BU4.

10:DH6212
PROVOXr Process Management Systems October 1998

Type DH6212 Computer/Highway Interface

Package (CHIP NT) P5.0
Type DH6212 Computer/Highway Interface Package
(CHIP NT) software provides online access to a
PROVOXr Process Management System using Application
Microsoft Windows-compatible PCs that are running Programs
the version 3.51 or 4.0 NT operating system. This
CHIP NT software package connects PCs to a PROVOXâ Programming

LAN/NT Link
CHIP Kernel
PROVOX Data Highway or a PROVOX Highway II. Library

highway
Interface
(HDL)
CHIP NT software is an effective tool that enables
process optimization, supervisory control, networking,
integration of foreign devices, and data analysis. This
software is configured by and accepts downloads from
PROVOX Real Time
both ENVOXr and PROFLEXr configuration software.
Console Database

Product Description Figure 1. CHIP Data Flow

CHIP NT software supports a real-time,
memory-resident database for communication with
devices on a PROVOX highway system through a
Type DH6032 Highway Data Link (HDL). Data moves Software Modularity
either directly between the PROVOX system and an
CHIP software is available on 3.5-inch diskette. The
application program, or through the CHIP real-time
software is modular; you may purchase only the
database. The CHIP real-time database stores data
required functions. The CHIP software modules are:
from application programs and the PROVOX system.
Through unsolicited reporting, the database receives
PROVOX data automatically so that the CHIP CHIP kernel — a communication interface for
database information is always current. Figure 1 software that does not require the real-time
illustrates the flow of data among the CHIP kernel, the database
optional real-time database, the computer, and CHIP kernel with database — a communication
applications. interface for other application software and ENVOX
configuration software (if desired) that requires
The real-time database has three size options: 500;
real-time process information software
2,500; and 10,000 data points. Once the CHIP
software is loaded, a portion of the NT computer CHIP kernel with database and programming
D001921X022

memory is dedicated to this real-time database. library — a communication interface for ENVOX
With the CHIP programming library, programs written configuration software and other PROVOX
in C can access or change operating and tuning application software that includes the functionality
parameters of PROVOX system devices. Example of the previous CHIP version, plus the
programs written in C are provided. User-written programming routines necessary to access
programs, PROVOX software, and third-party PROVOX system information in user-written or
application programs use the CHIP programming third-party application programs.
library.
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PROVOX System Data Reporting Background Reporting — CHIP holds a remote

point in reserve, and the remote device does not
A PROVOX Process Management System allows a send the operating parameter data to CHIP.
variety of data transfer formats among PROVOX
devices, application programs, and the CHIP real-time
database. The two types of data transfer are:
The Real-time Database
The CHIP real-time database stores data from the
Solicited (Request-response) — used for
PROVOX devices. Application programs use the CHIP
non-repetitive data requests. Application programs use
routines to access or change database information,
this format with the CHIP programming routines to
and to store computations and data from instruments
access or change data in PROVOX devices on the
(gas chromatographs, for example) that communicate
data highway.
with the computer.
These devices, including other CHIP nodes, can
Devices on a PROVOX highway system, such as
request data from the CHIP database. Other highway
consoles, UOCs, and other CHIP nodes, also directly
devices can also use the request-response format as a
access and change information in the CHIP real-time
schedule request to start an application program.
database. PROVOX devices can start CHIP
Unsolicited — used for repetitive, automatic data application programs in the NT PC through the
reporting. Highway devices and CHIP use this transfer PROVOX highway system.
type to receive or send data automatically between the
CHIP database and other devices such as consoles,
unit operations controllers (UOCs), and other CHIP
Compatibility with OEM Software
nodes. Applications built for CHIP NT P4.3 can be executed
with CHIP NT P5.0 without having to compile or relink
The unsolicited transfer type uses these reporting them. However, it is strongly recommended that,
methods: before installation, the applications be certified for
Periodic Reporting — Data is automatically proper operation with CHIP NT P5.0 by the module
reported to the CHIP database at one of several vendors.
configurable time intervals.
Periodic-Exception With Refresh Reporting — Highway Interface Requirements
Data is reported automatically that has changed at The Type DH6032 Highway Data Link (HDL) is used to
least once during a refresh period (for example, 60 connect the PC running CHIP NT to a PROVOX
seconds to 10 minutes, depending on point type). Process Management System. The HDL uses an IEEE
Periodic-Exception Without Refresh Reporting 802.3/Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN) with TCP/IP
— Data is reported automatically, but only if it communication protocol.
exceeds a user-configured deadzone value. If the
data does not exceed the deadzone value, the One HDL supports one CHIP device. This support
database is not automatically refreshed. provides both unsolicited and request/response
communications. Product bulletin Type DH6032
Change-of-State Reporting — Data is reported Highway Data Link (HDL) (BU4.10:DH6032) contains
whenever an alarm status changes or when a additional information about interfacing to PROVOX
discrete input changes state. systems with an HDL.
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Specifications
CHIP NT Version The specifications in this table are CHIP Memory Requirements for NT Computers(1)
Compatibility applicable to CHIP NT version P5.0.
Item Memory(3) Disk Space(2)
Computer For memory usage, see the table,
Operating System Refer to NT System Administration manuals
Requirements CHIP Memory Requirements for NT
Computers CHIP Programs 9 Mbytes 20 Mbytes
and Database
Hard disk drive with a minimum 1. Figures represent memory needed for the CHIP kernel
capacity of 600 Mbytes programs and database only. Utilities and user programs are
not included.
System console or terminal 2. Disk space figures represent computer memory needed for the
files installed with CHIP software, including a single
configuration with the maximum number of points configured.
3.5-inch disk drive
3. The requirements presented here do not include memory
MS Windows-compatible PC with 32 required for operating systems, editors, compilers, diagnostics,
or other development software.
Mbytes RAM
Data Transfer Characteristics(1)
Software All Microsoft NT-based computers
Compatibility with network link, appropriate Unsolicited Receive Report Performance Data(3)
processor hardware option, processor
Loading Data2 HDL on PROVOX HDL on PROVOX
software option, and LAN cabling
Data Highway Highway II
NT 3.51 or 4.0. Visual C++ , Visual % Ethernet Loading 5 30 5 30
Basic, or Visual FORTRAN NT
compiler also required for CHIP Hwy Pkts/Sec Loading 60 80 70 160
programming library option
HDL % CPU Usage 11 17 50 80
Maximum 255 Host % CPU Usage 6 6.5 10 17
outstanding
requests Host % CPU/Pkt/Sec 0.20 0.18 0.13 0.15

