Siemens SNC Serial Network Card Installation Instructions
Model SNC
Serial Network Card for USB Application with Windows
OPERATION
The Model SNC from Siemens Industry, Inc. is a USB-compliant network card used with Siemens Management Stations. It provides a supervised RS-485 network connection and operates in both Class B and Class X configurations. The SNC enables users to interface networked MXL, XLS, Desigo Fire Safety Modular, or Cerberus PRO Modular fire panels to Desigo CCs, Cerberus DMS, or NCCs on XNET. It can also interface with WAN components in NCC WAN and Desigo CC/Cerberus DMS WAN configurations. For NCC, one SNC can be used for XNet, and another for HNet WAN connections. Desigo CC/Cerberus DMS systems may support up to two or four SNC cards for multiple XNet networks and WAN enclosures. The module fits in any available PCI or PCI Express compliant slot. The card's slot connection is not critical, and the tab offers only additional support; it can be scored off if connectivity issues arise. Some Management Station computers come with one or two SNC modules pre-installed. Hardware installation instructions for non-factory installed SNCs are detailed in the Physical Installation section.
Controls and Indicators
The LEDs are located above X1, ordered from top to bottom. Refer to Figure 1 for details.
LED | Color | Description |
---|---|---|
NET OK (DS2) | Green | Blinks to indicate network is receiving data. |
HOST OK (DS1) | Green | Blinks to indicate data to transmit. |
CH A (DS4) | Yellow | Blinks* to indicate individual Channel A select. |
CH B (DS5) | Yellow | Blinks* to indicate individual Channel B select. |
* If LED is steady, indicates a Class X fault on that channel.
Figure 1 SNC Module Board Description
Figure 1 illustrates the SNC Module Board. It shows the physical layout including LEDs (NET OK, HOST OK, CH A, CH B), connectors (TB1, S2, X3, S1), a RESET button, and a side view. It also depicts typical pin assignments for USB connections, indicating +5V, USB1/2+, USB1/2-, GND, and optional S-GND.
CONFIGURATION
Once drivers are installed, Windows assigns the SNC to a standard COM port. Drivers are typically pre-installed in NCC/Desigo CC/Cerberus DMS. Driver installation details are in the Driver Installation section. The assigned COM port can be viewed in Windows Device Manager. Each SNC card uses one COM port. For Windows XP, the used COM port is the first (or lower) numbered port assigned. For Windows 7/10, it's the USB serial port assigned by the FTDI driver.
Accessing Device Manager in Windows 7 or 10:
- Open the Start menu and click Control Panel.
- In the Control Panel window, click the right-arrow next to the Address bar to display additional locations.
- Select and click 'All Control Panel Item'.
- On the updated screen, select and click Device Manager.
Figure 2 Device Manager View Description
Figure 2 presents a sample Windows 7 or 10 Device Manager view, showing typical COM port assignments for two installed SNC boards (e.g., COM13 and COM14) labeled as 'USB Serial Port'. The properties dialog for a USB Serial Port is also shown, identifying the manufacturer as FTDI and confirming the device is working properly. Port assignments can be changed. Both boards can handle XNET and HNET, but wiring must match the COM port assignment for the respective protocol (HNET wiring to HNET-assigned COM port, XNET wiring to XNET-assigned COM port). On Desigo CC/Cerberus DMS, card ID assignments in the XNet/WAN Driver configuration must match the wiring.
PHYSICAL INSTALLATION
NOTE 1: Remove all Windows PC power before installation.
NOTE 2: The SNC connects to the motherboard's internal USB2.0 connector via a provided cable harness (see Step 7). USB2.0 headers typically have nine pins in two rows for two USB connections. Pins for USB1 and USB2 are usually in separate rows.
TYPICAL PIN ASSIGNMENTS:
- +5V
- USB2 -
- USB2 +
- GND
- S-GND (OPTIONAL)
- +5V
- USB1 -
- USB1 +
- GND
Pin 5 (S-GND) is black and optional; leave it unplugged if the cable assembly uses the 4-pin row. Some motherboards have 10-pin (2x5) or 8-pin (2x4) headers.
NOTE: USB2.0 connectivity is verified for Comark 2nd and 4th generation motherboards.
WARNING: The SNC is compatible only with motherboards using the internal USB2.0 connector as depicted. Verify pin assignments before use.
To install the SNC in a computer where it is not factory installed:
- Unscrew the two knurled knobs on the rear of the computer case and slide the cover back, then lift it off.
- Install the SNC into any available PCI or PCI Express compliant slot. Remove the slot's blank cover and retain its screw.
- NOTE: The card's slot dependency is minimal; the tab is for support and can be removed if needed.
- Remove the terminal block from the SNC by unscrewing the two screws holding it to the bracket.
- Place the SNC into the open slot, ensuring the card edge extends through the PC's rear opening.
- Align the SNC with the card edge connector and press firmly into place.
- Connect the SNC (via X3 connector) to the motherboard's internal USB connection using the provided cable harness (P/N A5Q00070675).
- Secure the SNC using the screw removed in Step 3.
- Replace the computer cover and tighten the knurled knobs.
- Reattach the terminal block by sliding it onto the SNC card edge and securing it with the two screws. It's a keyed connection.
- After installation, install the SNC drivers as per the Driver Installation section.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
HNET/XNET connections are made on terminals 1-4 of the SNC's terminal block (refer to Step 4 in Physical Installation). The primary pair (Network A) is on terminals 1 and 2; the secondary pair (Network B) is on terminals 3 and 4. Install a 120 ohm EOLR (P/N 140-820350) on terminals 1-2 and 3-4.
