Customized applications

ProfiSignal BASIC module structure

ProfiSignal Basic is a complete software package to meet user requirements in the fields of measurement data acquisition, operation and monitoring. Basic provides ready to use modules for:

• Acquiring measurement data
• Monitoring processes
• Operating and observing test stands
• Generating reports
• Basic automation

ProfiSignal Basic is designed to be fully configurable and compatible for continuous processes (e.g. operational data acquisition) as well as batch processes (e.g. data from experiments and trials). Basic includes basic automation functions for measurement procedures. Basic includes every function from ProfiSignal Go.

Continuous evaluation

The integrated DataService, especially suitable for large amounts of data, enables historical data to be immediately displayed on the screen at high-level resolution. Evaluation can take place from the company network or from anywhere in the world. Measurement data can be stored over extremely long periods of time. For vibration analysis or for the evaluation of transient events, data can easily be acquired and stored at kHz-sampling-levels. Recorders allow data acquired for specific tasks to be stored in separate files on the PC.

Operation and monitoring

A large range of operation and observation objects enable the simple generation of process visualization diagrams. These are available with analysis functions. Operating and monitoring functions can be organized into viewing images. Even inexperienced users are able to quickly generate their own applications. These are generated in development mode and can then be switched for operation to runtime mode.

Product features

Analysis chart with visualization objects

• Runs multiple applications simultaneously
• Diverse operating and observation functions
• Monitoring and analysis of any measurement data
• Recording data from experiments to separate files
• Permanent data storage to databases
• Portrayal of online and offline data in trends
• Basic functions for automation
• Formula editor
• ASCII data export in CSV files
• Custom-made reports
• Offline calculation functions
• Statistical evaluation
• Analysis with cursor functions to µsec resolution
• Recording of diagram configurations
• Evaluation of digital signalling processes
• Alarm functions for digital events
• Email or fax notification in alarm event

Various Applications

• Mobile and fixed data acquisition
• Laboratory data acquisition
• Test stand measurement technology
• Clean room monitoring
• Visualization of operational data
• Process data acquisition and analysis
• Experiments and tests
• Machine visualization

Measurement data analysis

A range of diagrams are available for measurement data analysis. Y(t) diagrams enable high resolution portrayal of continuous processes over long time periods. This is particularly beneficial for quality assurance and fault diagnostic systems. Both slow and fast signals can be combined in one graph. Any trend can be zoomed in full screen mode. A formula manager enables online and offline computations of measurement data as well as the recording and portrayal of computed results. Complex efficiency computations as well as basic temperature averages are simple to perform.

Reports and protocols

As well as measurement data and computed data, a report may also contain objects such as y(t) diagram (trends), y(x) diagram (characteristic curves), tables, illustrations, input data and text. Reports can be generated and archived automatically according to time or events. This is an ideal tool for quality assurance, quality certification and accounting purposes.

Configuration

ProfiSignal system structure with Message devices

Ease of configuration was an important factor in the development of ProfiSignal. An important factor from the user's point of view is finding a solution for the task in hand. The aim is to set up and run a measurement data acquisition system as quickly as possible. ProfiSignal meets these requirements. ProfiSignal is comprised of the following:

• Message hardware for acquisition of inputs and outputs
• Software "configurator" to set up the data services I/O channels
• Data service for saving measurement data on a server/PC
• Modules BASIC or/and Klicks or/and CMS

As well as Message hardware, modules from other manufacturers can also be used. An OPC Client is currently being developed.

"Configurator" software

The "configurator" software is a stand alone program used to configure both Message devices and the data service. The software is included in the purchase of a Message device.

Message devices are equipped with analog and digital input/outputs as well as virtual channels (calculation, averaging, alarm channels etc.). For the operation of Message devices, configuration data needs to be saved to the Message devices, e.g. channel names, scaling, measurement areas etc..

The "configurator" has a tree structure similar to the Windows Explorer. Message devices are at the first level and I/O modules at the second level. The channels occupy the third level under the I/O modules.

