The EcoStruxure BMS hardware includes several models of automation servers. These are the main distributed controllers in the system. They perform management, execution and supervision of the smoke control application programs. The server models approved for smoke control include the following:
AS-P-SMK: Automation Server Premium
AS-P-NLS-SMK: Automation Server Premium with LONWORKS bus interface removed and secure boot software added
AS-SMK: Original model Automation Server (discontinued)
To date, the primary server used with smoke control systems has been the AS-P-SMK. The new model AS-P-NLS-SMK Server offers a more efficient server package with removal of LON hardware not needed in later field controller systems and never approved for smoke control. The AS-P-NLS requires version 4 (or later firmware) which supports the new secure boot software in the server. The AS-P-NLS-SMK is a secure boot product which inhibits operation of any EcoStruxure software prior to version 4.0.
The first version 4.0 software evaluated and certified for smoke control is version 4.0.3.176. Refer to the EcoStruxure BMS Smoke Control System Approved Software Revisions document 01-16001-xx-en to determine availability of later version 4.0 software approvals for smoke control.
The AS-P-NLS-SMK server is based on the same hardware platform as the ASP- SMK with one exception. The "-NL" refers to the removal of the LONWORKS interface hardware/components. The LON legacy system interface was never approved for use in smoke control applications. The revised hardware and the updated software provide a more efficient product for smoke control applications and the reductions in cost provide only the software features needed for the specific projects.
The standard, defined EcoStruxure BMS license application and activation process is executed on the AS-P-NLS-SMK Server. While the AS-P-NLS cannot be downgraded to operate with the earlier smoke approved version 2 and 3 software, the standard AS-P-SMK can be used with any of the old or new smoke approved software versions. When the AS-P-SMK is upgraded from version 2 or 3 to version 4 software, you need only apply the full version 4 license. The optional reduced feature licenses are only applicable to servers with the secure boot software feature as provided in the AS-P-NLS-SMK.
The AS-SMK Server is no longer in production. However, it still exists in some operational smoke control systems.
The AS-SMK is still included in this guide because there are configurations in which it can still be part of an EcoStruxure BMS smoke control system that may be expanded with the current AS-P-SMK Servers. Several key limitations of the AS-SMK Server include the following:
It can only operate with EcoStruxure version 2.0 and 3.0 software.
The AS-SMK requires the same room Ethernet connection with the approved Ethernet switch.
It is not recommended for hosting the new IP controllers such as the MP-C and MP-V.
In the two branches approved for AS-SMK smoke control use, the latest software versions are v2.0.4.83 and v3.0.4.43. Refer to the EcoStruxure BMS Smoke Control System Approved Software Revisions document 01-16001-xx-en to identify software acceptable for smoke control.
The AS-P/AS Server is powered by a PS-24V power supply module that mounts on the DIN rail on the left side of the server and directly connects to the server. All DIN rail modules provide module to module connectors on the left and right sides. The connector on the right side of the server supports the optional connection of an assortment of local Central IO modules mounted on the DIN rail. The application of S-cables allows the connection from the far-right module to be continued on the left side of the following DIN rail. The I/O options and connection arrangements are discussed elsewhere in the document. For more information, see Smoke Control System Equipment Models .
The Central IO modules obtain power and RS-485 communications (with the AS-P/AS server) through a daisy chain unit to unit bus passing through each of the terminal base portions of each module. The assortment of Central IO module models provide a wide assortment of input and output types and quantities. Capacities can range from 8 channels up to 464 channels (29 Central IO modules of the 16 channel type + one additional PS-24V).
Hereafter in this document, references to the three servers will typically refer to the "AS-P/AS Server" and/or "Smoke Control Servers" unless describing a function unique to a specific model. Subsequent references to "AS-P Server" (without the "/AS") refers to either the AS-P-SMK or AS-P-NLS-SMK when the function/subject of discussion is common to both models. From a smoke control perspective, there is very little distinction between those two models. The full, unique model is referenced only when necessary.
Within this guide, the "-SMK" model suffix and the full title "Automation Server" are not repeated in numerous later references. Only application servers models designated as approved for smoke control with the "-SMK" suffix can be used for the smoke control system applications.
