Wireless M-Bus to NB-IoT - Configuration Messages
Guide to the communication protocol of the wireless M-Bus to NB-IoT converters ACR-CV-101NI-W-D2 and ACR-CV-101NI-W433-D2.
Introduction
This manual describes a use of the following Lua script Lua script which sets up a protocol to communicate with the ACRIOS NI-W-D converter and a server configured for this purpose. The system makes use of various payload messages (uplink and downlink) that enable both data gathering and device configuration.
First, we look at general principles used in this communication protocol, then there is an overview of uplink messages (device → server communication), then there is an overview of downlink messages (server → device communication) and finally there is a full example of communication between an ACR-CV unit and the server along with an explanation.
Payload
The communication between the device and the server is achieved with help of payload messages. The payload messages are sent in two directions.
- Uplink Message
- This message type is sent from the converter to the server with the requested information.
- Downlink Message
- This message type is sent from the server to the converter with specific commands.
Uplink Command Bytes
Command Byte | Description |
---|---|
0xFF | Gather report (Legacy) |
0xFE | Configuration acknowledge |
0xFD | wM-Bus IDs acknowledge |
0xFB | Scanning done |
0xFA | Status report |
0xF9 | Bootloader request |
0xF7 | Bootloader answer |
0xF6 | wM-Bus IDs checksum |
0xF4 | Gather report acked |
0xF3 | Scanned unit with mode report |
0xF2 | Status report extended |
0xF1 | Error report |
0xF0 0xFF | Beacon report |
0xF0 0xFE | Send once data |
0xF0 0xFD | Send once end of gathering |
0xF0 0xFC | Sontex ID acknowledge |
0xF0 0xFB | Send Sontex frame |
0xF0 0xFA | Send number of Sontex IDs |
0xF0 0xF9 | Sontex scan finished |
0xF0 0xF8 | Scan report with payload |
0xF0 0xF7 | BUP key readout |
0xF0 0x00 | Data report with ACRCOM |
Downlink Command Bytes
Command Byte | Description |
---|---|
0x01 | Send IDs |
0x02 | Send config |
0x03 | Request config |
0x04 | Request scan |
0x05 | Request IDs |
0x06 | Request status |
0x07 | Request reset |
0x08 | Downlink send ack |
0x09 | Specified Error Report |
0x0A | Error Report |
0x0B | Planned gathering |
0x0C | Set Sontex list of IDs |
0x0D | Request Sontex ID checksum |
0x0E | Request Sontex scan |
0x0F | Request scan with payload |
0x10 | Set Sensus BUP key |
0x11 | Get Sensus BUP key |
Communication Diagrams
This section outlines communication essential for various configurations such as ID readout, encryption keys in BUP mode, and other processes described further below. Every process is clearly depicted and explained through UML diagrams.
Configuration
The primary purpose of downlink communication is remote configuration of the target device. Configuration messages are sent in response to specific messages received from the uplink device. Keep in mind that not all the messages qualify for a response. Downlink messages are only processed when they respond to the following uplink messages:
- 0xF4
- 0xF0 0xFF
- 0xF0 0xFA
- 0xF0 0xF9
- 0xFB
- 0xF1 (specifically when triggered by command 0x0A)
- 0xF0 0xFD
General Configuration
This diagram explains a configuration procedure following a beacon message.
If the device is not configured, it sends a 0xF4 0x01 gather report message. Without a filter of IDs set, the converter will automatically send an uplink every hour to open a receive window for a possible downlink.
Setting IDs
- Wireless M-Bus devices
Below is a diagram showing a process of Wireless M-Bus ID configuration.
- Sontex devices
Configuring Sontex devices involves scanning configured IDs, unlike with the usual Wireless M-Bus devices. This difference is caused by the need of these meters to receive a request for a specified meter ID , in other words, there is a need for active communication, rather than gathering frames passively sent by the meters (passive communication). The benefit of the extra scan in the configuration procedure is that the meter's availability is ensured.