AU2018274873A1 - A security detector and end of line module - Google Patents

Abstract

A security detector is sdescribed including: a terminal strip for connecting the security detector to a communications cable; a socket including a number of electrical connections; the electrical connections of the socket are in electrical communication with the terminal strip; and the socket is arranged in use to receive either a relay package or an end of line module. Fig1

Description

A SECURITY DETECTOR AND END OF LINE MODULE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to security detectors and particularly relates to arrangements for installing an end of line module in relation to a security detector.

Background to the Invention

A typical building security system includes a number of detectors in the form of sensors installed at various locations around the building. These sensors may include infra-red motion sensors, door position sensors, pressure pads etc. The sensors are usually connected to a building security panel by way of a series of communication cables which run from each sensor to the security panel.

In a high security installation an end of line module (EOLM) is installed in association with each sensor. The EOLM includes a number of wire ends emanating from the EOLM. These are used to connect the EOLM between the sensor and the security cable. The EOLM provides encrypted communications between the sensor and the security panel. This arrangement guards against eavesdropping by a malicious party tampering with or otherwise tapping into the communications cable.

Various difficulties arise when installing an EOLM in association with a sensor. The EOLM is usually installed inside the existing sensor housing or sensor box. The installation process is difficult given the close confines of the sensor box and the location of the box which usually at the top edge of a door. The wire ends emanating from the EOLM must be correctly identified and connected to both the sensor terminal strip and the communication cable. The process is inconvenient, time-consuming and prone to error.

There remains a need for improved arrangements for installing EOLMs in association with security detectors.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect the present invention provides a security detector including a terminal strip for connecting the security detector to a communications cable; a socket including a number of electrical connections; the electrical connections of the socket are in electrical communication with the terminal strip; and the socket is arranged in use to

2018274873 04 Dec 2018 receive either a relay package or an end of line module.

The socket may be an integrated circuit socket.

The security detector may be a door position sensor.

In a second aspect the present invention provides an end of line module which is arranged to attach to a socket.

The end of line module may packaged as an integrated circuit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a security detector;

Figure 2 shows a two pole relay; and

Figure 3 shows an end of line module.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Referring to figure 1, a security detector is shown in the form of a door position detector 10. Detector 10 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 12 upon which are mounted various electronic components including a door position sensor 14, a terminal strip 16 for connecting the sensor 10 to a communications cable (not shown) and an integrated circuit (IC) socket 20. The socket 20 is dimensioned to receive a standard pitch 10 pin electronic package. The components are in electronic communication with one another by way of conductive tracks formed on the PCB in a known manner.

Detector 10 is installed in a conventional manner with a communications cable being attached to the terminal strip 16. The connections on the terminal strip are labelled to facilitate connection of the communications cable using a conventional security labelling scheme such as C/CN/NO/+/-/TAMP.

Following installation, detector can be put into two modes (unencrypted or encrypted) by selecting either a relay package 30 (see fig 2) or an end of line module (EOLM) 40 which is packaged in an integrated circuit package for insertion into socket 20 as will be described.

In the unencrypted mode, relay package 22 is inserted into socket 20. The relay package includes a double relay which presents alarm and tamper outputs at the

2018274873 04 Dec 2018 terminal strip which are “seen” by the communications cable, and thus by the security control board.

In the encrypted mode the relay package is not used. It is removed and replaced by EOLM 40. The IC socket in this scenario provides power to the EOLM 40 and communication to the existing terminal strip 16. EOLM 40 thus presents encrypted outputs to the terminal strip 16 which are “seen” and unencrypted at the security board.

Embodiments of the invention allow third party security panel manufacturers to insert an Integrated Circuit EOLM into the sensor. The encrypted communication cable would connect to the existing terminal strip, but in this case the connection would be to the EOLM rather than the relay contacts.

The invention provides the benefit of a simpler installation with the option to use either the low level security unencrypted relay output, or high level security with the EOLM inserted in the IC socket.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a door position detector it has similar application with other types of sensors including motion detectors, pressure pads etc.

Any reference to prior art contained herein is not to be taken as an admission that the information is common general knowledge, unless otherwise indicated.

Finally, it is to be appreciated that various alterations or additions may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the present invention.

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A security detector including:

   a terminal strip for connecting the security detector to a communications cable; a socket including a number of electrical connections;

   the electrical connections of the socket are in electrical communication with the terminal strip; and the socket is arranged in use to receive either a relay package or an end of line module.
2. 2. A security detector according to claim 1 wherein the socket is an integrated circuit socket.
3. 3. A security detector according to either of claim 1 or 2 wherein the security detector is a door position sensor.
4. 4. An end of line module which is arranged to attach to a socket.
5. 5. An end of line module according to claim 4 which is packaged as an integrated circuit.