Automatic configuration for acquisition system

Omniflex has launched a new set of Maxiflex CPUs - the T1 and T2 - for data acquisition and telemetry applications.

Omniflex has launched a new set of Maxiflex CPUs - the T1 and T2 - for data acquisition and telemetry applications.

They require no user programming when used for data acquisition or telemetry application: simply plug them in, connect field wiring and power up.

All I/O is scanned automatically and I/O status assembled into a data interchange table (DIT).

For digital inputs and standard analogue inputs the input status requires no configuration at all; however, temperature inputs like thermocouples and RTDs require the sensor type to be configured, providing input values in engineering units of degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Scaled analogue inputs can also be catered for, eliminating the need for the HMI to do any scaling to engineering units for 4-20mA loops from the field.

Adding I/O to the system has never been easier: simply plug in the new modules (while the system is live) and plug-in the detachable wire terminals from the field.

The new field I/O status is added to the DIT automatically.

Configuration is easily made using the free OmniSet Windows-based software package and a serial cable available from Omniflex.

Simple selection of pull-down options allows the user to configure the CPU completely.

This configuration includes the ability to create multidrop telemetry systems using the Omniflex Conet local area network up to 10km on twisted pair cable.

Configuration can also be done via the HMI if so desired, making a neatly integrated system controlled exclusively from the HMI stations.

The HMI is simply connected to the Maxiflex T1 or T2 CPU via its auxiliary serial port which can be set to communicate using Modbus protocol, one of the standard protocols on every HMI.

The HMI now has access to any of the DIT registers on the CPU.

In fact if a Conet local area network is used, any data from the network is also accessible to the HMI - not just the local node.

Multiple HMIs can also be connected to the network in the same fashion reading the same or different data from the network.

Outputs may also be generated from the HMI to activate plant devices.

Maxiflex provides a very cost effective solution to HMI front ends and simplifies the field I/O systems by eliminating the need to write time-consuming application programs for data acquisition or telemetry.

Maxiflex I/O systems cover analogue inputs, voltage, current, thermocouple, RTD and digital inputs, potential free and voltages up to 200V DC, series contact chains and pulse inputs up to 50kHz.

Interfacing to third-party RS232 or RS485 devices is a specialty, with Analytical devices like gas chromatographs, gas analyzers, intelligent circuit breakers or substation energy metering equipment etc.

Given the communication protocol Maxiflex will communicate with any of these devices.

The Conet network topology can be used as a bus, star or mixed configuration allowing complex networks to be configured all on low-grade plant cables.

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