MultiCon - Paperless - Modular - Colour Touch Screen - Controllers - Recorders - Loggers

• up to 72 analog / digital inputs, with a wide range of I/O modules.

• up to 60 virtual channels, 100ms sampling max, 1,5 GB for data!

• PID control, profiles/timers, mathematical functions.

• Ethernet, 2 x USB Host Ports, MultiModbus - up to 3 x RS485 interfaces.

• HMI, Java applets, visualisation as digits, needles, graphs or bar graphs.

• IP65 front panel protection, LCD touch screen.

• Free DAQ Manager Software.

Links

• Download the MultiCon Brochure

• Download the MultiCon Module Catalogue

• Download the Simex Portable Data Logging Systems Brochure

•  View the MultiCon YouTube Channel

• Download the CMC MultiCon Emulator for CMC-99 or CMC-141

• Link to the dedicated MultiCon website

The features of the MultiCon product range are further explained in the article below:

Introduction to MultiCon

The MultiCon series devices are advanced meters, controllers and recorders in a compact housing. They have been designed for both advanced and less demanding industrial automation applications.  They feature a colour TFT display with a touch screen (3.5 or 5.7 inch, depending on version). The GUI is a pleasure to work with, and the operation of the MutiCon in a HMI role is intuitive and comfortable. The kernel of the software is a LINUX operating system, which ensures stable operation and enables the installation of advanced software.

Fig. 1: The MultiCon can be operated via the touch screen, a keyboard or a mouse

Interface Possibilities

At first glance, the absence of any keys on the front panel of the instrument comes as a surprise. However, operation using the touch screen is efficient and comfortable. The operation philosophy is similar to a windows system: hitting (clicking on) appropriate menu keys, sliders to move the screens, etc. If, however, you are not happy with the touch screen, a traditional keyboard and a mouse can be connected to the instrument via the USB ports.

Despite its compact dimensions the instrument has a wide range of application possibilities. A well-thought-out modular design allows the precise adaptation of the CMC to suit a customers specific needs and requirements. A wide array of input and output modules are available (current, voltage, universal, thermocouple, RTD, digital, counting, relay, SSR and more).

A single, compact CMC-99 instrument can include modules which provide in total up to 48 physical inputs and outputs (analogue, digital and relay). Its slightly bigger brother, the CMC-141, can have fifty percent more inputs and outputs. Figure 2 shows the CMC-99 rear panel in one of the most typical configurations ordered by our customers.

You do not need to use all of the slots; what’s more, when a modification becomes necessary all you need to do is send the instrument to RET Automation Controls who will make the changes, by adding, removing or replacing modules. 

If a single RS-485 interface in the standard version is not enough, the user can choose the ACM (Advanced Communication Module) or ECU (Ethernet Communication Module) which has additional communication interfaces: Ethernet, USB, RS-485 and RS-232 and another RS-485 port.

Using the Modbus RTU, the MultiCon CMC can read data and control outputs of other devices in the Modbus RTU network. External inputs/outputs (i.e. inputs and outputs for other devices) are particularly useful when there is a need to control a large number of physical execution units or collect data from distant sources. The number of these inputs/outputs is counted independently of the inputs/outputs available on the built-in modules. This augments the potential of MultiCon which is already powerful. In this way, using a MultiCon CMC you can build an advanced network system where you can monitor the operation of the whole system from any place on the planet, e.g. via internet.

Fig. 2: Example of input/output hardware configuration

Each MultiCon can work also as a data recorder. Its internal memory of 1.5 GB is sufficient for over 125 million of samples, meaning that even in the intensive sampling mode (every second) you can record data, for example, from 24 channels for 2 months. 

Block internal design

In order to understand how such a small device can meet so many different requirements, it is necessary to have a closer look at its internal design.

The heart of the device is a powerful, 32-bit ARM9 processor to which typical peripherals are connected: flash memory with firmware, flash memory for data recorder, RAM, TFT graphic display with a touch screen, power supply systems, basic communication interfaces, etc.

