Real-time Data Acquisition (DAQ) Library

With the Real-time Data Acquisition Library it is possible to record data for different use cases. Normal standard loggers are not real-time and only suitable for a long-term protocol. Also the sample rates are really slow, e.g. 1 second. With the Real-time Data Acquisition Library the sample rates may be as fast as the EtherCAT communication cycle. It is really reliable and deterministic. It is possible to acquire process data variables, application variables and other diagnostic information, e.g. error counters.

Use Cases

  • Commissioning
    • E.g. optimize controller settings
  • Troubleshooting
    • E.g. determine bad cables or connectors
  • Condition monitoring, predictive maintenance
    • E.g. vibration analysis
  • Quality assurance
    • E.g. compare production results with specification
  • Documentation
    • E.g. store production parameters for each produced part

System Architecture

  • Real-time data acquisition Recorder (RC) with many options: Sample Rate, Trigger Conditions, etc.
  • Store EC-Master process data and application variables in Record File
  • Use standardized file formats: MDF4 or CSV
  • Use third party tools to evaluate the data
  • Use data analysis tools (e.g. cloud analytics to find correlated data)

Library Architecture

  • C-API for parameter setting, trigger conditions, rules, etc.
  • Record data to multiple files concurrently, e. g. with different sample rates
  • Recorder configuration via file (XML format)

Multiple ways for selecting what to log

EC-Engineer support

EC-Engineer V3.3 now provides a mechanism for the user to create the recorder configuration file used by the Real-time Data Acquisition Library. The XML formatted DAQ Configuration File is used to define what kind of data shall be recorded. Typical data includes general parameters like the name of the record file, the sample rate, a list of the process data to be recorded, and also the trigger conditions used to start/stop recording. EC-Engineer is able to handle multiple DAQ configuration files and stores everything in the project file.

Features

  • Supported output file formats: MDF4, CSV
  • Settable limits for output file: Maximal size, Maximal duration
  • Support for multiple recorder instances
    • store data into multiple files in parallel
    • Different settings for each such recorder (e.g. sample rate, trigger conditions)
  • Configure recorder instances via API or XML file
  • Acquisition of EtherCAT Process Data
    • Select specific variables by name
    • Select all variables of specific slave by station address
    • Select all variables within a specific range (offset and length)
  • Acquisition of Application Variables
    • Select specific variables by name
  • Settable trigger conditions to start and stop recorders

More Information

Please request additional information in our download area.