Security features boost remote acquisition unit

Eurotherm has launched a new high performance data acquisition instrument called the 5000B.

Eurotherm has launched a new high performance data acquisition instrument called the 5000B.

This innovative product offers exceptional levels of data security, and the ability to be configured, operated and viewed over local or wide area networks via Ethernet links.

The small unit, which measures just 209 x 177 x 69mm, will, says Eurotherm, answer a growing need for "embedded" data management and recording capabilities within both OEM systems and end-user process control systems.

Optional "auditor" features will assist users in achieving FDA validation of their processes.

The new unit incorporates a number of outstanding hardware and software features, reflecting Eurotherm's pre-eminent position as one of the world's leading producers of data recording and control solutions.

It uses the same well-proven internal structure and functionality of other key Eurotherm graphical recorders, and the same leading edge 32bit RISC processor technology to significantly reduce component count.

Unlike other data recording instruments however, the 5000B has no permanently connected user interface (touch screen).

Instead, the instrument is configured and may be operated over an Ethernet link using Eurotherm's Bridge 5000 remote operation software.

Process data is logged to an onboard 13Mbyte nonvolatile Flash memory, and then archived via the plant wide network to remote data storage files.

This is done using a proprietary logging and archiving strategy that securely protects data from loss, corruption or tampering.

Communication is by FTP via Ethernet links.

Eurotherm's Bridge 5000 software enables both live and recorded process parameters to be viewed or controlled from any suitably equipped remote location, including control rooms or management centres sited internationally.

The 5000B accommodates up to 12 mains isolated input channels (six standard and six more optionally using plug-in cards) and up to seven relay outputs (one standard And six more optionally).

Inputs are universal and may be dcV, dc mV, dc mA, TCs, RTD or contact closure.

Sample rate is 125ms for all inputs, each of which offer high noise rejection.

This results in outstanding measurement integrity in the harshest of environments.

The allocation of one A/D convertor per I/O channel negates the need for relays or solid state switching, and provides continuous measurement and parallel sampling on each input.

The new instrument is supported by Bridge 5000, a powerful, yet easy-to-use, software package giving total access to the 5000B - including viewing of data, operation and configuration of the unit.

The software provides a connection between the 5000B and any PC anywhere in the world, using a local area network, dial-up connection, Intranet or the Internet.

It is not necessary for the management point to be near the process to access live or recorded data, view and acknowledge alarms, or even to change the configuration of the unit.

Remote operation in this way does not compromise the security of data: each user can have a specific user name and password with customised security access - allowing anything from just viewing data to controlling batches or full configuration permissions.

If required, the auditor features can be enabled to provide the most advanced data security and traceability available.

A single PC or workstation can have multiple Bridge windows open, giving views and operation of multiple 5000Bs on the plant floor.

Similarly, a single 5000B can be viewed and operated by up to four PC connections at any one time, allowing multiple users and supervisors to view the process.

The 5000B has vertical trend, horizontal trend, vertical bar graph, horizontal bar graph and numeric standard displays.

Bridge 5000 can also be used with the screen builder feature, enabling the user to create process specific displays so that data can be viewed in the most interpretable format.

Up to six additional views may be created to best reflect the given process.

Information from multiple groups of data may be placed on a single display giving the operator a view of multiple processes (and multiple batches) on a single screen.

Plant mimics may be created or images downloaded as backgrounds to show the process most clearly.

To meet the growing demand for batch control systems that meet validation requirements of the FDA (and other authorising bodies), the auditor features within the 5000B have been specifically designed to protect data - providing comprehensive data security and traceability.

These features are designed for industries where data security is of utmost importance, and include: a secure audit trail; electronic signing and authorising; signed operator notes; password aging; failed login account disabling; minimum length password; timed logout; and recorded logins.

Karen Rigby, Eurotherm's Data Management Business Product Manager, believes that the 5000B will set new standards for data acquisition systems within the world's processing industries.

She comments: "The 5000B is a truly innovative new instrument which has been designed specifically to meet growing industry demands for embedded data recording functionality.

By building the unit into process control systems and equipment without the normal operator interface, high levels of security and management control may be achieved, and significant cost savings will help OEMs to maintain competitiveness".

Back to top