Year
1986
Abstract
A low cost Alarm Multiplexer Communication System (AMCS) has been developed to perform the security sensor monitoring and control functions and to provide remote relay control capability for integrated security systems. AMCS has a distributed multiplexer/repeater architecture with up to four dual communication loops and dual control computers that guarantee total system operation under any single point failure condition. All AMCS hardware is commercially available and controlled by Sandia designed software. Each AMCS can control up to 4096 sensors and 2048 remote relays, with a fairly constant cost per channel independent of the system size. AMCS reports alarm status information to and is controlled by either one or two Host computers. This allows for independent operation of primary and backup security command centers, AMCS communicates with the Host computers over an asynchronous serial communication link and has a messageprotocol which allows AMCS to fully recover from lost messages or large blocks of data communication errors. This paper describes the AMCS theory of operation, AMCS fault modes, and AMCS system design methodology. Also, cost and timing information is presented. AMCS is being used and considered for several DOE and DoD facilities.