| Feature
Details: |
| |
| 10/100BaseTx
Auto-MDI/MDIX crossover: The state-of-the-art Ethernet
port supports automatic detection of the data rate and automatically
reverses the connections when device-to-device connections are made,
so you never need to find a cross-over cable. |
|
| Configuration
Diagnostics: The I/O
Tool Kit scans for inconsistencies (conflicts such as duplicated
tag names) and errors in the configuration of your system and highlights
them for your convenience. Meaningful explanations and the ability
to go directly to the source of the problem and correct it are valuable
features that are built into the I/O Tool Kit software. A Reporting
Window traces operations, such as configuration loads, detailing
successful or unsuccessful operations so you can trace the cause
of problems. |
|
| Run-time
Diagnostics: The IPm firmware reports status of such items
as the on-line status of I/O modules or remote stations and reports
these conditions as discrete I/O flags that can be used in applications
programs or reported to host systems. |
|
| COM
Objects for Easy Integration: The I/O
Tool Kit consists of a suite of well-organized COM objects that
allows OEMs to call particular .dll objects from within their own
software. For example, the SIXNET datalog file retrieval module
can be used on the front end of an OEM’s database, or analog I/O
channels can be calibrated by bringing up a SIXNET supplied dialog.
This calibration .dll would automatically and transparently find
all attributes of the I/O channel to be calibrated in the SIXNET
created I/O Tool Kit project file. |
|
| Communications
Status LEDs: Provided is a transmit (TXD) and receive (RXD)
LED for each serial port, and a Speed and Activity/Link (ACT/LNK)
for each Ethernet port to provide meaningful diagnostics for your
communications. |
|
| Comprehensive
Hot Linked Help System: Detailed documentation is provided
in both Windows help and html formats. Hot links tie together multiple
documentation volumes, as well as downloadable Adobe
Acrobat (.pdf) files, into a single comprehensive documentation
system. SIXNET’s Total
Quality approach to documentation keeps improving our documentation
by incorporating suggestions and other feedback processes to continue
to make our documentation more meaningful and helpful to you. |
|
| Advanced
Configuration Tools: The I/O
Tool Kit is an easy-to-use suite of tools for configuring SIXNET
products. This intuitive tool kit begins the process with step-by-step
Wizards and then presents the data in multiple formats so you can
organize your project and view configurations in a way that you
find meaningful. |
|
| Create
Panel Layouts: The
I/O Tool Kit enables you to quickly visualize the layout of
your control cabinets by placing SIXNET components on a panel layout.
As this is done, a Bill of Materials for all included items is created
and priced for you automatically. |
|
| Custom
Configuration Tools for OEMs: The
I/O Tool Kit may be customized
for our private-label OEM customers to include your part numbers
and choice of menu selections, etc. Generic help files (stripped
of SIXNET references) are provided for OEM customers. Careful planning
in the development of the I/O Tool Kit enables SIXNET to maintain
OEM versions as conditional compilations of our standard files.
The result is OEM customized tools that are always up to date. |
|
| DCS
Asset Management Tools: The I/O
Tool Kit coordinates your entire project in a single configuration
database and provides “complete
system” asset management tools for your system as viewed as
a “big picture”. The tag dictionary displays I/O tags definitions
for all controllers and I/O stations in the project in a single
view and will highlight duplicated tags anywhere in the system (or
many other potential problems). Asset management functions such
as making configuration changes or calibrating analog I/O may be
accomplished while the system remains on-line. All assets may be
organized by location for your convenience in managing large or
distributed systems. |
|
| DCS-style
High-end Process Controller: The SixTRAK
IPm Controller is ideal for DCS
applications with its powerful
IPm engine and advanced process control features. Simple ISaGRAF
programs, along with auto-configured
redundancy enables primary and backup controllers. I/O Tags
can be viewed or altered from multiple nodes permitting large system
configurations to be conveniently implemented. The IPm I/O
database easily will handle 50,000 (or more) I/O Tags in a single
controller. The SixTRAK IPm has an abundance of communications capabilities
(including dual Ethernet networks) that are needed to run a high
performance process control system. This extensive communications
power is enhanced with the flexibility of LINUX
software to create a remarkable DCS solution that will exceed
your demanding requirements. |
|
| Efficient
I/O database: A central I/O
database has been provided in the IPm to organize and share
“register values” (I/O and internal variables). This database provides
a simple and universal method of interfacing variables (I/O registers)
between the modular applications programs that all reside in an
IPm system. All SIXNET supplied applications use this database as
a common interface for application specific data. This includes
ISaGRAF, Sixlog
datalogging, all I/O drivers and SIXNET I/O polling software,
etc. User applications
can access these I/O registers through a variety of interface alternatives,
including an efficient library
of function calls (ipm_io_calls.pdf) , and external interfaces
using both SIXNET and Modbus
protocol. Supported data types includes discrete (bits), analog
(16-bit signed and unsigned integers), longs (32-bit integers),
and floats (32-bit floating point values). |
|
| Redundant
Controllers: An auto-configured
redundancy feature and the distributed architecture of SIXNET
systems facilitates redundancy
in your applications. ISaGRAF
programs can be triggered to run based upon watchdog logic that
switches a controller from backup to primary mode. SIXNET
I/O can run in a read/write mode that reads both inputs and
outputs, to keep a backup controller in synchronization with the
process until it is instructed to write outputs as the primary controller.
