A brief discussion about the collection of features in a module

It occurs to me that we have not touched on the contents of the modules very much. By understanding what is available to you, you can make the most out of your time and efforts in this course.

• In the PLC: When a new module is imported into a routine, it sets up the structure for an OPC tag. This is the Base Tag. You will use the Find/Replace in the import process to create the Base Tag. This tag name usually refers to the instrument tag.
• In Ignition: When a new tag is instantiated and configured, an OPC path to the PLC module is created, and references the PLC Base Tag. When you place it on the graphic display (drag-and-drop), a Legend Plate is created with an active click area. When in a Client, or when in Preview Mode within the Designer, clicking on the Legend Plate brings up the main popup for the item, fully populated using the base tag. Additional popups are launched from there.

Digital

The PLC routine for digital inputs uses standard PLC instructions. It includes Alarming of the input with all of the features provided by the ALMD instruction. In addition, it provides a means to simulate the input. It is a simple routine and easy to understand.

Only the required tags are exposed to the Controller level. These are: the RAW input, and the Alarm Interlock output. The rest of the tags are contained in the local level.

The ALMD instruction natively provides a rich feature set which includes timing, and condition of alarm. Simple boolean logic is used to implement the simulation.

In Ignition, there is an associated UDT for the Digital device. The Legend Plate accesses the Primary digital faceplate, which shows the status of the Input, and the status of the Alarm. It provides access to the Configuration Faceplate (with security privileges), and the Trend Chart. Within the Configuration Faceplate, the user can set the Name and Description of the instrument, and configure the Alarm. Alarm configuration includes enabling the alarm, timing of the alarm, and alarm simulation. It also provides for the configuration of Text notification.

Analog

The PLC routine for analog inputs uses standard PLC instructions. It includes Alarming of the input with all of the features provided by the ALMA instruction. In addition, it provides a means to simulate the input. It is a simple routine and easy to understand.

Only the required tags are exposed to the Controller level. These are: the RAW input, the Channel Fault, and the Alarm Interlock (HiHi, Hi, Lo, LoLo) outputs. The rest of the tags are contained in the local level.

The ALMA instruction natively provides a rich feature set which includes timing, and condition of alarm. It provides for the setting of the alarm limits and other features. Simple boolean logic is used to implement the simulation. The input is scaled using the native SCL instruction.

In Ignition, there is an associated UDT for the Analog device. The Legend Plate accesses the Primary analog faceplate, which shows the value of the Input, and the status of the Alarm relative to the alarm limits. Plus a short duration sparkline chart for quick assessment of the last 2 hours.

It provides access to the Configuration Faceplate (with security privileges), and the Trend Chart, as well as the Scale Configuration.

Within the Configuration Faceplate, the user can set the Name and Description of the instrument, and configure the Alarm. Each of the Alarms and limits (HiHi Hi Lo LoLo) are individually configured and enabled. The deadband and timing are handled here. The Channel Fault is also configured here plus text notifications.

The Display extents are set here so you can always get a meaningful display span on the main popup faceplate.

Within the Scaling faceplate, the user can set up the analog input to present Engineering Units. The scaling process takes the raw values on the IO and scales to the span and units of the instrument. The user can also simulate the input from here.

Valve

The PLC routine for valve control is very similar to the Motor control routine. They both use the standard D2SD PLC instruction as the core control. It includes management and control of the device with all of the features provided by the D2SD instruction. It is a simple routine and easy to understand.

It provides the usual Operator/Program mode selections. When in Operator mode, the Valve can be operated with the Open/Close buttons on the main Valve faceplate. It shows the status of the valve and it's position feedback if it exists. In addition, the application of Permits and Interlocks are included.

Only the required tags are exposed to the Controller level. These are: the Output, the Program Command, and the Position Feedback (ZSC, ZSO) if exists. The rest of the tags are contained in the local level.

The D2SD instruction natively provides a rich feature set which includes mode controls, output control, fault timing, and status information..

In Ignition, there is an associated UDT for the Valve device. The Legend Plate accesses the Primary valve faceplate, which shows the status of the valve, Open/Close controls, and access to the Configuration, Trending, Interlock, and Permit faceplates.

