ABB MicroSCADA Pro SYS 600 Technical Description

MicroSCADA Pro

SYS 600 *9.0

System Overview

Technical Description

MicroSCADA Pro

System Overview

Technical Description

SYS 600 *9.0

1MRS751852-MUM

Issued: 15.03.2002

Version: B/30.06.2004

1. About this manual .....................................................................5

1.1. Copyrights .....................................................................................5

1.2. Trademarks ...................................................................................5

1.3. General .........................................................................................5

1.4. Document revisions .......................................................................6

2. MicroSCADA technology ..........................................................7

2.1. General .........................................................................................7

2.2. MicroSCADA technology products ................................................7

2.3. MicroSCADA system description ..................................................9

2.3.1. Hierarchical and flat systems ...........................................10

2.3.2. Single-user and multi-user systems .................................10

2.3.3. Single and redundant systems .........................................11

3. SYS 500 system server ...........................................................13

3.1. General .......................................................................................13

3.2. Base system ................................................................................14

3.3. Applications .................................................................................15

3.4. Databases ...................................................................................15

3.4.1. Process database ............................................................16

3.4.2. History database ..............................................................18

3.4.3. Report database ..............................................................18

3.5. Programming with SCIL ..............................................................19

3.5.1. Objects .............................................................................20

3.5.1.1. User interface objects ........................................20

3.5.1.2. Application objects .............................................20

3.5.1.3. System objects ...................................................21

3.5.2. Attributes ..........................................................................22

3.5.3. Visual SCIL ......................................................................23

3.5.4. Visual SCIL objects ..........................................................23

3.6. Graphical user interface ..............................................................24

3.6.1. Pictures ............................................................................24

3.7. Base tools ...................................................................................25

3.7.1. System configuration tools ...............................................26

3.7.2. Application object tools ....................................................26

3.7.3. User interface tools ..........................................................27

3.7.4. Accessory tools ................................................................28

3.8. Peripheral equipment ..................................................................29

4. Communication systems ........................................................31

4.1. General .......................................................................................31

4.1.1. Upper level communication ..............................................32

4.1.2. Process communication ...................................................32

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4.1.3. Network topologies .......................................................... 33

4.2. COM 500 communication server ................................................ 34

4.3. Communication front-ends .......................................................... 36

4.4. NET unit ...................................................................................... 38

4.5. Communication system components .......................................... 39

4.5.1. Communication software ................................................. 39

4.5.2. Networks .......................................................................... 40

4.5.3. Communication hardware ................................................ 41

4.6. Process units .............................................................................. 42

5. LIB 5xx application libraries .................................................. 43

5.1. Application engineering .............................................................. 43

5.2. Application libraries ..................................................................... 44

6. Index ........................................................................................ 45

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1. About this manual

1.1. Copyrights

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not

be construed as a commitment by ABB Oy. ABB Oy assumes no responsibility for

any errors that may appear in this document.

In no event shall ABB Oy be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental or

consequential damages of any nature or kind arising from the use of this document,

nor shall ABB Oy be liable for incidental or consequential damages arising from

use of any software or hardware described in this document.

This document and parts thereof must not be reproduced or copied without written

permission from ABB Oy, and the contents thereof must not be imparted to a third

party nor used for any unauthorized purpose.

The software or hardware described in this document is furnished under a license

and may be used, copied, or disclosed only in accordance with the terms of such

license.

1.2. Trademarks

Registrations and trademarks used in this document include:

Windows: Registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

LonWorks: Registered trademark of Echelon Corporation Inc.

1.3. General

This manual belongs to the MicroSCADA technology 8.4.4 manuals.

This manual provides thorough information on MicroSCADA, its components and

their functions. It contains general information related to the MicroSCADA system,

technology, workstations, applications and graphical user interface.

This manual should be read when you start working with MicroSCADA for the first

time. The content of the manual is the basis for the rest of the manuals, as it gives

introduction to MicroSCADA technology.

