DX5100 Vision Software User`s Guide

RMT Ltd.
DX5100 Vision
User's Guide
Program of DX5100 Controller Configuration
RMT Ltd.
Moscow, 2013
Version 1.02
RMT Ltd.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
PROGRAM OBJECTIVE .................................................................................................................... 4
Program Main Window ....................................................................................................................... 6
Monitor Window .................................................................................................................................. 7
DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................................... 8
1.
SETTING PARAMETERS OF COMMUNICATION .................................................................. 8
1.1.
Controller to Computer Connection Options ......................................................................... 8
1.2.
How to Adjust Computer Serial Ports ................................................................................... 9
1.3.
Setting Communication Parameters of Controller DX5100 ................................................ 12
2.
how to BACKUP/RESTORE OF PARAMETERS ................................................................... 13
2.1.
Backup procedure .............................................................................................................. 13
2.2.
Procedure of Restoring from Backup.................................................................................. 14
2.3.
Additional Possibilities. Non-Volatile Memory .................................................................... 15
3.
SETTING ALARM LIMITS ...................................................................................................... 17
3.1.
Setting Limits of TEC Voltage ............................................................................................. 17
3.2.
Setting Temperature Limit Values ...................................................................................... 18
4.
THERMISTOR SETTING........................................................................................................ 19
4.1.
Description of Procedure .................................................................................................... 19
4.2.
Determination of Input Data ................................................................................................ 20
4.3.
Calibration of Temperature Measurement Channel ........................................................... 21
4.3.1.
Controller Firmware Version <= 333. .................................................................................. 21
4.3.2.
Controller Firmware Version >= 334 ................................................................................... 24
4.4.
Viewing Current Settings of Thermistor. Checking Measurements. ................................... 25
4.4.1.
Verification of the function of temperature calculation ........................................................ 27
4.4.2.
Checking Temperature Measurement Channel .................................................................. 29
5.
PROGRAM MANAGER .......................................................................................................... 30
6.
AUTOSTART CONFIGURATION ........................................................................................... 33
7.
CONDITIONS OF SIGNALING OF SETPOINT ATTAINMENT ............................................. 34
8.
DIGITAL INPUT CONTROL (DX5107) ................................................................................... 36
9.
PID Tuning .............................................................................................................................. 37
9.1.
AUTO-PID FUNCTION ....................................................................................................... 38
9.1.1.
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 38
9.1.2.
Ziegler-Nichols Algorithm .................................................................................................... 38
9.2.
PID TUNING TIPS .............................................................................................................. 39
10.
terminal ................................................................................................................................... 41
10.1.
How to Communicate with Controller via System of Commands ....................................... 41
10.2.
How to Save Sets of Commands in File ............................................................................. 41
10.3.
Conversion of Files with Commands from Program "Terminal" ......................................... 42
10.4.
Usage of Set of Commands as Macros .............................................................................. 43
10.5.
Cyclic execution of Macros. ................................................................................................ 44
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11.
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
MONITOR ................................................................................................................................45
11.1.
Telemetry Start ....................................................................................................................45
11.2.
Choice of Regulation Mode .................................................................................................46
11.3.
Charts ..................................................................................................................................47
11.4.
Status Bar ...........................................................................................................................49
12.
update ......................................................................................................................................50
12.1.
Software Update ..................................................................................................................50
12.2.
Firmware Update .................................................................................................................51
12.2.1.
How to Prepare for Controller Programming ...................................................................51
12.2.2.
Selection of Firmware File ...............................................................................................51
12.2.3.
Programming ...................................................................................................................52
12.2.4.
How to Set Connection Rate in Controller after Programming........................................54
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide
PROGRAM OBJECTIVE
The program DX5100-Config.exe (hereinafter the Program) is designed to configure the controller
DX5100 (hereinafter the Controller). The main goal is to simplify the tuning process of the controller for an
end user.
The program applies a standard interface for windows applications.
The program allows performing the following actions with the controller:

Setting the maximum voltage (for each channel, here and below);

Setting alarm-limits of temperature;

Setting the thermistor:
o
Type and function of calculating temperature

Coefficients of the function of calculating temperature;

Nominal value of the thermistor used;
o
Checking the current measurements;
o
Entering new values of the coefficients;
o
Possibility to select from a list of more than 50 predefined characteristics of
thermistors;
o
Calibration of temperature measurement channel;
o
Starting with Version 334 of the Program:

The measuring channel is calibrated by the manufacturer for all possible
limits of measurement;

A user can simply select a type and size of thermistor. After that the
Program will automatically install all the necessary settings of the
Controller;
Configuring the startup mode of the controller after powering up;

Setting the conditions for signaling that alarm set point is achieved;

Setting the communication parameters;

Setting response to signals from digital input and digital output control ;

Storage and restoration of controller parameters;

2
( );



1
Getting the current settings:
1
o
The conversion of structures stored in the memory is supported, when taking a
new version of the Controller software;
o
A visual preview of all the settings stored in the Controller nonvolatile memory is
enabled;
o
The table of thermistor settings can be viewed for all the limits of measurements ;
2
Reading and writing of programs of time regulation;
o
Editing the programs in the Controller;
o
Saving into a file, downloading from a file;
Adjustment of the PID-regulation:
When using the digital board DX5107.
Starting with Version DX5100.334.
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide



3
4
o
Automatic selection of proportional, integral and differential coefficients for each
channel;
o
Possibility of manual selection of coefficients;
o
Plotting the setpoint attainment at different coefficients, analysis of results;
o
Saving results to a file, to the clipboard;
o
Printing;
Terminal:
3
o
Possibility of communicating with the Controller by a system of commands ;
o
Saving sets of commands in a file;
o
Conversion of files with commands from the program "Terminal";
o
Usage of a set of commands as macros;
o
Loop Macros;
Upgrading of the Controller programs:
o
Update Wizard;
o
Downloading the update files from the manufacturer's website;
Monitoring:
o
Using the command/non-command interface;
o
real-time charting of the following telemetry parameters:

Total supply voltage of controller;

Voltage per channel;

Current per channel;

Temperature per channel;
o
Displaying controller status (mode, setpoint);
o
Changing the mode during monitoring;
o
Saving of telemetry results in a file;
o
Possibility to change temperature setpoint without restarting PID .
4
See the document «DX5100 Table of Commands V320»
Starting with the Version DX5100.333.
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide
Program Main Window
The main window can be divided into several parts:

Main menu ;

Main toolbar;

Left toolbar;

Workspace of window.
5
In the menu "View"you can enable/disable both the toolbars.
5
Numbers of the menu items correspond to the chapters in this document, and determine the
desired consistency of the instrument operation.
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Monitor Window
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
The monitor window allows a user to:

control the operation of the controller;

start and stop all the supported modes;

observe the change of telemetry data in real time;
 store and analyze the data obtained.
In contrast to the main window, there are no settings, only the current management and display of
information. For a detailed description, see the chapter "Monitor".
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide
DESCRIPTION
1. SETTING PARAMETERS OF COMMUNICATION
1.1. Controller to Computer Connection Options

Connect the device to the RS-485 and (or) to the COM-port with the RS-232 cable (see the
set kit for the digital control board). Connect to the digital board connector XP6 or XP8,
respectively.

Connect the power supply. The power supply must provide 12 V ± 10%.