The "configurator" is made up of two working areas, each portrayed as a window.

configuration dialogue

The left window is for device configuration. This is oriented towards the Message device's actual network and module structure. It is possible to group channels according to application. For example, the I/O channels can be allocated to specific projects or experiments. This allocation can, if required, differ from the physical allocation.

Clicking a channel opens a channel configuration dialogue. This dialogue enables the user to set the channel's attributes. Configuration data is transmitted online to the Message device where it is saved and becomes immediately effective.

The data service is configured via the right window. Storage groups can be generated. The mouse can be used to drag and drop the required channels from the device and configuration windows into a storage group. Saving data can be triggered or performed constantly.

Data Service

Data storage structure

Using ProfiSignal BASIC maximizes data security. Analysis of measurement data is made simple for the user, utilizing a combination of different methods of data storage.

The data service is central to data acquisition. The data service functions as a server and provides the ProfiSignal modules with measurement data. The BASIC module can request historical data from the data service, even for several Message devices.

Until now such client/server systems were only available for major control systems running under Linux, requiring major hardware investment and administrative resources. ProfiSignal provides an easy PC solution with user friendly configuration via window dialogues.

The data service is capable of processing large quantities of data. Measurement data, e.g. temperatures or operational data, can be stored over very long time periods. Storing data in the kHz area for vibration analysis or the acquisition of transient processes can also take place without any difficulties.

Measurement data is automatically compressed and saved with average values. This algorithm means that data required for trend graphs can be significantly reduced, particularly for long time periods. Generating graphs is then much quicker with peaks and troughs also being taken into account.

This means that to portray temperature values over a time period of one day, just 360 measurement values need to be retrieved from the database in order to generate the trend graph.

The data service is created as a Windows service. The program is named Data Service and runs in the background, unnoticed by the user.

Data storage in Message devices

Message field devices are capable of storing data locally (up to 1GB). The user can use this storage capability to locally acquire measurement values directly from processes, plant and machinery.

Message devices are also equipped with a network interface (TCP/IP). This means they can be connected to each other and to PCs. Saving data can take place simultaneously within the data service as well as in the Message devices. If the network crashes or a PC malfunctions, data will continued to be saved within the Message device.

Measurement data analysis

Trend


Graph with toolbox functions


Recorder object


Formula editor

Central to the BASIC module is the analysis chart or diagram. Trend and recorder objects are used here. Trend objects portray measurement values and can be individually configured. There are no longer any restrictions between online and offline analysis.

Trend objects

Trend objects enable highly flexible line graphs to be generated for measurement data. Various diagram formats are available

• y(t) graph,
• y1..n(t) graph,
• y(x) graph,
• y1..n(x) graph
• Orbit graph
• Cascade graph
• Block charts

Trend objects do not store data but can retrieve data from the central database or TopMessage's decentralized data storage capability. Several trend objects can be utilized simultaneously within one analysis chart.

Trends commence with online representation of measurement data up to the current time. In the background, historical data is being retrieved from the databases. Fast zooming functions are available. As time progresses the graph will automatically extend.

In run time mode, a separate toolbox can be opened for each trend object. The toolbox provides a range of important and useful functions. The toolbox is a tried and tested feature within the MHouse basic software package and has therefore been incorporated into ProfiSignal.

Time axis

The toolbox is used to determine whether the X,Y or Z axis is to be zoomed or moved along. Once an axis has been selected, e.g. the Y (time) axis, the <<, < , >, >> keys can be used to move along this axis. Zooming in or out is easily performed using the ><, <> keys. When zooming, measurement data density is automatically determined. It is possible therefore to switch between a measurement data density of 1 millisecond to a measurement data density of 1 month. In this way, analysis of long term changes is just as simple as analysis of a short malfunctioning event.

Measurement data axis

The X axis can be synchronized with the time axis. Another useful feature is the zoom function using the mouse. A right click on the trend object will activate cross-hairs enabling zoom, drag and pan functions.

