NETWORK ALARM MONITORING SYSTEM - TEMPERATURE IN SERVER

ROOM

NORFIDA ER WAN! BINTI MOHD SHAFIE

A report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of

Bachelor of Computer Science (Computer Systems & Network)

Faculty of Computer Systems & Software Engineering University College of Engineering & Technology Malaysia

NOVEMBER, 2005

ABSTRACT

Together with the rapid growth in information technology (IT), server is

important instruments that need in every company even the small company indeed.

Network Alarm Monitoring System - Temperature in Server Room is a project to

develop a prototype that capable to keep those server investments in a good condition,

providing a return and help keep downtime to a minimum. This is because server is

computer equipment that is so sensitive and need a fully care every time. So for

security, the system development need to trigger an alarm sound as a warning sign if

the temperature is go off from the setting range. This is the most valuable asset because

the risk for losing the important data can be avoided especially when network

administrator was in incautious situation. The techniques that used for developing this

project prototype are combine skills in development software and hardware where a

circuit that capable to detect the level of temperature is developed. For the temperature

sensor, LM35dz thermometer-in chip is used as the main chip for this project. A part of

the warning sound, in the same time one (1) of the three (3) LED also take turn to light

on based on the current temperature condition and status. In shortly, red LED is light

on if the server room temperature was exceeded from the setting range, green LED is

used for the normal temperature while yellow LED is function as the warning sign for

lower temperature. Then an interface to display the current temperature value and

status is developed by using Visual Basic version 6.0 applications.

V

ABSTRAK

Sejajar dengan pembangunan infonnation teknologi (IT) yang berlaku, server

merupakan satu keperluan yang cukup penting bukan sahaja kepada syarikat —syarikat

rangkaian gergasi malah juga kepada syarikat-syarikat kecil. 'Network Alarm

Monitoring System - Temperature in Server Room' merupakan satu projek

pembangunan modul yang berupaya menyimpan server-server di dalam keadaan baik

bagi mengelak dari berlakunya kerosakan. mi adalah kerana server merupakan suatu

alatan komputer yang sensitifdan memerlukan pengawasan setiap masa. Maka untuk

keselamatan, model yang dibangunkan perlu menghasilkan satu bunyi sebagai tanda

aniaran sekiranya suhu telah terkeluar dari domain yang ditetapkan. mi merupakan

asset penting kerana risiko untuk kehulangan data path waktu kecemasan dapat

dielakkan terutamanya apabila para pegawai rangkaian yang bertugas berada dalam

keadaan cuai. Teknik-teknik yang digunakan untuk pembangunan model bagi projek

mi menggabungkan kemahiran dalam pembangunan penisian dan perkakasan di mana

satu litar yang berupaya untuk mengesan paras suhu di bangunkan. 'LM35dz

thermometer-in chip' digunakan sebagai cip utama untuk mengesan suhu. Selain

tercetusnya bunyi amaran, path masa yang sama salah satu (1) daripada tiga (3) LED.

juga menyala mengikut keadaan dan status suhu tersebut. Secara ringkasnya, LED

merah menyala apabila suhu bilik server telah melebihi ganis domain suhu, LED hijau

pula untuk suhu normal manakala LED kuning adalah untuk tanda amaran bagi suhu

Yang rendah. Kemudian satu antaramuka direkabentuk dengan menggunakan applikasi

Visual Basic versi 6.0 untuk memaparkan nilai dan status suhu semasa.

V1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

Title Page j

Declaration of Originality ii Dedication iii Acknowledgement iv Abstract

Abstrak vi Table of Contents vii List of Tables xii List of Figures xiii List of Abbreviations xv List of Appendices xvi

INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Project Overview i 1.2 Problem Statement 2 1.3 Project Objective 3

