Tridium

Open Integrated Solutions

Automation with the NiagaraAX Framework®

Introducing Tridium
Tridium is the global market leader in the supply of software for open automation, monitoring
and integration applications in buildings. Tridium develops and markets a universal software
known as the NiagaraAX Framework® targeted at solving the challenges associated with
managing smart devices in buildings by using the power of the Internet.

COMMUNICATION FOR SMART THINKING FOR SMARTER

INTEGRATION AND EFFICIENCY
Buildings today are equipped with a diverse
range of electronics to control heating,
ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC),
energy management, lighting, security and
other systems.
Effective integration and interoperability
between these systems is critical. Integration
can improve building performance by
reducing costs, fuel consumption and carbon
emissions. It also helps to achieve the security
and comfort levels demanded in modern and
dynamic business environments.
The challenge is communication between
these diverse systems, because they often
use different protocols to connect with each
other and the building management system.
But if they can be integrated then the systems
offer invaluable information and intelligence.
The solution to this challenge? Tridium’s
NiagaraAX Framework® .
BUILDINGS
The NiagaraAX Framework provides a
software infrastructure that not only provides
conventional DDC, but also integrates
multiple systems and devices regardless of
manufacturer or communication protocol. The
Framework provides a unified platform that
can be easily managed in real-‐time using a
standard web browser that is easy to access
and readily understood by
end-‐users.
Niagara is a breakthrough concept that has
transformed the operation of thousands of
buildings around the world. What’s more,
Tridium is providing the vital middleware
link for Smart Services which allow the
building data to be accessed and analysed
by enterprise applications. This means that
building owners and operators benefit from
lower maintenance overheads, reduced
energy costs and improved 9RGDIRQHKHDGTXDUWHUV
occupant satisfaction.

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Introducing the Niagara Framework 4

Niagara for developers and OEMs 5
Niagara in building automation 6
System products 7
Smart Services 8
Niagara as middleware 9
Mobile applications 10
Metering 11
Niagara for security 12-13
Sedona Framework 14
Automated Demand Response 15

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Niagara is a software framework and development environment that solves the
challenges associated with Internet-enabled products, device-to-enterprise
applications and IP-connected building automation systems. It also has robust in-built
security features to ensure developer and user peace-of-mind.

Remote communications

éTCP/IP, broadband 3G/4G and GPRS

éWeb services support with XML and oBIX

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OPEN AND SECURE FROM THE OUTSET

Niagara was conceived from the outset as an open standards based
éNiagara is coded entirely in Java, so it can
be deployed on Windows and Linux-‐based
framework. It offers a powerful and highly flexible solution for real-‐time services, and on small solid-‐state embedded
control and monitoring applications. Remote monitoring via the internet controllers called Java Application Control
and seamless links to enterprise applications are all far easier with Engines (JACE®).
Niagara.

Regardless of manufacturer or communication protocol, Niagara 8QLÀHGHQJLQHHULQJWRRO

can standardise the data and behaviour of a wide range of devices.
What’s more, the framework includes robust security measures. The
latest revision of NiagaraAX Framework includes the following security éConfigure control strategies, create web page
features: graphics and manage network devices all in
the same graphical ‘drag and drop’ on-‐screen
éFine-‐grained access control and user permissions management environment.
éCertificate management (PKI) éEmbedded engineering tool allows configuration
éEncrypted communication through a web browser without special software.
éPassword policies
éLDAP integration
éTransport Layer Security (TLS) and
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Support

NiagaraAXFRUHIHDWXUHV 0XOWLSOHSURWRFROVXSSRUW

NiagaraAXFRUHIHDWXUHV é Niagara supports all the open standard

The central concept of Niagara is its unique component model network protocols used in buildings today,
that transforms the data from many different external systems including:
into uniform software components that are used to manage
and control the devices in a consistent way. Niagara also has
the power to unify the entire development environment used to
build applications.

éFlexible object model

éPowerful search features
éGraphical configuration interface
éSmart database for historical data management
éModular scalable architecture Plus drivers are available for many proprietary
éOpen standard support protocols.

