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ViZapp Training ManualVisual Application Designer

ABB Automation

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ABB AUTOMATION

The Company

ABB Automation is an established world force in the design and manufacture ofinstrumentation for industrial process control, flow measurement, gas and liquid analysisand environmental applications.

As a part of ABB, a world leader in process automation technology, we offer customersapplication expertise, service and support worldwide.

We are committed to teamwork, high quality manufacturing, advanced technology andunrivaled service and support.

The quality, accuracy and performance of the Company's products result from over 100years experience, combined with a continuous program of innovative design anddevelopment to incorporate the latest technology.

The NAMAS Calibration Laboratory No. 0255(B) is just one of the ten flow calibrationplants operated by the Company, and is indicative of ABB Automation's dedication toquality and accuracy.

BS EN ISO 9001St Neots -Certificate No. Q5907Stonehouse -Certificate No. FM 21106

ISO 9001Rochester, USA -Certificate No. AQ-8618

EN 29001 (ISO 9001)Lenno, Italy -Certificate No. 90/90A

Stonehouse -Certificate No. 0255

Use of Instructions

Warning. An instruction that draws attention to the risk ofinjury or death.

Caution. An instruction that draws attention to the risk ofthe product, process or surroundings.

Note. Clarification of an instruction or additionalinformation.

Although Warning hazards are related to personal injury, and Caution hazards are associated with equipment or property damage, itmust be understood that operation of damaged equipment could, under certain operational conditions, result in degraded processsystem performance leading to personal injury or death. Therefore, comply fully with all Warning and Caution notices.

Information in this manual is intended only to assist our customers in the efficient operation of our equipment. Use of this manual forany other purpose is specifically prohibited and its contents are not to be reproduced in full or part without prior approval of ABBAutomation.

Licensing, Trademarks and CopyrightsMODCELL, MOD 30 and MOD 30ML are trademarks of Asea Brown Boveri, Inc.MODBUS is a trademark of Modicon Inc.

Health and Safety

To ensure that our products are safe and without risk to health, the following points must be noted:

1. The relevant sections of these instructions must be read carefully before proceeding.

2. Warning Labels on containers and packages must be observed.

3. Installation, operation, maintenance and servicing must only be carried out by suitably trained personnel and in accordance with theinformation given or injury or death could result.

4. Normal safety procedures must be taken to avoid the possibility of an accident occurring when operating in conditions of highpressure and/or temperature.

5. Chemicals must be stored away from heat, protected from temperature extremes and powders kept dry. Normal safe handlingprocedures must be used.

6. When disposing of chemicals, ensure that no two chemicals are mixed.

Safety advice concerning the use of the equipment described in this manual may be obtained from the Company address on the backcover, together with servicing and spares information.

Information. Further reference for more detailedinformation or technical details.

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1 Getting Started

1.1 Foreword

Visual Application Designer (ViZapp) is a suite of Instrument Configurator and OPCbased (OLE for Process Control) 32 bit Client and Server Applications for ABB MOD30ML and MODCELL for Configuration and Debugging. It also has a built-in simpleHMI (Human Machine Interface). Visual Application Designer (ViZapp) uses the latesttechnologies like OPC (OLE for Process Control), COM/DCOM, etc., and runs underMicrosoft Windows 95, Windows NT and Windows 98. The XModbus OPC Server in theViZapp Suite supports both Extended Modbus (MOD 30ML/Modcell) and StandardModbus protocols.

1.2 OLE� for Process Control

OPC is Plug-n-Play in the field of Automation and HMI. OLE� for Process Control(OPC�) is the most standard way for connecting hardware and data devices with HMIclient applications.

In the OPC world, there are two major types of applications:

• OPC Servers and

• OPC Clients.

1.2.1 OPC Servers and Clients

OPC Server applications are used to collect data from the data sources like hardwaredevices. At the bottom level, the servers are mainly for reading inputs and writing outputsof the data sources. At the upper level, the servers make the data available in a standardway to the OPC client applications.

The OPC Client applications can communicate directly with the OPC servers and get thedata. This way OPC enhances the interface between client and server applications byproviding a standard mechanism to communicate data from a data source to any clientapplication.

OPC is a concept agreed upon by a committee of members from the OPC foundation.Most automation companies in the market place including ABB are members of thisfoundation. OPC uses state-of-the art technologies like COM, DCOM, ActiveX ofMicrosoft and makes development and programming easier.

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To illustrate the advantage of OPC based client-server applications over the traditionalclient-server based applications, let us compare both of them:

Figure 1 .1.Traditional ControlSystems

2 Devices and 3Client Applications

6 Device Drivers

Client Application Vendor1

Client Application Vendor 2

Client Application Vendor 3

Device1 Device 2

In the traditional case, servers or devices have different interfaces / drivers for each clientapplication. (Each arrow line above represents a driver or interface software). This isbecause although a device uses one communication protocol, the architectures of differentclient applications (from different vendors) are different. This leads to the development ofindividual device driver software for each client application.

Figure 1 .2.OPC based ControlSystems

2 Devices and 3Client Applications

2 Device Drivers

OPC Client Application

Vendor 1

OPC Client Application

Vendor 2

OPC Client ApplicationVendor 3

OPC ServerDevice 1

OPC ServerDevice 2

OPC Architecture overcomes the above issue. In this case, a device/ server will have onlyone standard driver that is OPC Compliant (Server) and all the client packages that areOPC Compliant (Client) can be connected to it.

The major advantage of OPC is that it reduces development time and cost as any serverapplication that is OPC compliant can work with anybody�s OPC client application.

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1.3 ABB Visual Application Designer (ViZapp) Architecture

Visual Application Designer has four major parts:

1. MODCELL / MOD 30ML Configurator

2. XModbus OPC Server

3. ViZapp OPC Client

4. ViZapp Display builder

The following figure shows the architecture of ABB ViZapp package:

Figure 1 .3.ABB ViZapp

ABB OPC andThird party OPCApplications

ViZapp Graphicsand ApplicationBuilders

1.3.1 ViZapp Instrument Configurator

This is used for configuring MODCELL and MOD 30ML instruments. Instrumentdatabases can be developed using the function / algorithm blocks and can be compiledand downloaded to the MODCELL and MOD 30ML instruments using the XModbusOPC Server. It also supports all the versions of MODCELL and MOD 30ML. Theconfigurator also has useful utilities like Database Upload and Instrument Status Page.

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ViZapp Graphicsand ApplicationBuilders

1.3.2 XModbus OPC Server

This is an OPC based Server application and can be used for reading and writing datafrom MODCELL and MOD 30ML. It uses the ABB Extended Modbus protocol toconnect to these devices. This OPC Server can also support standard Modbus protocoland thereby support ABB Commander series instruments and other Modbus devices. Thisis also used to build the tag database. Tag database contains information about the tagssuch as tag name, address, device (instrument) from which they are coming andcommunication port settings. Since this is an OPC Server, any OPC Client applicationssuch as OPC based HMI Software can plug and play with this and present the data to theuser.


ABB OPC Server

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The XModbus OPC Server has a built-in OPC Client that can be used to read tag valuesfrom the devices for monitoring and testing purposes.

1.3.3 ViZapp OPC Client

This is an OPC based Client application and can be used as a Human Machine Interface(HMI) along with the XModbus OPC Server. It is also used for displaying the live datacollected by the ViZapp OPC Server. It can plug and play with OPC Servers and presentthe data to the user.