In addition, more than one controller can change the states of networked
I/O (as long as care is taken in the applications programming to
avoid harmful collisions in the logic). Get
more information on redundancy |
|
| Redundant
Communications: I/O
transfers can be interlocked to conditions established by your
applications program and therefore serve as alternative (redundant)
I/O. (When a failure is detected, the failing I/O block is removed
from the scan and the backup I/O block is substituted.) The multiple
communications ports on an IPm controller, and in particular, the
dual independent Ethernet networks on a SixTRAK
IPm process controller readily serve as redundant communications
paths. Get
more information on redundancy |
|
| FLASH
Memory: The IPm firmware includes the management of the
LINUX file system in FLASH memory. Intelligent features manage the
FLASH memory sector utilization to prevent wearing out sectors from
repeated erasure. The file directory can be viewed and files uploaded
or downloaded from the IPm file system from the I/O
Tool Kit Windows software. (You
do not need any knowledge of LINUX to load files into an IPm
controller.) |
|
| Boot
Monitor: All
SIXNET IPm products are shipped the advanced PPC/UBoot boot
loader program loaded into the Flash memory. This SIXNET enhanced
software automatically determines the hardware configuration of
the unit and loads the LINUX operating system upon power up. |
|
| Redundant
Ethernet: The SixTRAK
IPm controller has two independent Ethernet networks – each
with its own MAC and IP address. This capability greatly facilitates
network redundancy
implementation or connection to two completely isolated networks.
(For example, a dedicated control network and the top end supervisory
network.) The SIXNET
I/O Tool Kit configuration software fully supports this dual
networking for applicable IPm controller products. |
|
| ISaGRAF
Embedded Run-time: An ISaGRAF
PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) run-time is included in IPm.
This open programming environment supports all five IEC61131-3 compliant
languages, including ladder logic, function blocks, statement programming,
sequential function charts, and instruction lists. Advanced process
control and SCADA libraries are included by SIXNET. Please note
that a license for the ISaGRAF Workbench software is required to
develop and maintain ISaGRAF programs. |
|
| 3rd-party
LINUX IPm Applications: IPm firmware is built upon standard
LINUX firmware and care is taken to maintain its open and accessible
nature. Numerous third party software
suppliers are preparing their products to execute in the IPm
controller in concert with the other IPm applications. SIXNET will
publish information about these industrial
LINUX applications as they become available. |
|
| LINUX
IPm Configuration Tools: The I/O
Tool Kit enables you to load and maintain LINUX applications
in an embedded SIXNET controller from a standard Windows environment.
Information from the LINUX operating system is presented is meaningful
format in these easy-to-use Windows tools so that the user need
not install or have knowledge of LINUX to use an IPm product.
(Of course LINUX users will have no trouble using these tools in
concert with their LINUX-based computers through the use of VMware
or other similar software tools.) |
|
| Fast
Battery-backed Static RAM: Some information cannot be saved
in flash memory because the flash is too slow or would wear out.
Datalogging
and continually updating I/O values that must be retained during
power failures are two features that could cause this problem. The
IPm firmware stores this information in a fast battery-backed RAM
memory, which does not wear out after too many writes. (See Sixlog
datalogging for details about SIXNET supplied datalogging software.)