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Tridium has created a rich ecosystem of
partners and customers who develop
software that builds on and enhances the
NiagaraAX Framework.

This growing community of companies and developers around

the world undertakes contract development work and offers
applications and drivers based on Niagara. They help to
accelerate the rate of innovation in the Framework.

OEMs can customise Niagara to create their own version with

additional drivers other components such as wizards to simplify
configuration and custom engineering tools.

$;VWUDWHJ\ ON THE MOVE WITH NIAGARA

With the popularity of hand-‐held devices and smart phones,
most users are now comfortable working with mobile
applications. That’s why, starting in NiagaraAX 3.7, mobile apps
are supported and included in the Framework. These Apps are
designed to work with modern Internet browsers that support
HTML 5 on personal computers, tablet computers and as well
as mobile phones and smart phones.

Open APIs

éTridium releases Application Programme

Interfaces (APIs) for all aspects of the Framework
to its development partners.

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é Java developers can replace or add core
features of the Framework
é Drivers and extra applications can be easily
created
é New types of interface can be created.

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Developer partners have access to dedicated

training courses in EMEA, Asia and USA plus
support from Tridium’s main development team.

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Tridium’s range of system products lets systems installers create cost-effective controls solutions for
managing all aspects of buildings’ environmental systems. The ability of Niagara to integrate with other
manufacturers’ products maximises choice and flexibility for the building owner

M2M JACE

Specifically designed for remote monitoring and

control applications in smaller installations, the
Niagara-‐based systems are so flexible they can be used for HVAC M2M JACE is ideal for retrofit to existing sites.
and lighting control, electrical power distribution management, utility
metering and billing, alarm management, and monitoring of all sorts éWall-‐mounting enclosure with cable management
of equipment in buildings. In addition they can integrate with other éGPRS comms option
systems such as fire detection, access control and CCTV. éPerfect for remote metering tasks
éBuilt-‐in I/O (16 points); more optional
éRLON
S232 and RS485 ports are standard with
port optional
JACE® é PSU
2 30V

This compact range of embedded controller/

server platforms features modular plug-‐in I/O
options helping to save on panel space and make
installation quicker, and more cost-‐effective.

éCompact DIN rail mounting

éConnects to IP
éRS232 and RS485 ports are standard
with LON port optional
é ption cards for extra comms ports
O
éImodem
nternal GPRS
option
éIO modules
D irect connect

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These modules are designed for use as local I/O within motor control
cabinets or as remote I/O connected controllers via RS485 Modbus.

éDIN rail mounted and pluggable together

éModbus network connection for distributed use
éVarious types enables cost-‐effective use in different applications
éInputs accept pulse output meters
éSome modules include power relays to reduce installation costs
éHand/Off/Auto plus LEDs also available to cut commissioning time

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AX Supervisor

This flexible network server is designed for

applications where multiple Niagara-‐based JACE
controllers will be networked together
or to provide a central monitoring station in Sedona FrameworkTMFRQWUROOHUV
multi-‐site projects.
The IOS30P Sedona Framework controller is a cost-‐
éConvenient place for web–serving graphics
for visualisation
effective and compact controller which is ideal for
main plant and distributed control applications. The
éArchive logs/histories unit is freely programmable using the WorkPlace AX
éManage alarms engineering tool, and can utilise time schedules and
éBack-‐up JACE configurations manage histories when connected to a JACE.
éLink to databases eg SQL, Oracle, DB2
éIP connectection
éAnalog and digital inputs
éAnalog (0..10V) and digital outputs
é24V power supply
éLED indication of point and operational statuses
éProgrammable via Niagara

Third party system drivers

Niagara can integrate a wide variety of third party HVAC 6HULDORU,3FRQQHFWHGGULYHUV

system types and devices via the use of software drivers. Metering
These avoid the need for gateways, and can include
air handling units (AHUs), lighting, standby generators,
chillers, UPS, fire systems and other building systems and )LUH3DQHO
equipment.
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éSnetwork
upport for all widely used open standard
protocols
éand responseFlexprotocols
E asy to use driver for simple command
enables rapid
Lighting System

driver development
é Wide range of legacy drivers available
UPS

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Using Niagara as middleware
for integration and enterprise applications

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1LDJDUDLVDQLPSRUWDQWFRPSRQHQWLQGHOLYHULQJLQWHOOLJHQW Service can be based on need prompted by actual plant

EXLOGLQJVDQGFRQQHFWLQJWKHPWR6PDUW6HUYLFHV conditions, not just scheduled on a calendar.