The power supply is connected to the connector XP1 of each power board DX5102, or to
the connector XP5 of the power board
DX5105.
The controller may be connected to the computer in
several ways:
1. Using the RS-232 cable supplied.
Connection is via the connector XP8 of the
digital board.
2. With the converter interface DX5106.
a. Interface RS485 signals generation
b. Interface RS232 signals generation
c.
DX5101
generation
programming
signals
d. LED indication of the interfaces status
and of programming signals status
e. For external commutations there are
connectors located on one side of the
board.
3. With the converter interface DX5104.
a. Interface RS-485 signals generation
b. Galvanic isolation of the interface RS485 from the computer
c.
Protection against reverse power
d. Functioning without a supply voltage
(no
galvanic
isolation)
4. You can also use other converters of the
interface RS-232/RS-485.
The connecting procedure is described in more detail in
the paper "DX5100 Technical Manual". In case DX5106
is used, you need to install the drivers from those supplied
or from the manufacturer's web site - see "FTDI Drivers
Installation Guide for VISTA.pdf"and "FTDI Drivers
Installation Guide for WindowsXP.pdf".
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1.2. How to Adjust Computer Serial Ports
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
By default, the controller is supplied with the settings rate 19200 kbps. When you run the program,
it scans the serial ports of the system and determines the connected devices of DX5100.
The scan results can be seen on the tab "COM List". When the device is detected, the Program
displays the name of the "command" interface and its identifier. When using the interface converter
DX5106, the Program will also identify the "non-command" interface, and a pair of interfaces belonging to
the same controller will be highlighted by the same color.
Now you must select the device to work with. The logic of the Program involves working with one
controller at a time, so flags of the "command" interface choice work like radio buttons.
After the "command" interface selection, there are the following variants:
1.
If the RS-232 interface is "command", all the free ports defined by the Program
as "Unknown" will be available for a "non-command" interface. If you use the
interface converter DX5106, you can choose a port highlighted by the same
color. Otherwise, you should select the port to which "non-command" interface
is connect. You may as well not choose a "non-command" interface.
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2.
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
If the RS-485 interface is "command", the choice of a "non-command"interface
will not be available.
Press the button "Open".
After a successful communication, the program displays information about the controller, a version
of the program used, and communication parameters.
The field "State"is an indicator and may have the following values:

Grey (port available, you can open it);

Red (port is unavailable, for example, it is opened by another program);

Green (port is available; it is opened in our program).
For the case when the RS-485 interface is "command", the possibility of selecting a device
6
address in the network is added :
6
The protocol (WAKE) used to communicate with the Controller, supports addressing of devices
from 1 to 127.
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1.3. Setting Communication Parameters of Controller DX5100
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
To configure the communication
settings in the program the tab
"Communication" is designed.
It can be chosen either from the
main
menu
or
clicking
the
corresponding button in the toolbar.
On this tab there are the
controller settings for communication
with the computer:

Address;

Extended address (not
available for editing);

Selection of the mode
WAKE (not available for
editing);

Selection
of
the
command interface;

Choice
of
connection rate;
the
Attention! Take caution when changing the connection parameters. Changes will take
effect after rebooting the controller. Next time you connect to the controller you will use the new
settings.
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2. HOW TO BACKUP/RESTORE OF PARAMETERS
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
The operating parameters of the controller, stored in nonvolatile memory of the digital control
board, can be provided for the backup (storage) and, if necessary, restore.
It is advisable to save the parameters before the procedures changing them, as well as after their
completion. Such procedures, for example are calibration, storage of thermistor polynomial, etc.
2.1. Backup procedure
The
program
suggests that you should
save a file with the
controller settings. The file
name is proposed to be
"Device information", but
you can use another
name.
.
As a result of
the procedure, the
configuration file will
be saved.
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide
2.2. Procedure of Restoring from Backup
When selecting a relevant item, the program will suggest that you should select a
configuration file previously saved.
Here we should bear in mind that if you have a configuration file from another device, i.e.,
"Device identifier"in the file differs from the reading of the controller, the program will notify you
and the operation may be aborted.
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2.3. Additional Possibilities. Non-Volatile Memory
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
In order to quickly estimate the Controller parameters that determine the logic of its operation, you
can use the tab "non-volatile memory":
Functions of the buttons:



"Reload FLASH"- read data from the controller;
"Save to File"- save data to disk, with possibility to a later load, see the previous section;
"Load from File"- load the file, for viewing only, without the possibility of storage in the
controller. For saving it you have to use the recovery procedure, see the previous section
Tabs functions:

Tabs with version numbers (versions differ by the structure size and set of parameters).