Each device consists of a terminal base and an electronics module that plugs into the base. The electronics module has two handles, which must be pulled out when removing the module from or inserting the module in the terminal base. In their inner position, the handles lock the module to the terminal base. This effectively prevents unintentional separation by providing tolerance for vibration and jarring as required in UL 864 systems.
Wiring connections are made on the terminal blocks contained on the terminal base. The terminal screws are accessible without removing the module. Power for all devices is taken from the 24 VDC rails of the backplane that is part of the terminal base.
There are four types of terminal bases.
Terminal Base Model |
Used to Mount and Terminate |
TB-PS-W1 |
Power Supply Modules (PS-24V) |
TB-AS-W1 |
Automation Server (AS-SMK) |
TB-ASP-W1 |
AS-P server (AS-P-SMK) or AS-P-NLS-SMK Servers |
TB-IO-W1 |
All Central IO Module Types |
The I/O terminal base provides 2 terminal blocks, while the AS-SMK Server and PS-24V power supply modules have a single terminal block. The AS-P Server terminal bases have no terminal blocks. These three types of terminal bases use a similar small backplane circuit board that makes the power and data connection to the module inserted in the base. The I/O and server bases pass through (left to right) the 24 VDC power.
The power supply terminal base does not pass through the 24 VDC from the left backplane port and injects its output voltage onto the bus extending to the right. This terminates the accumulating load on the previous power supply module. Now, this PS-24V supplies power to the bus connecting to additional modules connecting on the right side. All of the terminal bases increment the address bus value by one and pass it on toward the right to the next plug-in electronics module. All terminal bases also pass a high speed RS-485 communications bus from base to base. The RS-485 communications serves all Central IO modules and is managed by the single AS-P/AS Server positioned at the start of the I/O bus.
The design provides each module position with a unique address based on the position of the module on the I/O bus. This creates an automatic addressing scheme where the electronics module plugged into the terminal base will take on the position based address provided by the base. The first (leftmost) terminal base module starts with address 01. Address 01 is reserved for the initial PS-24V power supply and address position 02 is reserved for the Smoke Control Server. Only one Smoke Control Server is permitted on the I/O bus. The I/O bus extends up to a maximum position address of 32. After the first PS-24V and the Smoke Control Server, the I/O bus supports up to 30 I/O and power supply modules. The PS-24V is rated for 30 watts output and additional PS-24V units must be added on the I/O bus as needed to ensure the load on any power supply units is 30W or less.
The following accessories are available with the terminal bases.
Accessory |
Part Number |
DIN-RAIL-CLIP, DIN-rail end clip, package of 25 pieces |
SXWDINEND10001 |
PRINTOUT-A4-W1, printout sheets for terminal labels A4 sheet size, 100 sheets, 18 labels per sheet |
SXWTERLBL10011 |
PRINTOUT-LTR-W1, printout sheets for terminal labels Letter sheet size, 100 sheets, 16 labels per sheet |
SXWTERLBL10012 |
S-CABLE-L, S-cable extension cord for AS-P/AS Server I/O bus, 1.5 m length |
SXWSCABLE10002 |
S-CABLE-L, S-cable extension cord for AS-P/AS Server I/O bus, 0.75 m length |
SXWSCABLE10003 |
There are three type of electronics modules included in the Automation Server module family including the PS-24V Power Supply module, the Smoke Control Server, and 17 models of the Central IO modules. All of these modules share the following common features.
Because critical applications require 24-hour operation, Schneider Electric designed the electronic modules for hot-connection of terminal bases and hot-swapping of the modules to their bases. This design ensures continuous power and communication during service operations.
The auto-addressing feature eliminates the need for setting DIP switches or pressing commission buttons. With the Automation Server family, each module automatically knows its order in the chain and assigns itself accordingly. This significantly reduces engineering and maintenance time.
Fasteners easily snap into a locked position for panel installation. The fastener has a quick-release feature for easy DIN-rail removal. The modules use common 35mm DIN rail.
Protection components on the inputs and the outputs protect against high-voltage, short-duration transient events. The current inputs are protected against over current.