Unsolicited Reports to as many as 16 highway Host Packets/Sec. 30 37 75 110

reporting capacity devices. Receives from up to 255
Host Points/Sec. 500 350 1300 1000
devices.
Unsolicited Transmit Report Performance Data(3)
Periodic reporting 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 60 seconds
intervals Loading Data2 HDL on PROVOX HDL on PROVOX
Data Highway Highway II
Exception 0.03125, 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, % Ethernet Loading 5 30 5 30
periodic reporting 2.0, and 4.0 percent of span
deadbands Hwy Pkts/Sec Loading 60 80 70 160

HDL % CPU Usage 10 20 50 80

Host % CPU Usage 3 5 10 16

Host % CPU/Pkt/Sec 0.27 0.36 0.24 0.19

Host Packets/Sec. 11 14 42 82

Host Points/Sec. 175 85 725 500

1. The values were determined from lab tests done in a single direction at a time (transmit or receive, but not both simultaneously). You
may estimate values for your application. The values in your application may be limited by actual usage factors, or may be better.
2. Loading data was determined in lab tests on a host Intel Pentium 133 mHz PC with 32mb of RAM.
3. Values were determined during lab tests where the hub was receiving/transmitting 10240 points from/to five other PROVOX devices
(2048 points each). The reporting mode was PERIODIC; the sample interval was 1 second.
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Ordering Information
When ordering, specify: CHIP kernel with 10,000-point database and
programming library
Type DH6212 Computer/Highway Interface Package
(CHIP NT). includes CHIP Kernel without database.
Network Interface Options Available:
CHIP Options Available: Type DH6032 Highway Data Link (HDL) with
CHIP kernel with 500-point database integrated PROVOX Data Highway interface

CHIP kernel with 2,500-point database Type DH6032 Highway Data Link (HDL) with
integrated PROVOX Highway II Ethernet
CHIP kernel with 10,000-point database
connection
CHIP kernel with 500-point database and
programming library
Transmittal Media Available:
CHIP kernel with 2,500-point database and
programming library 3.5-inch diskette

The contents of this publication are presented for informational purposes only, and
while every effort has been made to ensure their accuracy, they are not to be
construed as warranties or guarantees, express or implied, regarding the products or
services described herein or their use or applicability. We reserve the right to modify or
improve the designs or specifications of such products at any time without notice.

ENVOX, Fisher-Rosemount, Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Managing the Process

Better, PROFLEX, and PROVOX are marks of one of the Fisher-Rosemount group of
companies. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

ã 1998 Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.