System Architecture

IBECS HMI

Built-in Configuration

Licenses for the VTS software are based on the number of supported tags and are either full-development or run-time only. The standard IBECS configuration supports 10,000 tags and is a full-development configuration. This means that all the development tools needed for a customer to add tags and create new displays is included. No other programming software is required. Help files are included that document all of the available features and how to use them.

After initial commissioning and training by CSE, customers can easily modify and maintain their own IBECS application. Of course, CSE will gladly provide any additional configuration services that a customer might need.

Advanced Programming

The IBECS operating system has a powerful scripting language that can be used to create new, customized functions or drawing objects. This feature can be used to address specialized needs or to create new drivers for any type of device.

Networking and Communications

IBECS HMI uses standard networking protocol (TCP/IP) to communicate between the various servers and clients. The local area network (LAN) can be standard wired Ethernet, Fiber-Optic or wireless. Network design and layout by CSE will segregate critical segments of the LAN to provide maximum reliability and security.

Communication between data servers and data devices can be over the LAN, direct connection with legacy serial devices or through proprietary vendor interface cards. Any combination of methods can be used at the same time.

IBECS comes with a large number of communication drivers to work with all major control devices, including Allen-Bradley, GE, Modicon (Modbus) and Siemens. Any or all types of devices can be used together. Please check with CSE for the availability of a particular communication driver. Because of its ability to communicate with many different devices, the IBECS HMI can also act as gateway between otherwise incompatible systems.

Client Server Communication

The efficiency of operation and the ease of maintaining consistency among several operator stations are greatly improved by defining Data and Configuration Servers in an HMI system. A Data Server acquires data from various PLC, DCS or RTU devices and distributes it to Client computers. This reduces the work load on the data devices and ensures consistency of data on all HMI stations. Any number of redundant Servers can be configured so that the loss of any Server or Client computer will not degrade the performance of the system.

Configuration Servers can be defined so that changes made in the tag database, graphics and security settings are automatically distributed to all client computers. This makes configuration control of any size system much easier to maintain.

As an option, IBECS HMI also provides the capability to define Web Servers that allow remote clients to view and control the process using a web browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer. The appearance and function to users of the remote Web Client is nearly the same as if they were on a standard user interface. Use of the remote client does not interfere with normal operation at the web server.