IFix: GE Fanuc Intelligent Equipment Company is a joint venture between General Electric Company (GE) of the United States and Fanuc Corporation of Japan to provide automation hardware and software solutions.

Intellution started with Fix configuration software. It was acquired by Emerson in 1995 and is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Emerson Group. The Fix6.x software provides concepts and operation interfaces that are familiar to industrial control personnel. And provide complete driver (need to be purchased separately). Intellution named its latest product series iFiX. In iFiX, Intellution provides powerful configuration functions, but the new version is not fully compatible with the previous 6.x version. The original Script language was changed to VBA (Visual Basic For Application), and Microsoft's VBA development environment was integrated internally. Unfortunately, Intellution does not provide a conversion tool for version 6.1 scripting language to VBA. In iFiX, Intellution's products are tightly integrated with Microsoft's operating system and network. Intellution is also one of the founding members of the OPC (OLE for Process Control) organization. iFiX's OPC components and drivers also need to be purchased separately.

iFIX is the world's leading HMI/SCADA automated monitoring and configuration software, with more than 300,000 sets of software running around the world. Many of the world's most successful manufacturers rely on GE Fanuc's iFIX software for comprehensive monitoring and distributed management of plant-wide production data. In various industrial applications including metallurgy, electric power, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, packaging, food and beverages, oil and gas, etc., iFIX uniquely combines powerful functions, security, versatility and ease of use, making it a Comprehensive HMI/SCADA solution for any production environment. Using iFIX's various leading patented technologies can help companies make faster and more effective business and production decisions, so that companies can become more competitive.

GE Fanuc's iFIX is the world's leading industrial automation software solution, providing process visualization, data collection and data monitoring of production operations. iFIX can help you accurately monitor and control production processes, and optimize production equipment and enterprise resource management. It can quickly respond to production events, reduce raw material consumption, and improve productivity, thereby accelerating product response to the market and increasing user benefits.

A member of process processing and monitoring solutions

iFIX is a core component of GE Fanuc's process processing and monitoring products. It can provide a complete set of solutions for accurate, open and secure data collection and management of enterprise-level production processes.

iFIX is a tailor-made solution for process management. It provides powerful capabilities for water and wastewater treatment, oil and gas, especially those related industrial applications that require compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 standards.

iFIX Features

Easy to expand and integrate

Thanks to the use of intuitive graphical tools, iFIX users can get started quickly and streamline their production processes quickly and easily. Create high-performance process windows.

Whether it is a simple single-machine human-machine interface (HMI) or a complex multi-node, multi-site data acquisition and control system (SCADA), iFIX can easily meet various application types and application scales. needs. The flexible system structure of iFIX means that iFIX can not only meet the needs of current system applications, but can also easily expand the system scale at any time when needed in the future.

Distributed network structure

iFIX provides a truly distributed, client/server structure, providing maximum scalability for the system. Whether it is

Server and Client functions running on a single computer to implement a simple single-machine human-machine interface (HMI), or a complex network distributed multi-Server and multi-Client data collection and control system, iFIX can guarantee Excellent performance.

HMI/SCADA server

The iFIX server connects directly to the physical I/O points and maintains the process database. There are a variety of function blocks to choose from in the process database, including: analog and digital input and output blocks, calculation blocks, alarm blocks, accumulation blocks, timer blocks, continuous control blocks, statistical blocks and SQL function blocks, etc. Intellution client applications include: real-time dynamic pictures, trends, reports, batch control, MES, etc.

iClient

iClient is GE Fanuc's standard client software. It is installed on the iFIX client node as a traditional client.

By setting appropriate client permissions on the View node, users can access data in any SCADA

Server on the network. Real-time dynamic pictures, trend displays, reports and other applications all run on iClient. Moreover, development work can be carried out on each View node in the network, including developing screens and constructing databases in SCADA

Server.

iClientTS

iClientTS is an Internet thin client solution with iClient function. It uses Microsoft's Windows 2000 Terminal Services

(Terminal Server) technology. Using iClient technology, ActiveX controls, VBA and third-party applications, iClientTS can connect to any SCADA

Server in the network and read data.

iWebServer

iWebServer is another Internet thin client solution from GE Fanuc. Use iWebServer to convert iFIX pictures into HTML files and publish them through the Web server. The client can see real-time dynamic data on the SCADA

Server using a standard web browser.

