Summation of measurement errors in automation systems

Victor Denisenko

p.92

Process variables measurement error is normally calculated knowing the metrological characteristics of the gages, transducers, analog input modules and the software error. This raises the question of how to calculate the said error components correctly. The article discusses methods for solving this question based on the analysis of the nature of errors and implementation of the regulatory documents on metrology.

Iron key to control the IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n wireless networks

Ivan Lopukhov

p.96

The article addresses an issue related to the control of network based on the 802.11a/b/g/n wireless access points. The article offers a solution for integrated management and configuration of equipment and analyzes its operational characteristics and benefits.

Dynamic error in measuring channels of process control system

By Victor Denisenko

p.92

The article describes physical reasons and methods for evaluating dynamic error in measuring channels of a process control system. It is shown that in critical cases dynamic errors may far exceed static ones.

Mechanical structures of the 19" series: Schroff plug-in units

By Vladimir Belomytsev

p.88

The article discusses the design features of plugin units offered by Schroff - one of the leading European manufacturers of the enclosures for the electronics and electrical industry.

Fieldbus controllers and Fieldbus-Ethernet converters: from capturing attention to practical use

By Ivan Lopukhov

p.92

The article is intended to serve as a practical guide to build Fieldbus and RealTime Ethernet networks based on Hilscher equipment. As exemplified by the PROFIBUS and Modbus protocols, the equipment adjustment process employing Sycon.net, a universal system configuration tool, is illustrated.

Modbus and Modbus TCP protocols and networks

By Victor Denisenko

p.90

The article provides an analytical review of literature on the Modbus and Modbus TCP protocols and networks.

Serial interface servers: step-by-step instruction

By Ivan Lopukhov

p.96

The articles discusses a specific class of communication devices known as "serial interface servers", their characteristics, tasks solved with the aid of these servers, adjustment and application examples.

HART-protocol: general information and design concept of the HART-protocol based networks

By Victor Denisenko

p.94

The article offers an analytical review of literature and current HART-protocol standards and industrial HART-protocol based networks.

Development of the project for the VIPA Touch Panels using Movicon 11 software

By Tatyana Kulikova

p.96

The article describes recommendations and examples of configuring VIPA Touch Panels using Progea Movicon 11 software.

The pointing devices: evolution in progress

By Sergey Dronov

p.96

The article demonstrates — with an example of the NSI products — the designs of the modern pointing devices. Their advantages and disadvantages are briefly discussed in the context of industrial applications.

Increase of accuracy by means of multiple measurements. Part 2

By Victor Denisenko

p.98

The factors limiting an increase of accuracy by means of averaging the results of multiple measurements are analyzed. Formulas and graphs for estimating the limits of increase of accuracy in the presence of typical sources of an error are given.

Methods of integration the image from IP video cameras into the screen shot of SCADA system

By Aleksei Bodyagin

p.90

The problem of integrating an image from IPvideo cameras into the screen shot of SCADAsystem is considered. Features of IPvideo cameras are described, and methods of creationand use of ActiveX components in SCADA as well as the example of Web interfaceprogrammed by the author of the article, are presented.

Increase of accuracy by means of multiple measurements. Part 1

By Victor Denisenko

p.96

The factors limiting an increase of accuracy by means of averaging the results of multiplemeasurements are analyzed. Formulas and graphs for estimating the limits of increaseof accuracy in the presence of typical sources of an error are given.

Design of the operator interface for the FASTWEL I/O distributed control system based on the Maple Systems panels

By Tatyana Kuzmina

p.90

The article describes an example of designing the system based on the operator'spanel with the Maple Systems Series HMI5000 touch screen and FASTWEL I/O PLCwhich exchange data via the Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP/IP protocols.

Wireless local area networks. Part 2

By Victor Denisenko

p.96

The article offers an analytical review of literature on the wireless data networkswhich are used in the automation of the production processes. A simple solution ofa number of the tasks -- whose solution was extremely difficult and expensive inthe past -- was made available due to the wireless networks.

Configuration of the VIPA modules with the STEP 7 Simatic Manager

By Tatyana Kuzmina

p.86

The article gives some recommendations on the work with the VIPA programmable logic controller using the STEP 7 Simatic Manager software from Siemens.