The Automation Server module family uses built-in connectors for single row connectivity, side by side. If a panel size requires multiple rows, S-cable extension cords are available.
The Automation Server module family are all powered by 24 VDC supplied by the PS-24V module, which in turn, is powered by 24 VAC. For UL 864 compliance, the 24 VAC must be provided by one of the approved transformers.
The module family shares a common environment specification:
Storage: -20°C to +70°C
Operating: 0°C to +50°C
Humidity: up to 95% RH, non-condensing
Modules have housings that share plastic resin type and are molded with the same mechanical size dimensions:
Plastic Type: Eco Friendly ABS/PC
Plastic Flammability: UL94-5V
Enclosure Rating: IP20
Mechanical Size– Inches 3.6 W x 4.5 H x 2.5 D (Millimeters: 90 W x 114 H x 64 D)
A PS-24V power supply module is required for each Smoke Control Server. The PS-24V plugs into the model TB-PS-W1 DIN rail mounted terminal base. The right side of this terminal base directly mates with the TB-ASP-W1 (or TB-AS-W1) terminal base holding the Smoke Control Server. The PS-24V accepts input power from a 24 VAC transformer and consumes a maximum power of 60VA. The unit provides a 24 VDC (30W max.) output to the terminal base. This power is delivered to the Smoke Control Server and other modules positioned to the right of the PS-24V terminal base.
Optionally, you can add Central IO modules to the right of the Smoke Control Server. These Central IO modules consume 24 VDC power from the power supply module feeding the Smoke Control Server. When the accumulated power of the Smoke Control Server and Central IO modules reach 30W, the output capacity from the initial power supply module is exhausted. If additional I/O is needed, you can connect another PS-24V power supply module on the right side of the last Central IO module. This terminates the load on the previous PS-24V. You can now connect additional Central IO modules to the right of the added power supply module which will supply them with 24 VDC power. You can repeat this process until a total of 32 modules are connected on the I/O bus (counting the Smoke Control Server, multiple PS-24V units and all Central IO modules). Use the Power Budget table to determine when another power supply is needed. For more information, see Power Rating .
For UL 864 systems, the DC power input rating (24 to 30 VDC @40W) is not applicable. Only the transformer-powered PS-24V has been evaluated using one of the approved transformers.
Power Input: 24 VAC (+-20%) 50/60hz
Recommended transformer rating: 60VA (or higher)
Maximum Input Current: 2.5A
Power Output: 24 VDC (+/-1V) 30W 1.25A
The family of 3 Automation Server models discussed here for smoke control are Schneider Electric-manufactured, embedded devices that generally serve as the lowest tier servers within the EcoStruxure Building Management System. Typically, they control and supervise HVAC equipment using Central IO modules with connected field devices, such as sensors and actuators.
In a smoke control system, the AS-P-SMK, AS-P-NLS-SMK or AS-SMK servers operate as the main controllers.
The AS-SMK Server is no longer in production. It is documented here because it remains approved for smoke control or field control systems wherever AS-SMK Servers are encountered.
Schneider Electric manufactures several different models of Automation Servers. The models AS-P-SMK, AS-P-NLS-SMK and AS-SMK refer to the UL 864 listed models and are the only models approved to use in smoke control applications. As described previously, when the three servers are discussed together in this document, they will frequently be referred to as Smoke Control Servers.
The Smoke Control Servers are the same standard model Automation Servers with the addition of the UL 864 listing mark, software revision restrictions, and a different installation instruction sheet.
The Smoke Control Servers are IP level CPU/controllers that communicate with the host WorkStations and other IP controllers and Ethernet devices using the 10/100 BASE-TX Ethernet interface. The Smoke Control Servers communicate with the MP-C, MP-V and IP-IO IP level controllers/devices using the 10/100 Ethernet interfaces provided on each of these models. The Smoke Control Servers communicate with MS/TP and Infinet Bus field controllers using one or both of the RS-485 interface channels.
The field controller connections to the EcoStruxure BMS Smoke Control Servers in a single smoke control system will typically be from a single family of controllers applied in the original system installation. However, the smoke control system may include any of the controller models referenced in this guide. When involving controllers that operate on differing buses (such as MS/TP and Infinet), the Smoke Control Servers coordinate control communications between the field controllers as required.
