BU4.10:DH6212
October 1998
PROVOXr Process Management Systems
Type DH6212 Computer/Highway Interface
Package (CHIP NT) P5.0
Product Description
CHIP NT software supports a real-time,
memory-resident database for communication with
devices on a PROVOX highway system through a
Type DH6032 Highway Data Link (HDL). Data moves
either directly between the PROVOX system and an
application program, or through the CHIP real-time
database. The CHIP real-time database stores data
from application programs and the PROVOX system.
Through unsolicited reporting, the database receives
PROVOX data automatically so that the CHIP
database information is always current. Figure 1
illustrates the flow of data among the CHIP kernel, the
optional real-time database, the computer, and
applications.
D001921X022
The real-time database has three size options: 500;
2,500; and 10,000 data points. Once the CHIP
software is loaded, a portion of the NT computer
memory is dedicated to this real-time database.
With the CHIP programming library, programs written
in C can access or change operating and tuning
parameters of PROVOX system devices. Example
programs written in C are provided. User-written
programs, PROVOX software, and third-party
application programs use the CHIP programming
library.
CHIP Kernel
PROVOXâ
Interface
(HDL)
LAN/NT Link
CHIP NT software is an effective tool that enables
process optimization, supervisory control, networking,
integration of foreign devices, and data analysis. This
software is configured by and accepts downloads from
both ENVOXr and PROFLEXr configuration software.
Application
Programs
highway
Type DH6212 Computer/Highway Interface Package
(CHIP NT) software provides online access to a
PROVOXr Process Management System using
Microsoft Windows-compatible PCs that are running
the version 3.51 or 4.0 NT operating system. This
CHIP NT software package connects PCs to a
PROVOX Data Highway or a PROVOX Highway II.
PROVOX
Console
Programming
Library
Real Time
Database
Figure 1. CHIP Data Flow
Software Modularity
CHIP software is available on 3.5-inch diskette. The
software is modular; you may purchase only the
required functions. The CHIP software modules are:
CHIP kernel — a communication interface for
software that does not require the real-time
database
CHIP kernel with database — a communication
interface for other application software and ENVOX
configuration software (if desired) that requires
real-time process information software
CHIP kernel with database and programming
library — a communication interface for ENVOX
configuration software and other PROVOX
application software that includes the functionality
of the previous CHIP version, plus the
programming routines necessary to access
PROVOX system information in user-written or
third-party application programs.
BU4.10:DH6212
October 1998
Page 2
PROVOX System Data Reporting
A PROVOX Process Management System allows a
variety of data transfer formats among PROVOX
devices, application programs, and the CHIP real-time
database. The two types of data transfer are:
Solicited (Request-response) — used for
non-repetitive data requests. Application programs use
this format with the CHIP programming routines to
access or change data in PROVOX devices on the
data highway.
These devices, including other CHIP nodes, can
request data from the CHIP database. Other highway
devices can also use the request-response format as a
schedule request to start an application program.
Unsolicited — used for repetitive, automatic data
reporting. Highway devices and CHIP use this transfer
type to receive or send data automatically between the
CHIP database and other devices such as consoles,
unit operations controllers (UOCs), and other CHIP
nodes.
The unsolicited transfer type uses these reporting
methods:
Periodic Reporting — Data is automatically
reported to the CHIP database at one of several
configurable time intervals.
Periodic-Exception With Refresh Reporting —
Data is reported automatically that has changed at
least once during a refresh period (for example, 60
seconds to 10 minutes, depending on point type).
Periodic-Exception Without Refresh Reporting
— Data is reported automatically, but only if it
exceeds a user-configured deadzone value. If the
data does not exceed the deadzone value, the
database is not automatically refreshed.
Change-of-State Reporting — Data is reported
whenever an alarm status changes or when a
discrete input changes state.
Background Reporting — CHIP holds a remote
point in reserve, and the remote device does not
send the operating parameter data to CHIP.
The Real-time Database
The CHIP real-time database stores data from the
PROVOX devices. Application programs use the CHIP
routines to access or change database information,
and to store computations and data from instruments
(gas chromatographs, for example) that communicate
with the computer.
Devices on a PROVOX highway system, such as
consoles, UOCs, and other CHIP nodes, also directly
access and change information in the CHIP real-time
database. PROVOX devices can start CHIP
application programs in the NT PC through the
PROVOX highway system.
Compatibility with OEM Software
Applications built for CHIP NT P4.3 can be executed
with CHIP NT P5.0 without having to compile or relink
them. However, it is strongly recommended that,
before installation, the applications be certified for
proper operation with CHIP NT P5.0 by the module
vendors.
