Product category:
Data loggers
News Release from: Omniflex (UK) | Subject: T2 Maxiflex CPU
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 15 May 2003
Acquisition and telemetry with no
programming
The T2 Maxiflex CPU is designed specifically for data acquisition and telemetry applications such as custody transfer systems.
The T2 Maxiflex CPU is designed specifically for data acquisition and telemetry applications such as custody transfer systems The CPUs require no user application programs when used for data acquisition or telemetry applications, making them the ideal equipment for this type of system
The user simply plugs them in, connects field wiring and powers up.
All I/O is scanned automatically and I/O status assembled into a data interchange table (DIT).
Using a technique called "network subscriptions" (analogous to subscribing to a magazine from the newsagent) the units at either end of the custody transfer system can share the data between themselves.
This is done on time interval basis for analogue data and by change of state for digital data.
This is achieved without writing a single line of program code.
The Maxiflex is configured using a Windows-based configuration management package which edits the Maxiflex DIT table and invokes the network services necessary to implement the data transfer between either end of the custody transfer system.
These configuration files can be saved and stored on the PC/laptop.
Configuration can be done at the unit itself or via the network which is especially useful when access to the other end of the system is difficult.
These tools also facilitate browsing of the system for engineering staff.
The system integrates the required parameters of a custody transfer system together.
Being modular and flexible Maxiflex can accommodate systems with primitive front end instruments right up to sophisticated measurement devices with onboard communications ports, such as RS232/RS485, Modbus, Hart and Ethernet.
Maxiflex has been used with simple pulse output metering to sophisticated devices or even analytical equipment fitted to pipelines.
The telemetry aspect of the custody transfer system is often the most crucial and difficult element.
Maxiflex networks can be implemented on copper cable (screened twisted pair - instrument cables) up to 10km between the custody transfer measurement points.
Radio systems can be used for wireless applications where cable infrastructure is nonexistent or cabling costs are prohibitive.
Other network media such as fibre optic cable etc can also be used.
Configuration is easily performed using a free Windowsbased software package called OmniSet and a serial cable available from Omniflex.
Additional configuration management packages which are more feature-rich are also available to cater for the needs of the end users system.
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.
Maxiflex provides a very cost-effective solution to custody transfer applications and simplifies the field I/O systems by eliminating the need to write time-consuming application programs for data acquisition or telemetry.
Should some control be required this can be integrated within the system as an application program.
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.
Many flow meters have Hart protocol onboard and this can be wired directly into the Maxiflex system via a Hart network interface module.
This has the benefit of allowing the entire spectrum of data on the flow meter to available to the system.
Integration into commercial systems for billing purposes is easily achieved from PC systems and all network data can be made available through the use of Windows operating system OPC servers to which the commercial systems become clients to retrieve the data.
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