However, to reduce the load on the CPU and ensure fast implementation of system tasks, including immediate response of the TFT display,  all optional measurement and communication modules are equipped and supported by their own efficient RISC processors (AVR family) and they are connected with the main processor via a fast serial bus. Therefore, all tasks related to A/D processing, calibration, transmission frames support, etc. are performed directly on the modules. As a result, even with the maximum number of modules connected, the device speed is not affected, and the expanded internal firmware of the modules ensures very good accuracy and stability of the measurements.

This design solution also allows the introduction of a very important element: galvanic separation of all external connections in all modules to significantly increase the device functionality and flexibility.

Fig. 3: Block diagram of the device

Software

After powering up, the operating system is loaded from the flash memory to RAM, followed by the application software. The specially designed serial bus which connects the modules, allows the immediate detection, identification and recording of each newly installed module. Suitable configuration modules are activated simultaneously which ensures full implementation of the Plug and Play function.

The device system is based on Linux, which allows the MultiCon to implement many independent tasks at the same time (even in large multi-channel systems).

Due to consultation and cooperation with the users forum, the software is constantly developed and new, useful functions are added. Interesting additions or solutions are quickly implemented as firmware updates. A free update feature is provided ensuring that all MultiCon CMC users always have the latest firmware version installed on their devices. The update procedure could not be simpler: just download the latest files from our website, write them to a usb drive, connect the usb drive to the CMC and start the process - the rest is fully automatic.

Display  and Touch Configuration

With the MultiCon it is easy to access the menus and change the data presentation format.  MultiCon offers numerous possibilities in this area – the basic function is bringing up the contextual menu by touching the display briefly. Then, a set of buttons appears on the bottom of the screen to switch between the display modes, channel groups or to enter the menu

Fig. 4: Contextual menu

The “MODE” buttons allow a quick selection of data presentation method on the screen. Depending on whether we need detailed information on the signal value, quick insight into the signal level, or parameter trend over time, the data can be presented as:

• numerical values - Fig. 5a
• needle dials - Fig. 5b
• horizontal or vertical charts - Fig. 5c
• horizontal or vertical bars - Fig. 5d
• simultaneous presentation many groups - Fig. 7

Fig. 5: Basic data presentation modes on the screen

In the first four modes, the panels present in a clear manner the name and the unit of measure which are specified and entered by the user, its graphical or numerical representation, and in addition a percentage value in relation to a set level. The last mode allows the presentation as numbers of up to 30 channels on one screen. This mode is particularly usefull when used with the MultiCon-141 which has a large 5.7” display.

The time graph data presentation mode is useful for recording operations. Depending on the configuration, the graph background can be black (Fig. 6a) or white (Fig. 6b, 6c), and the graph itself can be set as horizontal (horizontal time axis – Fig. 6c) or vertical to maintain conformity with traditional paper recorders (Fig. 6a, 6b). The user can also select the line thickness.

Fig. 6: Data presented as a graph

To ensure the clarity of results, the measurement channels are assigned to groups. The “GROUP” buttons are used to select the group which will be displayed. Figure 7 presents a mimic board view with 30 channels from group 1 to group 5. Using the “GROUP” buttons will change the range of displayed channels; this also applies to all other data display modes.

Fig. 7: Simultaneous presentation, groups 1 to 5

MultiCon CMC-99 has 10 groups, and MultiCon CMC-141 has 15. A single group can contain a maximum of 6 channels, but the channel assignment to groups is not restricted, and the same channel can be displayed in many different groups, providing the user with full flexibility to group various measurements (e.g. one room, measurements from the same device, or group measurements of the same type, etc.). For example, Fig. 8d shows a group related to one device. By selecting the number of channels assigned to a group, we vary the sizes of indicators

Fig. 8: Presentation of individual data groups

At this point, it is worth emphasising the mathematical capacity of MultiCon devices. In Fig. 8d, the channel “Power” is calculated from the “Voltage” and “Current” channels by setting the multiplication function - but this feature will be dealt with in more detail below.

MultiCon devices equipped with the ACM (Advanced Communication Module) allow simple remote monitoring of measurement results using a web browser, as well as a very attractive graphical presentation in the form of built-in or user-created websites. Built in Java applets provide programmers with easy mechanisms to retrieve data from the device using Modbus TCP.  Fig. 9. is an example of a website which has been created. As you can see, its appearance and structure depend only on the programmer’s ingenuity.