Highway Interface Requirements
The Type DH6032 Highway Data Link (HDL) is used to
connect the PC running CHIP NT to a PROVOX
Process Management System. The HDL uses an IEEE
802.3/Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN) with TCP/IP
communication protocol.
One HDL supports one CHIP device. This support
provides both unsolicited and request/response
communications. Product bulletin Type DH6032
Highway Data Link (HDL) (BU4.10:DH6032) contains
additional information about interfacing to PROVOX
systems with an HDL.
BU4.10:DH6212
October 1998
Page 3
Specifications
CHIP NT Version
Compatibility
The specifications in this table are
applicable to CHIP NT version P5.0.
Computer
Requirements
For memory usage, see the table,
CHIP Memory Requirements for NT
Computers
Item
Operating System
Memory(3)
Disk Space(2)
Refer to NT System Administration manuals
CHIP Programs
and Database
9 Mbytes
20 Mbytes
Hard disk drive with a minimum
capacity of 600 Mbytes
1. Figures represent memory needed for the CHIP kernel
programs and database only. Utilities and user programs are
not included.
System console or terminal
2. Disk space figures represent computer memory needed for the
files installed with CHIP software, including a single
configuration with the maximum number of points configured.
3.5-inch disk drive
MS Windows-compatible PC with 32
Mbytes RAM
Software
Compatibility
CHIP Memory Requirements for NT Computers(1)
All Microsoft NT-based computers
with network link, appropriate
processor hardware option, processor
software option, and LAN cabling
3. The requirements presented here do not include memory
required for operating systems, editors, compilers, diagnostics,
or other development software.
Data Transfer Characteristics(1)
Unsolicited Receive Report Performance Data(3)
Loading Data2
HDL on PROVOX
Data Highway
HDL on PROVOX
Highway II
NT 3.51 or 4.0. Visual C++ , Visual
Basic, or Visual FORTRAN NT
compiler also required for CHIP
programming library option
% Ethernet Loading
5
30
5
30
Hwy Pkts/Sec Loading
60
80
70
160
HDL % CPU Usage
11
17
50
80
Maximum
outstanding
requests
255
Host % CPU Usage
6
6.5
10
17
Host % CPU/Pkt/Sec
0.20
0.18
0.13
0.15
Unsolicited
reporting capacity
Reports to as many as 16 highway
devices. Receives from up to 255
devices.
Host Packets/Sec.
30
37
75
110
Host Points/Sec.
500
350
1300
1000
Periodic reporting
intervals
1, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 60 seconds
Exception
periodic reporting
deadbands
0.03125, 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0,
2.0, and 4.0 percent of span
Unsolicited Transmit Report Performance Data(3)
Loading Data2
HDL on PROVOX
Data Highway
HDL on PROVOX
Highway II
% Ethernet Loading
5
30
5
30
Hwy Pkts/Sec Loading
60
80
70
160
HDL % CPU Usage
10
20
50
80
Host % CPU Usage
3
5
10
16
Host % CPU/Pkt/Sec
0.27
0.36
0.24
0.19
Host Packets/Sec.
11
14
42
82
Host Points/Sec.
175
85
725
500
1.
The values were determined from lab tests done in a single direction at a time (transmit or receive, but not both simultaneously). You
may estimate values for your application. The values in your application may be limited by actual usage factors, or may be better.
2.
Loading data was determined in lab tests on a host Intel Pentium 133 mHz PC with 32mb of RAM.
3.
Values were determined during lab tests where the hub was receiving/transmitting 10240 points from/to five other PROVOX devices
(2048 points each). The reporting mode was PERIODIC; the sample interval was 1 second.
BU4.10:DH6212
October 1998
Page 4
Ordering Information
When ordering, specify:
Type DH6212 Computer/Highway Interface Package
(CHIP NT). includes CHIP Kernel without database.
CHIP Options Available:
CHIP kernel with 500-point database
CHIP kernel with 2,500-point database
CHIP kernel with 10,000-point database
CHIP kernel with 500-point database and
programming library
CHIP kernel with 2,500-point database and
programming library
CHIP kernel with 10,000-point database and
programming library
Network Interface Options Available:
Type DH6032 Highway Data Link (HDL) with
integrated PROVOX Data Highway interface
Type DH6032 Highway Data Link (HDL) with
integrated PROVOX Highway II Ethernet
connection
Transmittal Media Available:
3.5-inch diskette
The contents of this publication are presented for informational purposes only, and
while every effort has been made to ensure their accuracy, they are not to be
construed as warranties or guarantees, express or implied, regarding the products or
services described herein or their use or applicability. We reserve the right to modify or
improve the designs or specifications of such products at any time without notice.
ENVOX, Fisher-Rosemount, Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Managing the Process
Better, PROFLEX, and PROVOX are marks of one of the Fisher-Rosemount group of
companies. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
ã 1998 Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.