Learning ABB systems (AC450, 800xA, ...
Dear Team,
How to start learning AC450? Configuration to IBA? 800xA? Unfortunately our workplace have sink-or-swim training only :)
Appreciate your hints and tips.
Voted best answer
Dear
I found useful way of AC450 self-learning by means of reading AMPL configuration manuals see attached and hands on spare AC450 and engineering PC. I hope there is spare AC450 available in your factory.
I think after 2 weeks of practicing you will feel like AC450 is a car you can drive. Try to configure AC450 from scratch. Use online commands APP, DIMDB, DIMPC, TRDBS, TRPCS, DICONFIG, DIBM, DBL - upload some simple application and try to modify it online then.
This self-learning approach is common for all sorts of control systems.
BR, Kamil
Answers
A couple of pointers;
Learn and understand the different concepts of PC elements and DB elements; PC elements are the executable code that will perform your logic and control your process, DB elements are the data storage interfaces between your PC element code and the outside world; DB elements for IO cards, and IO signals, AIS/AOS/DIS/DOS etc, DB elements that provide interface to the operator for your control functions, PIDCON, MANSTN,MOTCON,VALVECON etc, DB elements that provide interface for communication to other AC450s, or between PC programs, DAT, DS, DSP etc.
Practice good PC program structure; PCPGM, CONTRM, MASTER, SEQ PC elements all carry a CPU load, FUNCM does not. Use PCGPM to broadly divide you logic into larger portions, for a process line, equipment or the like. For DCS applications I typically end up with 5 to 10 PC programs per AC450. Under the PCPGM, only use the minimum number of execution control PC elemens (CONTRM, MASTER, SEQ) to satisfy the various cycle time requrements you may have. Use FUNCM to structure by function, loop tag, motor control etc. You can use FUNCM as a structure element to build a tree that is several layers deep, but don't go overboard.
Good luck!
We have an 800xA with AC800M hardware. I was able to use to VMWare to virtualize the physical server and put the hardware into simulation mode. I used soft controller pro because we have multiple controllers. I also have training manuals which I got during their 2 week course which I went through a few times to become more proficient with the system. I still use the virtual server as a test bench to test new logic, modify security settings, and modify other parts of the system before making the changes on the live production server.
Good luck!
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