WorkSuite – technical

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Complicated applications  – or ‘elegant’ re-usable applications?

WorkSuite does allow creation of over complicated, hard to use applications if you really want to do it the old way!  However, that should get you fired, rather than create a ‘job for life’, nurturing complex code etc.  

The slides below show more of the features and capabilities of WorkSuite, including the impressive list of functions and function blocks that provide standard logic, advanced logic and access to the inner workings of the RTU for the really advanced applications.

1 - wondering if WorkSuite has enough logic capability to do what you want?
It sure does - there are more than 300 standard functions and function blocks!
See the complete list
2 - simplify applications and put complex code in user function blocks
User defined function blocks are the best way to make significant portions of code re-usable. They allow proven code 'snippets' to be locked away and moved to the background - with focus moved to connecting with it, rather than trying to understand how it works...
Example function block
3 - there are also many functions and function blocks that interact directly with our RTU/PLC
These blocks allow access to the RTU hardware and messaging tasks to allow advanced applications to be created. Be confident that you can make our already very capable 'out of the box' solution do even more!
4 - program languages
It doesn't matter if you prefer to program in structured text, ladder diagram, or function block diagram. The WorkSuite conversion tool allows you to easily convert from one format to another. However, in many cases one of the formats is a better choice eg. loop processing and equations are handled better in structured text...
5 - variables, structured tags and data types
A simple variable or database tag can be created using a range of data types eg. boolean, integer, real/float or string. Blocks of variables of the same type can be managed using arrays eg. one tag name, but referenced by their index/position in the array eg. tagname[0], tagname[1], tagname[2]... A structured tag allows different data types (boolean, integer etc) to be associated to a variable using an attribute name eg. Pump.running and Pump.flowrate. Structured tags may also be used in an array eg. Pump[1].running, Pump[2].running, Pump[1].flowrate...
6 - user libraries and version control
When developing applications, some portions of the code may be common to all sites. They can be stored as function blocks in the code library ie. edit the one library file instead of all the site files when functionality needs to change. Version control allows comparison of revisions and interfacing with external SVN code management applications.
7 - multi-tasking
Large applications can benefit from being split in to multiple tasks. The RTU supports up to 4x independent application tasks/projects in the RTU. 'Public' variables can be shared between tasks.
8 - signed user applications
WorkSuite allows signing of user applications using an encrypted key, ensuring the RTU will only run 'trusted' applications code.
9 - file handling and advanced logging
In many applications the RTU needs to read and write data and configuration parameters to and from files. WorkSuite includes file handling functions that allow parsing and creation of files eg. pass setpoint parameters in a file, have the RTU create or translate time stamped data log files.
10 - firmware updates
WorkSuite allows management of signed firmware patches and updates for the RTU and modules. Importantly, this enables 'future proof' capabilities for the Brodersen RTUs - allowing updates to be performed securely and remotely.
11 - diagnostics and debugging tools
Developing applications with great debugging and diagnostic tools improves the quality of the code and significantly decreases development time eg. step through code in debug mode, monitor variables using spy lists, force values while testing operations and view raw protocol/message traffic etc.
12 - the $0 HMI
WorkSuite allows creation of graphic displays to use as diagnostic and operator interface displays. They can be published as HTML pages for viewing on Smart Phones and Tablets by field staff. Add a WiFi dongle to the RTU for secure access to your $0 HMI!
WorkSuite tools aid management of RTUs
Lots of features to manage RTU projects/applications that include; edit and view multiple projects using project lists, zip projects for easy archive and transfer, store/upload source code in the RTU, access project version info, remote loading and debugging of applications and more...
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WorkSuite is used with the RTU web interface to manage all aspects of setup, logic and diagnostics

Find out more using the links below.

WorkSuite - unleashes RTU functionality
Example - creating a Modbus and DNP3 slave
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