Application
Scanmatic offers a wide range of data acquisition solutions used in many different applications. The solutions usually consist of one or more data collection devices and a number of sensors that measure various parameters. In addition, there is a data collection system that collects data from the various data collection devices. The data acquisition system can be stand-alone or connected to SCADA or other top-level systems.
Technology
Scanmatic is a vendor-independent system integrator that offers both proprietary data collection devices and data collection devices from other suppliers, in order to offer the best solution for the user.
There are different types of data collection devices and some relevant devices are shown below:
- Data logger
- Field Station / IED (Intelligent Electronic Device)
- RTU
- PLS
- Industrial PC
- IO controls
The data collection unit communicates with a data collection system or with a top system e.g. SCADA. Communication usually takes place over classic serial interfaces such as RS232, RS485 or RS422 or packet-based interfaces such as Ethernet. The communication protocol used is usually a standard protocol such as IEC-101/104.
Proprietary protocols are often used between the data acquisition system and the data acquisition device. Standardized communication protocols are usually used between the data acquisition device and other top systems such as SCADA e.g. TCP/IP, Modbus or IEC-101/104.
The solution handles current and historical values, messages and commands. The measurements are stored locally in the data acquisition device before being periodically transmitted to the data acquisition system. The data collection system supports both regular polling of data and spontaneous submission of data.
The data acquisition system synchronizes the data acquisition devices so that all devices have a common perception of time.
The sensors are connected to the data acquisition device using analog interfaces such as 4-20 mA loops, or digital interfaces such as Modbus or SDI-12. In addition, different proprietary protocols (ASCII) are often used between sensor and data acquisition device. There is also support for digital inputs and digital outputs to control external equipment and to transmit messages and commands with existing equipment.
The solution is powered from one or more power sources, e.g. mains voltage and battery or solar panel and battery.
The equipment is mounted in a cabinet or other packaging adapted to the environment in which it is to be used.