Real-Time Calculation and Report Output Functions for Improved Work Efficiency with Enhanced Data-Logging Software

Yokogawa Electric Corporation (the Netherlands) has developed an enhanced version, release 2.0, of the GA10 data-logging software for the SMARTDAC+(R) data acquisition and control system.

The GA10 software can collect, display, and record data from multiple data acquisition and recording devices and measuring instruments. GA10 release 2 comes with new optional real-time calculation and report output functions and features enhanced connectivity with host systems, thus helping customers improve their work efficiency and share information more effectively.

Development background

GA10 is a PC based data-logging program that is used in the development and production processes in many different industries to collect, display, and record temperature, voltage, current, flow rate, pressure, and other types of data from instruments such as recorders, temperature controllers, and power meters. With this software, a system can be built to collect data from Yokogawa data acquisition and recording devices and measuring instruments as well as third-party devices that support the Modbus general-purpose industrial communications protocol, eliminating the need for advanced but expensive system solutions such as SCADA software and DCSs. GA10 is widely used to construct systems for the monitoring and recording of data. This enhanced version of the GA10 software offers a number of optional functions that satisfy the needs of customers who need to collect data from multiple sources and display the results of calculations and quickly create reports from this data.

Enhancements

1. Real-time calculation

GA10 release 2 has a function that can perform calculations using data from multiple channels and display the results in real time. No special knowledge of computer programming is required: users need only enter a formula for the calculation in a spreadsheet cell. One typical application is the development of household appliances such as air conditioners, which requires the display of temperature readings from multiple locations.

2. Customised reports

While the earlier version of the GA10 software could print tables containing data from multiple sources, GA10 release 2 can also print reports that contain graphs, text, and images. This function allows users to customise their reports for purposes such as filing to government authorities and reporting on product evaluation tests for their customers. To output these reports automatically, users only need set the report format and time, thus greatly improving efficiency.

3. Improved connectivity with host systems

For improved connectivity with other companies' SCADA systems and higher-level databases, GA10 release 2 supports the OPC-UA industrial communications protocol. As a result, a greater variety of host systems can now access data collected by plant facility monitoring systems that utilise data acquisition and recording devices and the GA10 release 2 software or which has been stored in databases using the GA10 release 2 software.

Major target markets

- Developers and manufacturers of household appliances, automobiles, semiconductors, alternative energy solutions, etc.; research institutes

- Companies in the iron and steel, petrochemical, chemical, pulp and paper, food, pharmaceutical, water supply and wastewater treatment, electrical equipment/electronics, and other industries that utilise monitoring equipment

Applications

Acquisition, display, and recording of data such as temperature, voltage, current, flow rate, and pressure for the evaluation testing and quality inspection of products, monitoring of plant equipment, and environmental monitoring

Applicable devices

- Yokogawa recorders, data loggers, indicating controllers, temperature controllers, power monitors, and signal converters

- Yokogawa power meters (some older models not supported)

- Modbus instruments from other companies