Wireless local area networks. Part 1

By Victor Denisenko

p.90

The article offers an analytical review of literature on the wireless data networks which are used in the automation of the production processes. A simple solution of a number of the tasks -- whose solution was extremely difficult and expensive in the past -- was made available due to the wireless networks.

Hardware redundancy in industrial automation. Part 3

By Victor Denisenko

p.92

Redundancy is practically the only way for providing failsafe operation or functional safety of the automatic systems. The article gives an overview of the well-known «hot» and «warm» redundancy methods as well as the voting method performed well in the industrial automation systems.

Advantech I/O modules connection to ICONICS GENESIS32 HMI/SCADA using ActiveX controls

By Tatyana Kuzmina

p.86

The article describes basic principles of using ActiveX controls library ActiveDAQ Pro for connection Advantech I/O modules PCI-17xx, MIC-37xx and USB-47xx series to ICONICS GENESIS32 HMI/SCADA.

Hardware redundancy in industrial automation. Part 2

By Victor Denisenko

p.94

Redundancy is practically the only way for providing failsafe operation or functional safety of the automatic systems. The article gives an overview of the wellknown "hot" and "warm" redundancy methods as well as the voting method performed well in the industrial automation systems.

Hardware redundancy in industrial automation. Part 1

By Victor Denisenko

p.90

Redundancy is practically the only way for providing failsafe operation or functional safety of the automatic systems. The article gives an overview of the wellknown "hot" and "warm" redundancy methods as well as the voting method performed well in the industrial automation systems.

A good engineer should be able to tell two cables apart

By Igor Lapko

p.76

The article may help an engineer of the automated process control system to better understand an enormous variety of cables and wires and make the right choice of the products that he often has to deal with. For this purpose, the article provides a detailed description of the materials and design of the instrument cables and data transmission cables and covers the issues of their impact on the operating and economic characteristics of the design solutions.

PID controllers: issues of implementation. Part 2

By Victor Denisenko

p.86

The previous articles of the author devoted to the PID controllers described their design philosophy and modifications. This paper continues the discussion and gives an overview of the methods for the manual calculation of the parameters, automatic adjustment and adaptation of the PID controllers.

PID controllers: issues of implementation. Part 1

By Victor Denisenko

p.86

The previous articles of the author devoted to the PID controllers described their design philosophy and modifications. This paper continues the discussion and gives an overview of the methods for the manual calculation of the parameters, automatic adjustment and adaptation of the PID controllers.

Specific features of the ADAM-5510E/TCP controller programming

Aleksey Baraboshkin

p.98

The article unveils some peculiarities of the control system programming on ADAM-5510 and ADAM I/O modules.

PID controllers: design philosophy and modifications. Part 2

Victor Denisenko

p.78

The article considers the philosophy of designing PID controllers, which have found wide application in process automation. Attention is also given to controllers for transport-delay systems, as well as to fuzzy and neuronet PID controllers.

Technique for testing the operation of Fastwel processor boards under QNX operating system

Alexey Uvarov

p.90

A technique for testing the compatibility of various versions of QNX operating system with application-specific Fastwel processor boards is described. The algorithms and scripts of test programs are presented. An example of stepwise assembling the image of QNX Momentics operating system and an embedded file system along with Photon graphic shell is given.

PID controllers: design philosophy and modifications. Part 1

Victor Denisenko

p.66

The article considers the philosophy of designing PID controllers, which have found wide application in process automation. Attention is also given to controllers for transport-delay systems, as well as to fuzzy and neuronet PID controllers.

Application of fieldbus systems in hazardous areas

Victor Zhdankin

p.76

The article synopsizes the present-day concept of designing distributed networks to be used in hazardous areas and describes a method of estimating the intrinsic safety of the RS-485 interface.

Grounding in industrial automation systems Part 2

Victor Denisenko

p.76

The second (last) part of the article describing grounding approaches used to provide stable operation of industrial automated systems and protect personnel against electrical shock.