To assist users to create their own websites even if they do not know HTML, Simex has prepared a few examples which are distributed with the free DAQ Manager software which is used to manage the data recorded by the MultiCon.

Fig. 9: Example of a website created using the Java applets

Display Setup

Press the “Menu” button to enter the main menu of the device (Fig. 4). If the menu is password-protected, a window will appear with a request to enter the password. Access to the menu gives the user the ability configure the MultiCon, even with no knowledge of any programming language! Let us focus on the presentation of results.

The MultiCon allows a very precise configuration of the data display method, in particular it allows you to specify the names and units shown in each individual channel, you are able to rescale the measurement data and set ranges in the indicator and graph modes. For example – binary data can be presented not only as 0/1. Any text can be assigned to the logical states. For example (Fig. 10a), the “ON” string on the green background is assigned to the “0” state, and in the “1” state the display will show “OFF” on the red background. Setting a string of spaces instead of the text, we get an imitation of a control light which lights up in any colour the programmer selects for a given state.

Fig. 10: Presenting binary data and the “Setpoint” mode

Setpoint Mode is also available on the MultiCon - although it is more a function of the channel operation mode than the presentation of results, it should be discussed in the presentation of results section. By touching the screen in the field of a setpoint configured channel, the user can in no time at all change a fixed value assigned to the channel (e.g. a threshold in the controller). In addition, this mode can be mixed with binary data presentation as described above (Fig. 10b, 10c) which allows the easy definition of function keys on the screen. Depending of the users needs, the admin can configure a channel to ensure that changes are only made by authorised users or by any operator, even if the operator does not know the password.

In order to gain quick access to group settings or to the settings of channels in a group, you can just touch and hold the screen in the area of the channel that interests you and you immediately enter the menu to edit this channel’s parameters (Fig. 11).  Operation of the group is similar: press and hold the top bar on the group name and you enter a relevant submenu.

Fig. 11: Editing the group and channel

Processing measurement data, control functions and network systems

MultiCon is capable of simultaneous implementation of tasks related to measurements, processing, control and recording of data. In order to make this possible, the designers have used the concept of “logical channels” which are virtual bridge between the physical inputs/outputs and the control and visualisation processes.

An expanded configuration menu of logical channels allows for precise configuration. It is not sufficient just to mention the names, units of measure, precision of displayed data or ranges of indicators and graphs. The designers have also allowed easy rescaling of collected data, as well as data filtering or data hold controlled by another channel.

In the MultiCon devices, it is the user who decides how to use the available logical channels. The parameter which allows you to select the channel function is the “operation mode”. It can be set so that the logical channel:

• represents the data from physical inputs or outputs,
• processes the data from other logical channels using the mathematical and logical functions,
• generates constant values (set points) or sequence diagrams (profiles),
• works in the PID controller mode,
• constitutes a virtual function key.

Relationships between channels (including mathematical operations on the values) can be set directly in the device and it is not necessary to know any programming language. As the essence of any data processing is mathematical operations in the device, many standard functions have been provided so you are able to build complex algorithms.

In addition to the basic mathematical functions, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, the device allows the user to use trigonometric functions, calculate the mean, maximum or minimum value from any number of channels, as well as logical functions or comparison and election. The source of the data used in mathematical functions can be other logical channels or constant values set in the menu.

Fig. 12: An example of mathematical function

One of the most important functions of MultiCon is a controlled configuration menu of built-in outputs (e.g. relays) which allows the user to use them as a so-called two-position controller.

The selectable combination of inputs and outputs allow the user to create multi-channel controllers which operate independently. In addition, the concept of logical channels provides an opportunity of creating many outputs (including outputs of different types) dependent on a single input channel, and mathematical operations significantly expand the control options.

Fig. 13: Operation principle of ON/OFF controller and a fragment of relay menu

In addition to ordinary ON/OFF control using binary signals, MultiCon allows PID control using built-in and external analogue outputs or SSR outputs in the PWW mode.

