What is the configuration and design module ?
The Definition module is used by the system designer to build the mimic of the plant called a configuration. Solely using the tools and functionality present here, an entire SCADA system can be completed without ever having to resort to other programming tools outside the module.
Mimicking the process
The backbone of an IGSS configuration are the process diagrams. The diagrams are typically organised in different areas corresponding to the individual sub-processes of the plant.
A process diagram can be built on top of a background picture or you can start with an empty diagram and use the built-in drawing tools to gradually build up the picture. Once the static elements of the picture are in place, the process components are placed at their relevant locations.
Creating a process component
A process component is created as an IGSS object. In contrast to some other SCADA systems, IGSS collects all properties relating to one physical component into one IGSS object. This means that one object may contain up to eight I/O points or data tags. In IGSS, we call these "atoms". As an example, an analog object can include the following atoms: High Alarm, High Limit, Current Value, Set Point, Low Limit, Low Alarm, Alarm-In, Alarm-Out.
When you create an IGSS object, you start by choosing either the relevant object type (analog, digital, etc.) or by choosing the needed display type (symbol, bar display, circular display, etc.). The next step is then to name the object and, optionally, base it on a template. This is all done from the versatile "Object Browser". In this example, we're creating a pump called "p7".
After clicking the "Create" button, the object properties dialog box appears allowing you to modify all properties of the object. The figure below shows the "Symbol Definition" tab where you choose the symbol, a color for each digital state, etc.
Once all properties are correct, the OK button is pressed and the object symbol and name will appear on the process diagram. You can now drag the symbol into its correct position.
For a more detailed discussion of the IGSS object, click here.
Installing and running the configuration
During the construction of the configuration, the system designer will install from time to time to verify that the configuration is in sound condition. IGSS will then check all the objects and if there are any errors in the configuration, the system designer will be guided through the troubleshooting procedure. When the configuration is good, it can be run in the Supervise program.
The figure below shows the "Installation Options" dialog box where the system designer determines various options and the contents of the detailed installation report.
The design module offers a myriad of features
The Definition program is packed with exciting features some of which are described on separate pages on our Web site. The list below shows you some of the most exciting and powerful features of the program, but is by no means exhaustive.