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Interface/Console and Software Manual
Interface/Console and Software Manual
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 INTERFACE/CONTROL CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL .................................... 2
4.1 START-UP...................................................................................................................................... 6
4.1.1 Main screen ................................................................................................................................................ 6
4.2 ANNEX 1: ON/OFF CONTROL ................................................................................................ 18
4.3 ANNEX 2: P.I.D. CONTROL ..................................................................................................... 19
4.4 ANNEX 3: VARIABLE TIME PROPORTIONAL PID CONTROL ..................................... 23
4.5 ANNEX 4: PWM CONTROL ..................................................................................................... 24
4.6 ANNEX 5: ADVANCED FEATURES ....................................................................................... 25
4.7 ANNEX 6: FREQUENT PROBLEMS....................................................................................... 32
4.7.1 Frequent problems with the acquisition card ............................................................................................ 32
4.7.2 Problems when running the application with the acquisition card ........................................................... 34
4.7.3 RS233-USB converter .............................................................................................................................. 43
4.7.4 Other problems ......................................................................................................................................... 43
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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If the product you have purchased is a unit, please pay special attention to
the following points described in this manual. In case the product you have
purchased is only SOFTWARE or the unit and the software are different from
the ones indicated below, go to the annexes of the M7 MANUAL, ignoring the
rest.
There are two types of EDIBON units: those controlled from a computer,
which are the computerised units, and those controlled from an electronic console,
which are the manual units. In the first case, the control and display are done from
the computer, with the mouse and keyboard.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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In the second case, these actions are done from a control console. The
measurement of the sensors will be also displayed in the console screen. In some
units that have only one indicator for several sensors it is necessary to commute with
a selector which sensor will be visualized at each moment.
In both cases, sensors are connected to the electronic interface (or to the
console, if the unit is non-computerised), being it necessary a good connection
between them and the interface. For that purpose, make sure that the connectors have
been threaded to the front panel of the interface/console.
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The interface has a set of fuses at its back panel to protect the unit from
electrical risks. Follow the diagram located at the rear side to know the amperage of
each fuse of the panel. If these fuses were replaced, it is important to make sure that
they make a good electrical contact. However, DO NOT USE SCREWDRIVERS
to tighten the fuse because it could be damaged.
When there are units that contain water, it is important, due to safety
reasons, to place the interface far from the unit in order to avoid splashing it.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
Ed.: 17 Pg.: 6 / 44
4.1 START-UP
When running the program, a menu screen will appear. You can select
there the module of the unit with which you are going to work. That screen will be
omitted in those units that do not consist of modules. In that case, the main screen of
the SCADA software will be directly visualized.
After selecting the corresponding module, the main screen of the software
appears. That screen shows all the elements required to interact with the unit. To
facilitate the use of the SCADA, those elements have been distributed into different
sections.
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START: the exchange of information with the unit starts with this control,
both for the sensors reading and the actuators control. From that moment,
the real time evolution of the previously mentioned signals will be
visualized. In some units, when clicking this button, the user may be asked
to select a file for a later data saving (refer to the image in the “SAVE
DATA” point).
STOP: this button is only available if the “START” button has been
clicked before and its function is to stop the data exchange in progress. The
unit will return to the initial conditions and will remain in sleep mode. If the
user clicks “START”, the data exchange between the unit and the SCADA
will restart again.
SAVE DATA: as it happens with the “STOP” button, this function will be
only available if there is an information exchange with the unit. This button
saves the signals read in the sensors and sent to the actuators automatically
for a later analysis.
When this button is clicked, new controls will appear. They will enable the
user to configure parameters, such as the data-taking period. It is
recommended to choose a period appropriate to the studied process: choose
long periods for slow processes and short periods for quicker processes
with the aim of avoiding a lot of data without information.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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Likewise, the data saving process will not start till the user chooses it. The
“START SAVING” button must be clicked for that purpose.
If the application has not yet requested to select the file where these values
will be reflected, it will be required at the moment that file is selected.
Values will be automatically saved and time during samples can be
configured. Besides, the user has the “TAKE DATA” button to save
additional values manually.
Data will be codified as text to enable their interpretation from this
application, clicking “VIEW DATA”, or from other applications, such as
Excel.
Click “STOP SAVING” to finish the data saving.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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VIEW DATA: this option opens a new window for the graphical
representation of the previously acquired and saved values in order to
analyze them in detail. The application must be in sleep mode to user this
function, in other words, no data exchange between the unit and the
SCADA should be in progress.