1.4 Project Scope 3

2 LITERATURE REVIEW 4 2.1 Introduction 4 2.2 Current System 4

2.2.1 Tire Pressure Monitoring System 5

vii

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.2.2 TempAware S 2.2.3 LINDY Rack Monitoring System 6 Temperature Measuring Devices 6 2.3.1 Classes of Temperature Sensors 7 2.3.2 Types of Temperature Sensors 8 2.3.3 Integrated Circuit (IC) Temperature Sensors 9 2.3.4 Temperature Sensor Summary ii Port Connector 13 2.4.1 Types of parallel port 14 2.4.2 Differences between Parallel Port and Serial Port 14

2.4.2.l Data Rate 15 2.4.2.212C Bus Speed 16 2.4.2.3 Software 16 2.4.2.4 Simplicity 16 2.4.2.5 Multi-master Capability 17 2.4.2.6 Flexibility 17 2.4.2.7 Data Buffering 17 2.4.2.8 EEPROM Programming is

Study of the Language 18 2.5.1 Assemblers 18 2.5.2 Higher-Level Languages 19

2.5.2.1 Compilers 20 2.5.2.2 Interpreters 20

2.5.3 Language Choices 21 Ways to Access Ports 21 2.6.1 Windows API Calls 22 2.6.2 DOS and BIOS Interrupts 22 2.6.3 LPT Access in Visual Basic 23 Options for Device Drivers 24 2.7.1 DOS Drivers 25

2.7.2 Windows Drivers 25

viii

ix

2.7.3 Custom Controls 26 2.8 Tools for Port Input/Output (I/O) and Interrupts 27

2.8.1 Introduction to NTPort Ocx Library 27 2.8.2 NTPort Ocx Main Functions 28 2.8.3 The Advantages of NTPort Ocx 28

2.9 Conclusion 29

3 METHODOLOGY 30 3.1 Introduction 30 3.2 System Workflow 31 3.3 Project Method 33 3.4 Analysis Level 34

3.4.1 Requirement Determination - Planning,

Interviewed and Observation Process 34 3.4.2 Requirement Structuring 35

3.4.2.1 LM35 Temperature Sensor Introduction 36 3.4.2.2 LM35 Temperature Sensor Applications 36 3.4.2.3 Temperature to Digital Converters 38 3.4.2.4 Operational Amplifiers 38 3.4.2.5 Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)

with Multiplexer 39 3.4.2.6 Process Transferring the Analog Data

to the Application 40 3.4.2.7 Summaries 43

3.4.3 Alternative Specifications 43 3.4.3.1 Personal Computer Specifications 44 3.4.3.2 Software Specifications 44

3.5 Design Level 45 3.5.1 General Overview 45 3.5.2 System Block Diagram 46 3.5.3 Circuit Design 47

x

3.5.4 Program Interface Design 50 3.6 Development / Implementation Level 51

3.6.1 Main Interface System 51 3.6.1.1 Algorithm to Display the Current

Temperature Value 53

3.6.1.2 Algorithm to Read the High and Low

Temperature Value from Text Box 53

3.6.1.3 Algorithm to Display the Current

Temperature Condition 54

3.6.1.4 Algorithm to Trigger the Alarm 54 3.6.1.5 Algorithm to Display the Graph 55

3.6.2 Security Interface System 55 16.3 Hardware Development 56

3.7 Maintenance/Testing Level 57 3.7.1 Hardware Testing 58

3.7.1.1 Testing from Integrated Circuit (IC)

Temperature Sensor to Amplifier 58

3.7.1.2 Testing from Analog to Digital

Converter (ADC) to Multiplexer 59 3.7.1.3 Testing with Parallel Port 60

3.7.2 System Testing 61 3.8 Conclusion 62

4 RESULT AND DISCUSSION 63 4.1 Introduction 63 4.2 Output from the System Testing Phase 64

4.2.1 Temperature Reading Interface User Guide 64 4.2.2 System Testing Result 67 4.2.3 Exit Button 68 4.2.4 Security Interface 69