The Smoke Control Servers communicate with the FSCS panel using either of the RS-485 channels with the selection of the Modbus protocol. The Smoke Control Servers also communicate with the variety of local Central IO modules connected via a separate high speed RS-485 interface passing through the backplane terminal base units connecting all Central IO modules to the Smoke Control Servers. The Smoke Control Servers plug into the applicable model of server terminal base which mounts/snaps onto a DIN rail.
The following table describes the ports provided on the Smoke Control Servers.
Communication Port |
Connection |
Ethernet 10/100 (AS Server only) |
IP, LAN/WAN, Modbus BACnet |
Ethernet 1 10/100 (AS-P Servers only) Ethernet 2 10/100 (AS-P Servers only) |
IP, LAN/WAN, Modbus BACnet |
RS-485 COM A |
BACnet MS/TP, Infinet field bus or Modbus |
RS-485 COM B |
BACnet MS/TP, Infinet field bus or Modbus |
Backplane I/O bus |
Internal power supply and I/O addressing |
Operator Panel |
** |
LonWorks (FT and RS-485) (not AS-P-NLS) |
LonWorks ** |
USB Host (Ports 1 and 2) (AS Server only) |
** |
USB Host (AS-P Servers only) |
** |
USB Device |
** |
(** The operator panel port, LonWorks ports and the USB ports are not evaluated as part of the UL 864 system and must not be used to perform any part of the smoke control system application)
The Smoke Control Servers manage the communications from the Fire Alarm Panel (source of zone alarm signal input) and determine how that alarm signal is associated with the application program defined smoke zones in the system. The Smoke Control Servers managing the Fire Alarm Panel (FAP) typically assign the smoke zone number to the alarm signal and distribute that zone alarm signal to the other controllers responsible for taking action associated with the initial smoke zone alarm.
Typically, the zone alarm distribution will be from the Smoke Control Servers managing the FAP to the other Smoke Control Servers acting as Zone Managers. The Smoke Control Servers operating as Zone Managers will supervise and coordinate the operation of the IP level field controllers (MP controllers) connected over the 10/100 Ethernet or MS/TP or Infinet field controllers connected to the two RS-485 network ports (COM-A and COM-B) provided on each Smoke Control Server.
The field controllers will typically provide the majority of direct control and monitoring of the field equipment used to create pressurized zone control. The Smoke Control Servers also support a large collection of I/O expansion modules locally connected in the same or adjacent enclosures. You can also define the Central IO modules within Smoke Control Server programming to provide control and monitoring of smoke zone equipment. Due to the distributed nature of the HVAC system and the portion of that equipment participating in the smoke control system, the field controllers provide most of the equipment connections. The Central IO modules may be more efficient when dealing with large AHU and damper clusters needing a large collection of I/O in a local area.
You can use the Smoke Control Servers in dedicated or non-dedicated smoke control applications and communicate or interoperate with the following components:
MP controllers (IP level controllers/devices)
This includes models such as MP-C-xxx-SMK, MP-V-xxx-SMK and IP-IO-xxx-SMK controllers.
RS-485 field controllers
The field controllers may come from the MS/TP BACnet family (b3 and MNB) or from the Infinet i2 family.
BACnet MS/TP controllers
This includes models such as b36xx-S, b38xx-S and b39xx-S series and MNB models like the MNB300, MNB-V1-2 and MNB-V2-2.
Infinet i2 controllers
This includes models such as i26xx-S, i28xx-S and i29xx-S.
FAP via Ethernet (BACnet/IP), or contact input from the FAP via digital inputs on Central IO modules, or IP level and RS-485 field controllers.