Marker and text fields

The toolbox also has functions to set marker and text fields within the graphic. Markers are directly positioned on the graph and highlight measurement data to a fixed time point. Markers are a simple tool to measure out events. Text fields can be used to mark events during or after measurement. Text fields can either be saved with the measurement data or just stored temporarily during measurement.

Highlighting graphs

Channel lists can be found on the right hand side of the trend objects. Colors can be attributed to each channel. The channel being focused on in the list will appear as highlighted with the graph line being emphasized. This is a particularly useful function when many channels are being represented in one diagram.

Recorder objects

Recorder objects enable individual, user managed saving of measurement data. Using recorder objects takes place in run time.

Recorder objects can either save data directly to a hard disk or to measurement files within the network. They can also issue control commands to the data service which can save data in specific data areas.

Several recorder objects can be used within one visualization chart. Recorder objects are activated or deactivated by mouse clicking. Remote control of recorder objects is also possible using external or internal triggers or time controls.

Formula editor

The formula editor enables calculations to be performed on channels during measurement data acquisition. Results can either be directly portrayed or saved. The formula editor is equipped with similar functions as found in a scientific pocket calculator, e.g. Boolean functions, arithmetic functions, differentiation, averaging etc..

Calculating a complex formula is just as easy as calculating a temperature difference. It is also possible to link DLL files containing company specific formulas to ProfiSignal. In this way own know-how can be integrated.

Operating and monitoring

Examples of visualization objects


Process visualization of a turbine

Analysis diagrams can be comprised of operating and monitoring objects as well as trend and recorder objects. Typical operating and monitoring objects are switches, signal lamps, analog displays, control objects etc. Each object can be individually adapted to a task. A trend object can be used in connection with operating and monitoring objects. In this way, applications can be generated which provide user-friendly analysis functions as well as traditional process visualization.

The user interface is easy to create. This is done by selecting visualization objects from a tool bar and placing them onto the user interface of the analysis diagram. These objects can be linked to the Message device's input/outputs. The objects can then have their sizes adapted and provided with a wide range of attributes.

Visualization objects toolbar

Because the user interface is directly connected to the process via channels, it can be installed without having to activate a programming language. Integrated functions enable simple links to be made between the display diagrams. In this way, user guidance can be created using menus.

Visualization objects can be assigned to events making it possible to influence a process. For example, a digital output can be activated by a keystroke. The ProfiSignal Klicks module enables reports to be automatically generated or complex control procedures to be automated.

Example of applications

Process engineering

In process engineering, machinery and plant are being constantly operated to the limit. The ever-increasing cost of energy alone is an important argument for making useful and accurate assessments of processes. Contamination, corrosion, and residues reduce efficiency and increase energy costs. ProfiSignal BASIC can identify and monitor such high cost factors.

Delphin has supplied a large printing company with equipment to acquire over 500 different process values from printing machines, and over 300 energy meters. The system enables company-wide energy costs to be calculated and performs a major part of the company's process monitoring.

Modern process monitoring systems also provide data for fault diagnosis and cause investigation. The data service stores measurement data at a high resolution. Process optimization takes place quickly and effectively. Quality assurance is provided through uninterrupted and comprehensive measurement data acquisition.

Testing technology

Within testing technology, flexible measurement data acquisition and adaptability to new trial and testing procedures is very important. A control and management function for testing procedures is also usually required. Message devices are equipped with a range of functions to cater for such requirements and at no extra cost. The module ProfiSignal Klicks enables the easy input of testing parameters, the user-friendly operation and monitoring of processes and the management of testing procedures.

Delphin has supplied many lamp manufactures and testing agencies with luminaire testing devices, comprised of hardware and software from Delphin. Delphin has immense experience in testing applications.

Research and development

Research and development demands a high level of creativity. ProfiSignal is an extremely open and diverse system. It provides development engineers with many useful functions.

Configuration and operation is very simple. Research and development personnel can now really concentrate on research and development.

Delphin planned, supplied and installed a major measurement data acquisition and analysis system in the research and development of pharmaceutical agents. High flexibility and easy operation were important factors in the client's choice of system.

Application Notes

Below features our collection of application notes and case studies involving this product.

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