4.3 Output from the Hardware Testing Phase 71

xi

4.4 Discussion 73

4.5 Constraints 73

4.6 Recommendations and Further Research 74

CONCLUSION 75

REFERENCES 77

Appendices A-H 79-86

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE NO. TITLE PAGE

2.1 Main Differences among RTDs, Thermistors,

Thermocouples, and IC Sensors 11

2.2 Strengths and Weaknesses of RTDs, Thermistors,

Thermocouples, and IC Sensors 12

2.3 Parallel Port Type Information 14

2.4 Comparisons between Parallel Port and Serial Port 15

3.1 Low Nibble and High Nibble Maximum Output 41

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE NO TITLE PAGE

2.1 Sensor and IC Manufacturers Currently Offer Four (4)

Classes of Temperature Sensors 8 2.2 Serial vs. Parallel Communication 13 3.1 System Workflow 32 3.2 System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Model 33 3.3(a) Basic Centigrade Temperature Sensor 37 3.3(b) The Bottom View of LM35dz Temperature Sensor 37 3.4 Analog to Digital Data Outputs 38 3.5 The Non-Inverting Voltage Amplifier with Feedback

Resistor Rf. 39 3.6 Eight (8) Inputs using 74LS 158 Multiplexer 40 3.7 Analog to Digital Converter Maximum Output 42 3.8 Project Overview 45 3.9 System Block Diagram 46 3.10 Network Mann Monitoring System - Temperature in

Server Room Complete Circuit Design 49 3.11 The Design Interface to Display the Temperature Value 50 3.12 The Design Interface for Security 51 3.13 The Development for Main Screen Interface using Visual

Basic 6.0 Application 52 3.14 The Development Screen Interface for Security using Visual

Basic 6.0 Application 55

xlii

xiv

3.15(a) Hardware Circuit Use to Detect Temperature 56

3.15(b) The Complex Hardware Circuit hnplementation 57 3.16 The Temperature Result Testing Process 61 4.1 Temperature Reading Interface 64 4.2(a) Input Message to Set the Low Temperature Limit 66 4.2(b) Input Message to Set the High Temperature Limit 66 4.3 The System Result 67 4.4(a) Pop-up Message from Exit Button 68 4.4(b) Close Confirmation Message 68 4.5 Message Reminder Pop-up 69 4.6 Warning Message for Invalid Usemame and/or Password 70 4.7 Message for Valid Login and Verified User 70 4.8 The Hardware Connection with DB-25 Parallel Port 71 4.9 The Hardware Connection with Power Supply 71 4.10 The Mann Indicator during Testing Phase 72 4.11 Green LED is Light On in Normal Mode 72

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ADC - Analog to Digital Converter

Amps - Amplifier

API - Application Programming Interface

BIOS - Basic Input/Output System

C - Celsius

CMOS - Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor

DAC - Digital to Analog Converter

DLL - Dynamic Link Library

DOS - Disk Operating System

F - Fahrenheit

IC - Integrated Circuit

12C - Inter-Integrated Circuit

110 Input/Output

K - Kelvin

LED - Light Emitting Diode

OP - Operational

PC - Personal computer

PCB - Printed Circuit Board

RTD - Resistance Temperature Devices

SMBus - System Management Bus

SPI - Serial Peripheral Interface

SPP - Standard Parallel Port

V - Volt

VB - Visual Basic

xv

LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX TITLE PAGE

A Gantt Chart of PSM 1&2 79

B LM35 Features & Pin Descriptions

(Temperature Sensor) 80

C AD0804 Features & Pin Descriptions

(Analog to Digital Converter) 81

D LM741 Features & Pin Descriptions

(Operational Amplifier) 82

E 74LS158 Features & Pin Descriptions

(Multiplexer) 83

F Parallel Port Pins Out

(DB-25 Connector) 84

G System Coding 85

H NTPORT OCX Library Installation & Initialization 86

xv'

CHAPTER 1

E14TRODUCTION

1.1 Project Overview

Nowadays, even small companies have spend hundreds thousands of dollars on

computer equipment. Protecting that investment is critical and keeping servers and

associated equipment in a controlled environment is an essential part of protecting that

investment. The temperature in a server room need to set up to make it always secure

and effective. Additional air-conditioning or ventilation ducts may be required to keep

the server room environment comfortable, not only for human operators, but also for

sensitive equipment especially server.

