Archives

Plant-specific displays

Plant-specific displays geared to the specific

demands of the plant operator can be configured

to depict process activities.

Static sections of the graphic displays can be cre

ated using the graphics editor. In addition, you also

have the option of inserting such static sections in

the form of bitmaps. Current process data or process

states can be animated dynamically in a suitable

position using features such as bar graphs, dynamic

filling and trend windows.

Depending on process states, graphic symbols can

be replaced, flash, and change color and position in

the graphic display. Process points can be viewed

either via faceplates in the graphic displays or via the

standard group displays.

Display selector fields or buttons can be used to

set up a specific selection hierarchy within custom

graphics for operation. The number of custom

graphics available in DigiVis is limited only by the

hard disk capacity.

The operator level with DigiVis

The operator stations

The operator stations of the Freelance 800F system

run on common personal computers, or, in special

cases industrial PCs.

The DigiVis software package, based on Microsoft

Windows as a graphical user interface, enhances the

ease of use and the performance of process opera

tion. In addition, you can also use any PC peripherals

such as monitors, printers, mice and keyboards that

are available on the market for Windows-compliant

PCs. The operation and observation (DigiVis) and

configuration (Control Builder F) functions can also be

performed together on one PC. DigiVis operation and

observation software has the following features:

• Transparent and rapid operation due to a clearly

structured information hierarchy

• User-specific function key assignment for fast

display selection

• A large number of pre-engineered display types

• A control aspect, providing access to dynamic

interlocking displays for the selected tag (in

connection with OPC or trend server)

• An external aspect, providing access to additional

information such as PDF documentation, live

videos from the plant, standard operational pro-

cedures (SOPs), etc.

• Rapid selection of the correct measuring points in

case of process alarms

• Uniform message concept and clearly arranged

display of messages and operator hints

• Configurable voice output on the PC for messages

• Up to 16 user groups/access profiles, with a

maximum of 1000 users, specific password for

each user (with optional Security Lock software)

• Trend display with archiving

• Logging of all operator actions, including name

and timestamp

• System diagnostics, even down to the field device,

allowing full field device error diagnostics

• Various language versions: German, English,

Spanish, Swedish, Russian, Polish, French,

Chinese and Japanese

• Dual-monitor operation on a single PC, with one

mouse and one keyboard

Process visualization is supported by:

• Plant-specific custom graphic displays

• Faceplates for process points (tags)

• Up to 15 plant areas with plain text labeling

DMS-API

The DMS Application Programming Interface pro

vides C programmers with a Windows interface

through which they can access internal Freelance

communications services. This enables them to their

own Windows applications that can read online data

from the Freelance system and modify values.

The DigiVis operator station has a built-in OPC client,

which permits you to access data from external

OPC servers. Using this, for example, data from a

SIEMENS control unit can be integrated into a cus

tom graphic in DigiVis.

As several OPC gateways can be used in the Free

lance system, server redundancy can be established

using OPC clients that support this function. * The

Control Builder F engineering software supports this

with the redundant OPC gateway configuration.

The trend server option provides a special OPC

gateway that is used by the DigiVis operator stations

for user-defined trend displays. Access to the trend

server is fixed to “read only”, and all trend variables

are automatically available. There is one trend server

per Freelance system.

Freelance 800F provides an OPC gateway (server),

which allows OPC clients to access data and alarms

from the Freelance process stations. From Version

.1 upwards, the OPC server also allows access to

the DPV1 parameters and user parameters of

PROFIBUS and HART devices. In the case of HART

devices, this is only possible if they are connected

to a S900 unit. For V8. and higher, the parameters

of FOUNDATION Fieldbus devices can also be

accessed. It is possible to limit access to this data

at the OPC gateway such that an OPC client cannot

see certain process points and variables at all, can

only read other process points and variables, or has

both read and write access to certain

process points and variables.

The DigiVis operator station has a built-in OPC client,

which permits you to access data from external

OPC servers. Using this, for example, data from a

SIEMENS control unit can be integrated into a cus

tom graphic in DigiVis.

As several OPC gateways can be used in the Free

lance system, server redundancy can be established

using OPC clients that support this function. * The

Control Builder F engineering software supports this

with the redundant OPC gateway configuration.

The trend server option provides a special OPC

gateway that is used by the DigiVis operator stations

for user-defined trend displays. Access to the trend

server is fixed to “read only”, and all trend variables

are automatically available. There is one trend server

per Freelance system.

Station bus (CAN bus)

When Freelance I/O racks are used, communication

takes place via the station bus. The station bus

complies with the CAN (Controller Area Network)

industrial standard.

The station bus has the following features:

• The ability to cover short to medium distances

• High data throughput, update times for signals

from  ms (binary) or 10 ms (analog)

• Exceptional degree of transmission safety and

interference immunity (Hamming distance = 6)

• Pre-programmed routines in the event of faults

• Good EMC properties

• Ability to switch bus members on and off during operation

• Automatic initialization of newly mounted modules

The DigiVis operator station has a built-in OPC client,

which permits you to access data from external

OPC servers. Using this, for example, data from a

SIEMENS control unit can be integrated into a cus

tom graphic in DigiVis.

