What is CCR communication?
The two-way link that lets the airfield lighting control system switch and dim a constant current regulator and see its state, current and faults.
CCR communication connects each constant current regulator to the airfield lighting control and monitoring system. The control system sends commands, such as switch on or off and select a brightness step. The CCR returns status, including its state, selected step and output current, and raises alarms for faults such as open circuit, overcurrent or earth leakage.
The link may be hardwired control and status signals, a serial connection or an Ethernet network, often over fibre optic cable for long runs and better immunity to interference. The CCR can also be operated from its own local panel, and what it does if the link fails is set in its configuration, with a communication alarm raised at the control system.
- Command. The control system or the tower requests a circuit on, off or at a set brightness step.
- Transmit. The command travels over the hardwired, serial or network link to the CCR controller.
- Act. The controller checks local or remote mode and sets the output to the requested step.
- Report. The CCR sends back its state, step and output current.
- Alarm. Any fault is signalled to the control system and shown to staff.
- Supervise the link. A lost link raises an alarm and the CCR follows its configured fallback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is CCR communication in airfield lighting?
The exchange of commands, status and alarms between a constant current regulator and the airfield lighting control and monitoring system, so a circuit can be switched, dimmed and supervised from a remote point.
Q2What does a CCR send and receive?
It receives commands such as on or off and brightness step, and it reports its state: on or off, selected step, output current and fault or alarm conditions such as open circuit, overcurrent or earth leakage.
Q3How does a CCR connect to the control system?
By hardwired control and status signals, by a serial link, or by an Ethernet network, often over fibre optic cable for long distances and better immunity to interference and surges. The method depends on the CCR model and the control system.
Q4What is local and remote control?
Local control operates the CCR from its own panel, normally for maintenance and testing. Remote control accepts commands from the control system. The CCR works from only one source at a time, and a local selection normally overrides remote commands.
Q5What happens if communication is lost?
The CCR behaviour is set at configuration: for example hold the last state, default to a safe step or switch to local operation. The control system raises a communication alarm so staff know the circuit is no longer supervised.
Q6Why is the link protected against interference and surges?
CCRs sit near high-voltage cables and lightning-exposed circuits. Fibre optic links, isolation and surge protection stop interference and transients from corrupting commands or damaging control equipment.
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