Even the server is store in a server room with a lot of functioning air-

conditioning but it is still sometimes given low priority when there have an electrical

shot. But if it has the chance to offer input on the room by using efficient technology,

the suggestions prototype of Network Alarm Monitoring System - Temperature in

Server Room can be helping in strengthen that case.

A good server room will accommodate all the server equipment with sufficient

space for cabling and easy access to all sides of equipment. Cooling and ventilation is

more important in a server room than the other rooms because of the extra heat

2

generated by the computer equipment. Dedicating a single room for server

organization will give a safe and secure environment for the critical information

systems. As well, centralizing all those equipment to one location allows us to

efficiently monitor operation and troubleshoot problems.

1.2 Problem Statement

All electronic equipment such is sensitive to fluctuations in temperature. If we

look at hardware specifications, we will see an operating temperature that is often in

the range of fifty to ninety five degrees Fahrenheit (50 °F —95 °F) or ten to thirty five

degrees Celsius (IOC— 35 °C).(Brian Kuhn, 2002). The same goes to server which is

most sensitive equipment that need a filly care. It is important that the ambient

temperature does not exceed the limits of the server, or we will risk equipment failure

and downtime.

Every network manager needs a strategy to ensure that the temperature within

the server room remains at a proper level. Here the thesis of application suggestion

system created to manage the server always in a good condition. This allows them to

react quickly, avoiding or minimizing the impact of situations on users and the

organization. This system also can be directed to auto-respond to an alarm condition

and gives managers' benefit because they appear extremely responsive in resolving

important system issues.

13 Project Objective

The primary objectives of the Network Alarm Monitoring System -

Temperature in Server Room that needs to be achieved are:

(i) To develop hardware prototype that capable to detect the server room

temperature.

(ii) To design a software model that able to read and display the current

temperature value in server room.

(iii) To alert an alarm notification when the server room temperature goes

above or below from the determined level.

1.4 Project Scope

The scopes of this project are:

(i) Data was based on University College of Engineering & Technology

Malaysia (KUKTEM) server room temperature environment which the

range is from seventeen to thirty seven degrees Celsius (17 °C —37°C).

(ii) Notify Network Administrator by:

(a) Triggering alarm sound from system when server room

temperature goes above or below from the range of setting level.

(b) Alerting the LED notification from hardware based on

specification below:

• Red for High Temperature Warning

• Yellow for Low Temperature Wanting

• Green for Normal Temperature

(iii) This project prototype is done without auto recovery function.

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 introduction

It is important to select the proper device to measure and read the temperature,

understand the information, and process it effectively. Electronic systems are like

humans in that their temperature needs to be measure at regular intervals. However,

measurement alone is usually not enough. The temperature reading must be properly

interpreted and processed so that appropriate actions can be taken to counteract the

unwanted temperature change.

2.2 Current System

There are several existing systems that have the related function as this project

which are:

(i) Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

(ii) TempAware.

(iii) LINDY Rack Monitoring System.

2.2.1 Tire Pressure Monitoring System

The MPXY8020 series is compatible with tire pressure monitoring systems

using a remote RE sensing approach, and is ideal for integration with existing remote

keyless entry (RKE) systems. In addition, Freescale offers a comprehensive chip set

for a TPMS-RKE system that eliminates the need for an additional 1PM specific

receiver. This chip set is comprised of the following:

(i) MPXY8020 - pressure and temperature sensor and interface circuit.

(ii) 68F1C908RF2 - MCU and RE transmitter housed in a single package.

(iii) MC33591 - RE receiver.

(iv) MC9S12DP256 - microcontroller.

The features of this chipset enable a system to identify individual tires

(including the spare) as well as to detect both "over-pressure" and "under-pressure"

conditions. The system also has the ability to compensate for changes in cargo load

and monitor tire temperature. The module level energy management supports extended

battery life and signals a low-battery condition. Furthermore, the system is compatible

across vehicle platforms and tire technologies.(Duane Sprague, 2004)

2.2.2 TenipAware

TempAware is a small peripheral device that plugs into the serial port of a

computer. When the temperature in the room goes above or below the settings that

have predetermined, an automatic e-mail notification is sent to network administrator.