In revision 8.4.4 MicroSCADA manuals are divided into the following three

categories:

• MicroSCADA technology manuals. These manuals provide information common

to all MicroSCADA products.

• SYS 500 manuals. These manuals provide information related to SYS 500 system

server.

• COM 500 manuals. These manuals provide information related to COM 500

communication server.

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Chapters

The manual contains the following chapters:

• Introduction gives information about the intended use of this manual.

• MicroSCADA Technology contains an overview of the MicroSCADA

Technology products and system types.

• SYS 500 System Server describes the SYS 500 system server, its components

and their features.

• Communication Systems describes the functionality of a NET unit. COM 500

and communication front-ends are also described.

• LIB 5XX Application Libraries contains an overview of the system engineering

process.

1.4. Document revisions

Version Revision number Date History

A 8.4.4 15.03.2002 Document created

B 9.0 30.06.2004 Document updated

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2. MicroSCADA technology

The needs for better information and control of electric utility power networks are

increasing. To meet these needs, MicroSCADA Technology provides solutions that

lead into greater efficiency, reliability and cost effectiveness.

2.1. General

MicroSCADA is a microcomputer-based, programmable and distributed

supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. Microcomputer-based

means that MicroSCADA runs on every commercially available PC-computer.

MicroSCADA is programmable because all application programs and most system

configuration programs are built with SCIL (Supervisory Control Implementation

Language). More information on SCIL is found in Section 3.5.1.

The system can be seen as a network where the control system can communicate

with the widely distributed process through a communication system.

The common platform technology, which MicroSCADA is based on, is used for

building applications and systems. SYS 500, COM 500 and LIB 510 are examples

of MicroSCADA Technology products.

MicroSCADA-based electrical application areas are power transmission and

distribution. It is also well suited for other process areas. District heating, water

purification and distribution, waste water treatment, oil and gas distribution can be

mentioned as non-electrical application areas.

The main MicroSCADA-based application systems are Substation Automation

Systems for power transmission and distribution substations. There can also be

Network Control and Distribution Management Systems for power distribution.

Therefore, this manual focuses on that area.

2.2. MicroSCADA technology products

Product hierarchy

The MicroSCADA Technology product hierarchy is shown in Figure 2.2.-1

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TechProd

Fig. 2.2.-1 MicroSCADA Technology products are divided into two product

families: system products and application libraries.

MicroSCADA Technology products are divided into two product families: system

products and application libraries. System products are the core components of the

system. Different LIB packages are application libraries (described in Chapter 5).

Different product families can be used together. Some products require other

MicroSCADA products, some can be used alone (e.g. COM 500 and SYS 500).

System products

A system product, consisting of SYS 500 System Server, communication system

and operator workstation, contains the necessary hardware and software for running

applications and handling communication between the components in the system.

SYS 500 is described in Chapter 3 and communication systems are described in

Chapter 4.

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Operator workstation

An operator workstation is a computer that is used for controlling and supervising

the process (it shows pictures and dialogs). It can be integrated into SYS 500 System

Server, or reside in a separate computer that is connected to a base system computer.

A laptop computer can also serve as a workstation. It is then connected to the control

system over a dial-up line. The workstation computer can also be connected to a

local area network (LAN) with a modem.

An operator workstation consists of a computer, an operating system, workstation

programs, HSI (Human System Interface) and printers.The MicroSCADA HSI

consists of a display, keyboard and mouse.

Workstation programs

Workstation programs are a set of programs that are used for process supervision

and control. It enables the use of a MicroSCADA Notification Window, which

shows system messages, and MicroSCADA Monitor Starter. The MicroSCADA

Monitor Starter opens MicroSCADA monitors.

MicroSCADA monitors

A MicroSCADA monitor is used to supervise and control a MicroSCADA

application on screen. It enables interaction between the operator and the base

system computer. The monitor may be of Visual SCIL or X-monitor type.