1.3.4 ViZapp Display builder

Display builder is the most visible part of the ViZapp package. Process specific displayscan be made with the help of the display tools available with this. The objects on thedisplays can be animated by connecting the instrument parameters / tags. These tags willbe derived from the tag database. OPC Server will provide the tag values.


Display Builder

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1.4 Steps involved in configuring a OPC based control systemwith ABB Modcell / MOD 30ML:

1. Build MODCELL / MOD 30ML database / control strategy using the ViZapp ApplicationBuilder. Configure the CL blocks (Configured List) in the strategy and add all instrumentparameters that are to be communicated to the computer to the CL blocks. Create ModbusInterface File (.MIF) for each instrument at compile time.

2. Start the ViZapp Modcell OPC Server and create a new database. Add the desiredinstrument as a device in that database. Configure the Device properties.

3. Configure serial port for the above database. This is the port at which the instrument isconnected. Save the Xmodbus OPC Server database.

4. Download the compiled database to the instrument by selecting Xmodbus OPC Serverand the device you added in the OPC Server database in step 2 above. Remember to checkthe option Populate ViZApp and OPC Server Tag lists in the Communication Setup.This will be sufficient to run the control strategy in the instrument.

5. Running ViZapp Debug will animate the control strategy (MOD Function Block diagram)in ViZapp and this can be used for reading and writing instrument parameters.

6. Populating the ViZapp and OPC Server tag lists (Step 4 above) will automatically createtags for the device in the OPC Server tag database. These tags are derived from theModbus Interface (.MIF) file and will be added to the device in the OPC Server database.

7. Run the built-in OPC client in the OPC server application to read and monitor instrumentparameters. This will provide a simple user interface for the instrument.

8. Build a process specific display using the ViZapp display builder. Assign dynamic actionsto the display objects by connecting them to the tags that are created in ViZapp. Thesetags were created by populating the ViZapp and the OPC server database tag lists in Step4 above.

9. Animate the display from ViZapp Display builder. This will be an animated HumanMachine Interface to the control strategy running in the instrument.

10. Configure Runtime properties and displays. Save all the files and run the ViZapp project.

1.4.1 Connecting third-party OPC applications with ABB OPCapplications:

Since ViZapp is an OPC based application, third-party OPC clients can easily connect tothe XMobus OPC Server. Typical examples of third-party OPC client applications couldbe Graphic HMI packages, Trending and Data logging packages and Alarming softwarepackages.

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Most third-party OPC client applications have Tag-Browsing interface and canautomatically see the Xmodbus OPC Server registered in the system. The devices andtags can be selected by simply browsing using the Tag-Browsing interface.

✎ Tag Browser is an intuitive point and click OPC interface that allows configuration ofOPC Data points for OPC clients. It allows browsing of tags that are from OPC serversrunning locally (in the same computer) and also over a network. This also allows theTag Browser to support point configuration without any additional user configuration.Using the tag browser, the client can automatically see the server�s devices, groups,tags and other optional components.

To connect third-party OPC client applications that do not have Tag Browsing capability,you can simply type the OPC point name. The OPC point name includes the OPCapplication name, device name and tag name. An example syntax for point name is asshown below:

ABB.XModbus\Modcell.FICPVI

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Notes:

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2 ViZapp Setup Lab

2.1 Objectives

In this lab we will setup the ViZapp Software on your computer. After completing this labyou should know how to install and setup ViZapp on your computer.

2.1.1 System requirements:

For running ViZapp, you need the following computer configuration and softwareinstalled:

• Pentium 133 or higher processor with 64 MB RAM.

• At least 100 MB of available hard disk space.

• CD ROM Drive (at least 4 speed, higher speed recommended)

• A SVGA monitor (256 colors) or better.

• Microsoft Windows 95 B Release with DCOM or

• Microsoft Windows NT 4.0. Service Release 3.0/4.0 or

• Microsoft Windows 98

• A mouse or other compatible pointing device.

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2.2 Instructions:

The following procedure explains how to install ViZapp on your computer. Start yourMicrosoft Windows operating system (Windows 95 or NT 4.0 Service Release 3.0 orWindows 98).

✎ Windows 95 needs DCOM (Distributed COM, a utility needed for running OPC). TheViZapp setup will detect if DCOM was already installed on your computer. If DCOMwas not present, it will be installed as part of the ViZapp installation.

You need to login as Administrator or as a user with administrative rights in Windows NTbefore installing ViZapp.

Α Close all applications that are running in your computer currently before starting theViZapp setup.

1. Insert ViZapp CD into the CD-ROM drive.

In most computers where auto run is enabled, the setup will start automatically as soon asyou put the ViZapp CD in the drive and close the drive. If auto run is not enabled in yourcomputer you will need to run it manually.

To run the setup manually, select Run from the Start Menu of Windows 95 or WindowsNT or Windows 98. The Run dialog box will appear as shown below:

Figure 2 .1.Run dialog box

Type D:\SETUP.EXE or E:\SETUP.EXE, (depending on the letter you use for the CD-ROM drive) and click on OK or press ENTER.

2. The ViZapp Setup introductory screen displays briefly while installation is initiating.

3. The setup will display the Welcome dialog box as shown below. Click on Next tocontinue.

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Figure 2 .2.ViZapp Setup -Welcome

4. ABB Software License Agreement will be displayed next and will display the legalinformation about using the ViZapp Software. Click on Yes if you accept the agreement.Clicking on No will terminate the Setup. Refer to the next figure.

✎ ABB Software License Agreement is a legal document. Read it carefully beforeclicking on Yes.

Figure 2 .3.ViZapp Setup �ABB licenseAgreement

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5. Enter User Information: The User Information dialog box will be displayed next asshown below. Type your name, company name and the serial number. This serial numbercan be found on the CD case or the ViZapp package you received.

Figure 2 .4.ViZapp Setup �User Information

• Click on Next to continue.

6. Choose a folder for the setup: The next dialog box will prompt you for a destinationlocation for ViZapp installation.

• The default location for the installation is :

C:\Program Files\ViZapp

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Figure 2 .5.ViZapp Setup �DestinationLocation

• We will choose the default location for the setup. Click on Next to continue.

✎ If you want to install ViZapp onto a different folder, click on the Browse button toopen the Choose Folder dialog box and then browse to the desired folder or create anew folder by typing its name in the Path field.

• Click on OK to continue.

✎ The ViZapp Software package consists of the main software and a few options. Youcan choose the options at the time of setup and that is what you are going to do next.

7. Select Components for installation: The Select Components dialog box will displaynext as shown below: The available components are:

• Main Program

• Main Help

• Extended Modbus OPC Server

• Extended Modbus Help

• Report Generator

• Report Generator Help

• Online Documentation

• Desktop Folder

These options will be displayed as check boxes on the dialog box. Accept the defaults andthen click on Next to continue.

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Figure 2 .6.ViZapp Setup �Select Components

8. Choose the Program Folder: The ViZapp setup will also create a program folder andwill create program shortcuts inside that folder. You can use these shortcuts to start theprograms. The default program folder that will be automatically created will be: ViZapp

Figure 2 .7.ViZapp Setup �Program Folder

• We will accept this default folder. Click on Next to continue.

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✎ If you want to create a new program folder you can type its name in the ProgramFolders field on this dialog box. If you want to use one of the existing programfolders, you can choose it from the Existing Folders list box on this dialog box byclicking on it.

9. If you are installing ViZapp for the first time on a computer, go to step 10. If you areinstalling ViZapp on top of an already existing installation or if you have a Gallery filepre-existing at the installation folder, then a dialog box as shown below will be displayednext. This enables you to over-write an existing gallery file or rename it and install a newgallery file. Answer appropriately.

