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Environmental
Control Systems
Quatech Products Used: DSCP-200/300M
and QSCP-200/300M, two and four port RS-422/485 Serial CompactPCI boards
with modular connectors
Manufacturing facilities have many sophisticated environmental control systems
designed to maintain ideal production conditions. All these systems are
computer controlled, and many are easily implemented using serial communication
protocols. The various systems such as heating, air conditioning, humidity
control, lighting, and fire alarms can all use RS-422/485 communication
protocols. Rather than installing a separate PC workstation at each location,
CompactPCI systems are often employed in factories, plants and warehouses
because they are more resistant to noise, dirt, and other hazards common
in industrial environments. The CompactPCI enclosure is essentially a computer
in a box that is linked to a central command station using an Ethernet or
other network connection. Central to the system is an onboard processor
that contains all the major system components, but often too few I/O ports
to be useful for complex monitoring and control systems. Quatech CompactPCI
boards are cost-effective solutions for these systems, as they offer dedicated
serial ports, rather than bundling the serial ports on boards that provide
other types of functionality. (i.e., don't buy a new car when all you need
is an additional spare tire).
A basic outline of a system that would be found in a typical manufacturing
facility is outlined in the diagram below. It employs Quatech RS-422/485
serial CompactPCI boards to connect with the various environmental control
systems. Note that two kinds of connectors are available, standard DB-9
ports or RS-45 modular connectors. The modular connectors are good choices
for industrial environments because they use smaller connectors and thinner
cables, which are easier to run in the close, cluttered quarters found
in many older plants and factories.
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