M
Hi gang,
We're considering using NI FieldPoint Real-time controllers (looks like and wires up like a PLC, programs in and runs LabView software)... The
application is a retrofit/upgrade of an RTP (rapid thermal processing) system for processing silicon wafers.... Has anybody used this for
machine/process control, mass flow controllers, pressure control, PID for temperature control, etc??? Does it work like it's supposed to???? If so, how did you do the HMI??? It seems to me that unlike a plc, where I can buy a "dumb" panel/touch screen and link the registers to tie in screen icons, buttons, meters, etc.., here I have to have a panel/touch screen and a PC, who's only purpose is to allow the touch screen to communicate with the Fieldpoint controller if I want to use any of the canned Labview icons.. (
which is the only reason we're thinking of using NI.. We are a research lab, and many around here are very comfortable programming in Labview..) ..anybody have any opinions as to why/ why not go this route??? We've done
plc programming, but ladder logic with lots of analog I/O is a pain to program unless you do it for a living (at least that's been my limited experience... I'm not a "real" controls guy like the majority out there-still on the learning curve..... that's why I ask the experts...)
Thanks,
Marc Landry
National Renewable Energy Labs
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
303-384-6453
[email protected]
We're considering using NI FieldPoint Real-time controllers (looks like and wires up like a PLC, programs in and runs LabView software)... The
application is a retrofit/upgrade of an RTP (rapid thermal processing) system for processing silicon wafers.... Has anybody used this for
machine/process control, mass flow controllers, pressure control, PID for temperature control, etc??? Does it work like it's supposed to???? If so, how did you do the HMI??? It seems to me that unlike a plc, where I can buy a "dumb" panel/touch screen and link the registers to tie in screen icons, buttons, meters, etc.., here I have to have a panel/touch screen and a PC, who's only purpose is to allow the touch screen to communicate with the Fieldpoint controller if I want to use any of the canned Labview icons.. (
which is the only reason we're thinking of using NI.. We are a research lab, and many around here are very comfortable programming in Labview..) ..anybody have any opinions as to why/ why not go this route??? We've done
plc programming, but ladder logic with lots of analog I/O is a pain to program unless you do it for a living (at least that's been my limited experience... I'm not a "real" controls guy like the majority out there-still on the learning curve..... that's why I ask the experts...)
Thanks,
Marc Landry
National Renewable Energy Labs
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
303-384-6453
[email protected]