Each of the 60 logical channels can be set in the PD, PI, PID controller modes with an independent set point, input and output. The user can choose from 8 sets of PID control parameters (available in the “Controllers” submenu) each of which can be assigned to many logical channels operating in the controller mode. This is a perfect solution when many similar processes need to be controlled. The MultiCon can work then as a unique multi-channel PID controller.

Fig. 14: Basic logical channel settings in the PID controller mode

To supplement the control functions of the device, it is possible for the MultiCon to automatically update the set value – timers/profiles – which allow you to generate signals which are a user-defined waveform and duration. The MultiCon allows the user to define profiles and the duration of each of them can be different. Additionally, looping can be introduced. You can define the trigger moment and method (e.g. by a state of another channel or a real time clock). Thanks to this flexibility the selected process can be launched cyclically, e.g. on a set day of the month at a set time, with additional conditions.

Fig. 15: An example of time profile with variable section lengths

Undoubtedly, an advantage of the MultiCon is that it can interface with other devices and systems. The basic configuration includes a single RS-485 port with the Modbus RTU interface. It is however possible to add an ACM module to increase the application potential exponentially. This module is equipped with isolated RS-485 and RS-485/232 ports, an Ethernet interface and an additional USB Host port. Each of serial ports is a separate interface with Modbus RTU protocol and can operate independently of the others, both in the Master and Slave modes.

Expanded communication possibilities are particularly useful when it is necessary to control a very high number of physical execution units or collect data from distant sources.

Via Modbus RTU, MultiCon can use external inputs/outputs (i.e. inputs and outputs from other devices) just as it uses the built-in modules – it can read data and control the outputs of other devices present in the network. In addition, in the Slave mode it is possible to write data in individual MultiCon logical channels (up to three at a time). Combining these options, MultiCon can be a programmable network hub.

The Ethernet interface uses the Modbus TCP protocol to connect the device with other systems via the Internet. Using the world wide web, you can also control the device and download data on-line using dedicated software. All the software tools are available free of charge right on the manufacturer’s website.

Fig. 16: Manage a developed network of devices

Summary

We do hope that this article has introduced to some extent the great potential of these devices, and that it will encourage the readers to create applications using them.

The device is constantly being developed, the measurement options are expanded, new software improvements are made and new functionality is introduced as requested by the users.  It is even possible for a customer to order a specific modification, this flexibility is not available from any competing device available on the market.

What are Data Loggers or Data Recorders

Data loggers and data recorders are electronic devices that record data over time or in relation to location, either with a built in sensor or via external instruments and sensors. Increasingly, but not entirely, they are based on a digital processor (or computer). Data loggers and data recorders are primarily used to store data for subsequent downloads to a host PC, but may also include real-time features such as monitors and alarms. Important specifications to consider when searching for data loggers and data recorders include differential analog input channels, digital I/O channels, sampling frequency, resolution, and accuracy. Data loggers and data recorders accuracy depends on the signal conditioning linearity, hysteresis, temperature considerations, etc. Common form factor for data loggers and data recorders include panel or wall mount, modular bay or slot system, rack mount, DIN rail and stand-alone. They are generally small, even portable, equipped with internal memory for data storage. Some data loggers interface with a personal computer and utilize software to activate the data logger and view or analyze the collected data, while others have a local interface device (keypad, LCD) and can be used as a stand-alone device. Data loggers vary between general purpose types for a range of measurement applications, to very specific devices for measuring in one environment or application type only. It is common for general purpose types to be programmable; Common signal inputs available for data loggers and data recorders include DC voltage, DC current, AC voltage, AC current, frequency, and charge. Specialised inputs include encoder, counter or tachometer, timer or clock, and relay or switch. Common outputs for data loggers and data recorders include voltage output, current output, timer or counter output, relay output. Considering the user interfaces available is important when searching for data loggers and data recorders. User interfaces available include no display, front panel and display, touchscreens, hand-held or remote programmers, and computer programmable. Host connection choices include RS-232, RS-485, USB, Ethernet. One of the primary benefits of using data loggers is the ability to automatically collect data on a 24-hour basis. Upon activation, data loggers are typically deployed and left unattended to measure and record information for the duration of the monitoring period. This allows for a comprehensive, accurate picture of the environmental conditions being monitored, such as air temperature and relative humidity.