Advantages of iFIX system structure

iFIX distributed, client/server structure includes flexibly constructed servers (SCADA Server) and clients (iCIient, iCIientTS and iWebServer)

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. However, for users, iFIX is an integrated and complete system. Each computer has its own node name, and each data item has its own roll call. The reading of data in the iFIX network is identified by identifying the SCADA

Server node name, data point name and data field (such as CV indicating the current value).

iFIX system diagram

Using SCADA Server or the combination of existing iFIX nodes and clients, iFIX can be flexibly applied to various complex network systems.

Creating HMI/SCADA engineering applications

System directory tree

The main tool for finding files in iFIX is the system directory tree. The use of tree management structure facilitates users to operate and manage documents and various graphic objects. Various functions of iFIX or other third-party applications can be quickly called in the system directory tree. In addition, directory entries in the directory tree can be fully customized, including addition and deletion.

Toolbar Development

The iFIX toolbar contains various graphical tools, functional experts and dynamic object tools. To facilitate user development of screens, users can place frequently used tool buttons and adjust the size of the toolbar as needed.

Graphical tools and objects

The tool button also provides a column of graphic tools, including: rectangle, rounded rectangle, circle, ellipse, arc, polygon, sector, straight line, Graphic objects such as polylines. In addition, there are toolbars with various functional objects such as data connections, buttons, charts, alarm summaries, bitmaps, events, etc.

Wizards and Experts

Using built-in wizards and experts, users can automatically complete a variety of complex functions without any programming, including: foreground color change, fill, rotation, position Moving, resizing, visible and invisible operations, screen opening, closing, replacement operations, changing data input methods, etc. The expert toolbar can also be customized and expanded by the user. These experts can automatically generate VBA code, eliminating the need for programming on the part of the user.

Object/Icon

An icon is a reusable dynamic object or a set of graphical objects. Users can operate icons just like graphical objects. For example, you can drag icons between various screens in the system tree, enter and edit icons within them, and arrange their positions in the screen as needed.

Object group

Object group can easily organize and reuse graphic objects. It can be moved, scaled or copied as easily as a single object, speeding up screen development.

Editing Object Groups

Using iFIX, users can drill down into an object group and edit graphic elements without having to ungroup the entire object group. More importantly: this operation does not affect the original script and dynamic properties of the object group.

Graphic Drag

Graphics can be copied or moved within the workbench or between applications with a simple drag and drop motion in iFIX.

System comparison chart

Unlike HMI/SCADA software applied in a simple network structure, iFIX's distributed client/server structure allows you to easily add a new Server is added to the network to extend the existing system. When you add and change database tags, you only need to make changes in the data source, and the system will automatically update the entire system.

All data on each node is available to users on the entire network. Adding clients and servers to the system is straightforward and requires no changes to settings on other nodes in the system.

Intellution Workbench

Intellution Workbench is a powerful component container. It provides an easy-to-use integrated development environment. A system tree similar to the Windows browser style facilitates project development and management. There is also a toolbox containing drawing tools, development wizards and experts.

Full support for ActiveX controls

Intellution workbench is an object container that can easily and simply integrate any third-party ActiveX control, such as directly inserting MS into the workbench

For Word and Excel documents, the corresponding menus and toolbars can be automatically displayed in the workbench, just like working in MS Word and Excel.

VisiconX

iFIX includes a set of ActiveX data connection controls - VisiconX, which ensures that you can quickly access data in any relational database without programming. In the Intellution

workbench development environment, you can quickly query SQL Server, Oracle, Sybase, Informix or DB2 database information with a simple "click" of the mouse. Embedding VisiconX in iFIX can significantly reduce system development time.

Connection between objects

Since VBA has been embedded into the internal structure of iFIX, a lot of work can be avoided from user programming. For example, you can embed an instrument's ActiveX control in the workbench and connect it to a database point to immediately realize dynamic display of data values ??without any programming.

Tag Group Editor

Tag groups can significantly save valuable system development time. When opening a picture or switching the current picture, the system can read the tag set file and replace the tags in the diagram with the process values ??defined therein. A screen can define multiple tag groups but the values ??are not limited to the same database

Scheduling Processor

Event Scheduler is a plan scheduling processor that allows users to schedule based on specific Perform certain tasks based on time or interval and triggering of an event. For example: replace the current screen when a data point exceeds a certain value, or run a script and generate a corresponding report.

In Event Scheduler, you can create, edit, monitor, and run time-based or event-based scheduling plans. These scheduling plans can be run as foreground or background tasks.