Within the Configuration Faceplate, the user can set the Name and Description of the valve, and set up the Alarm, configure the feedback and show the maintenance statistics. Text notifications are set up here as well.

There is a Trend chart and display and configuration for the Permits and Interlocks. The main faceplate shows the status of the First-Out interlock condition.

Motor

The PLC routine for motor control uses standard D2SD PLC instruction as it's core. It includes management and control of the device with all of the features provided by the D2SD instruction. It is a simple routine and easy to understand. Adding other associated modules can extend the module's control to incorporate HOA's (Hand-Off-Auto) stations and VFD's (Variable Frequency Drives).

It provides the usual Operator/Program mode selections. When in Operator mode, the motor can be operated with the Start/Stop buttons on the main Motor faceplate. It shows the status of the motor. In addition, the application of Permits and Interlocks are included.

Only the required tags are exposed to the Controller level. These are: the Start output, the fault interlock, and the Running Feedback, if it exists. The rest of the tags are contained in the local level.

The D2SD instruction natively provides a rich feature set which includes mode controls, output control, fault timing, and status information..

In Ignition, there is an associated UDT for the Motor device. The Legend Plate accesses the Primary motor faceplate, which shows the status of the motor, Start/Stop controls, and access to the Configuration, Trending, Interlock, and Permit faceplates.

Within the Configuration Faceplate, the user can set the Name and Description of the motor, and set up the Alarm, configure the feedback and show the maintenance statistics. Text notifications are set up here as well.

There is a Trend chart and display and configuration for the Permits and Interlocks. The main faceplate shows the status of the First-Out interlock condition.

PIDE

The PLC module leverages the the very capable standard native instruction for PID control, the PIDE. The PIDE can be a bit intimidating, it includes a LOT of parameters. But, it really only needs a handful of parameters to be extremely useful. This PLC module strives to simplify the use of the very capable instruction and put it in the hands of the mortal PLC programmer - like me.

The routine is simple, and it hides much of the complexity of the instruction.

It provides the usual Auto/Manual mode selections. When in Auto, the instruction performs the PID calculations and outputs to the CV (Control Variable). When in Manual, the Operator can set the CV.

In Ignition, there is an associated UDT for the PIDE device. The Legend Plate accesses the Primary PIDE faceplate, which shows the status of the control, Mode, magnitude of the PV (Process Variable) SP (Setpoint) and CV. Sliders are provided.

Faceplates are: Configure, Trend (real-time), Trend (Historical). Also included is a Tuning face plate where the operator can manage the PID parameters.

Lesson Summary

A module plays a crucial role in a system, offering a collection of features that ensure smooth functioning and efficient utilization. Here is a breakdown of the key points related to different modules:

• PLC:
  • Module import sets up Base Tags for OPC.
  • Base Tag indicates the instrument tag.
  • Alarming features and simulation capabilities are provided for digital and analog inputs.
• Ignition:
  • OPC paths are created for modules.
  • Legend Plate offers access to main popups fully using base tags.
  • Specific faceplates allow configuration, alarming, and trend analysis.

Digital:

• Uses standard PLC instructions for digital inputs.
• ALMD instruction offers rich alarming features.
• Simple boolean logic used for simulation.
• Provides easy access to alarms and status.

Analog:

• Utilizes ALMA instruction for analog inputs.
• ALMA provides rich alarming capabilities with timing features.
• Configuration includes setting alarms, limits, and text notifications.

Valve:

• Similar to motor control using D2SD instruction.
• Offers control options, status display, and interlocks.
• Brings features like Operator/Program modes and feedback.

Motor:

• Controlled via standard D2SD PLC instruction.
• Provides management features and control options.
• Includes modes, operator controls, and interlocks.

PIDE:

• Leverages PIDE instruction for PID control.
• Simplifies PID parameters for efficient use.
• Provides Auto/Manual mode selections and tuning capabilities.

This comprehensive breakdown of modules and their features helps users utilize the functionalities efficiently for enhanced system performance.