Universal system software for Fastwel AI Modules

Maxim Ovod

p.94

Analog I/O modules have found wide application in industrial automated systems, specifically, in data acquisition/processing systems. In this article, an advanced approach to programming AI16-5A and AIC123 Fastwel analog I/O modules is considered. Particular attention is given to the software that is delivered free of charge together with the modules.

Climate systems for cabinets

Dmitriy Tarasov

p.84

The article will help engineers to choose equipment providing a necessary microclimate in an electrical cabinet. Different ways of extra heat removal are discussed, and the thermal balance in the cabinet is analyzed. An adequate selection of equipment is exemplified, and practical recommendations for equipping the cabinet with a cooler are given.

Object-oriented extensions of IEC 61131-3 standard

Dieter Hess

p.90

The extension of IEC 61131-3 standard is being extensively discussed at all conferences on industrial automation worldwide. The author of the article has put forward a number of ideas, which either have been already introduced into the standards or are the subject of hot discussion of IEC working groups. Here, the author presents CoDeSys as a platform for testing new software products.

Grounding in industrial automation systems

Vicktor Denisenko

p.94

The issue at hand is grounding used in industrial automation systems for provision of their reliable functioning and protection of personnel against electric current shock.

Sliding mode use in regulation

Vladimir Ivaikin

p.90

The article presents a description of sliding mode control algorithms for discrete control devices. Variations of such algorithms are discussed, from ideal object regulator basic algorithm, to real aperiodic object optimal regulation algorithm.

Selection of hardware automation facilities for hazardous industrial projects

Victor Denisenko

p.86

The article reports on important practical questions, which the processes control system integrators face during automation of hazardous industrial objects.

UPS optimum choice

Dmitriy Tarasov

p.66

The purpose of the article is to help engineer in finding an optimum solution for equipment protection depending on its type and function. The devices for protecting equipment from power supply interference are reviewed as well as the recommendations on power supplies choice and configuration.

Creating user DLL access to universal OPC server from Fastwel

Valeriy Yakovlev

p.74

The article is dedicated to the assembler user library (DLL) created for Fastwel universal OPC server. The general principles of assembler programming in Windows as well as the recommendations on compiler and integrated development environment (IDE) selection guideline are given. The practical example of writing test DLL is illustrated.

The efficiency of using variable-frequency electric drive at sewage pumping stations

Alexander Kozlov

p.82

The purpose of the article is an attempt to define the estimation criteria of efficiency for the variable-frequency method applying.

CoDeSys 3.0 — new level of PLC programming tools

Igor Petrov

p.96

Ten years ago 3S-Smart Software Solutions Company has first introduced its IEC 61131-3 programming tool to the European market. It was constantly being developed during the last few years. Today 3S presents absolutely new tool called CoDeSys 3.0.

EuropacPRO subrack configuration features

Vladimir Byelomyttsev

p.74

Iconics' technical support: new software

Anna Dolgova

p.68

Promising energetic electronics devices of the Interpoint Company

Victor Zhdankin

p.72

The article reports on challenging models of the Interpoint DC/DC converters for military and space applications. You can find information about their basic technical characteristics, requirements and standards they meet, comparison with the similar modules from another manufacturers. The special attention is paid to their radiation-standing characteristics and in this connection some circuit and design solutions, which are realized in new models, are described. It is also indicated that the Interpoint DC/DC converters can be used in domestic developments of special techniques.

Thermoelectric temperature converters: practice, evolution

Anatoliy Belevtsev,  Vladimir Bogatov,  Andrey Karzhavin,  Denis Petrov ,  Anatoliy Ulanovskiy

p.66

This article describes the main types and application areas of the thermoelectric temperature converters. It reviews the key features of converters based on noble metal, refractory metal, base metal, and of the cable thermal converters.

Absolute rotary encoders with SSI interface

Victor Zhdankin

p.48

This article discusses absolute rotary encoders with SSI (synchronous serial interface). General information is provided on the SSI interface, including the principles behind its operation and the issues involved in connecting to, and monitoring, the interface. Using products from Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH (Germany) as examples, the author illustrates the various ways that these encoders can be built and provides practical information on their application.

