TopMessage - Additional Functions
(Monitoring and Automation)

Virtual channels are enhanced functions for Message devices. These functions can be used to optimize applications and are supplied as standard with TopMessage devices. Configuration takes place using Busmanager software.

Monitoring
Limit values can be allocated to each channel (analog, digital, calculation etc.). These can be used for monitoring purposes. Limit values can be used both internally and externally. Externally, digital outputs can be activated (alarm functions). Internally, such events can trigger high speed measurement with pre and post histories (acquisition of malfunction values, event controlled measurement data acquisition)

Warnings can be provided at individual, group and collective levels. Warnings take place according to the system configuration via switch outputs and ports.
Thermocouples, 4..20mA, and RTD inputs are monitored for wire breakage.
In the event of malfunctions, warning messages stored in the devices can be transmitted (via email) immediately to a PC.

Calculation channels
Calculation channels provide mathematical functions for measurement channels. In this way differential, quotient, efficiency and performance calculations can be performed. Like measurement channels, calculation channels can also be saved.

Regulators
These enable a regulating technical link between measurement channels. They function as constant PID regulators on analog outputs. Typical applications for regulators are temperature, fill levels and pressure regulation.

Averaging and statistical functions
As well as measurement values, average values can also be calculated for an analog or status input and then used as a further channel.
A leveling out of measurement values can be achieved by calculating averages for a measurement channel. The averaging of a status input gives the ratio of high and low levels.

Functions available are:
- Block averaging
- Range averaging
- Range averaging for block averages
- Other statistical functions

Integrator function
As well as measurement values for an analog or status input, its value can also be integrated over a specific time period and then used as a further channel. This function can be used for counting or integrating flow values into volumes.

Timer function
This function enables the system to be adapted to actual circumstances without having to write a single line of programming code. Examples of possible use are the delayed activation of monitoring functions following machine start up, release delay for switching outputs, determining measurement cycles from start up to test end.

Alarm-clock function
Functions can be activated and deactivated at predetermined times, week-days or dates.

Sequence controlling
Sequence controlling is simply performed via screen dialog without the need for any specialist programming. Examples of applications are temperature ramps or the sequential activation of digital outputs (washing machine controller).