Intro to Integrated Architecture Builder (IAB)

Summary

This video walkthrough demonstrates how to design, configure, and optimize an industrial control system using IBE software. It covers the setup of Ethernet/IP nodes, the importance of adjusting RPI times to manage network load, and troubleshooting system errors like exceeding node limits. The presenter shows how to stress the network, check system performance, and swap modules to accommodate more devices. The video emphasizes the versatility of the IBE platform for error checking, network tuning, and system optimization, helping users streamline operations without needing constant specialist input.

Takeaways

• 😀 The I/O configuration tree is essential for managing devices within the network, and its layout significantly impacts system performance.
• 😀 The Advanced Communication Details tab helps monitor Ethernet node utilization, CPU usage, and communication frequency with devices.
• 😀 The system can handle up to 16 Ethernet nodes with an L30ER controller, but this can be increased by upgrading the controller to an L33 or higher model.
• 😀 Adjusting Required Packet Interval (RPI) times can impact the network traffic and CPU utilization, and should be done carefully to avoid overload.
• 😀 Network utilization can be stressed intentionally by increasing the RPI time, showing real-time changes in CPU usage and overall system performance.
• 😀 Using tools like Project Checker can highlight potential errors, such as exceeding the maximum number of Ethernet/IP nodes, which can be resolved by changing the controller or adjusting settings.
• 😀 The system allows you to duplicate and auto-distribute devices, simplifying the process of scaling up the network without manually adding each device.
• 😀 Monitoring network traffic and performance with the Advanced Communication Details tab provides a clear view of system health and potential bottlenecks.
• 😀 The ability to swap modules (like changing from an L30ER to an L33) allows users to scale the system without disrupting the overall layout.
• 😀 It’s crucial to adjust RPI times and optimize configurations to ensure that the system operates within acceptable network utilization levels to prevent system overload.
• 😀 The versatility of the IBA system makes it easier for users to troubleshoot and optimize project setups independently, saving time and ensuring better project outcomes.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the 'Advanced Communication Details' section?

The 'Advanced Communication Details' section is used to check the system's performance and detect any issues, such as the number of Ethernet nodes used, processor network CPU utilization, and I/O devices connected. It provides a detailed overview of the system’s communication health.

How does the system's CPU utilization change when the communication frequency is increased?

When the communication frequency (RPI times) is increased, the network traffic also increases, which in turn raises the CPU utilization. For example, increasing the communication frequency from 50 times per second to 500 times per second significantly raised the CPU utilization, showing how stressing the network can impact performance.

What happens if the system exceeds the number of allowed Ethernet nodes?

If the system exceeds the maximum allowed number of Ethernet nodes, the project will generate an error, indicating that the controller cannot support more devices. In such cases, a larger controller must be used, or the system configuration needs to be adjusted.

What is the role of the 'Project Checker' in the system design process?

The 'Project Checker' helps identify and resolve issues in the system design, such as exceeding the maximum Ethernet node count or exceeding CPU utilization limits. It serves as a diagnostic tool to ensure the system is properly configured before finalizing the project.

How can users reduce network traffic if the system is overstressed?

To reduce network traffic, users can adjust the RPI times manually, lowering the frequency of communication between devices. This will help optimize the system’s performance and reduce CPU utilization, ensuring the network remains within acceptable limits.

What does the system's error message indicate when it exceeds node limits?

When the system exceeds the node limits, the error message indicates that the controller cannot handle the required number of Ethernet/IP nodes. It also alerts the user that the system's CPU utilization is too high, which could lead to performance degradation or failure.

How does the software allow users to swap controllers in the system?

The software allows users to swap controllers using the 'Swap Module' feature. By right-clicking on the PLC and selecting the option to swap the module, users can change the controller to a more capable one, like upgrading from an L30 to an L33, which supports more Ethernet nodes.

What is the significance of adjusting the RPI times for I/O devices?

Adjusting the RPI times for I/O devices is crucial for balancing network traffic. By fine-tuning these times, users can optimize the communication frequency, prevent network congestion, and ensure that the CPU utilization stays within a manageable range.

What role does the 'Auto-distribute Devices' feature play in system configuration?

The 'Auto-distribute Devices' feature helps streamline the configuration process by automatically distributing devices across the system, providing a quick and relatively neat layout without requiring manual adjustments for each device placement.

What options are available if a user needs to handle more communication traffic than a single controller can support?

If more communication traffic is needed than a single controller can handle, users can either upgrade to a more powerful controller, such as the L33 or L35, which supports more nodes, or distribute the communication load across multiple controllers to balance the system's capacity.