The battery-backed RAM is also available for direct customer use
(even from ISaGRAF) since it uses
ordinary file reads and writes. |
|
| Modbus
Support: Standard routines are included in the IPm firmware
to act as an I/O slave, responding to requests from Modbus
ASCII and RTU masters. In addition, an I/O transfer capability
enables initiation of I/O transfers as an I/O master on the basis
of time (polled) or triggered events. |
|
| Master
Terminal Unit Functionality: The IPm firmware has all the
advanced features required for a Master Terminal Unit (MTU) or data
concentrator. It's loaded with advanced communication capabilities
that makes it easy to collect data from all your remote sites. All
types of communication links are supported such as Ethernet, fiber
optic, radio, telephone, cellular, GSM, leased line, short haul,
and much more. |
|
| Multi-user,
Real-time Serial Ports: SIXNET has integrated up to four
serial ports into a true multi-user environment (you can use any
serial port for any purpose, simultaneously with all other ports
without contention). The serial drivers have been enhanced to support
real-time applications and features such as RTS transmit enable
(for RS485 and radio systems). |
|
| Peer-to-peer
Communications: A peer-to-peer I/O
transfer capability is included in the IPm firmware. This capability
enables I/O moves using the SIXNET and Modbus
ASCII and RTU protocols. I/O transfers may occur on the basis
of time or event. Configuration of I/O moves is easily done through
the I/O Tool Kit
(Windows) software. |
|
| Advanced
I/O Polling: IPm contains software for the real-time polling
of SixTRAK (local), RemoteTRAK
(RS485) and EtherTRAK (Ethernet) I/O. This supplied firmware
handles advanced I/O functions such as online I/O configuration,
analog calibrations and data scaling from binary to floating point
values. |
|
| Pre-integrated
Hardware Support: IPm is a ready-to-run hardware platform
with enhanced support for the Ethernet and serial ports, memory
(including the Flash disk(s) and battery-backed RAM), real-time
clock, etc. More importantly, all the drivers are coordinated to
work together as a mature, efficient system. |
|
| Reliable
Journaling File System: The Journalling Flash File System,
version 2, is optimized for Flash memory and embedded systems. Data
is protected even against sudden, unexpected power loss. There is
no need to warn the system to shut down before removing power. Wear
leveling distributes the erase and write operations across the flash
memory to prevent premature memory failures. |
|
| Remote
Terminal Unit Functionality: The IPm firmware provides
all the advanced features that you need for a modern Remote
Terminal Unit (RTU). With it we have created the VersaTRAK
IPm and mIPm,
the ultimate RTU, which is ready to monitor and control your remote
sites. It's powerful CPU, unlimited I/O expandability, flexible
communications, and advanced programmability make it the perfect
choice for any RTU application. |
|
| Sixlog
Datalogging: Log time stamped records on the basis of time
or event. Data is stored in the battery-backed RAM. Multiple files
can be defined to log data at different rates or for different purposes.
Options for 512K or 2 Megabytes of RAM are offered. No programming
is required.The I/O
Tool Kit enables you to quickly configure datalogging file configurations
and load them into SIXNET
controllers. The datalog support in this Windows support package
also includes software for uploading datalog files (or blocks of
records) from SIXNET controllers into host servers. Please note
that datalogging is part of an upgrade package (advanced license)
for the I/O Tool Kit software. SIXNET datalogging also supports
client initiated
transfers which enables systems to accept data transactions
from distributed controllers. Go to the datalog
server and redundant
datalogging for more information. |
|
| SIXNET
I/O Tool Kit: The I/O
Tool Kit software is a comprehensive suite of tools for specifying,
configuring and maintaining SIXNET systems. The basic tool kit is
supplied at no cost with SIXNET embedded LINUX controllers (and
all other applicable SIXNET products). Enhancements are offered
to allow developers and end users to take advantage of the power
of the LINUX controller from an intuitive Windows program. The I/O
Tool Kit makes it possible to develop, load and maintain LINUX applications
from a simple Windows environment. |
|
| IPm
Add-on Options: It's easy to add capabilities to a Linux-based
IPm controller or RTU. Several add-on application
programs and I/O drivers are available already for your IPm.
They include DNP3, SNMP, PPP, Hart and more. |
|
| Embedded
Linux OS: The LINUX system loaded into IPm controllers
is a fully pre-integrated system, enhanced with numerous features
that are important to real-time industrial systems. |
|
| SIXNET
Universal Protocol: SIXNET “Universal” protocol is a packeted
data transfer protocol that permits simultaneous master and slave
messaging over the same port. This protocol is used for numerous
operations including Sixlog data transfer, I/O configuration, and
other advanced RTU or DCS functions. Most commercially available
SCADA and softPLC products support SIXNET protocol. It is most suitable
for peer-to-peer I/O moves between SIXNET controllers and I/O stations.