Smart Services, often referred to as Machine to Machine or M2M, Engineers can diagnose the type of problem before arriving on
allow buildings to be run more efficiently, using less energy and site and ensure that the people with the right skills and the right
reducing service costs whilst lowering downtime, because site equipment are there on the first visit. Service can be initiated
problems can be identified and fixed more quickly. because of degrading performance and efficiency, not just as an
emergency response to faults and breakdown.
To deliver Smart Services, systems within the building must be
connected to the various enterprise applications so that we know
when to act and provide us with more information about what
to do.

Single or Multiple Sites

Building Services and Systems Niagara Enterprise
HVAC Middleware Applications
Lighting
Normalisation Presentation Alarms and Events
Fire
Database
Energy Analysis
CCTV Connections
Control
Access Control Service and
Maintenance
Electrical
Integration Utility Billing
UPS

Signage Web Services Plant

oBiX Optimisation
Elevators Logging
Monitoring and
Energy Compliance
Utilities
Multi-‐Protocol Connectivity Demand Response
+++

Converged IP Backbone

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Presentation

As middleware, Niagara provides three distinct functions whether Information for all the different systems
on a large single site, a campus or for multi-‐site estates: can be displayed on a single user interface
Presentation, Integration and Service Oriented Architecture. using a browser. This can often reduce the number
of workstations and people needed
Niagara is a unified development platform that makes it easy to
to run the buildings.
build internet-‐enabled products and applications. As a universal,
reusable software platform, Niagara creates a common environ-‐
ment that connects to almost anything and every communication
protocol.

Niagara includes comprehensive, graphical toolsets that enable

non-‐programmers to build rich applications. It also provides ex-‐ Integration
tensive open APIs, allowing developers to extend the platform and
create their own unique products and applications.
Niagara integrates different systems in the
building and allows the establishment of a set
Niagara has a wide range of benefits:
of automatic rules which allow these multiple
systems to interact. The result is a building
éCapplications
onnects different components, operating systems and
that is more flexible, efficient and adaptive. For

éProvides one common tool for designers and programmers example, access control can connect to the

éIntegrates devices and protocols into unified smart systems lighting system so that the appropriate areas

éDrives connectivity, integration and interoperability are lighted when a person enters the building.

éSimplifies complex distributed applications

éEnables remote programming and provisioning

Service Orientated Architecture

Allows information to be exchanged with the

various Enterprise Application packages
to enable effective and efficient service and
management of the buildings. This connectivity
is usually achieved via a Web Services link
using the oBiX Open Protocol. These Enterprise
Applications cover many different facets of the
building’s operation including energy efficiency,
asset management and maintenance, tenant
billing and measurement and the verification
of carbon footprint.

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As more of us work through mobile devices and smart phones, use of these devices by building
managers has become more common. The ability to access data on building performance at
any time or place is now an important tool of the job. The development of mobile applications for
Niagara was therefore a natural step.

MOBILE CAPABILITY
Mobile applications (apps) are supported and included in
Niagara. Mobile Niagara apps are open Web applications
that are configured in the Niagara station. Once set up in the
station, they can serve views and data to both mobile and
desktop browsers -‐ offering great flexibility.

For end users, this means access to alarm schedules,

histories, metering, HVAC and other building performance data
wherever they are.

Niagara 0RELOH

Developers can be assured that they are using a

robust system.

éNiagara Mobile software has an open API so

developers can create unique field editors in the
Niagara WorkPlace and have them appear in
the existing apps.
é Niagara Mobile supports HTML5
é Niagara supports Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)

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The NiagaraAX Framework helps to make
the most of all the benefits that a good
metering strategy can bring, including a better
understanding of how and where energy
is being used in a building.