In this option, after selecting the file to be loaded, stored data can be
observed and represented versus time. This makes it possible to compare
the different sensors and extract possible conclusions.
The user can use the zoom and autoscale controls on the graph, if desired. If
the values difference between sensors is very marked, the Autoscale button
must be pressed, otherwise they will not be displayed correctly.
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QUIT: to prevent damages in the unit, this button will be only available
when it is not being used. Once clicked, the application will be closed.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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The upper middle section will display the industrial process simulated in
the system schematically. For a better understanding, all the sensors and actuators
that take part in the process are represented in the diagram. These elements can be
easily differentiated, since sensors are represented by a red S while actuators by a
green A.
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4.1.1.3 Sensors
As it can be observed, this section has two panels that differentiate between
analog and digital sensors.
In this example, the unit has 14 analog sensors. Some graphic indicators of
the sensors can be included in the diagram of the system or in the lower panel of this
section.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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In section 4 of the main screen the user can configure which signal of the
sensors will be plotted and in which indicator of the section 5 of this screen will be
visualized. This graphical representation is in real time and allows an analysis of the
evolution of the measurements taken by the sensors. Sensors can be displayed either
individually in different graphs or different sensors in the same graph to facilitate the
comparison between them.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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The user can visualize the signals in two separate graphs so that sensors of
the same nature are placed in each one. For example, temperature sensors can be
displayed on “GRAPH A” and pressure sensors on “GRAPH B”.
To represent the selected sensors in one or another graph, the user just need
to select the graph in question in the drop-down menu (Single Graph/Graph
A/Graph B) must be used. There is also the possibility of enlarging the
representation. For that purpose, click “Enlarge Plot” and a window with a similar,
but bigger, plot will be opened, showing the same information seen in the smaller
panel. This window must be closed to return to the main screen of the application.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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Section 6 of the main screen contains all the controls the enable the user to
interact with the actuators of the unit. This panel has two types of actuators: digital
(represented by a button) and analog (represented by a potentiometer or wheel).
Digital actuators control ON/OFF actuators, for example a resistor or a solenoid
valve, while analog actuators control variables such as the speed of a motor, the flow
supplied by a pump, etc.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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The analog actuators can be found in the tab shown in the previous picture
or in the tab displayed in the picture below. Both tabs are included in this section.
This panel changes according to the supplied unit and may include specific
controls. For that purpose, go to the M7 MANUAL or to the annexes of this
manual if you have a unit with PID control.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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A P.I.D. controller is used for the same purpose than the ON/OFF control
described before. The main difference between these controllers lies in the precision
with which a variable is stabilized in a specific process. The operation of the actuator
is regulated with this type of controller, since most of them are analog actuators. On
the other hand, an ON/OFF controller can only switch on/off the actuators.
The attached window shows all the properties available in the P.I.D
controllers included in the SCADA program.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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Some units, as the UCP, allow greater scalability when visualizing the
generated data.
Pressing the “PARAMETERS PID” button, the instant value of the actions
(proportional, integral and derivative) executed by the PID controller appears. To
close this window, press the same button (in this case it will be shaded and the word
“close” highlighted).
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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Td. The “derivative constant” is the derivative time in minutes, also called time. With
this constant, possible perturbations generated in the system can be corrected within
the band of action, acting immediately.
Ti. The “integral constant” is the integral time in minutes, also called reset time. The
integral action in a controller makes it possible to correct the stationary error
generated in an ON/OFF control.
The properties and possible actions of a PID control are compared in the
table below.
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The PID controller calculates the difference between the set point value
(SP) and the current variable process value (PV) to obtain the error (e).
e = SP – PV
Then, based on the existing error, the PID controller calculates the
controller’s action, u(t), where Kc is the controller’s gain.
1
t
de
u (t ) Kc e edt Td
Ti 0 dt
up(t) = Kc·e
Then, this formula represents the integral action. This action corrects the
stationary error over time.
1 t
ui (t ) K c edt
Ti 0
The total action u(t) is sent to the proportional valve following this pattern:
The signal will be stabilized with the correct tuning of the controller,
decreasing the error progressively.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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PID controls are suitable for the study and control of variables in certain
processes. The traditional concept of a PID controller is to regulate the operation of
an analog actuator, but sometimes only digital actuators will be available.
Thanks to the variable time proportional PID control, a solution for the
control of variables in processes of the type described above is available.
