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Home » Data Collection Solutions

Data Collection Solutions

ControlGlobal.com

Keywords: "data collection solutions", "data recorder", "remote data collection", "DAQ tool", "National Instruments", "Invensys Eurotherm", "GE Fanuc", Matrikon, Fluke and ABB

See this month's data collection solution tools

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Out-of-the-Box Solution
An extension of LabVIEW graphical system design platform, SignalExpress interactive measurement software helps engineers and scientists build data logging systems to acquire and store measurement data to disk or database. Using a few mouse clicks in LabVIEW SignalExpress, engineers quickly can acquire live measurements, log their data to a disk and export the data to a spreadsheet application, such as Microsoft Excel.
National Instruments; 800/258-7022

Paperless Graphic Recorder
6180 AeroDAQ paperless graphic recorder makes it easy for heat treatment shops to comply with AMS2750 Revision D, a subsection of the AS7102 audit that concerns pyrometry. AS7102 accreditation must be achieved in order for heat treatment shops to qualify for the Performance Review Institute’s Qualified Manufacturers List (QML) under the Nadcap accreditation scheme.
Invensys Eurotherm; 703/ 443-0000

Free Critical Process Data
Program offers free access to Proficy Historian plant-wide data collection software. The solution provides access to all production and process data, building a foundation for users to transform their operations with timely production information. Users can layer Historian with other plant systems including HMI/SCADA. Data can be exchanged in both directions. To download a free, 25-tag Proficy Historian, go to www.gefanuc.com/freehistorian.
GE Fanuc; 800/433-2682

Remote Data Collection
MatrikonOPC Buffer is an off-the- shelf solution for remote data collection, buffering and, with the optional History-Link module, historical data transfer to a central process historian. Easy to install off-the-shelf, MatrikonOPC Buffer with History Link can be paired in series to provide a quick and easy field-redundant data architecture. Will connect to any vendor’s OPC DA server. The dynamic rolling buffer archives data using minimal hard drive space. Optional History-link module schedules OPC data transfer to any OPC enabled process historian, CSV or formatted text file. Real-time data access via a supplied OPC DA server.
MatrikonOPC; 780-448-1010 ext. 4606

Scalable DAQ Tool
LAN-enabled 2680A data acquisition system offers 120 channels at a price-per-channel of $100. It is flexible and scalable to 2000 universal channels per system and is suited for large-scale data acquisition applications. Optional OPC server allows integration into existing application software.
Fluke; 888/492-7556

Into the Field
SM500F field-mountable videographic data recorder is a four-channel recorder that takes recording and monitoring out into the field. It can be installed in a panel, wall or pipe without enclosures. A fully sealed NEMA 4X and IP66 enclosure provides protection against water, dirt and dust. Choose either color or monochrome display to present process data in a variety of display formats, including chart, bar graph and digital indicator views. A built-in Ethernet communication link enables historical data to be remotely downloaded. Can interface with a SCADA system using Modbus TCP and send email notifications of process status and events.
ABB; 215/674-6580

Grab Bag of Data Acquisition Solutions
Web-based, higher speed and accuracy, smaller and less expensive, open architectures.
In a PC-based data acquisition tutorial produced by National Instruments, the company explains “that data acquisition involves gathering signals from measurement sources and digitizing the signal for storage, analysis and presentation on a PC. DAQ systems come in many different PC technology forms for great flexibility when choosing your system Scientists and engineers can choose from PCI, PXI, PCI Express, PXI Express, PCMCIA, USB, IEEE 1394, parallel, or serial ports for data acquisition in test, measurement and automation applications. There are five components to be considered when building a DAQ system: transducers and sensors; signals; signal conditioning, DAQ hardware, and driver software.”

Transducers
“Data acquisition begins with the physical phenomenon to be measured. The transducer is the device that converts a physical phenomenon into a measurable electrical signal, such as voltage or current.
Signals
The appropriate transducers convert the physical phenomena into measurable signals, either digital or analog.
Signal Conditioning
Sometimes transducers generate signals to difficult or too dangerous to measure directly with a DAQ device. Signal conditioning maximizes the accuracy of the system, allows sensors to operate properly and guarantees accuracy.
DAQ Hardware
DAQ hardware acts as the interface between the computer and the outside world.
Driver and Application Software
Software transforms the PC and the DAQ hardware into a complete data acquisition, analysis and presentation tool.”

There are many supplier who provide the complete bundled PC-based data acquisition systems and others that supply the parts. It largely depends on your application what choice you make.