Precise PLC data capture and analysis made simple

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November 2002 PLCs, DCSs & Controllers

The increasing complexity of automation control systems makes it more difficult for system designers to eliminate every possible fault. But a new PLC analysis tool could help.

Increasing time and cost pressure in automated production means that efficient tools are required for diagnosing faults and for system optimisation. It is not uncommon for logic errors in new PLC software or incorrect sensor settings to result in sporadic faults, which in turn lead to loss of production and an increase in the number of rejects. Autem, in Emden, Germany, has developed a new PLC analyser that can effectively solve this type of maintenance problem using precision recording and analysis of all PLC variables. The PLC-Analyser records internal PLC variables - such as input/output, flags, counters, timer and data words - and these are simultaneously stored on hard disk and displayed on-screen in realtime.

The AD_USB-Box is a special adaptor, recently introduced to enable connection to normal interfaces - which makes it possible to record external electrical values (20 digital and eight analog signals) which are not immediately available within the PLC.

Search functions within PLC-Analyser are programmable so that particular events can be identified and triggers can be set and the time base lengthened so that more detailed analysis of faults can be undertaken. The analyser can be run over periods of several months, and long-term recording can be started and stopped at pre-defined times. To record different error situations, several sets of addresses and triggers may be defined, and to optimise operation it is possible to edit, delete or add addresses online without having to stop data recording. Autem is looking for a suitable distributor in South Africa.

Parties interested in the product, or becoming an Autem distributor, can contact Jörg Brahms, International Sales, Autem, Germany, 0949 4921 9610 30, world@autem.de, www.autem.de

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Precise PLC data capture and analysis made simple

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