Figure 2 .8.ViZapp Setup -Component Gallery

• If you chose to rename the existing file, the following Rename Gallery dialog willbe displayed. You can type a name for the old gallery file. Click on Next. See nextfigure:

✎ Gallery File: The gallery is a library of instrument compounds (collection of functionblocks configured for a specific functionality), smart symbols and static symbols. Youcan either add a compound/symbol to the component gallery or use one from thegallery. You can add frequently used compounds and symbols in the gallery.

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Figure 2 .9.ViZapp Setup -Component Gallery

• A message box confirming the renaming of the file will appear next. Click on OKon this message box to continue.

10. The setup will start now and will display the setup information as shown below.

• There will be a horizontal bar at the center that will display the percentage ofcompletion

• There will be a set of three vertical bars on the left. The leftmost bar in this setwill display the percentage of each file as it installs. The name of the current filethat is being copied to will also be displayed just above the horizontal bar at thecenter.

• The center vertical bar will display the amount of files copied from the CD-ROM.

• The right vertical bar will display Hard disk space used.

• The Cancel button below the horizontal bar can be used for terminating the setupany time.

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Figure 2 .10.ViZapp Setup

11. HardLock device drivers will be installed during the setup. If you are installing ViZappunder Windows NT, the NT Command box will display as below:

Figure 2 .11.ViZapp Setup �HardLock Driver

• If you had a previous installation of ViZapp, then you might be prompted toanswer Yes/No to continue removing the old device drivers. Answer Y (Yes).

12. After all the files are copied, the following message box about Acrobat Reader will bedisplayed. Acrobat Reader is required for reading the online documentation off the CD.You can install it later by running the RS40ENG.EXE file on the ViZApp CD.

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Figure 2 .12.ViZapp Setup �Setup Complete

• Click on OK to continue. The Setup Complete dialog box will be displayed next asshown below:


• Click on Finish to complete the installation.

• If ViZapp had to overwrite any DLLs that were open in the system at the time ofSetup, then the following dialog box will be displayed.

• You will need to restart the computer for the changes to be effective. You can optto restart your computer at a later time.

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• Click on Finish when done.

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Notes:

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3 PID Loop Lab

3.1 Foreword

Many processes involve flow control loops, whether they are in the food, pharmaceutical,chemical, pulp & paper, mining or virtually any of the industries served by MODCELLand MOD 30ML. This lab is designed to help you learn the basic features of the ViZappconfigurator, as well as how to easily learn/demonstrate configuration of a PID loop.

3.2 Objectives

In this lab we will design a simple flow loop with a 4-20mA signal from a dP transmitter,a square root extractor, a PID control loop and a modulating control valve. The P&ID forthis loop looks like this:

Figure 3 .1.Sample Flow PIDLoop

F E

F T

F Y F C

F C V

We will use the built-in analog input 2 of MOD 30ML for connecting the process variable(FT). We will use the built-in analog output 2 for sending the output of the PID. We willalso build a display for this PID loop.

After completing this lab, you should:

• Be familiar with the ViZapp Designer's workspace, menus and toolbars

• Know how to create new workspace, project and instrument documents

• Know how to configure a MOD 30ML database using ViZapp Configurator for asimple PID Control loop.

• Be able to setup communications for talking to the MOD 30ML/MODCELLinstrument.

• Be able to build a PID loop display for displaying and changing process andoperator parameters.

• Know how to compile and download the database to the instrument

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3.3 Instructions

Follow these instructions step-by-step to configure a simple PID loop:

3.3.1 Getting started

1. Launch ViZapp. Select Programs from the Windows Start menu. Select ViZapp fromthe menu. The ViZapp configurator will launch as shown in the next figure. As you willnotice, the configurator will be blank with no workspace loaded on the screen.

Figure 3 .2.ViZappConfigurator

• Note that the configurator screen has two frames (left and right).

2. We will create a new Workspace and a new project in this step. Click on the Filemenu on the menu bar at the top. Select New from the drop-down menu as shown in thenext figure:

Figure 3 .3.File-New

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• This will open the New dialog box as shown in the next figure. There are 2 tabs(sections) in this dialog box and it displays the Project tab as default.

Figure 3 .4.New Project

• Click on the little button next to the Location field to open the Browser forFolder dialog as shown in the next figure:

• Select the C: drive from this folder and select on it by double-clicking on it. Seenext figure:


• The New dialog box will redisplay

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• Type the name CLASS for your project in the name field. Notice that the name ofthe location for this project changes to C:\Class. It creates a folder under the C:drive (or any other drive you choose) automatically.

! All project files and the instrument and display documents will be saved in this folder.This makes project portability easier.

• Click on the option Create a new Workspace. This will create a new workspacefor us. Click on OK.

• The configurator will redisplay with a new workspace and a project as shownbelow:

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Figure 3 .7.Class Workspace

• The left frame shows the project tree. The Workspace is at the root of this tree andcontains the Project, and other components such as Event Log and Components.

• The newly created workspace is given the same name as that of the project. Theproject sub-tree or branch contains the components Security and Tags.

3. With what we have above, we have only created an environment to configure instrumentdatabase and display files. Next we will create an instrument database. We will hereaftercall it the instrument document.

• Click on the New Document button on the tool bar or Select File-New form themenu bar to display the New dialog box again as shown below:

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Figure 3 .8.New Document

• The New dialog box shows the Document tab now. Select the type MODFunction Block diagram by clicking on it and then type the name PIDLAB forthe document in the Name field.

• This document will be created in the project folder \class automatically and willbe added to your Class project by default. See figure above.

! When you create a new project, a file with the project name and file extension .APRJwill be created. This file is called project file in the ViZapp installation directory.

The instrument document/ configuration files (MOD Function block diagram files)will have extension .AFBD and will be saved in the project folder.

The workspace we created will be saved as a file with extension .AWSP (Class.awsp) anda file with same name and .FEQP extension (Class.feqp) in the root folder where theproject folder is located.

! IF you move your workspace and project to a different location/ drive, move theproject folder and the two files for the workspace (.AWSP and .FEQP), maintainingtheir relative location.

• Click on OK. This will display the Choose Instrument Version dialog box asshown in the next figure: This dialog box will display the different instrument IDmodule versions (MODCELL and MOD 30ML).

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Figure 3 .9.InstrumentVersions

• Select MOD 30ML 2 from this list as our instrument version by clicking on it andthen click on the Close button.

• The Configurator will redisplay as shown below. The instrument database will beopened on the right frame and the default blocks (IF, SE, ST and DIF) for theMOD 30ML database will be loaded.

• Notice that the newly created document PIDLAB is shown in the project treeattached to the Project Class.

Figure 3 .10.Default instrumentdatabase

• The algorithm blocks belonging to the instrument version selected will be shownas a menu on the left frame.

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4. Let us first configure a scan group:

! There could be as many as five scan groups in an instrument database. The controlloops (database blocks connected together) are grouped into Loop Compounds. TheLoop Compounds can be assigned to any of these scan groups. All the blocks andcompounds in a particular scan group will be executed at the same scan rateconfigured for the group.

This way you can have many loops in the database and they can be executed at differentrates depending on their priority and speed of the process they are controlling.

• Notice that all the four blocks on the screen are selected. Deselect them byclicking on a blank space and then double-click on the IF (Interface) block. TheInterface block will open as shown in the next figure: The block is displayed in avisual notebook format, with tabbed �pages� containing the parameters forconfiguration. The Execution tab (page) of this block will be displayed by default.

