Keeping a production line running is not enough in today’s competitive climate: it needs to be running as efficiently as possible and areas for improvement identified.  The need to understand what machinery is doing and how well it is doing it is essential. Most processes however, hidden from sight, or occur too rapidly to see. The System Q QD81DL96 module addresses this by capturing process data and allowing comprehensive analysis so the processes can be more easily understood and process optimization simplified.

No data missed

The QD81 DL96 can log events that occur as little as 1 ms apart, and a single High Speed Data Logger Module can sample data from up to 64 CPUs, so even the most rapid process operations can be captured. This makes the module suitable for a wide range of applications, including high speed motion. Up to 8 GB of data can be stored on a standard CF card, for events logging over long periods if necessary. To ensure efficient memory use, logging can be activated by trigger conditions, meaning that only the relevant events are captured.

The ability to record events before and after a trigger condition to allow further insight of the process. For OEMs troubleshooting machines in the field, the module can also begin logging on insertion of a Compact Flash card to gain a complete machine operation history. Finally, all forms of controller data can be recorded for complete flexibility.

Data analysis

The data logger module contains software that allows the recording conditions to be easily determined with a wizard. Configuration can be achieved simply with a web browser connected to the module via the built-in Ethernet port. The software is also available in an off-line format for system development when hardware is not available.

Once the data is stored, the available Viewer Utility provides a comprehensive set of tools to analyze it and turn it into useful information. Data can be viewed as intuitive graphs and separate traces can be compared by superimposing them.  Data can be stored in a variety of standard formats including Microsoft” Excel”, CSV and binary data, for compatibility with most systems.

The unit supports the full Mitsubishi network architecture, meaning that all key network systems, including the CC-Link family and MELSECNET/H are supported. Hence one module can easily monitor the activities of a complete shop floor, providing huge cost savings and simplified data management. It also supports FTP transfer to make data transfer over a network simple. This also avoids maintenance issues when a CF card is filled. An email function allows the sending of direct notification of selected events for immediate action.

An SNTP (Simple Network Time Protocol) function insures that logging across multiple controllers remains synchronized, allowing events that happen in different parts of the factory to also be easily compared.

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