The temperature fluctuation also can be notified by e-mail that enabled cell phone, in

no matter situation, and prevent potential damage to the investment. When the

temperature sensor indicates that pre-determined upper or lower limit has been

exceeded, the system will send a text alert to cell phone or Email. The convenient way

to keep track of the temperature levels anywhere in the home, office or vacation

property, this simple wireless sensor install in seconds.(Hvac Atlanta, 2003)

2.2.3 L1NDY Rack Monitoring System

The L1NDY Rack Monitoring System monitors all relevant environmental data

and can automatically respond when certain conditions move out of a preset range. In

addition, the RMS can set an alarm to alert the user of any changes. Some users prefer

to receive this warning in the form of an audible alarm, or send error messages (alarm

TRAP's) via network connection. The RMS can be programmed via front panel push

buttons, Telnet/VT 100IRS-232 console or Management Console via network

connection (SNMP, browser). The RMS can work as SNMP agent that can provide all

relevant monitored data and alarm traps to an SNMP Management Station. The SNMP

Management Program is not included with the RMS.(Chris Lonsdale, 2005)

2.3 Temperature Measuring Devices

Temperature measuring devices are classified into two major groups,

temperature sensors and absolute thermometers. Sensors are classified according to

their construction. Three of the most common types of temperature sensors are

thermocouples, resistance temperature devices (RTDs), and filled systems. Typically,

temperature indications are based on material properties such as the coefficient of

expansion, temperature dependence of electrical resistance, thermoelectric power, and

velocity of sound.

Calibrations for temperature sensors are specific to their material of

Construction. Temperature sensors that rely on material properties never have a linear

relationship between the measurable property and temperature. The accuracy of

7

absolute thermometers does not depend on the properties of the materials used in their

construction.

2.3.1 Classes of Temperature Sensors

•There are four types of temperature sensor as illustrated in Figure 2.1. An ideal

analog sensor provides an output voltage that is a perfectly linear function of

temperature (A). In the digital 1/0 class of sensor (B), temperature data in the form of

multiple is and Os are passed to the microcontroller, often via a serial bus. Along the

same bus, data are sent to the temperature sensor from the microcontroller, usually to

set the temperature limit at which the alert pin's digital output will trip. Alert interrupts

the microcontroller when the temperature limit has been exceeded. This type of device

can also provide fan control.

"Analog-plus" sensors (C) are available with various types of digital outputs.

The VOUT versus temperature curve is for an IC whose digital output switches when a

specific temperature has been exceeded. In this case, the "plus" added to the analog

temperature sensor is nothing more than a comparator and a voltage reference.

The system monitor (D) is the most complex IC among them. In addition to the

functions provided by the digital 1/0 type, this type of device commonly monitors the

system supply voltages, providing an alarm when voltages rise above or sink below

limits set via the I/O bus. Fan monitoring or control is sometimes included in this type

of IC. In some cases, this class of device is used to determine whether a fan is working

or not. More complex versions control the fan as a function of one or more measured

temperatures.(Jay Scolio, 2000)

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Figure 2.1: Sensor and IC Manufacturers Currently Offer Four (4) Classes of

Temperature Sensors.(Jay Scolio, 2000)

2.3.2 Types of Temperature Sensors

To select a temperature sensor, it is no longer limited to either an analog-output

or a digital-output device. There is now a broad selection of sensor types, one of which

should match the system's needs.

Until recently, all the temperature sensors on the market provided analog

outputs like thermistors, RTDs, and thermocouples followed by another analog-output

device, the silicon temperature sensor. In most applications, unfortunately, these

analog-output devices require a comparator, an ADC, or an amplifier at their output to

make them useful. Thermistors have long been favored for their very small form

factor, low cost, and high sensitivity. On the negative side, they operate over a limited

temperature range and are often difficult to replace due to lack of industry standards.

They also require compensation circuitry to overcome nonlinearity. RTDs are

generally used where accuracy and stability are vital, but rarely where cost is a

deciding factor. Thermocouples are ideal for monitoring extreme temperatures, but get

poor marks in accuracy and stability and must be thoroughly tested under controlled

conditions.