Figure 3 .11.IF Block

• Change the Group 1 scan interval from 250 ms to 200 ms by typing in the ms fieldof Scan Intervals:Group 1.

! Notice that the Properties menu of the block has the following tabs:

• Execution

• Startup

• Diagnostics

• Incoming

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• Outgoing

• Connect map

• Shape

Configuration parameters related by common nature are grouped into these tabs. Thishelps to display of information in a logical manner. Most fields under these tabs containdefault values that need not be changed.

5. Add a loop compound. We will configure our control loop inside this loopcompound.

• Select the Loop Cpd (Loop compound) block from the Algorithms window add itto the document. Do this by first locating the block in the menu by selecting theAll submenu at the bottom and then by dragging the scroll bar on the rightup/down. See the next figure:

Figure 3 .12.Algorithms menu

• Drag the Loop Cpd block (Loop Compound) from the Algorithms menu on the leftframe to the right frame. Click on the Loop Cpd block with your left mousebutton and then drag it to the instrument document. Click on the mouse button toplace the Loop compound block with the other existing blocks (IF, SE, DIF andST) on the right frame.

6. Configure a name and description for the Loop Compound: Click once on this blockwith your right mouse button. A menu as shown in the next figure will appear.

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Figure 3 .13.Loop CompoundProperties

• Select Properties from the menu. The Algorithm Properties of the Loop Cpd blockwill be displayed next as shown in the next figure.

• Type Control in the Name field.

• Type a description "This compound is for the Flow Control Loop"

• Click on OK to close the Properties.


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7. Open the loop compound:

• Right-Click on the Control compound (Loop compound you just named) again andselect Open compound at the bottom of this menu.

• The loop compound will open as shown below and will have a Loop block (LP) bydefault.

Figure 3 .15.Loop Block

! A loop compound is a compound or group that contains a loop block. You configureother blocks and compounds inside the loop compound. The compound can be added toone of the five scan groups defined in the Interface block. All the blocks inside thecompound will be executed at that scan rate.

• The compound will also have a Compound Signals menu that can be used tomake pre-defined connections in and out of this block. (We will not use this fornow. You can close it by clicking on the close button on its right hand side top �the X button)

7. Open the Loop block (LP-1) by double-clicking on it. The block will open as shown inthe next figure. We will not change anything in this block. Just notice that scan group thiscompound belongs to defaults to Scan Group 1. (250 ms� refer to step 4 - Interfaceblock).

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• Close the Loop block by clicking on the OK button.

8. Configure the PID loop shown in Figure 2.1:

• Let us start doing this by adding the necessary algorithm blocks to the LoopCompond on the workspace on the right frame. Add the following blocks to thedatabase:

• AIN � Built-in Analog input

• VCI � Voltage or Current input function block

• PID � PID algorithm block

• AOUT � Built-in Current output block

You can either select the specific category at the bottom of the Algorithms menu firstand then the blocks or you can select the category All to pick any block.

After you placed the above blocks in the database, the right frame on your configuratorscreen should look something like the next figure.

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Figure 3 .17.Algorithm blocks inthe LoopCompound

9. Resize and move these blocks to fit them on the database workspace.

• Select a block by clicking on it. The selected block will have handles around it.See figure below:

• Move the block with the left mouse button pressed on it and by moving the mouse.

• Resize the block by dragging one of the handles (corner or side)

Figure 3 .18.Move, Resize andConfigure

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3.3.2 Configuring the blocks:

11. Let us configure these blocks next.

• Configure the Analog Input block.

• Double-click on the AIN block to open its Properties menu as shown below:

Figure 3 .19.AIN Block

• Type FT-100 as the name.

• Select Current as the Input type from the drop-down menu.

• Type the Input number as 2 and Description as shown in the above figure. This isthe built-in input 2 of the MOD 30ML. Note that changing the input type changesthe Input Low and High signal ranges automatically. This can also be manuallychanged.

• Click on OK when done.

! If you are using the MOD 30ML Demo box, leave the Input type as Volts in the aboveconfiguration. Specify the Input signal range as 0 to 6 Volts.

• Configure the VCI block: Double-click on the VCI block. We will configure thisto specify the input function for the analog input configured above. The VCI blockProperties will open as shown in the next figure:

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Figure 3 .20.VCI Properties

• Type the name and description for this block as shown above. Move the cursor tothe Linearization Type field and click on the down arrow. Select Modifies SquareRoot as the type from the drop-down menu. This will compensate for errors atvery low flow measurements.

• Change the Range to 0 to 200 and Quality limits also to 0 to 200. The measuredsignal (4-20mA or 0-6V) will be interpreted as 0 to 200 flow units.

• We will not change anything else in this menu. Click on the OK button tocomplete the configuration of this block.

12. Save your Document.

Figure 3 .21.File Menu

• It is essential to save your document at frequent intervals.

• Refer to the above figure. Click on the Save button on the toolbar at the top tosave the document. You can also save a document by selecting File-Save from themenu bar.

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13. Continue configuring the other blocks. Double-click on the PID block. Give the block thetag name FIC-100.

• Change the Process Input range to 0 and 200. Type the description as shown in thenext figure. Note that the default Control Action id Reverse.

Figure 3 .22.PID Block

• Click on the Setpoint tab at the top of this block to configure the setpoint for thiscontrol loop. The Setpoint page will display as shown in the next figure:

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Figure 3 .23.PID Properties

• Change the Setpoint low and high limits to 0 and 200.

• Click on the other tabs at the top (Control, Modes, Options etc, to view differentpages of the PID block.

• We will accept default values for the other parameters. Click on OK to close thePID block.

14. Configure AOUT block to define the properties of the analog output:

• Configure this block as shown in the next figure:

• The name FCV-100 represents the output to the Flow Control Valve.

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Figure 3 .24.Aout Properties

• Specify the Output number as 2. This is built-in analog output two.

• The source range of 100 to 0 from the PID block will be converted to 4 to 20mAoutput since the action is Reverse in the PID block. Refer to the above figure.

• Click on OK.

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3.3.3 Connecting the blocks:

15. The next step is to connect the blocks together to realize the control loop shown in Figure3.1.

• Click on the Multi-Segment connection item on the Algorithms menu to enableconnection mode. See figure below:

Figure 3 .25.Algorithm -Connection

• Move to the workspace on the right and click on the AIN block�s (FT-100 �source block) output connection point as shown in the next figure. Notice thatmoving the cursor over the output of a block, shows a fly-by box. This box showsthe name of the output (for example, in this case MODOUT).

Figure 3 .26.Connecting blocks

• Move the cursor to the VCI block�s (destination block FY-100) input now.Moving the cursor will draw a line.


• You will get a fly-by box that will say MODIN when you move over the input.

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• Click on the input of the VCI block. See the figure above.


• The connection will now be complete. The connection line will have the sourcename and destination name displayed right on it as shown in the above figure.

! The input connection points are on the left side of the blocks and the outputconnection points are on the right hand side.

There might be more than one input or output for each block. All the inputs or outputsneed not be shown as connections attached to the block. To see all the inputs or outputs ofa block, you need to click right on the block in the connection mode.

As an example, the figure below shows the possible inputs of the PID block (destinationsfor inputs into this block).

Figure 3 .29.Choose parameterfor connecting

16. Connect the corrected flow as the process variable input the PID block.

• Let us take Right angle connector this time. The right angle connector will connectthe blocks by horizontal and vertical lines instead of making a point to pointstraight connection.