The tab "Thermistor table"- starting with version 334 of the firmware, the manufacturer
provides the controller initial configuration to handle all possible thermistor nominals (see the
documentation TEC Controller DX5100 Technical Manual 2.13 Accuracy).
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide
The figure shows the properly filled in structure of thermistor settings. The indication of the correct
filling is the last byte in each row: if it is equal to 55h, the setup is made correctly, and you can use the
default settings when selecting a thermistor. Details of thermistor configuration procedure are described
in Section 4 of this guide.
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide
3. SETTING ALARM LIMITS
3.1. Setting Limits of TEC Voltage
Important! To prevent a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) failure, it is necessary to set correct limit
values of TEC voltage. Refer to the TEC specifications.
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3.2. Setting Temperature Limit Values
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
The tab "Limiting temperatures" allows you to specify the maximum and minimum
temperatures. If temperature is beyond these limits within the time specified, a corresponding
alarm is on and PID control is off, - the alarm conditions.
The meaning of the parameters to be set is explained by the following picture:
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4. THERMISTOR SETTING
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
Attention! It is strongly recommended to back up the parameters of the controller before
adjusting the thermistor. See "Backup/restore of parameters".
4.1. Description of Procedure
The procedure consists of finding and storing parameters of the corresponding ADC
channels in the non-volatile memory for each temperature sensor.
The procedure for setting a thermistor can be divided into several stages:


Determination of input data:
o
thermistor type,
o
nominal,
o
choice of function type to calculate temperature
o
calculation (or entering) coefficients,
o
storage of coefficients in controller.
( ),
• Calibration of temperature measurement channel:
o
o

7
Controller firmware version <= 333
8

calibrating resistors supplied should be used,

cable of four-wire resistance measurement circuit.
Controller firmware version >= 334

You can choose "automatic" calibration;

You can calibrate in the manual mode, as in the version 333;
Verification of measurement results;
7
The controller allows using 2 types of functions for calculating temperature versus resistance:
 • Polynomial 5th order function:
( )
 Steinhart-Hart equation:
( )
8
During calibrating, the program will inform you on the required nominal values (depending on
thermistor type). You can also use other resistors of similar resistance values.
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide
4.2. Determination of Input Data
To ease the setup procedure, the
program offers a choice of predefined
characteristics of thermistors. The list
includes the parameters for 4 platinum
thermistors and 47 NTC thermistors with
different alpha and beta coefficients.
If you have chosen a thermistor from
the list, you can go to the next section,
"Calibration
of
temperature
measurement channel".
You may check the results of calculations by using
the button "Calc".
If necessary, if your thermistor is
not listed, you can use the point "User
defined".
The program will prompt you to
choose a type of function for calculating
temperature and operating temperature
9
range .
9
The ambient temperature must fall within the operating temperature range, but if you are sure it
does, you can disable the checking of this condition.
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When you select the Steinhart-Hart
equation, you will be asked to enter 3 points
of the dependence of temperature on
resistance. This information is usually
provided by a thermistor manufacturer. The
extreme points should be at the edges of the
working range, while the average - in the
middle. The distance between points must be
at least 10 degrees.
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
When choosing a polynomial function
of temperature calculation you are supposed
to enter the coefficients.
That's enough to start the calibration of
temperature measurement channel. You may
check the results of calculations of the
function of calculating temperature by
pressing "Calc".
4.3. Calibration
of
Temperature
Measurement Channel
4.3.1. Controller Firmware Version <= 333.
Connect the cable of four-wire resistance measurement circuit to the XP4 connector of the board
DX5101-200. At the end of the cable there should be a connector that allows changing quickly the
calibration resistors.
calibration resistor
XP3 or XP4
1
2
3
4
Sensor connection cable (for DX5101-200)
From
contacts
1 and 2
From
contacts
3 and 4
Now we can proceed with the calibration. For example, consider a commonly used platinum
thermistor Pt 1000 (3.75E-03).
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide
Click the button "Calibrate".
The program will ask for the confirmation.
After the positive answer the calibration procedure is started. The program asks to connect the
jumper in the place of the thermistor (the connector of the cable of the four-wire resistance measurement
circuit).
Set the jumper, click "Ok". The program will do the zero calibration and ask you to connect the
calibration resistance of the closest nominal, but not greater than the value calculated.
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Connect the resistance 1500 Ohm (supplied). Click "Ok".
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
The program will ask for the nominal value of the resistor connected (Ohm).
Write 1500 and click "Ok".
The program prompts you to connect another resistor of a smaller value.
Connect the resistor 750 Ohm.
Click "Ok".
The program will ask for the nominal value of the resistor connected again (Ohm).
Write 750. Click "Ok".
The procedure of setting the
thermistor parameters and calibrating
temperature measurement channel is
10
completed .
10
If you failed to do something, you can always carry out the calibration procedure again, or
reset the controller parameters from the backup file, see Chapter "Procedure of Restoring from
Backup".
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide
4.3.2. Controller Firmware Version >= 334
Since the calibration procedure of the measurement channel has been carried out by the
manufacturer, you need only select your thermistor type and value:
After clicking the "Calibrate' button and confirming the start of the calibration procedure:
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide
You will be prompted to select a mode:

The manual mode is described in Section4.3.1

In the automatic mode, the parameters set in the controller will match your thermistor.
4.4. Viewing Current Settings of Thermistor. Checking Measurements.
If necessary, you can get the current thermistor settings and assess the accuracy of
measurements. Click the button "Show current Thermistor settings".
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide
The program will read from the controller a type of the function used and its coefficients, and try
to identify a thermistor connected. In the case of coincidence of the coefficients with those predefined, on
the following information will be displayed the screen:
If the coefficients are not identical (an unknown thermistor), the program will build a graph of
temperature versus resistance, and determine the thermistor nominal by the obtained coefficients (for
platinum thermistors at Т = 0 °С, for NTC thermistors at Т = 25°С).
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide
4.4.1.Verification of the function of temperature calculation
Using the input field for temperature or resistance in the block "Check function of
approximation" you can verify if the
calculated values agree with the
experimental ones.
For illustration we use an example
from the document "Thermoelectric
Cooler Controller DX5100. Quick Start
Instruction".
Choose item "User defined →
"Steinhart and Hart equation", set the
nominal value 10,000 Ohm. Enter three
points from the table:
In the field "R[Ohm]:" enter the resistance
values from the table, click the button "Calc". Repeat
the calculation for each point of the original table.
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide
Obtain the results of temperature calculation:
Initial data
R[Ohm]
T[K]
35670
273
27230
278
20960
283
16260
288
12710
293
10000
298
7920
303
6320
308
5070
313
4090
318
3320
323
2710
328
→
Calculated T = f(R)
R[Ohm]
T[K]
273
35670
278,01
27230
283,01
20960
288,01
16260
293
12710
298
10000
303
7920
307,99
6320
312,99
5070
318
4090
323
3320
328
2710
It is also possible to carry out a reverse calculation: enter temperature, and calculate resistance.
In the field "T[K]:" enter the temperature from
the table, click the button "Calc". Repeat the
calculation for each point of the original table.
Initial Data
R[Ohm]
35670
27230
20960
16260
12710
10000
7920
6320
5070
4090
3320
2710
T[K]
273
278
283
288
293
298
303
308
313
318
323
328
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→
Inverse
Calculation of R
R[Ohm]
T[K]
35670
273
27242
278
20970
283
16266
288
12709
293
10000
298
7922
308
6316
308
5067
313
4090
318
3320
323
2710
328
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide
4.4.2. Checking Temperature Measurement Channel
The block "Measurement of the resistance of the thermistor" allows checking the temperature
measurement channel.
Connect the resistor with which the calibration was done.
Click "Measurement", as a result we obtain the current values for checking.
The main field here is "ADC [hex]".
The controller applies a 24-bit ADC. Hence, the full scale (the nominal value of the
resistance, which we entered in the calibration) corresponds to the value FFFFFFh. It should be
close to this value, but not equal, otherwise it will be perceived as an overflow.
For checking, we carry out the measurements about 10 times and observe this parameter.
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide
5. PROGRAM MANAGER
The Controller implements the operational mode "Program". It allows a various control (stop of
regulation, T-regulation, PID control, maintaining a constant voltage) in time. Programs are stored in the
controller nonvolatile memory.
In addition to direct control by the program (here we mean the launch of the program from your
computer), the controller will also enter this mode when:
1. Autostart after power up, see the Chapter "Autostart adjustment";
2. Upon receiving the signal from the outside, see the Chapter "Digital Input Control. DX5107".
To edit a program of regulation in time there is a tab "Program manager".
The controller supports 16 programs, 50 lines each:
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide
The tabs from 0 to 15 correspond to the programs in the controller, the green indicator on the tab of
the program indicates that the program is available. The controller can auto-switch to this program on the
11
signal from the digital board .
You can edit lines of the program:
The first two fields "ProgramNum" and "LineNum" cannot be edited.
The field "Val" is a field of the type float and stores the setpoint for the control command.
The next field "Time" is the time, in seconds, during which the mode given in the line of the
program will run.
The field "Mode" actually is a mode (stop of regulation, T-regulation, PID control, maintaining a
constant voltage).
11
For more details see "Termoelectric Cooler Controller DX5100 Technical Manual"
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The fields "NextProgNum" and "NextProgLine" contain the number of a program and of a line, to
which the control will pass after the period "Time".
The field "StateImage" is a reference one and marks the lines of the program, whose addresses of
transitions to the next line are correct.
If the address to the next line is not correct, the controller stops control and passes to the mode
"IDLE".
The tab has its own toolbar, which contains buttons, as follows:

The button "Save All" saves all the edited lines of the current program in the controller;

The button "Save current line" changes the current line in the controller. The edited lines
are highlighted in yellow. The button is only available on the line changed.

The button "Refresh" updates a current program by data from the controller;

Two buttons of changing the program status, change the controller status - a criterion of
the program validity;

The button "Clear program line" cleans a current line of the program;

File operations:
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o
Save a current program to a file, the file extension is *.csv;
o
Read a previously saved program from a file.
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DX5100 Vision User's Guide
6. AUTOSTART CONFIGURATION
The controller can be configured into
various operational modes of after powered.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Regulation disabled
Operation by program
Temperature control
PID-control
Maintaining of constant voltage
To select autostart, use the tab
"Boot Mode". You can set necessary
parameters for the different modes. The
links provide reference information on
possible modes of operation.
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7. CONDITIONS OF SIGNALING OF SETPOINT ATTAINMENT
The device implements PID temperature control. See Section 9. "PID Tuning".
It is necessary to establish criteria for setting and resetting signalization on reaching the desired
temperature.
In addition to maintaining temperature constant, the device supports the temperature changing in
time - cycling. This function is performed by automatically changing the setpoint in time in accordance
with the program by a customer.
One can control and, if necessary, change the
criteria for the set point achieved, by the tab "Criterion of
Signal of Setting".
The parameters to be entered:
d1 - 2…255 - number of periods of PID, after which, if the temperature exceeded the set limits, the
corresponding status signal is removed
d2 - 2…255 - number of periods of PID, after which, if the temperature is within limits, a
corresponding status signal is generated
The parameter d2 should not exceed d1. Both the parameters must not be less than "2".
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The meaning of the parameters set and of the status of digital outputs is displayed on the chart.
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8. DIGITAL INPUT CONTROL (DX5107)
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
The board DX5107
When using the board DX5107 the controller can carry out the following:

Control of digital outputs, depending on temperature of the channel (each channel). The
board has a relay that triggers after a certain period of time after reaching the desired
temperature.