Thus, when higher levels of integration became feasible, temperature sensors

with digital interfaces became available. These ICs are sold in a variety of forms, from

simple devices that signal when a specific temperature has been exceeded to those that

report both remote and local temperatures while providing warnings at programmed

temperature settings. These devices are in competitively priced, available in tiny

packages, highly accurate, and able to operate over a wide temperature range, are

beginning to replace their precursors in many commercial applications. The choice

now is not simply between analog-output and digital-output sensors. There is a broad

range of sensor types from which to cboose.(Jay Scolio, 2000).

2.3.3 Integrated Circuit (IC) Temperature Sensors

In contrast to analog sensors, digital temperature detectors are complete in

themselves, requiring no additional circuitry for signal conditioning or linearization.

They can be directly connected to the microcontroller, saving design time, PCB area,

and expense. They can flexibly reduce their current consumption, particularly useful in

battery-operated applications where minimal power conswnption is important. The

user can also program temperature limits (THIGH and TLOW) where an alarm is required.

If a programmed limit is exceeded, an interrupt is generated and the microcontroller

can take action. Many IC design systems integrate ADCs and DACs onto a single chip

to save on board space and reduce cost. Some have built-in algorithms that drive

cooling fans at the optimum speed while consuming the least amount of power and

keeping noise to a minimum. These sensors are also particularly useful for closed-loop

applications in general.(Claire O'Keeffe and Donal McNamara, 2004)

10

The use of IC temperature sensors is limited to applications where the

temperature is within a —55°C to 150°C range. The measurement range of IC

temperature sensors may be small compared to that of thermocouples and RTDs, but

they have several advantages: they are small, accurate, and inexpensive, and are easy to

interface with other devices such as amplifiers, regulators, DSPs, and microcontrollers.

IC temperature sensors continue to evolve, providing a varied array of

functions, features, and interfaces. With the higher level of integration now feasible,

digital IC temperature sensors can report both local and remote temperatures, monitor

other system parameters, control fans, or warn when a specific temperature is

exceeded.

However digital temperature sensors are similar to analog temperature sensors,

but instead of outputting the data in current or voltage, it is converted into a digital

format of 1's and 0's. Digital-output temperature sensors are therefore particularly

useful when interfacing to a microcontroller. Such interfaces include single-wire

PWM, two-wire 12C and SMBus, and three/four-wire SPI protocols.(Claire O'Keeffe

and Brian Black, 1999)

2.3.4 Temperature Sensor Summary

Table 2.1 describes the main differences between four types of the familiar

temperature sensor, which are RTD, thermistor, thermocouple and integrated circuit

(IC) sensor. The researches are study based on the several characteristics of each one.

The comparison of their strengths and weaknesses are described in the Table 2.2.

11

Table 2.1: Main Differences among RTDs, Thermistors, Thermocouples, and

Integrated Circuit (IC) Sensors (Claire O'Keeffe and Donal McNamara, 2004)

Summary of the Main Differences Among RTDs, Thermistors,

Thermocouples, and IC Sensors

Characteristic RTD Thermistor Thermocouple IC Sensor

Active material Platinum Metal oxide Two dissimilar Silicon

ceramic metals

Changing Resistance Resistance Voltage Voltage

parameter

cost of system Moderate to Moderate to High Low

(relative) low low

Additional Lead Linearization Reference None

circuitry compensation junction

Temperature -200°C to -100°C to -270°C to -55°C to

range 850°C 500°C 1800°C 150°C

Interchange- -0.060/o- 0.1%, 10%, 2°C typ. 0.5%,20C 1%, 3°C

ability 0.3°C-0.20C

Stability Excellent Moderate Poor Moderate

Sensitivity 0.39%/°C 4%/°C 40 V/°C 10 mV/°C

Relative Moderate Highest Low Moderate

sensitivity

Linearity Excellent Logarithmic! Moderate Moderate

poor

Slope Positive Negative Positive Positive

Noise Low Low High Low

susceptibility