FSCS panel (using the RS-485 Modbus port)
The Smoke Control Servers perform the following functions in a smoke control system:
Initialize and manage the smoke control system
Manage the normal mode HVAC comfort control
Receive fire alarms from the Fire Alarm Panel and instruct the local I/O and distributed controllers and devices to execute a smoke control strategy
Manage the FSCS display of equipment and alarm status and processes manual override direction from the FSCS panel
Manage weekly self-tests on dedicated equipment in the system
Supervise the Ethernet IP communications between the Smoke Control Servers and the IP level MP controllers
Monitor the controllers in the smoke control system and signal the FSCS when there is a communication fault or output override
Device/Portal |
Smoke Control Servers Connect To... |
MS/TP and Infinet field control bus |
The field controllers accessed over the RS-485 field bus are used to control distributed HVAC equipment in the system including fans and dampers. See Ethernet entry below for IP field controllers. Supervised to all RS-485 field controllers participating in the smoke control application. |
Central IO modules |
Central IO modules through a backplane provided in the Terminal Base plug-in modules on a high speed RS-485 bus. Supervised to all Central IO modules in the smoke control application. Not supervised to supplemental I/O applications. |
Ethernet |
The Fire Alarm Panel (BACnet/IP interface), WorkStation and other AS-P/AS Servers or IP controllers in the system. Supervised to the FAP and all Smoke Control Servers and IP field controllers in the smoke control application. Ethernet path is not supervised to WorkStation and other supplemental devices. |
FSCS |
The FSCS using the Modbus protocol on one of two RS-485 ports. Supervised by the FSCS panel. |
The Central IO modules include these common features:
Terminal base mounting
Hand/Off/Auto switches
All Central IO modules plug into the same model terminal base model TB-IO-W1 and spread their unique combination of inputs and outputs over the 24 wiring terminals provided on each base.
All Central IO modules that provide analog or digital outputs include an optional Hand/Off Auto switch. The front panel of the Central IO module with the -H model number suffix includes Hand/Off/Auto (HOA) switches that provide override control of the outputs. For Digital output types, the switch will accommodate the positions to select automatic operation (output driven by the Smoke Control Server), the override ON mode and the override OFF mode. For Analog output types, the switch will accommodate the positions to select automatic operation (output driven by the Smoke Control Server) and hand/manual override mode. When in the hand override position, a rotary potentiometer is provided to manually control the output voltage or current over the full range.
The Smoke Control Server reads the position of the HOA switch and enables the functional supervision required for UL864 compliance. While the HOA switches are useful during system installation and configuration, all switches associated with smoke control equipment must remain in the automatic position after system commissioning. All switches that affect smoke control equipment must be supervised by the Smoke Control Server and the status of the HOA switches reported to the Smoke Control Server managing the FSCS panel. If any HOA switches affecting smoke control equipment are detected in a position other than automatic, the Smoke Control Server must indicate a fault on the FSCS panel with visual and audible annunciation. You may use the common equipment fault LED as a visual indicator. However, a preferred scheme includes a separate LED indicator identified as an HOA Override Fault.
A summary of the Central IO modules included in the smoke control system follows.
The DI-16 Digital Input module provides 16 input channels to monitor the status of digital dry contacts, or counting contact pulses in a metering application. The contact inputs are stimulated with 24 VDC (2.4 mA). Pulse counter mode supports 20 ms minimum pulse with 25Hz maximum frequency. The DI-16 provides 16 bi-color LEDs to show the current state of the input contacts. LED polarity (ON/OFF) and color (red/green) are program selectable.
The UI-16 Universal Input module provides 16 inputs that are individually program configured to support these input types:
Digital– Dry contacts, Pulse Counter
Supervised Contacts
Voltage 0 – 10 VDC
Current 0 – 20ma
Temperature (Variety of Thermistor types)
LEDs on the module face show the current input status when configured for DI or Pulse input.
The AO-8 and AO-8-H analog output module provides eight output channels which are individually program configured for Voltage output (0-10V, 2ma) or Current output (0-20ma, 0 to 650Ω) output. The -H model provides optional Hand override control on the module face. A slide switch places the output in Automatic mode or in Hand Override mode. When in Hand mode, the rotary potentiometers (clockwise increase) allow you to adjust the output voltage or current.
The AO-V-8 and AO-V-8-H analog output module provides eight voltage output channels. Each output delivers 0-10 VDC (@ 2ma max). The -H model provides the optional Hand override control on the module face. A slide switch places the output in Automatic mode or in Hand Override mode. When in Hand mode, the rotary potentiometers (clockwise increase) allows you to adjust the output voltage.