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• Select the right angle connector from the Algorithms menu as shown below:

Figure 3 .30.Right Angleconnection

• Click on the output point of the FY-100 block. This point is the result of the FY-100 input function block. The fly-by box will say R when you click on the output.Drag the line to the input point of the PID block and clock on it (PVI) to completethe connection.

17. Connect the output of the PID (FIC-100) to the INPUT of the AOUT (analog output)block with the right angle connector as shown below.


! If you made a mistake while connecting, or if you do not know where to connect, youcan always cancel it or get out of the connection mode by clicking on the right mousebutton to show a menu as shown below:

• Select Cancel from this menu to cancel the connection.

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Figure 3 .32.Cancel Connection

18. Add the blocks from the Component Gallery:

• From the top menubar, select Project/Gallery/Component Gallery

Figure 3 .33.Accessing theComponent Gallery

• When the Component Gallery dialog box appears, select the Compounds tab. Alibrary of pre-configured Compounds, or groups of algorithm blocks, appears.

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Figure 3 .34.Compound Library

• Move the cursor to the PID Display compound and either double-click, or select itand then select the Export button. The Component Gallery dialog box closes anda Display is placed in your workspace. The block is highlighted with small greenboxes.

! You could also drag-n-drop the compound from the Components Gallery into theInstrument document.

Figure 3 .35.Workspace withnew Display block

• Move the new blocks to an appropriate place on the workspace, as shown below.

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Figure 3 .36.Workspace withnew Display blockconnected

19. Connect the PID parameters to be displayed:

• Using the Multi-Segment connector, click on the PID block and select PVI fromthe resulting dialog box. Double-click on PVI or select and click on the OKbutton.

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Figure 3 .37.Selecting PID blockparameters toconnect

• Drag the cursor over the Display block and click. Select process from theresulting dialog box. See the next figure:

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• The connection between the Process variable in the PID block and the DsiplayBlock input called �process� is now complete.

• Continue connecting from the PID block to the Display block until the followinginputs are connected:

• SP to setpoint

• OP to output

• OPMS to mode

• SPMS to spmode

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Figure 3 .39.Connections fromPID blockparameters toDisplay block inputs

20. The display compound from the Component Gallery is set up for 0 to 100. This must bechanged to match the PID block that we configured for 0 to 200. We must also designatea display tag.

• Double-click on the Display block. In the resulting dialog box, type FIC-100 inthe Display Tag field (overwrite the PID-100).

Figure 3 .40.Entering theDisplay Tag in theDisplay Block

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! This tag must be unique to this display. It can also be used as the tag name thatappears on the front face. The default DISPTAG in Line 1 of the Intial Values causesthe value or name typed in the Display Tag field to appear on Line 1 of the display onthe front panel. For more detailed information on display building, refer to IB-1800R-SCR, Display Guide.

• Select the Formats tab in the Display Block

Figure 3 .41.Display BlockFormats tab

• Double-click on the name processL and change the High Limit in the resultingdialog box to 200.

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Figure 3 .42.Changingengineering unitrange for processline display

• Select the OK button at the bottom of this dialog box.

• Repeat this process for the following formats:

• setpointL

• processB

• Close the Display Block with the OK button at the bottom of the dialog box.

21. Close the loop compound:

• Right-click (click on the right button of the mouse) on the empty workspace to geta menu as shown in the next figure:

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Figure 3 .43.Closing Compound

• Select Close Compound at the bottom of this menu.

• You should be back in the original page where the IF, DIF and SE blocks arelocated.

22. Add a Configured list block and add signals to it:

• Pick a CL block from the Algorithms window and add it to the document(strategy) workspace.

• Double-click on it to configure: The CL block Properties will open as shownbelow.

• Click on the Inputs tab to add inputs

Figure 3 .44.CL block

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• Click on the Add button on this page/tab.

Figure 3 .45.Browse

• The Browse dialog will be displayed as shown above and will list all the blocksand compounds that are present in your document as a tree structure. These will beshown with box icons next to them meaning that there groups and there are furtheritems inside each group.

• You must be seeing the Loop Compound Control also listed in this dialog.

• Double-click on this item to open it. The tree will expand and will display theblocks inside the Control group.

Figure 3 .46.Browse

• Click on the item FIC-100. This will display the attributes of the FIC-100 (PIDblock) in the box on the right.

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• Click on OP (PID output) and then on the Add button at the bottom to add the PIDoutput to the CL block. DO not hit the OK button !

• Select SP, PVI, SPMS and OPMS from this list and add them in the same way.

! You can select multiple attributes by pressing the Ctrl key on the keyboard and byclicking on them with the left mouse button. Hit the Add button after multipleselection to all the selected attributes.


• Click on OK on the Browse dialog. This will redisplay the CL block Properties asshown above. The Inputs Tab will now display the attributes you just added.

! The attributes will be displayed with full source path name of the connections. Analias can be entered by selecting an item and typing in any alias name. This name willthen be displayed instead of the block tag and attribute name.

23. Assign Aliases to the tags added to the CL block: Select Control.FIC-100.OP byclicking on it and then clicking on the Modify button.

• The Specify Input dialog will be displayed next.

• Type an alias FICOP in the Name field as shown below and then click on OK.

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Figure 3 .48.Alias

• Repeat the above procedure to assign aliases for the other attributes as shownbelow:

Figure 3 .49.CL block aliases

• Click on OK when you are done with the CL block.

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3.3.4 Setting up Communications

24. We need to setup communications for communicating with the MOD 30ML instrument sothat we can download the database to the instrument. We will use the built-in RS-232 portof the instrument to download to the instrument via Modbus.

• Add a MSC block (Modcell serial communications) to the workspace by draggingit from Algorithms menu. Double-click on it to configure. The properties menu ofthe MSC block will display as shown below:

Figure 3 .50.MSCCommunicationblock

• Type a name and description for this block.

• Select RS-232 (built-in) from the drop-down menu in the Type field.

• Leave all other entries in their default values and click on OK to save theconfiguration of this block.

25. Connect the Configured List foreground to the MSC block:

• Make a connection from the CL block by selecting the right angle connection fromthe Algorithms window and select CL block�s LISTOUT as the source. Terminatethe connection at the MSC block by connecting it to FGLISTIN. Refer to thefigure below:

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Figure 3 .51.CL to MSCconnection

! Save your document now.

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3.3.5 Compiling the database

It is necessary to compile the database without errors before downloading to theinstrument.

Α Only compiled databases can be downloaded to the instrument.

26. Select Instrument-Compile from the menu bar.

Figure 3 .52.Instrument Compile

• The Compile Setup dialog box as shown below will appear. Click on OK (Do notreassign block occurrence numbers).

Figure 3 .53.Compile Setup

• The Interface File Options dialog box will be displayed as shown next. We want tocreate a .MIF file (Modbus Interface File) for this control strategy. This file willbe used later by the Extended Modbus OPC Server for creating tags.

• Look at the Produce MIF section of this dialog box. Note that the MSC block�sType and its Tag Name are shown in this section. Check the box next to it (on theright) and type a name for the MIF file. Type PIDLAB as shown in the next figure:

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Figure 3 .54.Interface FileOptions

• Click on OK. If the database has errors, it can not be compiled successfully. A listof errors will be displayed on the screen in a sub-window along with otherinformation such as the number of errors, warnings and info messages as shownbelow:

Figure 3 .55.InformationWindow

• You can double-click on an error to open the block that has a configurationproblem. If the database has no errors, there is a message saying that the Compilewas completed without error.

• Also look for messages on successful MIF file creation, database size and currentconsumption of the instrument.