MAKE THE MOST OF METERS

Meters can bring many benefits to today’s energy-‐conscious
building manager. Simple intelligent metering alone can
provide details on half-‐hourly energy use. This can show how
demand varies throughout the day, highlighting peaks and
troughs in usage.

Even the best set-‐up and commissioned building will move

from its initial performance over time. This is where information
from meters becomes invaluable because it indicates how
the building actually performs and will pinpoint when energy
efficiency falls away.

The best approach to understand metering data is to ensure

that meters and sub-‐meters are connected to a wider building
management system (BMS). This could be a challenge due to
different manufacturer protocols.

However with Niagara, interoperability is no longer an issue

and meters can be readily linked to the BMS. The NiagaraAX
Framework communicates with a wide range of protocols
and equipment and allow users to monitor data and manage
alarms through any standard Web browser.

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éMonitor and control energy to ensure reductions

during times of peak demand and premium energy
costs.
é Reduce unit energy costs by reducing peak limits.
Information from meters enables better negotiation
with utility companies.
é Gain better understanding of historical usage and
costs.
é Identify instances of inefficient plant and equipment
scheduling. Metering data will show where and when
this is happening.
é Identify poor control applications such as inefficient
chiller sequencing.

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Integrating security within building automation systems brings
added functionality and efficiencies to building operation

Security integration allows building managers to share and The result has been that integration is complex, expensive and
operate systems from one common user interface and to time-‐consuming, or limited to one manufacturer providing all
achieve effective system interoperability. systems.

For example; security events from access control and CCTV Tridium’s solutions can deliver simpler and less expensive
systems can be linked to lighting and HVAC systems to ensure integration between different manufacturers’ systems.
more energy efficient day-‐to-‐day building operation, and greater
safety in the event of an emergency. Tridium offers a variety of effective, low-‐cost drivers which
integrate access control and video surveillance systems.
Whereas in building automation systems there has been a
strong trend towards use of open standard networks, there are
no established open standard protocols for security system
operation.

Security Architecture

&RPPRQXVHULQWHUIDFH Access events and camera Security

EURZVHUDFFHVVIRU detected movement can trigger Enterprise Server
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administration access database
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synchronisation

IP Cameras

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CCTV DVR Access

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Energy & )LUH$ODUP BMS Lighting UPS

Power System &RQWURO Monitoring
Metering
Cameras

Door
Controllers

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For access control the OPC alarm and event driver
enables integration with various manufacturer’s systems
eg Cardax, while the oBIX driver supports other systems
eg Honeywell Prowatch. Beyond that Tridium develops
manufacturer specific drivers as required commercially.
Drivers
q OPC alarm and event driver
q oBIX driver
q SQL and other database drivers
q Manufacturer specific drivers
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CCTV
For CCTV integration Tridium has the Niagara
video driver which provides core functionality
common to all systems and can be customised
for each manufacturers’ products.
The Niagara video driver already supports the
full range of Dedicated Micros NetVu DVR’s, Axis IP
cameras, as well as Honeywell and Milestone’s
DVM systems. More drivers are in development and
will be available to support a wide diversity of security
manufacturers’ equipment.
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Tridium Security
Tridium Security is an open web-‐based security
management system.
Built on the NiagaraAX Framework, Tridium Security is
a full-‐access control system which also integrates with
any building automation system, enabling you to control
lighting, HVAC equipment and other building systems in
response to access events and alarm conditions.
The heart of Tridium Security is the advanced security
Appliance, and IP-‐based controller which eliminates the
need for on-‐site PCs or thick client software.
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q Web-‐based – easily managed via a web browser
anytime, anywhere
q Open architecture, flexible platform solution
q Integrated management of access control,
alarm monitoring, intrusion detection and
credential database
q Seamlessly integrates to HVAC, Lighting, and
Energy Management Applications via BACnet,
LonWorks, Modbus, and oBIX
q IT connectivity via oBIX, SNMP and HTTP
q No thick client software required
q Web User Interface serves rich presentations and
live data to a browser
q Pre-‐defined custom reports on screen or exported
q Custom graphic floor plans and equipment displays
q Intuitive guided setup wizard
q User-‐definable Wiegand card formats
q Lift control
q Intrusion detection
q Access zone (advanced occupancy restrictions)
q CCTV and DVR integration options
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The Sedona FrameworkTM brings the capabilities of a framework to small
smart devices such as sensors, actuators and unitary controllers.

