Professional communication software to achieve DCS communication - Database & Sql Blog Articles

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Professional communication software is typically divided into two main categories: one for real-time data collection and transmission, and another for real-time process visualization. These tools play a crucial role in modern industrial automation systems, enabling efficient data exchange and remote monitoring.

1. Real-Time Data Collection and Transmission

One common approach involves using Foxboro's communication software or third-party solutions like I/A’s. This method significantly reduces project development time and ensures seamless integration. From early tools like DataforWindow and DataLink in PIMS to the current AIM*AT software, Foxboro has consistently used AISAPI (a predecessor to FOXAPI) to enable real-time data reading and writing. The software supports TCP/IP for bidirectional data transfer between I/A’s and PCs, and DDE technology for displaying I/A’s data in applications such as Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, and Delphi. Additionally, it offers VB calling functions for user-driven secondary development. The fastest transfer rate is as quick as 0.1 seconds, making this method widely adopted in current projects.

For modern OPC communication protocols, Foxboro provides dedicated OPC software, and users can also choose third-party options like MATRICON’s OPC communication software.

Third-party solutions such as OSIsoft’s PI real-time database are also widely used. Based on a C/S architecture, the PI system can collect real-time data from over 100 DCS or PLC systems and transfer it to Windows NT servers. It uses its patented “spiral-gate compression” technology to store data for several years, depending on storage capacity. The system includes powerful tools for secondary development, including process screen display, trend analysis, optimization, and performance calculation. The PI system has been successfully implemented in numerous projects abroad, including at the Jianbi Power Plant, where it handles up to 20,000 data points across four 300MW units, storing data for up to two years and supporting the plant’s MIS/SIS system through advanced development tools.

These professional communication platforms offer high-speed data transfer, long retention times, security, reliability, strong interfaces, and user-friendly design. Key features include:

• Exception Report Method: Only transmit data that exceeds a predefined change range, reducing network load.
• Data Cache Mechanism: Store data locally when network connectivity is lost, and resume transmission once the connection is restored, preventing data loss.

2. Real-Time Process Visualization

Real-time transmission of process screens allows enterprise leaders, operators, and maintenance personnel to monitor site operations remotely, facilitating resource sharing, status tracking, and logistics management across the organization.

Currently, Hummingbird’s Exceed software is commonly used for this purpose. By leveraging Exceed’s Telnet functionality and I/A’s Additional Display Manager, process screens from I/A can be transmitted to PCs in real time, with defined operation permissions on the PC side.

Other options include GraphOn’s GO_Global software, which supports direct network transmission or dial-up methods to send I/A process visuals to PCs in real time.

Both Exceed and GO_Global support “Modem Dialing” for “Remote Diagnostics” (FOXWATCH), allowing real-time transmission of I/A system information back to Foxboro. This enables engineers to respond quickly, diagnose issues, and provide recommendations. At the Jianbi Power Plant, FOXWATCH has been installed, and it has proven highly effective. Factory managers and thermal maintenance staff can monitor unit performance from their offices, and during failures, they can quickly share DCS system usage with Foxboro engineers for immediate technical support, minimizing downtime and losses.

Whether using specialized hardware or software, implementing communication solutions is straightforward. The following sections will explore various software-based communication methods available in Foxboro’s I/A products.