Marine - CDL Gateway™

The CDL Gateway™ is a pre-configured data aggregator and protocol converter that automatically determine what type of CAT® engine it is connected too and converts the Cat Data Link (CDL) into as many as 6 protocols simultaneously. Very little, if any, setup is required in the field because the CDL side is automatic and the output side is pre-configured according to the customer's needs. Setup in the field is normally limited to setting device addresses for serial networks or IP addresses in Ethernet applications using our free software, MonicoView™. Therefore, installation cost is dramatically reduced and integration time is minimal.

Caterpillar® is a leading supplier of Main Propulsion, Gensets, and Auxiliary engines for Tugboats, Crew Boats, Offshore Supply Boats, Anchor Handling Boats, and Research Vessels. These engines have been primarily electronic for almost 10 years. The CDL Gateway™ is compatible with the older ADEM II ECM's, the more common ADEM III ECM's and the newer ADEM IV ECM's used in the newer C-series engines. The vast majority of the engines installed or refitted are electronic with the exception of the 3600 series of diesel propulsion engines. These engines were only converted to electronic controls in early 2008 with the introduction of the C280 series. The J1939 Gateway™ is used to monitor other manufacturers that comply with the J1939 Standard.

The CDL Gateway™ is used extensively in the marine markets with heavy installed base on offshore crew and supply boats. Most of the generators are controlled by Woodward controllers, so they do not have EMCP style GSC's. Genset data is brought in via the dedicated CDL port, which leaves (2) RS-232 ports, (1) RS-485 port, and (1) Ethernet port for gathering data from other system components such as switchgear or Woodward controllers. Each serial port can communicate via one protocol independently either master or slave. The Ethernet port can communicate via four protocols simultaneously.

In Marine communications applications, grounding is particularly important. In most cases, the negative of the engine battery is grounded to the hull which is effective. However, there are times when ship builders choose to isolate the engines from the hull, which causes communications issues. In these cases, we use an isolated repeater to isolate our Gateways from the engine and reduce the chance of ground loops. An added benefit of the isolated repeater is the ability to remotely mount the Gateway up to several thousand feet from the engine. Monico commonly installs color touch screen HMI's in the wheelhouse for a single common engine monitoring interface which provides space efficiency in crowded environments.

Most of these types of vessels have automated control systems with PLC's. So, the CDL Gateway™ acts as a data concentrator for engines, generators, thrusters, auxiliary engines, switchgear, and other controllers. We then provide usable data to the PLC-based control/alarm system and for display on the HMI's in the Wheel house. The CDL Gateway™ is compatible with Siemens, GE Fanuc, Allen Bradley, and Omron PLC's without need for additional modules or drivers. The CDL Gateway HMI™ is also used as a stand-alone display system.

If a PLC-based control/alarm system does not exist, then the CDL Gateway PLUS™ and HMI can be used to provide a stand-alone monitoring system.

• The CDL Gateway PLUS™ adds IP features such as:
• Real-Time Data Logging on 2 GB Compact Flash card
• Email notification upon alarm
• Sync server to sync log files to a remote server
• FTP server to allow remote access to the log files from a remote FTP Master
• Virtual color touch screen HMI over Internet Explorer
• Custom HTML web Server for customized web integration

• The CDL Gateway™ also allows for addition of Input/Output Modules such as:
• Thermocouple Inputs for individual cylinder temps, bearing and winding temperatures, or Pre and Post Catalyst temperature sensors
• RTD Inputs for bearing and winding temperatures
• Analog Current inputs for pressure sensors or continuous fuel tank sensors
• Digital SSR inputs and outputs for digital information such as fuel tank sensors and switchgear relay status.