The protocol is open and a full description is provided on the SIXNET
CD and www.sixnetio.com web
site. Note: The SIXNET Universal protocol is designed
to work equally well and is supported for use in LINUX, Windows
and other systems. It provides “universal” access to all systems,
and hence its name. |
|
| Sophisticated
I/O Support: The IPm firmware supports polling of 640 SixTRAK
discrete, analog, and counter I/O channels. Advanced features include
real-time (as they are polled) scaling of analog values to engineering
units (including linearization and cold-junction compensation of
nine types of thermocouples and RTD sensors). The firmware interacts
with the SIXNET I/O
Tool Kit Windows configuration software to completely manage
the functionality of the I/O. An FPGA (field programmable gate array)
accepts downloaded code from the IPm firmware to allow efficient
ST-Bus polling of the I/O by offloading much of the work from the
main IPm PowerPC processor. |
|
| Adding
Your Own Applications: You may add
your own LINUX applications to the IPm controller using any
of the programming languages supported by the GNU development tools,
including C, C++, Fortran and other languages.
OEMs partners should contact SIXNET for special development
support services. |
|
| Dial-up
Modem Support: The IPm hardware and firmware supports RS232
modem handshaking lines and special modem support features such
as modem initialization upon power up. A suite of modem support
features is provided, including a modem dialing function block in
the ISaGRAF function library. (IPm
is after all an advanced RTU.) |
|
| Telemetry
Support: IPm serial ports support transmit-enable handshaking
for radio transmission and party-line RS485 communications. User
settable lead and lag times on message transmissions insure the
reliable transmission of messages. In addition, the primary communications
of IPm products is the SIXNET Universal Protocol
which is a packeted protocol (includes defined message delimiters,
message sequencing, message length characters, error detection,
automatic retries, etc.). |
|
| Firmware
Upgrades: Upgraded firmware, including the LINUX operating
system itself, can be downloaded into an IPm engine over either
an Ethernet or serial link. The embedded boot loader has sufficient
support for Ethernet TCP/IP to perform a firmware load, even without
support (or prior existence) of LINUX on the system. |
|
| Tag
Dictionary: The I/O
Tool Kit contains a global tag dictionary that defines, displays
and reports errors on I/O register definitions in all SIXNET
controllers and I/O
stations in a project. These tags and their associated definitions
may be exported to (or, in some cases, directly shared with) external
applications such as SCADA packages and OPC servers, and internal
applications such as ISaGRAF and LINUX
C applications. This capability enables you to define tags just
once and share them among various applications. All applications
now use the same variable names and you save time entering tag definitions
into each application and searching for mismatches, duplications
and errors in the definitions. Please note that import and export
from the tag dictionary is part of the SCS upgrade package (advanced
license) for the I/O Tool Kit software. |
|
| Time
of Day Clock: The IPm CPU includes a time of day clock
that is kept running by the battery-backup through power outages.
The IPm firmware provides support for a suite of clock functions,
including time-stamping datalog records and file operations, and
scheduling of events through SIXNET supplied applications such as
ISaGRAF. |
|
| PLC
Plus: The IPm has all the features of a traditional PLC
plus all the capability of a full-blown process controller. Control
programs can be written in Ladder Logic and debugged/edited on-line,
or they can be written in a high level language such as C. You can
even do both at the same time. The IPm can handle multiple programs
to meet your exact requirements. Compare
the IPm to a typical PLC. |
|
| An
Ideal Protocol Converter: An
IPm controller makes the ideal protocol converter. Many I/O drivers
can simultaneously run in this multitasking / multi-user environment.
Each driver simply reads and writes I/O registers to the IPm I/O
database. This shared database of discrete, integer (16 bit
analog and counter values), long integer (32 bit), and floating
point variables, may contain 50,000 (or more) I/O registers. SIXNET
offers several add-on software packages
for IPm, such as DNP3, SNMP, PPP, HART, and others. Also, SIXNET
is helping system integrators and OEM customers develop I/O drivers
to run on an IPm controller. Links
to these partner's documentation are published to promote sharing
of these solutions in the spirit of truly open systems. If you have
developed an I/O driver that you would like to share, SIXNET will
help you market your I/O driver product. |
|
