Developing fire panels is a challenging task due to their multiple interfaces and real-time requirements to comply with regulations, such as alarm notification and output activation. Consequently, the software development cycle for fire panels is lengthy, with a significant portion dedicated to testing and bug fixing.
Traditionally, most development was carried out on physical hardware setups, which often suffered from limitations and were unable to replicate real-world scenarios. As a result, software testing cycles were frequently incomplete, leading to poor software quality and substantial rework costs.
However, recent advancements in electronics, off-the-shelf modules, components, and partnerships with companies like EMCUS Technologies have brought about new possibilities in the market. These developments allow for the rapid and reliable creation of custom simulators and testing equipment.
Incorporating this equipment into the software development process can help ensure software quality from the early stages. For example, protocol simulators can be utilized to test various fire alarm and loop loading conditions. Some of the tests that can be performed using loop/SLC circuit simulators include.
● Alarms reporting
● Prioritization of alarms
● SLC loop loading conditions
● Fire panel LCD strings
● Cause and effect logic
● Loop or SLC fault conditions
● Performance tests of fire panels
● OEM protocol testing
Moreover, these protocol simulators can also serve commissioning teams by enabling viability tests of fire panels before actual installation in a building. This approach significantly reduces labor costs by resolving issues that would typically require troubleshooting post installation.
Furthermore, these simulators can facilitate long-term test automation of fire alarm software and hardware verification. They offer a general architecture for a protocol simulator, as depicted below.
General architecture for protocol simulator
