Advanced system diagnostics via the web

B and R Automation has added a range of new diagnostic functions to its System Diagnostics Manager.

By SOURCE: B and R Industrial Automation May 24, 2011

With the latest version of the System Diagnostics Manager (SDM), B and R adds new diagnostic functions. The user profits not just from being able to access information about system hardware and software from anywhere in the world, but also from ready-made diagnostic applets that can be integrated directly into applications.

Since all service functions necessary for a machine or systems are already integrated in the System Diagnostics Manager, it can be launched from any PC without any installation whatsoever. The only requirement is a conventional Web browser. The appearance of the System Diagnostics Manager can also be individually customized to match the look and feel of the machine or systems manufacturer who is using it.

Many diagnostic options

In addition to being able to quickly access current drive values – for example, speed, position, enable status or the status of onboard inputs – the axis error list also provides information in table form about errors that are still outstanding as well as those that have already been acknowledged. SDM can also be used to access and operate oscilloscopes that are integrated in drives.

Being able to check the current status of I/O channels on every bit of hardware with an integrated I/O viewer means that machine and system commissioning is easier than ever. The time-consuming process of testing I/O points using electrical wiring is now a thing of the past.

System dump, easier support

During servicing, all data in the System Diagnostics Manager can be loaded from the controller and saved to a file with a simple click of the mouse. This makes it possible for difficult service cases to be analyzed offline by a second level support team. For machine manufacturers, this opens up a new dimension for fulfilling maintenance and service claims, according to B&R.

www.br-automation.com

B and R Industrial Automation Inc.

– Edited by Gust Gianos, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com