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for encryption and HMAC-MD5 for data integrity validation as part of our end-to-end secure communication protocol. Additional features include our user-based privilege system to allow a very flexible access rights configuration.
DistributedSCInterface provides field information to the end user regardless of the physical location. The end user is not dependent on multiple sensor information systems or additional work force to retrieve information within a heterogeneous or homogeneous sensor networks. SCInterface is the solution for centralizing and controlling heterogeneous sensors and control system networks across many locations. 
About NetarusNetarus is a Virginia Beach, Virginia based software and interface development firm. We create innovative control and distributed-systems management products. To learn more about Netarus, visit our website at http://www.netarus.com. SCInterface® is a registered trademark of Netarus, LLC. Related Articles
More InformationSCInterface® is a registered trademark of Netarus, LLC. Copyright ©2003-2007 Netarus LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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