Function Key Editor

Customize user function keys. In the Intellution workbench running mode, activate a section of VBA program code through keyboard keys to execute the corresponding action sequence. Function keys can be globally effective or associated with a certain screen or an object in the screen. The Function Key Editor provides an easy way to define and modify function keys.

Online configuration

iFIX maximizes the online configuration function. When modifying or adding process databases, graphics and other applications online, there is no need to shut down or restart iFIX, and the normal production process will not be affected.

Historical data

iFIX automatically collects, stores, and displays historical data, analyzes process trends, and provides corresponding document basis for official inquiries. In addition, it can monitor changes in product characteristics and analyze equipment. performance, saving a lot of time and money.

Trend display

iFIX's Chart Object integrates historical data and real-time data into the chart, and can assign multiple time periods to each pen. There is no limit to the number of items that can be added to the same chart object. For real-time data sources, the chart object not only supports expression calculations, but also has a rich selection of object colors and attributes. The X and Y axes can also be individually configured and defined, and their properties can be adjusted in the running environment. Use the Chart

Group Wizards to generate a variety of historical charts.

Flexible reporting

iCore and plug-and-play structure provide users with a variety of report generation options. For example, iFIX data can be exported to a relational database through standard SQL or ODBC connections to generate reports. In addition, the dynamic link library (DLL) for Crystal

Report is already included in iFIX.

Advanced alarm management

iFIX's convenient, flexible, reliable, and easily scalable alarm system can report system activities and potential system problems to ensure safe system operation.

iFIX distributed alarm management provides a variety of alarm management functions, including: unlimited alarm zone management, event-based alarms, alarm priority, alarm filtering functions, and remote alarm management through dial-up networks. In addition, iFIX can also automatically record operator operation information and send it as non-critical alarm information without confirmation.

Screen caching

Screen caching can optimize screen operation performance. Users can set the size of the screen cache and which screens can be loaded into the cache at startup.

iFIX real-time display

iFIX chart objects can display real-time data, historical data, document data and experimental data from files or databases. The user has the option to change the properties, colors and scrolling direction in the configuration or runtime environment.

High performance and openness

Based on a variety of industrial standards, iFIX provides unprecedented system ease of use and scalability, which greatly facilitates system integration.

Global technology

iFIX's global technology allows modifications to one point to take effect within the entire application, reducing development time. Global technologies include global variables, global color change tables, and global

VBA subroutines, etc. All iFIX experts use global subroutines.

Plug and Solve Technology

GE Fanuc’s unique patented technology. It is an application of Microsoft Component Object Model (COM), which allows GE Fanuc's products to easily integrate other third-party COM components. Users can integrate the best third-party components into the entire system as needed.

iCore framework

iCore is the core technology of iFIX. It is an industry standard framework formed by combining GE Fanuc's unique technology and Microsoft DNA technology. It includes VBA6, OPC, ODBC/SQL , backup and recovery, and technologies such as secure containers.

OPC (OLE for Process Control)

As one of the company members that formulated the OPC standard, GE Fanuc fully supports the OPC standard. iFIX can serve as both an OPC server and an OPC client. Developers can obtain dynamic data directly from any OPC server and integrate it into the iFIX workbench.

ODBC/SQL

iFIX fully supports the ODBC API interface, which can directly write real-time data into one or more relational databases. In addition, iFIX can read and delete data from the relational database, and write it back from the relational database to the iFIX real-time database. iFIX provides an integrated installation method for SQL

Server 2000, which can conveniently and quickly access SQL Server 2000 and reduce system development time.

Backup and recovery

iFIX's backup and recovery expert facilitates users to manage project files. By using the expert, users can specify file backup and compression, and then restore it to the required iFIX node.

Secure Containment (Secure Containment)

Our patented technology ensures that any error in any ActiveX control embedded in the system will not cause unpredictable errors to the system. Completely avoid data loss, interruption of control processes and resulting losses.

Use VBA to construct icons

When the icon triggers an edit event, the user can edit the icon through VBA script. Customize custom properties and edit the form to specify dynamic characteristics of icons. The property editing form can be placed on the global page, so that as long as the icon is opened, the editing form will pop up so that settings can be changed at any time.

Security Management

iFIX provides system security level management to enhance the security of Windows NT systems. In iFIX, application invocation, operation screen display, event scheduling, and recipe management can all be granted permission management. In addition, it can also restrict access to certain key programs, such as reloading the process database and writing operations to the process database.

Powerful redundancy functions

iFIX provides powerful and flexible multiple redundancy functions to ensure uninterrupted monitoring of the system, including backup SCADA servers, LAN redundancy and utilization of network status Server and iFIX diagnostic display programs monitor and control network operating status. In addition, when the main server and backup server are started and running at the same time, iFIX implements alarm synchronization to avoid repeated responses to the same alarm.

