High-speed Data Logger Brings Transparency to Industrial Automation Processes

Continuing its drive to expand its portfolio of integrated MES tech-nologies for factory and building services automation, Mitsubishi Electric has now introduced a versatile new data logger module for use with its modular controllers. The module’s data recording opera-tion is synchronised with the PLC clock cycle, with a resolution down to as fine as a single millisecond, and it just takes a few min-utes to configure it for operation. In addition to continuous monitor-ing and documentation of automated processes the module also enables efficient analysis of the recorded data, for example for trou-bleshooting, quality assurance or systematic optimisation of plant and machinery. Operating, machine and process data are stored on standard CompactFlash cards. The data logger does not need a computer for operation and is particularly well suited for applications that need fast access to current data, but for which complex data-base systems would be unwieldy and uneconomical. A single data logger module can log the data from up to 64 controllers via stan-dard fieldbus systems like Ethernet or CC-Link. No protocol con-verter or other additional hardware are required. The company was launching the powerful new data logging and analysis module at the SPS/IPC/Drives 2009 trade show in Nuremberg.