MicroSCADA monitors are always connected to SYS 500. The pictures and dialogs

displayed on a screen of another computer are always stored in the SYS 500 System

Server. The monitor may run remotely on an operator workstation and office

computer via LAN, or remotely on a portable workstation via a dial-up modem or a

GSM mobile phone connection.

Basic functionalities of SYS 500 System Server, e.g. process communication and

reporting, do not require that MicroSCADA monitors are open. The application runs

without them.

2.3. MicroSCADA system description

A MicroSCADA system is a system where MicroSCADA Technology products are

used. It can contain one or more computers that are connected to each other in order

to exchange data or pictures.

There are several ways to build a MicroSCADA system. It might contain one or

several base systems, NET units, operator workstations, process units and peripheral

equipment. Different commonly used system configurations are described here. An

example system overview is shown in Figure 2.3.-1.

The computer that serves as an operator workstation can also be used for

other purposes than as an operator workstation.

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system

Fig. 2.3.-1 An overview of the MicroSCADA system

2.3.1. Hierarchical and flat systems

The difference between a hierarchical and a flat system is that a hierarchical system

has several layers of system components, while a flat system has only one. The

hierarchical system contains a multi-user system or a redundant system that is

connected to one or more single-user systems through a serial line. A flat system

could be, for example, a single-user system and a SYS 500 connected to the process

units.

2.3.2. Single-user and multi-user systems

Both the single-user system and the multi-user system contains SYS 500. The

single-user system has one local MicroSCADA monitor and NET unit. A modem

may be used for communication with process units. In a multi-user system one or

several operator workstations are connected to SYS 500 (usually through LAN). A

communication front-end may also be connected to the system. The communication

front-end increases the number of communication lines.

The NET unit that is connected to the single-user system increases the amount of

available protocols and COM ports. It also eases the load of the base system

computer.

More information on SYS 500 can be found in Chapter 3.

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2.3.3. Integrated and distributed systems

Both the integrated and the distributed systems contain SYS 500 with all its

components. The system components (a communication system and a workstation)

can be optionally integrated to it in an integrated system. The distributed system

contains, in addition to SYS 500, a communication frontend or an operator

workstation.

2.3.4. Single and redundant systems

A single system is a MicroSCADA system that contains only one unit of each

system component, while a redundant system can contain two base systems, and/or

two NET units and/or two LAN connections dedicated for the same purpose. The

idea with a redundant system is to make the system more safe when doubling some

of its components. In most systems, the component availability is very important.

This means that if one of the system components fails, the other one takes over the

specific functions immediately after it has recognised a break-down in the other base

system.

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3. SYS 500 system server

About this chapter

This chapter gives an introduction to the SYS 500 system server and its components.

3.1. General

The SYS 500 system server is a PC based programmable automation system. The

computer where SYS 500 runs is called the SYS 500 computer. This computer may

be called the main computer. You may use SYS 500 with or without a HSI, which

in this case could be a monitor (see Figure 3.1.-1).

SYS500_HSI1

Fig. 3.1.-1 SYS 500 with and without an integrated HSI.

Task

The SYS 500 system server runs the operating system Windows NT and

MicroSCADA software. SYS 500 contains the necessary hardware and software

needed for communication between the different units. The computer that functions

as the SYS 500 system server can be considered as the main computer. The system

server contains data acquisition, supervising and controlling functions.

Features

Operational features of the system server:

• Control and supervision of the process (based on pictures, dialogs, windows and

function keys, and event driven or cyclical application programs).

• Alarm and event handling.

• Flexible reporting system based on advanced calculations.

• Access to all process and system data according to the user rights.

• Support for multiple applications.

• Possibility to on-line documentation and data entry.

• Multi-user support.

•Printouts.

• Data exchange through common interfaces.

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Components

The software in the SYS 500 system server is:

• Windows NT

TM1

4.0 operating system (NT server or NT workstation)

• Base system software

• Base tools

• Application software

• Hummingbird eXceed version 5.1.3 when a distributed HSI is included in the

system

The communication system and the operator workstation can be integrated in SYS

500 (see Figure 3.1.-2).