The DO-FA-12 and DO-FA-12-H digital output modules provide twelve Form-A relay contact output channels. Each relay output provides one common (C) terminal and one normally open (NO) terminal. The relay contacts are isolated (3000 V) from signal/chassis ground. On the controller face, each output includes a green LED that indicates the current state of the relay. The -H model also provides an optional Hand/Off/Auto switch for each output to allow you to manually control the relays.
The DO-FC-8 and DO-FC-8-H digital output modules provide eight Form-C relay contact output channels. Each relay output provides one common (C) terminal, one normally open (NO) terminal and one normally closed (NC) terminal. The relay contacts are isolated (5000 V) from signal/chassis ground. On the controller face, each output includes a green LED that indicates the current state of the relay. The -H model also provides an optional Hand/Off/Auto switch for each output to allow you to manually control the relays.
The UI-8/AO-4 and UI-8/AO-4-H models each provide 8 universal inputs that are individually program configured to support these input types:
Digital – Dry Contacts, Pulse Counter, Supervised Contacts
Voltage (0-10V)
Current (0 – 20ma)
Temperature (1K to 20K Thermistor)
Refer to the earlier UL-16 Universal Input section for identical LED descriptions. The UI-8/AO-4 and UI-8/AO-4-H models also provide 4 output channels configurable for voltage (0-10V) or current output (0-20ma). The -H version provides an optional Hand override control on the module face. A slide switch places the output in Automatic mode or Hand Override mode. When in Hand mode, the rotary potentiometers (clockwise increase) allow you to adjust the output voltage or current.
The UI-8/AO-V-4 and UI-8/AO-V-4-H models each provide 8 universal inputs that are individually program configured to support these input types:
Digital – Dry Contacts, Pulse Counter, Supervised Contacts, Voltage (0-10V)
Current (0 – 20ma)
Temperature (1K to 20K Thermistor)
Refer to the earlier UL-16 Universal Input Module for identical LED descriptions. The UI-8/AO-V-4 and UI-8/AO-V-4-H models also provide 4 analog voltage output channels (0-10V 2ma). The -H version provides an optional Hand override control on the module face. A slide switch places the output in Automatic mode or Hand Override mode. When in Hand mode, the rotary potentiometers (clockwise increase) allow you to adjust the voltage output.
The UI-8/FC-4 and UI-8/FC-4-H models each provide 8 universal inputs that are individually program configured to support these input types:
Digital – Dry Contacts, Pulse Counter, Supervised Contacts, Voltage (0-10V)
Current (0 – 20ma)
Temperature (1K to 20K Thermistor)
Refer to the earlier UL-16 Universal Input Module section for identical LED descriptions. The UI-8/DO-FC-4 and UI-8/DO-FC-4-H models also provide 4 Form-C relay contact outputs. The relay contacts are isolated (5000 VAC) from signal/chassis ground. Four LEDs on the controller face indicate the relay output state. The -H model also provides an optional Hand/Off/Auto switch for each output to allow you to manually control the relays
The RTD-DI-16 model provides 16 inputs used for RTD temperature sensing or digital contact inputs. The RTD input supports 2-wire or the more accurate 3-Wire configuration. The 3-wire mode uses 2 inputs reducing capacity to eight 3-wire RTDs. RTD types supporting direct temperature conversion include the following:
RTD Type |
Range |
Accuracy |
Resolution |
Pt100 |
-58/+302°F |
+-0.90°F |
0.05°F |
Pt1000 |
-58/+302°F |
+-0.54°F |
0.05°F |
Ni1000 |
-58/+302°F |
+-0.36°F |
0.05°F |
LG-Ni1000 |
-58/+302°F |
+-0.36°F |
0.05°F |
JCI-Ni1000 |
-58/+302°F |
+-0.18°F |
0.05°F |
You can use other RTD types in resistive input mode with Function Block or Script to convert resistance to temperature. See the SpaceLogic Hardware Reference Guide for resistive input types and specifications.
In digital input mode, 16 contact inputs are supported for status or pulse input. Bi-color LEDs provide an indication of the input state in DI mode.