Data Bus

The data communication protocol linking the various elements of the Octoplex system is CAN bus as defined by NMEA 2000 specifications. As the system provides monitoring and control of the vessel’s AC and DC electrical systems, a maximum degree of safety, redundancy, and dependability is designed into the system. The system is installed with two separate bus feed lines, one primary and one secondary, and also employs two separate NMEA2000 multiplexing drivers in the system’s bus connected components. Thus, in the unlikely event that the primary bus line becomes compromised, damaged or severed, or alternatively, a multiplexing circuit within an MCS device fails, the system will automatically switch to the alternate bus line and processors, and provide notification of the occurrence. Likewise, while the system is operating on the primary bus, the secondary bus is always active and monitored. Thus, while not being employed for system control, should the secondary bus fail, the system will recognize and indicate its failure. It is subsequently necessary that the problem be rectified to enable the system to return to its normal fail safe mode of operation. The system may be installed and operated with a single bus line; however, Moritz Aerospace believes the security of the vessel’s DC power system and the associated safety of vessel operations would be unduly compromised.