Powerful tool for connectivity and data management
May 2006
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Micropower Instrumentation is offering Red Lion's Data Station Plus. Model CSGATESX is a multiple protocol converter, a system data logger, and a web interface for industrial applications. With two RS232 and one RS422/485 communications ports, as well as a 10Base-T/100Base-TX Ethernet port, the Data Station can connect to various devices simultaneously. With downloadable communications drivers, the Data Station can communicate to virtually any serial or Ethernet device in its own native language, and transfer that data to and from any other connected device. Integrating devices with mismatched protocols can now be done with the click of a mouse.
The data logging facility allows variables to be collected and stored along with a time and date stamp for later review of the process. Files are stored on CompactFlash in common CSV file format, allowing readily-available programs such as Microsoft Excel to access them. The 'virtual HMI' facility provides a means to view and control a process from any networked PC, using only a standard web browser, while the port sharing facility allows serially connected devices to be reprogrammed remotely.
Feature summary
* Protocol conversion feature converts numerous protocols simultaneously.
* CompactFlash slot allows process data to be logged directly to CSV files.
* Virtual HMI offers built-in PC-based scada functionality.
* Webserver provides worldwide access to data logs and virtual HMI.
* Extensive built-in driver list allows easy data mapping to PLCs, PCs, and scada systems.
* Alarm notifications can be sent via e-mail or text messages.
* 10Base-T/100Base-TX Ethernet connection can connect to an unlimited number of devices via four protocols simultaneously.
Further reading:
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Feedforward control is a powerful technique that can dramatically improve control variance in cases where load changes cause big deviations from setpoint and the actual process dynamics are too slow to allow the feedback controller to operate fast enough to catch these disturbances.
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