SYS500_system_server

Fig. 3.1.-2 The components of SYS 500 system server

3.2. Base system

The base system collects all process related data, via the NET communication units,

from the process units and stores the data in the process database. The collected

information is then distributed for e.g. HSI-displays, archiving, calculations,

printouts and for further processing and distribution in other systems. In a

corresponding way, control commands are sent from the process database to the

process units. The control commands can come from e.g. an operator through the

HSI, an automatic function or some other system. The process database reflects the

real time picture of the process.

The base system runs the application (See Figure 3.2.-1). The base system

functionality is always the same, no matter how the application is used. The base

system services are configured and accessed by SCIL. For more details on SCIL,

please see Section 3.5.1.

1. Windows NT is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

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layers

Fig. 3.2.-1 Layers in the SYS 500 system servers. (The base system runs the

application.)

The base system also offers an application-programming interface for attaching

functions as separate programs.

3.3. Applications

The customer needs and operational functions in the process define together what

the application will be like. This means that the application software specifies the

user interface and the SYS 500 system server functionality.

The application software consists of:

• pictures and dialogs

• process-, history- and report databases

• control programs

• configuration files etc.

Application engineering means adjusting MicroSCADA so that it suits a specific

application. Application engineering can be performed by using a standard

application library, LIB 500, or programming SCIL.

The application functions are all placed on an application software layer. This layer

can be changed without affecting the base system, which executes the application.

Several applications can be run at the same time, because each application has an

own process to supervise and control. The application may either have own

connections to process units or share the connections with other applications.

Different applications may communicate with each other.

3.4. Databases

Each application contains a process database, a history database and a report

database. The process database is used for process supervision, the report database

for data storage, calculations, automatic activation and so on. The history database

is used as a base for the event list. These three databases are described in detail in

the following sections.

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3.4.1. Process database

The process database contains application objects. It registers incoming and

outgoing process data signals. It is a real-time database containing process objects,

scales and free type objects. Process communication from and to the base system

passes through the process objects. The information flow is shown in Figure 3.4.1.-

1.

Infoflow2

Fig. 3.4.1.-1 Information flow from the process to the operator and back passes

through the process database.

Event

An event is an indication that something has happened in the system. Typical events

are changes of object values, alarms or warnings, or alarm definitions. Events can

cause printouts, automatic control operations, event lists and report database

registrations.

The event list displays events that have occured in the system. It also informs about

activities by other users, operations of objects, acknowledging alarms, editing of

limit values and so on. With LIB 500 you can define own filters with the event list

tool, depending on what kind of information you want in the event list. One or

several criteria may be used to filter out unwanted information from the event list.

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Alarm

Alarms are generated when something special has occured in the process. (An alarm

is prioritised in the event list.) Alarms can cause audio-visual alarms, changes in the

station picture, alarm pictures, alarm printouts and alarm lists. Information about

alarming objects is stored in the alarm buffer. The information remains in the buffer

until the reason for the alarm disappears or until the alarm is acknowledged.

The alarm list shows all the alarms that appear in the system alarm buffer. The alarm

list is divided into two different lists: one with persisting (active) alarms and one

with fleeting (inactive) alarms. An alarm is usually presented with a text that

explains the reason of the alarm. The information flow is shown in Figure 3.4.1.-2.

Alarms and events can be generated in three different ways:

• Process events can generate alarms. The state of the process is evaluated in the

base system, according to the limits that have been set. For example, if a

measured value exceeds the predefined limits, an alarm will occur.

• The system itself can generate internal alarms from diagnostic programs, which

supervise the MicroSCADA system components. An alarm will occur, if there are

system communication errors, e.g. if a printer error occurs.

• System alarms are generated by an external module. This module can be

considered as a system watch dog. System alarms of this type cannot be included

in the alarm list.