• You can close this info sub-window by right-clicking on the window and thenclicking on the resulting Hide Window button or by selecting View-Informationfrom the menu bar at the top.

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4 ABB Extended Modbus OPC Server

4.1 Foreword

The ABB Extended Modbus OPC Server is an OPC compliant Server able tocommunicate with Extended Modbus devices (MODCELL / MOD 30ML) and serve datato OPC clients. This Modbus OPC server was implemented using advanced programmingconcepts of OPC specifications.

✎ This OPC Server also supports generic Modbus protocol and can be used to connectABB Commander series instruments and other instruments that support Modbusprotocol.

The ABB Extended Modbus Server is installed along with ViZapp Software. Refer to theViZapp installation lab for details. It is also available as a stand-alone software packagethat can be purchased with MODCELL / MOD 30ML or separately.

4.2 Objectives

In this lab, we will configure an Extended Modbus OPC Server database and add a deviceto it. We will use this database to download the PIDLAB Strategy from the previous labto the MOD 30ML instrument.

We will also populate the OPC database with tags using the Modbus Interface File (.MIF)created in the previous lab and monitor the data by reading them from the instrumentusing the built-in OPC Client of the Extended Modbus OPC Server.

After completing this lab you should be able to:

• Configure a Extended Modbus OPC database

• Download the Instrument document (strategy)

• View the signals using the built-in OPC Client

4.2.1 OPC Tag Database

The database is typically made up of the following:

Devices: These are hardware devices (MODCELL / MOD 30ML) connected to the OPCServer.

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Groups: Tags/Signals can be grouped together into groups. Groups follow devices whichmeans that you can make groups of tags from a device. In the Extended ModbusOPC database, the grouping will be based on the grouping in the CL block inthe instrument database database.

✎ Each block in the database will be one group and will have the selected attributes ofthat block. For example, if you have a block named FIC-100, the group will be calledFIC-100 and the signals like PVI, SP, OP etc, will be tags belonging to that group.

Blocks inside a compound will be grouped into a bigger group with name as thecompound name.

Grouping is only for the user�s convenience. If aliases are configured in the CL block fortags, then the tags will be attached to the devices directly (at the root level).

Tags: Tags define the properties of signals such as address of the signal, group anddevice it belongs to, data type and scaling. Examples of tags are PVI, SP, OPetc, of a PID block.

✎ Having a .MIF file is very handy. Connecting the MIF file to a device in the OPC tagdatabase will create the groups and signals automatically. This will save a tremendousamount of time compared to creating them manually.

In the case of generic Modbus devices such as ABB Commander series instruments, youhave to create the groups and tags manually and should define their properties.

4.2.2 Built-in OPC Client

An OPC Client application, is built-in with the Extended Modbus OPC Server formonitoring and testing your Server�s configuration. It is this part of the OPC applicationthat collects data received by the OPC Server and presents to the user. The datapresented by the OPC Client is live.

OPC Client is useful for testing the communication between the devices and the OPCServer. It can also be used for testing other 3rd party OPC applications connected to theserver.

4.3 Instructions4.3.1 Part 1

1. Launch the Extended Modbus OPC Server: From the Windows Start menu, selectPrograms-VizApp - XModbus OPC Server.

• The OPC Server will launch as shown in figure 4.1.

• A blank tag database Untitled is opened by default.

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We will add a device to this database. We will save this database later.

Figure 4 .1.ABB ExtendedModbus OPCServer

2. Add a hardware device to the database: Click on the New XModbus Device button onthe toolbar or select Add-New XModbus Device from the menu bar at the top. This willopen the Extended Modbus Device Properties dialog box as shown in the figure below:

• We will configure the properties of the MOD 30ML device we are adding in thisdialog box.

Figure 4 .2.Add new ExtendedModbus Device

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• Type the name MOD30ML in the Name field (the name is user-configurable andcan be anything!).

• Select the serial communication port of the computer to which the MOD 30ML isconnected, in the Port field. Click on the down arrow in this field to show thedrop-down menu and then select the port. (COM1 for example).

• Type the instrument�s Modbus address in the address field.

• Leave the Timeout in the default value of 1000 ms.

✎ Timeout value in ms is the time for which the OPC server tries to re-establishcommunication with the device in the case of a communication failure.

3. Configure the serial port for the communication: Click on the Edit � Ports button onthis dialog box. The Port Properties dialog box will be displayed as shown below:

Figure 4 .3.Port Properties

• Select the COMM port from the drop-down menu in the Port field and then enableit by checking the box next to the Enable field.

• Choose the Baud Rate, Parity, Flow Control, Data bits and Stop bits from thisdialog box. Make sure these entries match the settings of the instrument.

• Click on OK to complete the Port configuration.

• The Extended Modbus Device Properties dialog box will redisplay with the portnumber. Leave other fields on this dialog box at their default values.

• Click on OK. The added device will be displayed in the Device Tree on the leftframe as shown in the next figure:

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Figure 4 .4.ABB ExtendedModbus OPCServer database

4. Save the database: The OPC tag database can be save as a file with an extension.MOPC.

• Select File � Save from the menu bar. Refer to the following figure.

• The Save As dialog box will be displayed next as shown below:

• Choose the same folder where you have saved the PIDLAB database for savingthis file and then type a name for the OPC tag database file in the File name field.

Figure 4 .5.File � Save As

• Click on the Save button to save the file. The Title bar of the OPC Server willredisplay with the saved file name.

• You can now either close the Extended Modbus OPC Server application byselecting File � Exit from the menu bar at the top or minimize it.

4.3.2 Part 2

5. Switch to the Vizapp Designer. Your instrument document should be on the right frame.Select Instrument � Download from the menu bar at the top.

• The Communication Setup dialog box will be displayed as shown below:

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Figure 4 .6.CommunicationSetup

• Click on the Browse button next to the Server name field to browse the OPCServers registered in the system.

• The Select OPC Server dialog box will be displayed as shown in the next figure:

• Look at the Available Servers box at the bottom. The ABB Xmodbus Servershould be listed there.

✎ The VizApp Setup you did in Lab2 installed the Xmodbus OPC Server and registeredit to the Windows registry. If you have other OPC Servers registered in the system,you will see them also in the Available Servers list.

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Figure 4 .7.Select OPC Server

• Click on ABB.Xmodbus item to select it. It should now be displayed in the ServerName field. Click on OK.

• The Communication Setup dialog box will redisplay with ABB.Xmodbus in theServer Name field as shown below:


6. Select the Device: Click on the Browse button next to the Device Name field.

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• The Select Device dialog box will display as shown below next. You will alsonotice the Xmodbus OPC Server application started automatically with the OPCdatabase file you last saved.

Figure 4 .9.Select Device

• This Select Device dialog box will show the name of the device you added to theOPC Database in Part A of this lab. Select the device and then click on OK.

✎ The devices in the Select Device list are populated from the last saved/openedXmodbus OPC Server database file

• The Communication dialog box will redisplay as shown below with the name ofthe device in the Device Name field.

7. Populate OPC Server tag database with attributes selected in the Modbus Interface File(.MIF file):

• Refer to the following display.

• Check the box Populate ViZapp and Server Tag lists by clicking on it and thenselect the Modbus Interface File PIDLAB from the Available MIF Files list at hebottom.

✎ By doing this you can populate the OPC Server tag database with tags that will beautomatically created from the attributes defined in the MIF file (attributes added toyour Configured List blocks in the strategy). This will save a tremendous amount ofengineering time as you do not have to create each tag manually.