Like the NiagaraAX Framework, the Sedona Framework is
built using a programmable component-‐based architecture.
It features the same engineering tools as Niagara to ensure
a single, seamless engineering path for the whole system of
Niagara and Sedona Framework devices.
Sedona Framework is equivalent to a micro-‐Niagara, designed
to run on the latest generation of small, low cost, single chip
microcontrollers.It brings the power of programmable control
and the Internet down to inexpensive devices. It also allows
manufacturers to build their own device-‐to-‐Internet applications
quickly and easily.
platform. Sedona is independent of processor or operating
system for maximum versatility.
The Sedona Framework distributes decision-‐making control
and manageability to any device and brings intelligence and
connectivity to the network edge and back.
Application development on the Tridium Frameworks
accelerates time to market, reduces R&D investment and
provides for rapid and straightforward implementation.

Tridium provides the Sedona Framework as Open Source for

developers. This allows them to port to their chosen processor
System Architecture

RAM ROM
2.4GHz SPI
8k..96kB 192kB
Radio

32-bit RISC 2-wire serial

0-QPSK CPU
Modem

Timers
48byte RISC
EFuse
IEEE802.15.4
MAC
UART

XTAL
128-bit AES 12-bit ADC,
Encryption Comparators

11-bit ADC,
Power Management
temp sensor

| 14
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Automated Demand Response is the cutting-‐edge of technology
that reduces power demand, helping to balance the grid and
reducing the load. ADR allows utilities to call on commercial
facilities to automatically decrease consumption during times of
peak demand, reducing the load on the electricity network.
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Automated Demand Response is also particularly useful in
the integration of renewable energy into the energy mix. By
automatically reducing demand, ADR can help to absorb the
inherent variability of energy sources such as wind and solar.
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6XSSRUW  Training
The NiagaraAX Framework is built on a Tridium offers comprehensive training for
modular, robust and reliable code base system installers and developers as part of
to maximise ease of use and minimise any the global Tridium Certification Programme;
problems. involving a combination of theory and
practical workshop-‐style activities. Training
Tridium EMEA partners can call on the is offered in Asia, the USA and EMEA.
expertise of our technical support team.
Based at our Coolham Head Office in the We offer a detailed introduction to the
UK and in the USA, these experts ensure NiagaraAX Framework for engineers,
timely resolution of specific queries on the exploring the capabilities of the Framework
NiagaraAX Framework. Support is available and its application in building automation
via telephone or email for help with systems. Our one-‐week course includes:
applications and device integration. Site
issues can also be successfully handled in éWorkPlace engineering
real-‐time through remote access where the éDrivers & various communication protocols
NiagaraAX Framework is deployed on live éLON network management
projects. éCreating control strategies
éDrawing web serving graphics
The Niagara Central web portal (www. éCreating & managing Niagara stations
niagara-‐central.com) provides a
comprehensive source of information For developers, we provide education
and answers for our partners on all topics in how to use the JAVA API’s to harness
related to Niagara. The site features a the power of Niagara to build your own
searchable knowledge base for integrators applications based on the Framework.
and developers, and an active forum
with many threads, allowing you to UK training takes place at our fully
communicate and share issues with the equipped, modern facility in Coolham, West
wider Niagara Community. Sussex or we can run
training courses at your premises. Please
The main Tridium web site (www.tridium. contact us for course availability and
com) also provides information about further information.
Tridium’s technology and worldwide
deployment.

www.tridiumeurope.com
Copyright © 2013 Tridium. All rights reserved ®. Tridium, NiagaraAX, NiagaraAX Framework, and JACE are trademarks or registered trademarks
of Tridium in the United Kingdom. Other marks are the properties of their respective owners. All specifications subject to change without notice
or liability to provide changes to prior purchasers. Information and specifications published here are current as of the date of publication of this
document. Tridium reserves the right to change or modify specifications without prior notice.