Black Box GEH-6510 manual Networks, Pmcs DDE Server, Client Applications, What’s Next

Networks

The network consists of an interface at the host PC and the cables connecting the various devices to the host. There are physical requirements and limitations to the networks, which are explained in GEH-6502, POWER LEADER Network Architecture Guide.

PMCS DDE Server

The PMCS DDE Server has two basic functions: it collects data from attached devices and it provides data to client applications (both on the host PC and on networked PCs).

The PMCS DDE Server keeps track of the devices attached to the PMCS networks, listens for requests for data from client applications, and, at specified intervals, polls the requested data from the appropriate devices and reports it back to the clients. The Server does not continuously poll all data from each device unless it is told to do so; to do this would require enormous network bandwidth and result in degraded performance. Instead, the PMCS DDE Server retrieves only the specific data that client applications have requested.

Client Applications

Client applications request specific data from the PMCS DDE Server and then provide calculations, trending, and display of the data on screen and/or printer.

Various client applications are available to serve different needs. Event Logger, Waveform Capture, and Cost Allocation are just a few of the applications that are fully optimized for PMCS.

Any DDE-compliant application can request data from the PMCS DDE Server by initiating a “conversation” with the server and providing the correct information phrased in DDE format – i.e., what data from which device.

A common example of a DDE-compliant application used to analyze data from the PMCS DDE Server is Microsoft Excel, which provides data manipulation and analysis tools. However, any DDE-compliant application may retrieve from the PMCS DDE Server. For instance, a presentation on the power consumption at an industrial facility might be created using Microsoft PowerPoint, charting power consumption data requested from the PMCS DDE Server.

What’s Next

You’ve now learned about the four major parts of PMCS – next you’ll learn how to configure your PMCS DDE Server.

10 • Chapter Two - Overview DDE Server User’s Guide