As several OPC gateways can be used in the Free

lance system, server redundancy can be established

using OPC clients that support this function. * The

Control Builder F engineering software supports this

with the redundant OPC gateway configuration.

The system bus has the following features:

• The ability to cover long distances

• A high data throughput

• Choice of various transmission media (such as

twisted pair, coaxial cable or fiber optics)

• A flexible network layout

• Easy connection to a higher plant management

level through the OPC standard

• Pre-programmed routines in the event of faults

• Good EMC properties

• Ability to switch bus members on and off during operation

• Highest availability through redundancy

Station bus (CAN bus)

When Freelance I/O racks are used, communication

takes place via the station bus. The station bus

complies with the CAN (Controller Area Network)

industrial standard.

The station bus has the following features:

• The ability to cover short to medium distances

• High data throughput, update times for signals

from  ms (binary) or 10 ms (analog)

• Exceptional degree of transmission safety and

interference immunity (Hamming distance = 6)

• Pre-programmed routines in the event of faults

• Good EMC properties

• Ability to switch bus members on and off during operation

• Automatic initialization of newly mounted modules

System communication

System bus

The system bus interconnects the process stations,

operator stations and engineering station in the

Freelance 800F system.

The system bus complies with the Ethernet Standard

according to DIN/ISO 880 , Part  (IEEE 80 . ) and

can be used with twisted pair, fiber optic or coaxial

cable. It is also possible to use a combination of

these standards or to implement 100-MBit/s compo

nents within a network as high-speed backbone.

Freelance uses confirmed and unconfirmed services.

The unconfirmed UDP service is used for screen up

dating and lateral communication between controllers.

The confirmed TCP/IP service is used for alarming

and trend archiving.

Quality and electromagnetic compatibility

By using a well-shielded metal case for each module

and also installing EMC filters in each incoming and

outgoing lead, measures have been adopted to

comply with EMC standards without the need of

installation in cubicles. As a result, the Freelance

800F hardware meets the binding EMC standards

and bears the CE Mark. The requirements of IEC 801

and the NAMUR industrial standard have also been

fulfilled. A sophisticated test strategy, the installation

of optical inspection systems, and integrated self-test

functions ensure that the modules are highly reliable.

Mechanical design of Rack I/O

The Freelance 800F Rack modules have a mechanical

design similar to that used in programmable logic

controllers. Its front panel connection method makes

it exceptionally easy to assemble and to service, also

allowing it to be mounted on the wall.

Freelance 800F Rack modules are inserted into racks

from the front and secured in position with screws.

Each is contained within a metal enclosure providing

exceptional mechanical ruggedness and electromag

netic immunity.

All casing materials used are simply screwed togeth

er, allowing them to be separated for future recycling.

Last but not least, the Freelance hardware compo

nents have taken environmental protection into ac

count by using a minimal amount of paint. The mod

ules have no jumpers or switches whatsoever on the

printed circuit boards, meaning that the user does

not need to open the cartridges. No potentiometers

have been used either.

The Freelance Rack I/O is designed to operate in

ambient conditions of 0 to 50° C (32 to 122 °F) with

out forced cooling. A temperature sensor within the

cartridge monitors the temperature of the module

and triggers an alarm when the maximum value

permitted is exceeded.

Quality and electromagnetic compatibility

By using a well-shielded metal case for each module

and also installing EMC filters in each incoming and

outgoing lead, measures have been adopted to

comply with EMC standards without the need of

installation in cubicles. As a result, the Freelance

800F hardware meets the binding EMC standards

and bears the CE Mark. The requirements of IEC 801

and the NAMUR industrial standard have also been

fulfilled. A sophisticated test strategy, the installation

of optical inspection systems, and integrated self-test

functions ensure that the modules are highly reliable.

Intelligent I/o modules

The I/O modules link the controller and the process,

for signal conversion. They receive data from sensors,

detectors, transmitters and other field devices and

issue positioning commands to the process.

They have the following tasks and characteristics:

• Input and conversion of conventional signals and signal levels

• Galvanic isolation between the process and system

• Status LEDs for inputs/outputs

• Externally-powered outputs

• Automatic fault detection, fault signaling and

temperature monitoring

• Sensor and line-break monitoring

• Short-circuit and overload-protected digital outputs

• Digital inputs protected against incorrect polarity

• Potentially isolated analog inputs

• Hot-swap capability

• No switches, jumpers or potentiometers, as all

settings are configured using the software

• Front panel connection of process signals via

screw terminals with keyed blocks, codeable

against incorrect connection

All Freelance Rack I/O modules are intelligent, i.e.

they have their own processors. Users can configure

the scan times of the I/O modules individually for

each module. The fastest scan time is  ms for binary

modules and 10/500 ms for analog modules. In case

of communication errors, the output modules switch

the outputs to configurable safety values. Where

controller redundancy is configured, the second

controller takes over without interruption.