✎ This will also create a list of Tags in the VizApp Configurator automatically. Thesetags can be used to add graphic objects to your instrument documents and displaydocuments.

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• Click on OK on this dialog box. The Download Status Indicator will display asshown below if the communication with the instrument was established. If therewas no communication, you will get error message boxes.

Figure 4 .11.Downloading

• After successful download, the following message box saying �Downloadcompleted without error� will be displayed. Click on OK.

Figure 4 .12.Download

• The OPC Server application will also be closed automatically if it was started byVizApp for downloading.

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4.3.3 Part 3 � ABB Xmodbus OPC Client

8. Launch the XModbus OPC Server Application if it was not running already. It will belaunched with your last saved database PidLab.MOPC as shown below:

Figure 4 .13.OPC Serverdatabase with tags

• Do you notice that the OPC database is populated with tags from the MIF fileautomatically? Also notice that the tags are shown with alias names.

• Select the device (MOD30ML1) and right-click on it. Select Properties from theresulting menu.

Figure 4 .14.Device Properties

• This will display the Device Properties dialog as shown below:

• This dialog gives details about the MIF file in addition to the device details.Important information about the MIF file are:

• MIF file name and location.

• Time-stamp

• Number of elements / tags.

✎ By clicking on the button next to the MIF File field, you can choose a different MIFfile to attach to this device. Do not do that for this lab as the MIF file is already usedto populate the tags.

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• Click on Cancel on this dialog.

Figure 4 .16.OPC Live Data

9. View Live data by starting the built-in OPC client application:

• Select View - Monitor from the menu bar at the top. This will start the built-inOPC client and show live data from the instrument in the Value column of theOPC Server application. Refer to the figure above.

• The live data is read-only as this OPC client application and is mainly used fortesting the function of the OPC Server and the communication between thehardware devices and the OPC Server tag database. It does not allow writing ofthe same.

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10. View more details of the tags: Double-click on FICPVI. This will display furtherproperties of that tag as shown below:

Figure 4 .17.Tag properties

• The above dialog displays the LSP, High and Low ranges, Read/Write of the tag.

• Click on the Close button to close this dialog.

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3 PID Loop Lab

3.1 Foreword

Many processes involve flow control loops, whether they are in the food, pharmaceutical,chemical, pulp & paper, mining or virtually any of the industries served by MODCELLand MOD 30ML. This lab is designed to help you learn the basic features of the ViZappconfigurator, as well as how to easily learn/demonstrate configuration of a PID loop.

3.2 Objectives

In this lab we will design a simple flow loop with a 4-20mA signal from a dP transmitter,a square root extractor, a PID control loop and a modulating control valve. The P&ID forthis loop looks like this:

Figure 3 .1.Sample Flow PIDLoop

F E

F T

F Y F C

F C V

We will use the built-in analog input 2 of MOD 30ML for connecting the process variable(FT). We will use the built-in analog output 2 for sending the output of the PID. We willalso build a display for this PID loop.

After completing this lab, you should:

• Be familiar with the ViZapp Designer's workspace, menus and toolbars

• Know how to create new workspace, project and instrument documents

• Know how to configure a MOD 30ML database using ViZapp Configurator for asimple PID Control loop.

• Be able to setup communications for talking to the MOD 30ML/MODCELLinstrument.

• Be able to build a PID loop display for displaying and changing process andoperator parameters.

• Know how to compile and download the database to the instrument

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3.3 Instructions

Follow these instructions step-by-step to configure a simple PID loop:

3.3.1 Getting started

1. Launch ViZapp. Select Programs from the Windows Start menu. Select ViZapp fromthe menu. The ViZapp configurator will launch as shown in the next figure. As you willnotice, the configurator will be blank with no workspace loaded on the screen.

Figure 3 .2.ViZappConfigurator

• Note that the configurator screen has two frames (left and right).

2. We will create a new Workspace and a new project in this step. Click on the Filemenu on the menu bar at the top. Select New from the drop-down menu as shown in thenext figure:

Figure 3 .3.File-New

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• This will open the New dialog box as shown in the next figure. There are 2 tabs(sections) in this dialog box and it displays the Project tab as default.


• Click on the little button next to the Location field to open the Browser forFolder dialog as shown in the next figure:

• Select the C: drive from this folder and select on it by double-clicking on it. Seenext figure:


• The New dialog box will redisplay

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• Type the name CLASS for your project in the name field. Notice that the name ofthe location for this project changes to C:\Class. It creates a folder under the C:drive (or any other drive you choose) automatically.

! All project files and the instrument and display documents will be saved in this folder.This makes project portability easier.

• Click on the option Create a new Workspace. This will create a new workspacefor us. Click on OK.

• The configurator will redisplay with a new workspace and a project as shownbelow:

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Figure 3 .7.Class Workspace

• The left frame shows the project tree. The Workspace is at the root of this tree andcontains the Project, and other components such as Event Log and Components.

• The newly created workspace is given the same name as that of the project. Theproject sub-tree or branch contains the components Security and Tags.

3. With what we have above, we have only created an environment to configure instrumentdatabase and display files. Next we will create an instrument database. We will hereaftercall it the instrument document.

• Click on the New Document button on the tool bar or Select File-New form themenu bar to display the New dialog box again as shown below:

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Figure 3 .8.New Document

• The New dialog box shows the Document tab now. Select the type MODFunction Block diagram by clicking on it and then type the name PIDLAB forthe document in the Name field.

• This document will be created in the project folder \class automatically and willbe added to your Class project by default. See figure above.

! When you create a new project, a file with the project name and file extension .APRJwill be created. This file is called project file in the ViZapp installation directory.

The instrument document/ configuration files (MOD Function block diagram files)will have extension .AFBD and will be saved in the project folder.

The workspace we created will be saved as a file with extension .AWSP (Class.awsp) anda file with same name and .FEQP extension (Class.feqp) in the root folder where theproject folder is located.

! IF you move your workspace and project to a different location/ drive, move theproject folder and the two files for the workspace (.AWSP and .FEQP), maintainingtheir relative location.

• Click on OK. This will display the Choose Instrument Version dialog box asshown in the next figure: This dialog box will display the different instrument IDmodule versions (MODCELL and MOD 30ML).

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Figure 3 .9.InstrumentVersions

• Select MOD 30ML 2 from this list as our instrument version by clicking on it andthen click on the Close button.

• The Configurator will redisplay as shown below. The instrument database will beopened on the right frame and the default blocks (IF, SE, ST and DIF) for theMOD 30ML database will be loaded.

• Notice that the newly created document PIDLAB is shown in the project treeattached to the Project Class.

Figure 3 .10.Default instrumentdatabase

• The algorithm blocks belonging to the instrument version selected will be shownas a menu on the left frame.

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4. Let us first configure a scan group:

! There could be as many as five scan groups in an instrument database. The controlloops (database blocks connected together) are grouped into Loop Compounds. TheLoop Compounds can be assigned to any of these scan groups. All the blocks andcompounds in a particular scan group will be executed at the same scan rateconfigured for the group.

This way you can have many loops in the database and they can be executed at differentrates depending on their priority and speed of the process they are controlling.

• Notice that all the four blocks on the screen are selected. Deselect them byclicking on a blank space and then double-click on the IF (Interface) block. TheInterface block will open as shown in the next figure: The block is displayed in avisual notebook format, with tabbed �pages� containing the parameters forconfiguration. The Execution tab (page) of this block will be displayed by default.

Figure 3 .11.IF Block

• Change the Group 1 scan interval from 250 ms to 200 ms by typing in the ms fieldof Scan Intervals:Group 1.

