Basic configuration provides the system with configuration information, such as the number of various stations, their index flags, the maximum number of points per control station, the shortest execution cycle, and memory capacity. Application software configuration includes more comprehensive content, primarily encompassing the following aspects.
1. Configuration of control loop
The configuration of control loops essentially involves using the various basic functional modules provided by the system to construct various practical control systems. Currently, different DCS systems offer different configuration methods, which can be summarized as specifying the connection method of the operation module, the decision table method, the step recording method, and so on.
The specified operation module connection method involves calling various independent standard operation modules and connecting them with lines to form diverse control loops, ultimately automatically generating control software. This is a configuration method that is very intuitive in terms of information flow and control functions. The decision table method is a purely form-filling approach; users simply fill in the content or answer questions according to the requirements of the configuration table. This method is very user-friendly for configuration operations. The step recording method is a language-based instruction writing method, offering great programming freedom; various complex functions can be implemented through certain techniques, but the configuration efficiency is lower. Furthermore, because this configuration method is not intuitive, it often requires a high level of technical skill and configuration experience from the configuration engineer.
2. Real-time database generation
Real-time databases are the most fundamental information resource in a DCS (Distributed Control System). This real-time data is stored and managed by the real-time database. There are various methods for creating and modifying real-time database records in a DCS. Common methods include generating database files using general-purpose database software, which the system then directly uses for management, or converting the generated data files to the format required by the DCS using a specific method.
3. Generation of industrial process diagrams
A DCS (Distributed Control System) is a comprehensive control system that must possess rich display capabilities for both control and monitoring systems. Clearly, different control systems require different display screens. Generally speaking, a fundamental requirement for DCS configuration is the ability to combine overview, grouping, control loop, flowchart, and alarm displays, using appropriate formats such as characters, bar graphs, and curves to represent various measurement and control parameters and system statuses. Furthermore, it can display various variable catalog screens, operation guidance screens, fault diagnosis screens, engineer maintenance screens, and system configuration screens as needed.
4. Generation of historical database
All DCS systems support historical data storage and trend display. The historical database is typically generated by the user through screen editing and compilation techniques, defining the structure and scope of each historical data record without requiring programming. Data in the historical database is generally divided into groups, with each group containing the same data type and sampling time. Information about each data point is defined during the database generation process.
5. Report generation
The report printing function of the DCS operator station is also configured through the report generation section of the configuration software. Different DCS systems vary significantly in their report printing functions. Generally, DCS supports two types of report printing functions: periodic report printing and triggered report printing, allowing users to generate different report formats according to their needs and preferences.