Other devices in the MicroSCADA system can also generate alarms.

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Alarms2

Fig. 3.4.1.-2 An example of an information flow when something worth

alarming happens. Alarms are evaluated and generated in the

process database.

3.4.2. History database

Events are stored in the history database as event history. The history database

consists of the history database files which each contain events of one day. The

history database is the base for event lists made by LIB 500 Base revision 4.0.2. or

newer. Each event in the history database contains most of the process object

attributes and some history database specific attributes.

3.4.3. Report database

The report database stores historical data and calculated values. It also contains

SCIL programs that are executed based on time or events. The report database

contains data objects, command procedures, time channels and event channels.

Report data in the report database needs to be handled mathematically or

statistically. When data is collected from different sources, SCIL algorithms are

used for data analysis and calculations. The data is then stored in the report database.

The reports can be operational reports, alarm and event reports, trends etc.

Figure 3.4.3.-1 shows how data is put in the report database and how it is then

analyzed.

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Reports2

Fig. 3.4.3.-1 The data flow from several data sources into reports

3.5. Programming with SCIL

MicroSCADA programming is done with SCIL, which is a high-level application

programming language. SCIL programs, which are created in the SCIL editor,

contain statements that tell the system what to do. The programs can be in pictures,

command procedures, Visual SCIL dialogs and in dialog items. Because

MicroSCADA is built with SCIL, you can find SCIL in all MicroSCADA

applications. Please note that SCIL is only used in MicroSCADA.

Like most other languages, SCIL includes features such as variable assignments,

arithmetics, conditions, block structure, case statements, loops, etc. SCIL is an

interpreted language but a SCIL compiler is also provided.

SCIL commands consist of:

• commands (e.g. !SHOW.., #SET.., #ON.. etc.)

• objects (e.g. process objects)

• expressions (e.g. TIMES, SECOND, CLOCK)

• variables (e.g. @variable, %variable)

• names (e.g. picture- and dialog names)

There are three types of SCIL commands. Picture commands always begin with “!”,

full graphic and motif commands begin with “.” and manoeuvre commands begin

with “#”.

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When you have written a new SCIL program you can check the syntax directly in

the editor, instead of testing your program in the tool menu and recognising a syntax

error there. Syntax errors are identified by specific error codes and their explanations

can be found in the Status Codes manual (1MRS751850-MEN). An example of a

SCIL program is shown below:

;show the trend basket dialog

!WIN_NAME FORMAT/BASKET

!WIN_BG_COLOR FORMAT/BASKET ("M",1)

!WIN_POS FORMAT/BASKET (10,15)

!WIN_PIC FORMAT/BASKET F_USE/FTU_BASKB

!SHOW FORMAT/BASKET

Predefined functions

SCIL contains a large number of powerful predefined functions for various types of

data processing. For example, the following important categories of functions are

available in SCIL:

• Arithmetical functions

• Time functions

• Database functions

• File handling functions

3.5.1. Objects

MicroSCADA has an object-oriented environment. An object is a programmable

entity that presents something. In MicroSCADA an object presents process units,

system functions or SCIL programs. Objects are defined by their attributes. The

following three objects types: user interface objects, application objects and system

objects, are described in this section.

User interface objects

The user interface in a MicroSCADA system is the content of the MicroSCADA

monitor. The user interface object is an object that forms an application user

interface. Pictures, Visual SCIL dialogs and dialog items are user interface objects.

They are programmed and controlled with SCIL. The user interface object types are

organised in pictures and Visual SCIL Objects. The user interface is described in

details in Section 3.6.

3.5.1.1. Application objects

Application objects are programmable units, which perform various tasks such as

real time process supervision, control procedures, data registration and storage,

calculations, automatic time and event activation. Application objects are created,

accessed, modified and deleted with SCIL and application object definition tools.

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ABB MicroSCADA Pro SYS 600 Technical Description

ABB MicroSCADA Pro SYS 600 Technical Description

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