! Notice that the Properties menu of the block has the following tabs:

• Execution

• Startup

• Diagnostics

• Incoming

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• Outgoing

• Connect map

• Shape

Configuration parameters related by common nature are grouped into these tabs. Thishelps to display of information in a logical manner. Most fields under these tabs containdefault values that need not be changed.

5. Add a loop compound. We will configure our control loop inside this loopcompound.

• Select the Loop Cpd (Loop compound) block from the Algorithms window add itto the document. Do this by first locating the block in the menu by selecting theAll submenu at the bottom and then by dragging the scroll bar on the rightup/down. See the next figure:

Figure 3 .12.Algorithms menu

• Drag the Loop Cpd block (Loop Compound) from the Algorithms menu on the leftframe to the right frame. Click on the Loop Cpd block with your left mousebutton and then drag it to the instrument document. Click on the mouse button toplace the Loop compound block with the other existing blocks (IF, SE, DIF andST) on the right frame.

6. Configure a name and description for the Loop Compound: Click once on this blockwith your right mouse button. A menu as shown in the next figure will appear.

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• Select Properties from the menu. The Algorithm Properties of the Loop Cpd blockwill be displayed next as shown in the next figure.

• Type Control in the Name field.

• Type a description "This compound is for the Flow Control Loop"

• Click on OK to close the Properties.


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7. Open the loop compound:

• Right-Click on the Control compound (Loop compound you just named) again andselect Open compound at the bottom of this menu.

• The loop compound will open as shown below and will have a Loop block (LP) bydefault.


! A loop compound is a compound or group that contains a loop block. You configureother blocks and compounds inside the loop compound. The compound can be added toone of the five scan groups defined in the Interface block. All the blocks inside thecompound will be executed at that scan rate.

• The compound will also have a Compound Signals menu that can be used tomake pre-defined connections in and out of this block. (We will not use this fornow. You can close it by clicking on the close button on its right hand side top �the X button)

7. Open the Loop block (LP-1) by double-clicking on it. The block will open as shown inthe next figure. We will not change anything in this block. Just notice that scan group thiscompound belongs to defaults to Scan Group 1. (250 ms� refer to step 4 - Interfaceblock).

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• Close the Loop block by clicking on the OK button.

8. Configure the PID loop shown in Figure 2.1:

• Let us start doing this by adding the necessary algorithm blocks to the LoopCompond on the workspace on the right frame. Add the following blocks to thedatabase:

• AIN � Built-in Analog input

• VCI � Voltage or Current input function block

• PID � PID algorithm block

• AOUT � Built-in Current output block

You can either select the specific category at the bottom of the Algorithms menu firstand then the blocks or you can select the category All to pick any block.

After you placed the above blocks in the database, the right frame on your configuratorscreen should look something like the next figure.

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Figure 3 .17.Algorithm blocks inthe LoopCompound

9. Resize and move these blocks to fit them on the database workspace.

• Select a block by clicking on it. The selected block will have handles around it.See figure below:

• Move the block with the left mouse button pressed on it and by moving the mouse.

• Resize the block by dragging one of the handles (corner or side)

Figure 3 .18.Move, Resize andConfigure

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3.3.2 Configuring the blocks:

11. Let us configure these blocks next.

• Configure the Analog Input block.

• Double-click on the AIN block to open its Properties menu as shown below:

Figure 3 .19.AIN Block

• Type FT-100 as the name.

• Select Current as the Input type from the drop-down menu.

• Type the Input number as 2 and Description as shown in the above figure. This isthe built-in input 2 of the MOD 30ML. Note that changing the input type changesthe Input Low and High signal ranges automatically. This can also be manuallychanged.


! If you are using the MOD 30ML Demo box, leave the Input type as Volts in the aboveconfiguration. Specify the Input signal range as 0 to 6 Volts.

• Configure the VCI block: Double-click on the VCI block. We will configure thisto specify the input function for the analog input configured above. The VCI blockProperties will open as shown in the next figure:

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Figure 3 .20.VCI Properties

• Type the name and description for this block as shown above. Move the cursor tothe Linearization Type field and click on the down arrow. Select Modifies SquareRoot as the type from the drop-down menu. This will compensate for errors atvery low flow measurements.

• Change the Range to 0 to 200 and Quality limits also to 0 to 200. The measuredsignal (4-20mA or 0-6V) will be interpreted as 0 to 200 flow units.

• We will not change anything else in this menu. Click on the OK button tocomplete the configuration of this block.

12. Save your Document.

Figure 3 .21.File Menu

• It is essential to save your document at frequent intervals.

• Refer to the above figure. Click on the Save button on the toolbar at the top tosave the document. You can also save a document by selecting File-Save from themenu bar.

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13. Continue configuring the other blocks. Double-click on the PID block. Give the block thetag name FIC-100.

• Change the Process Input range to 0 and 200. Type the description as shown in thenext figure. Note that the default Control Action id Reverse.

Figure 3 .22.PID Block

• Click on the Setpoint tab at the top of this block to configure the setpoint for thiscontrol loop. The Setpoint page will display as shown in the next figure:

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Figure 3 .23.PID Properties

• Change the Setpoint low and high limits to 0 and 200.

• Click on the other tabs at the top (Control, Modes, Options etc, to view differentpages of the PID block.

• We will accept default values for the other parameters. Click on OK to close thePID block.

14. Configure AOUT block to define the properties of the analog output:

• Configure this block as shown in the next figure:

• The name FCV-100 represents the output to the Flow Control Valve.

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Figure 3 .24.Aout Properties

• Specify the Output number as 2. This is built-in analog output two.

• The source range of 100 to 0 from the PID block will be converted to 4 to 20mAoutput since the action is Reverse in the PID block. Refer to the above figure.

• Click on OK.

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3.3.3 Connecting the blocks:

15. The next step is to connect the blocks together to realize the control loop shown in Figure3.1.


Figure 3 .25.Algorithm -Connection

• Move to the workspace on the right and click on the AIN block�s (FT-100 �source block) output connection point as shown in the next figure. Notice thatmoving the cursor over the output of a block, shows a fly-by box. This box showsthe name of the output (for example, in this case MODOUT).


• Move the cursor to the VCI block�s (destination block FY-100) input now.Moving the cursor will draw a line.


• You will get a fly-by box that will say MODIN when you move over the input.

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• Click on the input of the VCI block. See the figure above.



! The input connection points are on the left side of the blocks and the outputconnection points are on the right hand side.

There might be more than one input or output for each block. All the inputs or outputsneed not be shown as connections attached to the block. To see all the inputs or outputs ofa block, you need to click right on the block in the connection mode.

As an example, the figure below shows the possible inputs of the PID block (destinationsfor inputs into this block).


16. Connect the corrected flow as the process variable input the PID block.

• Let us take Right angle connector this time. The right angle connector will connectthe blocks by horizontal and vertical lines instead of making a point to pointstraight connection.

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• Select the right angle connector from the Algorithms menu as shown below:


• Click on the output point of the FY-100 block. This point is the result of the FY-100 input function block. The fly-by box will say R when you click on the output.Drag the line to the input point of the PID block and clock on it (PVI) to completethe connection.

17. Connect the output of the PID (FIC-100) to the INPUT of the AOUT (analog output)block with the right angle connector as shown below.


! If you made a mistake while connecting, or if you do not know where to connect, youcan always cancel it or get out of the connection mode by clicking on the right mousebutton to show a menu as shown below:

• Select Cancel from this menu to cancel the connection.