Configuration software sends in the clones

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 9, 2003

Eurotherm has introduced a powerful new version of its iTools configuration and monitoring package called iTools Version 5.

Eurotherm has introduced a powerful new version of its iTools configuration and monitoring package called iTools Version 5.

The new version features a number of major enhancements, including the ability to create custom user screens, configuration "wizards" to simplify controller configuration, and a graphical wiring editor to configure Eurotherm's advanced Model 3500 process controllers.

iTools has evolved continuously since its introduction in 1999.

This versatile suite of software tools allows configuration and monitoring of all Eurotherm Series 2000 and Series 3000 controllers, the T630 process controller, and also provides runtime monitoring of 5000 Series data acquisition and management units.

It is capable of editing, storing and "cloning" complete controller configurations, as well as setting up data logging, process monitoring, Ethernet and modem connections, and generating order codes.

iTools employs an OPC (OLE for Process Control) server which uses Modbus to communicate with the controllers.

The server connects to the controllers via serial communications, Ethernet or a telephone modem, and may also be used by third party client software such as Wonderware and LabView.

Additionally, a DDE link allows parameter values to be displayed "live" in an Excel spreadsheet or similar applications, and historical logged data can also be imported into Excel.

iTools features a number of powerful tools, including: View Builder, which allows users to create PC-based user screens for simple process monitoring, commissioning and diagnostics; the Configurator, which will edit, store and "clone" complete controller configurations; configuration wizards hugely simplify the controller configuration process and guide the user through various features offered; and the Graphical Wiring Editor allows configuration of the advanced E3500 process controller.

The Setpoint Program Editor provides a simple method of setting up setpoint profiles and programmable event outputs.

It will store, retrieve and download program profiles, working "online", when program values are edited live in a connected controller, or "off-line", when programs are edited before being downloaded to a selected controller.

The number of stored programs is limited only by the capacity of the PC hard disk.

OPC Scope is a utility providing trend plots of process variables.

The time axis can be adjusted between 1min and 1 month, and also provides a Historical Review mode.

Data may also be logged to hard disk, from which it may be retrieved and analysed in an Excel spreadsheet.

iTools is offered in two editions: the Standard Edition supports all iTools features except third party access to the OPC server, whereas the Open Edition supports all features including third party access to the OPC server.

A special demonstration version of iTools can be downloaded free of charge from Eurotherm's website or supplied on a CD for a nominal charge.

Although the Configurator, wizards and Graphical Wiring Editor can be run without restriction, all the other tools, including View Builder, OPC Scope and the stand-alone Setpoint Program Editor, will run for 30min for evaluation purposes.

After this time a product key is required to permanently enable the chargeable software elements.