For Class B networks, connect only the primary pairs (Network A).
For Class X networks, connect to both primary (Network A) and secondary (Network B) pairs.
Network (XNET): See Figure 3 for wiring details.
WAN Network (HNET): See Figure 4 for wiring details.
Figure 3 SNC XNET Connections Description
Figure 3 details the SNC XNET Connections. It shows the SNC connected to a NIC-C module and a NIM-1R/NIM-1W module. Terminal assignments for Pair A (Supervised, Power Limited) and Pair B (Supervised, Power Limited, Omit for Class-B) are shown on the SNC and NIC-C. Notes provide specifications for wire gauge (12-24AWG or two 16-24AWG), cable length (2000 ft max for SNC to NIC-C), impedance (80 Ohms max per pair SNC to NIM), capacitance (line-to-line and line-to-shield values for unshielded/shielded twisted pair), shield termination (one end only), power limitation (NFPA 70 per NEC 760), unused CC-5 terminals, ground fault detection (pins 3-4, 7-8 of NIC-C), pair supervision, maximum voltage (8V P-P), and maximum current (75mA during transmission).
Figure 4 SNC HNET (WAN) Connections Description
Figure 4 illustrates the SNC HNET (WAN) Connections. It shows the SNC connected to a NIC-C module. Notes specify wire gauge (12-24AWG or two 16-24AWG), cable length (2000 ft max for SNC to NIC-C), impedance, capacitance (line-to-line and line-to-shield values for unshielded/shielded twisted pair), shield termination (one NIC-C only), power limitation (NFPA 70 per NEC 760), maximum voltage (8V P-P), maximum current (75mA during transmission), and pair supervision. It also indicates the placement of an EOLR (120 OHMS, 1/2W, 5%).
Shields, Earth Ground, Ground Fault Detection
Shields: Shields for XNET/HNET must be connected at ONE end of the network.
Earth Ground: A good earth ground is required for transient protection. Connect a separate ground to terminal 5 on the SNC (see Figures 3 or 4).
Ground Fault Detection: The SNC provides electrical isolation for ground fault detection on the XNET. This requires all NCC or Desigo CC/Cerberus DMS computers in the system to be connected to XNET with an SNC (or NCC-1F/NCC-2F for existing NCC systems). Ground fault detection must be enabled at a NIM-1R/-1W or NIC-C, located in a cabinet with an MMB, SMB, or PSR-1. See Figure 5 for wiring. For XNET sections using fiber optics, ground fault detection can be enabled at one NIM-1R/-1W or NIC-C per section. Refer to NIC-C Installation Instructions (P/N 315-033240) for NIC-C ground fault detection. For HNET systems, also refer to NIC-C Installation Instructions.
Figure 5 Wiring for Ground Fault Detection (XNET) Description
Figure 5 shows the wiring for Ground Fault Detection (XNET) using MOM-4 and MOM-2 modules connected to NIM-1R/-1W modules. It illustrates the interconnections required for this function.
DRIVER INSTALLATION
Drivers are typically pre-installed in NCC/Desigo CC/Cerberus DMS computers. If installation is needed on another computer, follow these instructions. SNC cards are compatible with Microsoft Windows 7 or 10 operating systems. Upon first startup with an SNC card, Windows detects it.
Windows Installation:
- Ensure the SNC is properly installed in the computer as described in the Physical Installation section.
- Visit an authorized Siemens website: Siemens iKnow (Branch) or Siemens Extranet (VAPs) to download the driver file:
CDM20828_setup.exe
(provided by FTDI Chip Limited). - Double-click
CDM20828_setup.exe
to install the driver. - Navigate to PC Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > System > Hardware > Device Manager > Ports. Locate the USB Serial Port and record its COM port number for future reference.
NRC BASED XNET CONNECTION
For connections of SNCs to NRC based XNet networks, refer to the NRC Installation Instructions, Document ID A6V10322639.
ELECTRICAL RATINGS
All connections are supervised and power limited unless stated otherwise.
- Input Voltage: 5V (from USB)
- Input Current: 80mA Max
Cyber security disclaimer
Siemens offers a portfolio of products, solutions, systems, and services with security functions to ensure the secure operation of plants, systems, machines, and networks. In Building Technologies, this includes building automation, control, fire safety, security management, and physical security systems.
Protecting plants, systems, machines, and networks against cyber threats requires a holistic, state-of-the-art security concept that is continuously maintained. Siemens' portfolio is one element of this concept. Users are responsible for preventing unauthorized access to their systems, which should only be connected to enterprise networks or the internet when necessary and with appropriate security measures (e.g., firewalls, network segmentation). Siemens' guidance on security measures should also be followed. For more information, contact a Siemens sales representative or visit Siemens Industrial Security Information.
Siemens continuously develops its portfolio for enhanced security. Updates should be applied promptly, and the latest versions used. Unsupported versions or failure to apply updates can increase exposure to cyber threats. Siemens strongly recommends adhering to security advisories for the latest threats, patches, and related measures, available at Siemens Security Advisories.
Company Information
Siemens Industry, Inc.
Smart Infrastructure
8 Fernwood Rd.
Florham Park, NJ 07932
Siemens Canada, Ltd.
1577 North Service Road East
Oakville, Ontario
L6H 0H6 Canada
Document ID: A6V101018824_en--_d
P/N: A5Q00068394