A secondary power supply source using electricity from two electric mains

Aleksei Baraboshkin ,  Vitaliy Shcherbakov

p.58

Based on their many years of experience with the development and comparative analysis of products from different manufacturers, the authors make the case for their choice of a structure for a secondary power supply source and primary power transformers. The backup power system described in this article uses power from two electric mains, is highly reliable and can be used for critical applications.

Principles of ensuring electrical compatibility of measurement devices. Part 2

Aleksandr Garmanov

p.62

Ultrasonic sensors for control systems

Victor Zhdankin

p.48

Continuation of the series of articles on ultrasonic sensors. The author describes problems with these sensors and ways to improve their effectiveness in practical applications, citing the capabilities of the sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs and examples of how they are being used.

Principles of ensuring electrical compatibility of measurement devices

Aleksandr Garmanov

p.64

Calibration equipment

Aleksandr Tokarev

p.74

Normalizing converters from Dataforth

Valeriy Yakovlev

p.68

Shield casings for electronic devices

Vladimir Belomyttsev

p.66

Intrinsic safety shunt-diode Zener barriers: selection criteria and application

Victor Zhdankin

p.72

Measurement unit for determining the tension in rolled sheets

Tleukhan Namazbayev,  Yurii Kritskiy,  Valeriy Ligay,  Vladimir Nagikh,  Raifa Rakhimova,  Yermek Zhumatayev

p.46

This article describes the IND-7681 measurement unit, designed to determine the tension of rolled sheets in series 1700 cold rolling continuous mills. The inclusion in the unit of unique magnetoanisotropic sensors and industrial controllers from Fastwel made the IND-7681 system highly accurate and reliable, producing considerable savings after its implementation.

Ultrasonic sensors for control systems

Victor Zhdankin

p.68

This article presents the lineup of ultrasonic sensors from the German firm Pepperl+Fuchs, describing their basic functions and certain characteristics of their application, as well as citing concrete examples of the use of ultrasonicd sensors.

I-SFT displays: basic features and installation

p.80

Level-control radar systems

Aleksei Barmin

p.60

Protecting automation equipment and systems from high voltage power surges

Victor Zhdankin

p.66

Fundamentals of fiber optic technology

Valeriy Yakovlev

p.74

The FDT/DTM specification

Victor Zhdankin

p.72

Corrosion resistance in electrical equipment casings

Vladimir Belomytsev

p.78

GENESIS32 SCADA Q&A

Sergey Gusev

p.82

Intrinsically safe remote process interface (IS-RPI)

Victor Zhdankin

p.74

Open-frame, surface-mountable DC/DC

Victor Zhdankin

p.60

The author reviews the open-frame, surface-mountable DC/DC converters from Artesyn Technologies. The article provides an overview of their basic features and offers recommendations for their application. 

Structure of a measuring system based on passive sensors

Valeriy Yakovlev

p.76

Parallel port instead of a video card

Konstantin Kozlov

p.70

Measuring pressure in automated systems

Arkadiy Gurtovtsev

p.76

Programming logical integral designs in Fastwel modules

Vladimir Belomyttsev,  Mikhail Kashin

p.80

Eliminating impermissible interference on electronic equipment from electric power networks

Valeriy Kolosov,  Valeriy Mukhtarulin

p.

Protecting against interference between sensors and connection wires in industrial automation systems

Victor Denisenko,  Aleksandr Khalyavko

p.68

The effectiveness of implementing a system with variable-frequency drives

Mikhail Kozlov,  Aleksandr Chistyakov

p.76

This article intends to demonstrate the benefits of implementing variable-frequency drives at facilities with pumping and ventilation equipment. Following an analysis of the success factors involved in implementing such actuators, the article cites the data acquired from actual facilities over two to five years of operation.

Introduction to the History of Industrial Networks

Sergey Gusev

p.78

Practical use of industrial networking technologies is considered in the article and exemplified by popular standard solutions.

Electric Circuit's Intrinsic Safety

Victor Zhdankin

p.72

The basic aspects to be taken into consideration by explosion protection "Intrinsic Safety" are stated in the article. Some principles of estimation the intrinsic safety are exemplified, where electric circuits have elements with linear and nonlinear volt-ampere characteristics.

