NodeBuilder® FX Development Tool

Create control devices faster with our next-generation development tool.

The NodeBuilder FX Development Tool is a complete hardware and software platform for creating LonWorks devices based on the new FT 5000 Smart Transceiver and Neuron 5000 Processor. It also lets you develop applications for all previous-generation Smart Transceivers and Neuron Chips. Whether you're building large or small control network devices, the NodeBuilder FX tool makes your project faster, easier, and more affordable.

  • Rapidly develop LonWorks® devices and LNS plug-ins.
  • Quickly install your devices onto a LonWorks network.
  • Immediately test device and plug-in interoperability with other devices and tools.
  • Deliver interoperable devices to market quickly and more affordably than any other solution.

Use the NodeBuilder FX tool to create control devices such as:

  • VAV controllers
  • Thermostats
  • Washing machines
  • Card-access readers
  • Refrigerators
  • Lighting ballasts
  • Blinds
  • Pumps

These devices can be used in a variety of systems including:

  • Building and lighting controls
  • Energy management
  • Factory automation
  • Transportation

Four Editions

Choose the NodeBuilder FX edition that's best for you:

  • A complete hardware and software development system that includes development hardware for the FT 5000 Smart Transceiver.
  • A complete hardware and software development system that includes development hardware for Power Line Smart Transceivers.
  • A complete hardware and software development system for classroom use that includes FT 5000 development hardware.
  • A software-only solution that you can use with your existing or newly developed hardware, or upgrade your Mini FX Evaluation Kit to the full NodeBuilder FX Development Tool.

Key Features

  • Neuron® C compiler and Integrated Development Environment for developing control network devices and applications.
  • Built-in code wizard speeds development by automatically generating source code for your application.
  • Integrated programmer's editor and source-level debugger allow easy code development and testing.
  • Includes the market-leading LonMaker® Integration Tool, which lets you easily install and test devices in functional networks.
  • Supports interrupts on the LonWorks 2.0 Series 5000 processors.
  • FT and PL versions include a U10 and U20 USB Network Interface so you can easily connect to your computer.
  • Supports the i.LON SmartServer and other OpenLDV-compatible network interfaces for easy and flexible network connectivity.
  • Available for twisted-pair and power line devices leveraging Echelon's unique Smart Transceiver technology.
  • Integrated ISI library lets you develop devices that don’t require installation tools.
  • Integrated programmable serial gateway library lets you develop serial gateway devices.

Interoperable Devices

Develop interoperable devices and get LonMark® certified faster with these NodeBuilder FX tool features:

  • A programming language — which supports declaring and using standard functional blocks, network variables, configuration properties, and more — that makes it easy to create an interoperable network interface.
  • A programming wizard that writes much of your LonMark code.
  • Resource definitions for standard types and functional profiles.
  • A resource editor that lets you create your own types and functional profiles.
  • A network tool that gives you easy network access to your interoperable interface.

Tool Comparison

Our other development tool, the Mini FX Evaluation Kit, is ideal for creating smaller applications and evaluating the LonWorks platform. Since the Mini FX and the NodeBuilder FX tool share the same programming language, Mini FX users can easily move up to the NodeBuilder FX tool, preserving any code they've developed. Learn more about the differences. For more information about the NodeBuilder FX tool or other Echelon development tools, contact your Echelon sales representative or fill out this form.

Documentation

Developer Centers

Need help for your Neuron C project? Start here: