Embedded Data Logging with Compact FieldPoint

The Compact FieldPoint programmable automation controller (PAC) is an easy-to-use, highly expandable industrial control and acquisition system designed for applications that require the flexibility of a PC and the reliability of a PLC. This rugged system combines a real-time controller with a wide range of industrial I/O modules suitable for data logging in harsh remote locations. With native Ethernet connectivity and web server functionality, you can access logged data nearby or miles away using the same software framework.

The Compact FieldPoint (cFP) Embedded Data Logger is a stand-alone, turn-key application written in LabVIEW that turns your Compact FieldPoint bank into an embedded data logger capable of autonomous data acquisition. This intuitive web-based configuration and data monitoring software steps you through a simple configuration to record, graph, and export data in spreadsheet format. No programming is required to use the cFP Embedded Data Logger, but the source code is readily available online to help you create additional features using NI LabVIEW.

1. Compact FieldPoint Features
2. Embedded Data Logger Solution
3. Conclusion

Compact FieldPoint Features

Industrial Ruggedness and Reliability:
When developing industrial applications, you need robust and durable hardware that will withstand severe environmental factors without requiring constant maintenance. Compact FieldPoint features many industrial specifications to quickly build a rugged, stable system suitable for harsh remote locations:
        • 50 g shock, 5 g vibration
        • -40°C to 70°C operating temperature range
        • Built-in signal conditioning with electrical isolation
Compact FieldPoint is compliant with North American and European certifications such as safety, hazardous locations, marine approval, and EMC compliance.

Wide Range of I/O Modules:
Compact FieldPoint offers a variety of analog and digital I/O modules to measure and control industrial sensors and actuators.  Because of the Compact FieldPoint built-in signal conditioning and broad selection of I/O modules, you can directly connect with virtually any sensor type, such as thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, 4-20 mA sensors, and a variety of digital signals from 5-30 VDC and 0-250 VAC.  For quick installation and easy setup, these hot-swappable modules are automatically detected and identified by the configuration software. You can set up programmable power-up states for each module and use autoscaling to convert raw values into easily readable engineering units. 

Fig. 1. Compact FieldPoint system with I/O modules.

Embedded Data Logger Solution

With Compact FieldPoint’s powerful capabilities of intelligent control and acquisition, you can easily develop your application with just a few steps using the NI LabVIEW development environment.  To help you get quickly started with simple data logging, add the Compact FieldPoint (cFP) Embedded Data Logger example program to your system.

Turnkey Stand-Alone System:
If turnkey data logging is what you need, the cFP Embedded Data Logger provides an easy-to-use solution without any programming required.  By simply using the cFP Embedded Data Logger program to set your logging configurations, your Compact FieldPoint system now becomes a stand-alone data logger that automatically runs on boot up without any computer connection.  Data can be stored in the cFP controller’s onboard memory or on a removable Compact Flash card, giving you multiple options for saving and retrieving data.

Rugged Real-Time Measurements:
An expansive library of I/O modules combined with onboard, real-time processing and analysis are integral parts of the Compact FieldPoint Embedded Data Logger.  By packaging the rugged Compact FieldPoint controller and I/O modules with an embedded LabVIEW Real-Time application, the cFP Embedded Data Logger gives you the ability to reliably collect data in harsh industrial environments.  This one application automatically works with any combination of Compact FieldPoint input modules and sensors connected to your system.

Remote Access through Web Connectivity:
After using a simple configuration utility to initialize the Compact FieldPoint system, you can simply open a web browser to begin acquiring, viewing, or accessing logged data.  With Internet connectivity, you have the flexibility to control and access your data logger from the office or a remote location using the power of the LabVIEW web server.  Download the logged data files via FTP for further data analysis and report generation in data management software such as NI DIAdem or Microsoft Excel.

Fig. 2. Using the cFP Embedded Data Logger in a web browser.

Even More Customization with LabVIEW:
To include any additional functionality or make your own custom version of this web-accessible utility, visit the cFP Embedded Data Logger Program website.  The LabVIEW source code for this free example program is available for download to provide a stepping stone for making your own modifications. NI LabVIEW is a graphical development environment that enables engineers and scientists to rapidly and cost-effectively interface with real-world signals, analyze data, and share results with the world. 

Related Links:
What is NI LabVIEW?
Test-Drive LabVIEW

Conclusion

If you are considering purchasing a new Compact FieldPoint system, National Instruments can install the cFP Embedded Data Logger for you through the Factory Installation Service.  Otherwise, if you already own a Compact FieldPoint system, download this free example program on the Compact FieldPoint Embedded Data Logger website.

To configure your own rugged, autonomous data logging system with web accessibility, get the Compact FieldPoint Embedded Data Logger today.

6 Ratings | 4.17 out of 5

Read in  Chinese (Traditional) English |  Print |  PDF

Reader Comments | Submit a comment »