The operation of this control consists in a PID controller that calculates the
corresponding total action and, by means of a specific algorithm, transforms that
action into the duty cycle of the digital actuator that disturbs the variable to be
controlled.
Therefore, the greater the error, that is to say, the farther the variable to be
controlled moves from its set point, the greater duty cycle will be sent to the actuator
in question. As the error decreases, the duty cycle of the actuator will be reduced.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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Signal vs. Signal (X-Y): chart that represents the value of one sensor
versus another.
Mollier Diagram: chart that represents the Mollier cycle and the states
to which a coolant is subjected during a process.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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Polar Graph: it shows the values of the sensors with a phase angle
modifiable by the user in a polar plot.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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Signal vs. Sensor Position: it shows the instantaneous value of all the
sensors.
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Tare Analog Sensors: used to tare the analogical sensors, so zeroing can
be performed at any moment.
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Fault Setting: used to execute a series of faults in order each time the
application is executed. The order of these faults can be modified from the
calibrate window. Refer to the M8 MANUAL for more information.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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View data “Signal vs. Signal”: chart that shows the value of one sensor
of the unit versus another, saved in an Excel file.
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The following section of the manual explains the most frequent problems
that may arise when working with the unit for the first time. The most adequate
solutions for each of these problems are proposed here.
The PCIe card does not have any burnt integrated circuit or physical
damage that does not allow its installation in the PC.
There is enough space to install the card in the PC. The maximum
dimensions are: 9.9 x 16.8 cm (3.9 x 6.6 inches). The space should be
slightly larger than these dimensions to guarantee the perfect insertion of
the card.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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You have received, together with the card, a DVD with its drivers. The
version of the drivers must be 17.0.0 or later, which is compatible with
Windows 7 or later operating systems.
The connectors of the SCSI cable have not been damaged, there are no pins
left or bent.
The female connector of the SCSI cable fits in the card once it has been
installed in the PC.
If any of these points were not fulfilled, the acquisition process could not
be carried out.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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4.7.2 Problems when running the application with the acquisition card
When starting the software, this error message may appear. It will appear
again when clicking “continue”. By clicking “continue” until it does not appear any
more, it can be seen how the sensor measurements show “0” or “NaN”.
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If we cannot find the program, we must install it. For that purpose, insert
the NI-DAQmx drivers DVD. When the installation starts, a new window with the
installation wizard will appear.
If the window does not appear automatically, explore the CD/DVD unit of
your PC. Once the installation DVD is located, explore the files and execute the
application called autorun.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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Then, the wizard will show the default directory for the software
installation. If it is not required, do not modify that directory and click “Next”.
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Select the “NI MAX Configuration Support” tab, select “Install this
feature to a local drive” and continue with the next step.
Do not select the drivers record box and continue with the installation.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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The screens below appear when the installation starts. The process can take
several minutes.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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Now we can open Measurement & Automation Explorer (NI MAX), a program
that allows us to manage the acquisition card.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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We can face two different situations: the installation of two cards (as the
picture shows) or the installation of only one card, called Devl, which appears with a
red cross (not recognised acquisition card).
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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In the first case, follow the steps shown in the pictures. Right click on Devl
and select “Delete”. Afterwards, rename “dev2” as “devl”. After modifying the
name, pass the “Self Test” to the card.
In the second case, shut down the computer, remove the card and put it
again so that the computer identifies it as a new hardware and asks for the drivers. If
you have already installed them, just order to search them automatically.
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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1) To avoid incorrect measurements in the sensors, make sure that they are
correctly connected to the interface. For that purpose, follow the labels
of each sensor, so that it is connected on its corresponding interface
connector. Fasten that connection by turning the connector on its thread
until you make sure that there is a proper contact.
2) All the sensors measure incorrectly: check the SCSI cable connection. If
only one sensor measures incorrectly, check the state of the cable pins.
Sometimes, due to a bad connection, some of these pins bend and
causes a bad electrical contact. If this is not the problem, check the state
of the interface 2 or 3A fuse. If it has blown out, substitute it for a new
INTERFACE/CONSOLE AND SOFTWARE MANUAL
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3) All the sensors show “NaN”. The card is not recognised or there is a
conflict between cards. Refer to the previous point.
4) The actuators do not work. In this case, check the connection of the
SCSI cable. If the problem persists, check the state of the fuse.
5) If you have installed both the card and its drivers but the
Measurement&Automation does not recognise it, you must either
download the latest drivers for your operating system in www.ni.com or
contact EDIBON, so that we can provide them to you.