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Data Acquisition Techniques using Visual VIGO

Introduction

Within any measurement and process control system (PCS), it is not only important to display real time values of measurement and control variables in a textual or graphical form, but in the majority of cases, also to record historical data for continuous display and/or later analysis. Indeed, in many production systems, regulations demand that a controlled method of traceability is incorporated. The subject of collecting, storing and displaying of such data is recognised by various names, including Data Acquisition, Data Logging, Data Collection, and Data Recording.

Visual VIGO is a low cost SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) type application developed by PROCES-DATA, which runs under Windows on a PC. It includes amongst many user configurable graphical components, a group of components specifically designed to deal with aspects of Data Acquisition (DAQ). These application notes deal with explaining the principles of DAQ, how to achieve this by using particular Visual VIGO components, and what to consider when choosing certain settings and functions.  Specific details about configuring the properties of any Visual VIGO objects can be found in the on-line help files of any running Visual VIGO design by pressing F1, or by following the links in this document.

Data Acquisition Components

The primary task of DAQ is the collection of data in real time. This involves defining the location on the P-NET Fieldbus network of the particular variable to be logged. This is achieved using one of the two Data Acquisition component types available. The Data Acquisition (local) component collects data directly and stores this on the local hard disc. The Remote Data Acquisition component configures and extracts data from a DataCollect channel in a remotely located DPI module.

Data Display Components

If data needs to be shown in a tabular form, a Database Grid component would be chosen. To display data in the form of a plotted curve, a Chartand a Curve component would be incorporated within the Visual VIGO design.

Program Availability

Visual VIGO is an integrated part of the VIGO suite of programs, which can be immediately downloaded from the PROCES-DATA web site for a 30 day trial period. Thereafter, a licence may be purchased for continued usage.

Related Topics

Data Acquisition and Distribution

Collecting Data Directly with a PC

Collecting Remotely Logged Data

The Data Collection DPI

Displaying Data in a Table

Displaying Plotted Curves on a Chart