Implementation of Cyrillic Set Support by Octagon's LCD Series

Larisa Kapitanova

p.82

WAGO Clamps for Switch Boxes

Vladimir Kostin

p.84

Replacement of Control Computer's Modules without Power-Down

Vladimir Belomytsev

p.72

About some technical solutions related to reliability and maintainability of control computers, with emphasise on the hardware issues of hot swapping modules.

Hazardous Areas, Types of Explosion Protection

Victor Zhdankin

p.66

Recent publications devoted to the issues of data acquisition safety in explosive areas, as well as to existing types of explosion protection by electrical equipment, has brought about a flood of response, positive and negative remarks, too. This article is intended to answer some of arisen questions, but also to highlight key points in comparison of different types of explosion protection.

Serial Interfaces for Display Units

Alexey Barmin

p.74

Intelligent Sockets of Dallas Semiconductor

Evgeni Pirumov

p.80

FFT (Fast Fourier Transformation) Program for Automation Units Based on TMS-320 Processor

Alexander Agapiev,  Victor Milashenko

p.66

Application Hints for BXA15, BXA 30 and BXA40 Mid-Power DC-Converters

Victor Zhdankin

p.72

Development of Easy Monitoring Systems on Dial-Up Lines

Rais Akhmetsafin,  Rimma Akhmetsafina

p.86

Intrinsically Safe Circuit as a Method of Implosion Protection

Victor Zhdankin

p.72

The article is dedicated to the issues of implosion-proof equipment using the "intrinsically safe circuit" method.

Octagon Systems' CPU Boards and Y2K Issue

Konstantin Kozlov

p.86

Temperature Measurement: Theory and Practice

Victor Garsia

p.82

Universal 19" Sub-block Series EuropacPRO

Mikhail Berdichevsky

p.64

Electroluminescent Flat Matrix Displays: Features of Interfaces and Variants of Connection

Victor Garsia

p.72

Advantages of Open-Frame DC/DC-Converter Modules

Victor Zhdankin

p.82

Explosion Safety Issues

Victor Zhdankin

p.98

Main methods of providing the explosion safety of equipment are described; European, Russian and North American standards have been compared. The primary emphasis has been laid on the intrinsic safety method.

Peculiarities of Subsystem of Power Consumption Control for Modern Embedded Processor Modules

Alexander Lokotkov

p.108

A system for power consumption control of the modern microprocessor modules for embedded application is described.

Configuring of Cabinets PROLINE Series

Michael Berdichevsky

p.114

Some features of configuring of the 19”-cabinet enclosures for industrial and networking applications are described.

Correction to the harmonics of the incoming flow in low-power networked power sources

Victor Zhdankin

p.110

Reference materials on the American wire gauge standard

p.114

The reliability of current transformers, with a quantitative evaluation

Victor Zhdankin

p.116

Interfaces for sequential data transmission. The EIA RS-422A/RS-485 standards

Aleksandr Lokotov

p.110

The author sets forth the basic requirements of the EIA RS-422A/RS-485 standards and examines certain aspects of implementing monitoring and metering networks based on these standards.

Computers and triphase electrical networks

Vladimir Kapustin,  Aleksandr Lopukhin

p.104

Computers: proper power is the guarantee of health

Victor Garsiya

p.109

Components from Dallas Semiconductor

Mihail Petrov

p.111

A method for rapid reconfiguration of a multi-machine control system

Mihail Velikovskiy,  Sergey Velikovskiy,  Aleksey Kornev

p.117

The authors examine a method for rapidly reconfiguring a dual-machine computing system based on MicroPC components. This method involves installing in each unit a freeze alert that informs the functioning machine that it is rebooting its processor in the event that the computer freezes or needs to be reset (when the reset signal is sent through the network), which allows for a rapid change in the configuration of the computing system based on a built-in algorithm.

Standard Dimension-Types of Enclosures for Electronic Equipment

Mikhail Berdichevsky

p.96

Variety of Interface Buses

p.109

Contacts, Contacts

p.115

Possible Failure Reasons by CMOS Components in Industrial Automation Equipment

Andrey Kuznetsov

p.119

IP-Levels of Cases, Cabinets and Enclosures

Mihail Berdichevsky

p.121