Data Acquisition Ethernet.

It is a trend to use network based data acquisition systems to reduce wiring costs and the Ethernet network has become the most popular network to accomplish this task. Advantech's Ethernet Data Acquisition Modules consist of two product series; ADAM-5000 and ADAM-6000.

Advantech's ADAM-5000 and ADAM-6000 series are designed to realize the concept of the smart Ethernet Data Aqcuisition modules. With control algorithms and mathematical functions built in, the ADAM-5000/6000 series combined is a revolutionary group of Ethernet Data Acquisition modules which distribute the intelligence in automation.

DATAQ Instruments' Ethernet interface communication option connects DI-720/-730/-785/-788 Series products to any PC or local area network (LAN). The option uses CAT-5 cable to yield continuous data acquisition rates up to 150,000 samples per second throughput for a single device. Multiple devices connected to the same network can achieve a total throughput rate as high as 2,500,000 samples per second or more. Adding more flexibility, multiple DI-720/-730 products, each equipped with an Ethernet interface, may be simply daisy-chained together with CAT-5 cable to form an ad-hoc extended network of separated, yet fully synchronous data acquisition stations. Each station can sample at the same or different rate as other stations and still maintain full synchronization. The maximum distance between stations can exceed 100 meters, and using multiple stations a distributed data acquisition network of virtually any length may be deployed.

Data acquisition input modules vary in terms of host and network connections. For host connections, devices can use a direct backplane interface; RS232, RS422, or RS485 serial connections; parallel connections; universal serial bus (USB) or general-purpose interface bus (GPIB); small computer system interface (SCSI), or transistor-transistor logic (TTL). Ethernet and IEEE 1394 (FireWire) are available for both host and network connections. FireWire is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

The DI-730 Series is a Heavy Industrial Ethernet Data Acquisition System providing 1000V channel-to-channel and input-to-output isolation Perfect for troubleshooting AC or DC motor drive systems. Measure field voltages and currents, control signals, RPM, and more.

Advantech's ADAM-5000 series of digital Ethernet Data Acquisition modules are equipped with isolation and failure protection functions to provide a reliable system. Advantech's ADAM-6000 digital Ethernet Data Acquisition channels provide three operational modes, witheach channel able to set its operational mode independently.

The integration of automation and enterprise systems and the adoption of an e-manufacturing Strategy requires a shift in the manufacturing system architecture. E-manufacturing demands open access to real-time production data from the field. To achieve a seamless level of integration between plant floors and the enterprise level, some fundamental changes have to occur in Data Acquisition systems. E-manufacturing means the power of the Internet and Data Acquisition systems are used to take things one step further by leveraging Internet technology. Advantech's ADAM-5000 and ADAM-6000 Ethernet Data Acquisition series is based on the concept described above.

Therefore, intelligent control algorithms or basic mathematical functions are essential in Ethernet Data Acquisition systems. ADAM-5000/6000 Ethernet Data Acquisition modules provide intelligent functions that accelerate future automation development.

The Internet is the major technology that allows all levels of an organization to be able to communicate and make the sensor-to-boardroom model a reality. Access can be realized from any device that utilizes a standard web browser, so connections between remote manufacturing plants, production planners, plant managers, and the CEO can be made without havingto create a dedicated proprietary network. Advantech's ADAM-6000 Ethernet Data Acquisition modules provide built-in standard and customizable web pages, which truly demonstrate the power of Ethernet Data Acquisition.

Kepware data acquisition software is OPC based and due to the client/server nature of OPC, a software client application must be connected to the OPC server before it will poll the device for data. Use the link above to understand how to confirm that a client application connects to Kepware's OPC server(s). The example uses the free OPC Quick Client provided with data acquisition software products by Kepware.

The Direct-Link DeviceNet to Serial or Ethernet gateway is designed to connect a DeviceNet network to a Serial or Ethernet network or device in a cost-effective way. Software tools are provided that allow for easy configuration and diagnostics. The Direct-Link gateway is DIN rail mountable, has an IP20 rating, and is certified by the Open DeviceNet Vendors Association. Applications include connecting serial devices, simple network extensions, remote data acquisition through Ethernet, and monitoring your plant floor.

The enclosure system is designed to house WLAN access points, routers, and bridges to extend 802.11b/g network coverage into hazardous locations. A second version utilizing the Adalet glass radome allows for the mounting of stock whip antennas within the protection of the rugged domed glass design. The enclosure system carries third-party approvals from UL and also carries the ATEX certification when specified. Activities such as data collecting, sensor monitoring, and process control are now possible with the link.

DI-788 products feature 32 channels designed specifically for DI-8B signal conditioning modules. These modules provide a direct interface to thermocouples, RTDs, strain gages, voltage, and process current signals.

Data acquisition begins at the RTU or PLC level and includes meter readings and equipment status reports that are communicated to SCADA as required. Data is then compiled and formatted in such a way that a control room operator using the HMI can make supervisory decisions to adjust or override normal RTU (PLC) controls. Data may also be fed to a Historian, often built on a commodity Database Management System, to allow trending and other analytical auditing.

The benefits of PXI-based data acquisition systems include rugged packaging that can withstand the harsh conditions that often exist in industrial applications. PXI systems also offer a modular architecture, which means that you can fit several devices in the same space as a single stand-alone instrument, and you have the ability to expand your system far beyond the capacity of a desktop computer with a PCI bus. One of the most important benefits PXI offers is its integrated timing and triggering features. Without any external connections, multiple devices can be synchronized by using the internal buses resident on the backplane of a PXI chassis.

Siemens, Rockwell, GEFanuc and Emerson are delivering increasingly intelligrent PLCs. Siemens also provides a vendor agnostic integration suite that has data historian capabilities. If you are looking for more than data - shop floor control - then Invensys, Rockwell, Siemens, Emerson, Oracle, SAP and on and on are great products depending on needs, industry and budget.

Fast poll modems will deliver more data than 1200 bps modems and will poll locations as quickly as 1200 bps modems. The time from a poll to a response may vary slightly between 1200 bps and 9600 bps modems. For example, some traffic control systems expect that after the end of a poll, the beginning of a response (the start of the first character of the response) from a remote unit will occur within 25 milliseconds. That will be the case with 1200 bps modems operating over private wire. A 9600 bps fast poll modem operating over that same wire will result in the beginning of the response from the remote terminal in about 30 milliseconds.

The Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus is one of the most commonly used internal computer buses today. You will typically find three or more PCI slots in desktop computers currently available on the market. The wide availability of the PCI bus makes it a top choice for data acquisition systems. However, there are some other advantages and disadvantages to consider. First of all, a PCI-based system is not easily expandable. If you need more PCI-based devices than you have PCI slots in your computer, your options for expansion are limited. Additionally, adding cards yourself requires opening up the computer; they are not hot-pluggable. Inexperienced computer users may not feel comfortable installing a data acquisition board in this way.

SCADA systems, whether of the latest design or systems that have been in operation for years, can usually be migrated to the high speed networks. System designers must have an awareness of the issues of delay, time gaps in the data, control lead requirements and what equipment infrastructure is available to accommodate these issues.

Data Comm for Business, Inc (DCB) developed several solutions to allow the operation of existing and SCADA systems using today's modern networks. These products allow existing SCADA equipment to be used on existing networks at higher speeds or on new networks like frame relay, Digital Data Systems (DDS), and IP networks.