Capturing Electronic Signatures

The Signature dialog box provides a description of the operator action. Signers can choose from a predefined list of comments, or fill in their own comments. Actions can also be configured to capture a verified signature. Signature dialog boxes can be linked to electronic records reporting who, what actions, when and why they were performed.

iFIX functions:

Monitor enterprise production process equipment and resources

Collect and share real-time data and historical data to users at all levels of the enterprise

Respond to production requirements and market demands in a timely manner

Maximize business efficiency, increase productivity, and reduce production costs and waste

Profits come from an automation that provides 100% data integration and is very safe The system

"Designed for 21 CFR Part 11TM" can record the operator's operation records and establish important electronic records that comply with FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) 21

CFR Part 11 regulations Signature recording system.

iFIX3.5 system requirements

IBM Pentium II 266MHz personal or business computer, based on Windows NT/2000/XP

(Pentium 4, 1GHz required)< /p>

Memory: 96 MB

120 MB hard drive space

CD-ROM drive

24-bit graphics card, SVGA or higher monitor

Parallel port or USB port

Network adapter:

NetBIOS or TCP/IP compatible network adapter, stand-alone application does not require a network adapter

Powerful distributed client/server structure

iFIX server is responsible for collecting, processing and distributing real-time data

Optional client types Includes: iClientTM, iClientTSTM (for Terminal Server) and iWebServerTM.

Real-time client/server architecture with unparalleled scalability

Rapid system development and configuration

In an easy-to-use Intellution Workbench integrated development environment Build your system intuitively

Use the powerful "Intelligent Icon Generation Wizard" to develop and configure application systems more quickly

Take advantage of iFIX's unique "plug and solve" capability integration Third-party add-on application software

Develop your application online without stopping the production line or restarting

Key macro editor provides powerful and diverse functions for touch keys

Animation Expert lets you use internal and third-party ActiveX controls without having to master VBA programming

Point group editor saves a lot of development time

Event dispatcher command Tasks run automatically in the foreground or background

Application integration

"Insert" the best application software into the application system that meets special needs

"Embed" ( Drop in) ActiveX controls and immediately make use of their properties, events and methods

Can connect production systems with more advanced MES, ERP systems

Thanks to secure containers ( Secure Containment ) feature to ensure that the ActiveX controls introduced by users into the system are not harmful

Design a security system around iFIX security, electronic signatures and recording functions

Wide range of functions

Based on Windows NT/2000/XP

SQL/ODBC API is easy to integrate with relational databases

Process visualization

Monitoring and control

Based on User and node-based segmented security management; capable of synchronization with Windows NT/2000/XP

Real-time historical trends

Data collection and data management

Integration style report generation

Alarm and alarm management

Distributed high-performance network structure

Intelligent icon generation wizard

Online group Status

ActiveX control database connection

Support ODBC

Time and event-based scheduling

Historical data collection and display

Built-in VBA

Supports OPC client and server

Object-based graphical interface

Intellution workbench development environment

Supports Microsoft SQL 2000 Database

Plug-and-solve architecture

iFIX Business Advantages

Fast return on investment

iFIX allows you to quickly recover your investment costs because it Can:

Make it faster and easier to develop and implement efficient automation solutions

Reduce upfront engineering investment

Quickly synchronize new products with the market< /p>

Improve productivity and production quality

Protect the sustainability of software and hardware investments

Reduce system maintenance and modification costs

Allow you to quickly Master a system composed of standardized technologies

Future-oriented security investment

iFIX is a wise investment, which means that you are compatible with various technologies that are currently widely used. Because it is designed in accordance with open industry standard technology, including COM/DCOM, ActiveX, VBA, Windows NT/2000/XP and OPC and other technical standards. iFIX is also the most effective solution to protect your investment in software and hardware.

Electronic signature/electronic recording function

Like other series of GE Fanuc products, iFIX has now added electronic signature and electronic recording functions, which brings a variety of benefits to end users Benefit.

Enhance data reliability

Improve operator accountability

Improve efficiency

Ideal features for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance

Provides the foundation for a paperless recording system

Part of a large integrated enterprise

With iFIX, you have the ability to: Integrate real-time enterprise data into business systems

Exchange data with users and application systems at all levels of the enterprise

Seamlessly integrate various high-reliability excellent software

Make faster, more effective and Smarter decisions