Fieldbus technology
All sensors are equipped with a built-in Profibus DP or ModBus connection. It is not just added to the sensor electronics: it is an integrated part developed by Scienta Systems in Manchester, U.K.
We use high performance 32-bit RISC processors to get the performance needed to do real-time floating-point calculations in the sensor board. Furthermore, the whole electronic part of the sensor is fitted on a single PCB board, which is embedded into the sensor mechanical structure. Component count as well as the number of spare parts is low.
Fieldbus technology starting from the sensor itself means less connectors, less cabling and more reliability. And it means an impressive amount of diagnostic information. The customer treats the Basis Weight sensor or the Moisture sensor as any Fieldbus sensor in his factory - as an intelligent, standard component!
A standard PLC is handling the various tasks of the scanner. The PLC is built-in into the scanner frame itself and it has I/Os for the various sensors in the frame. Connection to the sensors is through a single robotic grade cable running to the sensor platform. No more need to look for ground loops and loose connectors because all sensor signals are already in a standard Fieldbus format.
The Scanner PLC is programmed using a high level language to overcome the need for a PC or other electronics to handle the complex tasks of the scanner itself. The PLC program will acquire all the profile data independently and is ready to upload readily processed values to the QCS system using LAN or Fieldbus connections. The Scienta scanner may be connected to any DCS system using industry standard OPC connectivity or through the use of vendor specific links.
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