The Micronix RTU, a compact outstation from Micro Technic, and the power of a standard PC, makes small scale telemetry schemes an economic reality.
A telemetry system, be it for monitoring or control purposes, can operate over long distances.
Distances too long to be served by a permanent cable installation and for which the only suitable means of transmitting the data can be done via the Public Service Telephone Network (PSTN), GSM (Global Standard for Mobile Communications) or by radio communication.
The Micronix RTU, a compact outstation from Micro Technic, and the power of a standard PC, makes small scale telemetry schemes an economic reality.
As well as designed as a telemetry outstation, the Micronix RTU also fulfils the role of a remote data logger.
Its large non-volatile memory in which data can be stored, together with a date and time stamp, make it ideal for the purpose of temporary or permanent data logging.
The PC Windows software drivers supplied with the Micronix RTU automatically handle all the communi-cations.
Standard DDE and DLL interfaces allow a wide range of Windows application software to be used, from a simple spreadsheet, such as Excel to a SCADA package, such as InTouch, Factorylink, Fix 52 etc.
The drivers allow the user to integrate the remote I/O values, from the Micronix RTU, into a SCADA package just as if the I/O were hard wired to the PC Telephone numbers of the remote sites can be entered through the SCADA package and the drivers will automatically handle the dialling. The Micronix RTU is configured via menu driven PC software. Telephone numbers which the unit needs to dial, the conditions under which it needs to dial, control sequences and the data to be logged are simply configured with menu screens without the need to write or understand any programming language.
Up to 0.5 Megabyte of data can be logged into non-volatile memory in the Micronix RTU and be uploaded to the PC either on demand, at a set time/condition or when the memory becomes full.
All the I/O points of the Micronix RTU are continuously monitored and if a pre-set alarm limit is reached the Micronix RTU can both report to the PC and take local pre-programmed action.
The Micronix RTU also have a password facility giving full security against unauthorised attempts to access the installation.
Furthermore an optional automatic dial-up facility provides the user with on-line access when unexpected incidents occurs.
The Micronix RTU is built around an 8 bit micro-processor and is available with a basic I/O fit of up to 32.
Three versions are available: 32DI or 16DIO or 16DI, 8DO and 4 AI.
The number of I/Os can be expanded by adding clip-on expansion modules.
All digital I/O are equipped with opto-couplers and the analogue inputs have galvanic isolation between individual channels.
The Micronix RTU is a DIN rail mounting unit, having the same profile as a miniature circuit breaker and is thus able to fit into standard enclosures. A basic I/O fit can easily be expanded by the fitting of clip-on expansion modules.
The total number of I/O per Micronix RTU can be expanded up to 104 analogue or 496 digital I/O, or combinations thereof, by the addition of clip-on expansion modules.
The Micronix RTU is ideal for remote monitoring, data logging and data transfer where the distance between a PC and the plant makes a permanent cable installation impracticable.
