Varec 8315 Series Database Organization, Point Format, Parameter Description, Parameter Classes

8315 L&J Tankway Software Description TankGate Interface

4.3Database Organization

Points are the individual instances of software blocks. Examples include Whessoe Varec 1900 (WV1900) and SCALER points. In both cases the user configures the Config parameters and is provided real time data through the Dynamic parameters.

4.3.1Point Format

Data parameters in the TankGate are addressed using a “Type.Number.Parameter” format. For example, “WV1900.02.Level” refers to WV1900 Tank Gauge #2’s IEEE floating point level. This format and corresponding fields are described below.

The TYPE field represents the Point Type. There are many different point Types in the TankGate, referred to generically as TankGate Software Blocks. Some of the point types include the COM (Communications), SYS (System), WV1900 (WV1900 Tank Gauge) point types. Each Type performs a different function.

The NUMBER field represents the instance of the point type. For example, the AI point may have up to 32 instances, which are addressed using the NUMBER field. Each instance shares the same data structure definition, yet each point has unique data values. In the case of the AI software block, each point manages a single input channel.

The PARAMETER field represents the items in the data structure of the point type. Examples of parameters include Value, Status, PntRef and RawValue. This field is explained in greater detail in the following section.

4.3.2Parameter Description

Each parameter is defined by its Parameter Class and Data Type. The following subsections describe Parameter Classes, Parameter Data Formats and Common Parameters.

4.3.2.1Parameter Classes

Each parameter, such as Value or Channel, is classified as one of the following classes:

Parameter	Description
Class
Config	Configuration parameters such as channel numbers, tags, descriptions,
	ranges, operating modes, point references, constants for formulas and
	timing information.
Dynamic	Real-time data such as the value or the status. Dynamic data is calculated or
	measured during point execution scans, which occur every 250 msec.
Command	Output command data
Constant	Weights & Measures parameter
Scratch	Temporary data that is typically hidden from the user
System	System data (should not be changed by the user)

The user-related parameters are the Config, Command and Dynamic parameters. These parameters are available in the Edit Point window of ViewRTU. The remaining parameters are internal to the Software Block.

24 Installation and Operations Manual