LED indication of digital output status.

Transition to programs of channel control by signals arriving at the digital input. That is,
using an external influence the controller can be transferred into different modes of
regulation.
 Synchronization of the controller with the work of external devices, and external events
processing.
Activating the settings tab, digital input-output
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The marks "Digital Input" and "Digital Output" allow or prohibit the use of the digital input-output.
For each channel, you can enter the program number to control the operation whenever the input signal
changes.
The button "Show program" will switch you to the program manager tab and load the program the
appropriate number.
9. PID TUNING
To fine-tune the PID controller the tab is provided:
Here you can set the PID controller coefficients, plot the setpoint attaining curve at different values
of the coefficients. The controller has a built-in function "AUTO-PID". When using it, you may get the
initial values of the coefficients.
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9.1.
9.1.1.
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
AUTO-PID FUNCTION
Introduction
The finding of optimum parameters of regulation of the given object is quite a delicate and long
procedure. It is a consecutive experimental choice of parameters.
At the same time the quality of regulation of temperature depends on the optimality of the set
parameters.
Attention! The parameters preset at the device delivery are formal and do not concern a real
controlled object.
With the purpose of simplification of the PID controller optimum parameters choice in the ТЕС
Controller DX5100 the function auto-PID is realized.
This function realizes the known Ziegler-Nichols algorithm. The user applying this function can use
the obtained PID controller parameters for the subsequent accurate adjustment or apply the given
parameters directly to the control of the object.
Attention! Before starting the auto-PID function it is necessary to set thermoelectric module
maximal allowable voltage.
Attention! Nevertheless the manufacturer regards the parameters obtained with the help of the
built-in auto-PID function as estimated and not quite optimum. It is recommended to check up the
obtained parameters and if necessary to carry out a more accurate tuning of the PID parameters
depending on the required quality of the thermal regulation.
9.1.2.
Ziegler-Nichols Algorithm
In the Controller DX5100 one of the known algorithms of an automatic finding of the PID
parameters is realized.
When the object of regulation is exposed to voltage (current) of a certain value the dynamic
characteristic of the object of regulation is obtained as the parameters of its transition into a stationary
condition at a given influence.
dP
The figure below illustrates the dynamics of the process and the required parameters.
dU
t
D

t
The required parameters are:
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D
-
Deadtime
-
Process gain
K

dU
D
dP
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The found values of the specified parameters by the Ziegler-Nichols method enable to estimate the
PID parameters as:
Proportional coefficient
1,2 х K
Integral coefficient
2x
Differential coefficient
9.2.

0,5 x 
D
D
PID TUNING TIPS
The tuning quality can be estimated by different criteria: by the rate of achieving the setpoint, by the
minimal overshot, by accuracy of setpoint maintenance. The tuning quality can also be estimation by the
transient process of achieving the setpoint. Recommendations for PID tuning by the form of the starting
curve are given below.
1.
Set values of integrated and differential components equal to zero:
Ki=0; Kd=0
Modify the value of the proportional component factor so that the form of the transitive
characteristic correspond that of curve 2 or 3.
Kp1>Kp2>Kp3>Kp4>Kp5
Ttarget
T0
2.
Modify the value of the differential component factor so that the form of the transitive
characteristic correspond that of curve 2.
Ttarget
T0
3.
The integrated component is intended to remove a residual mismatch between the
temperature value achieved in the system and the setpoint. Modify the value of the proportional
component factor so that the form of the transitive characteristic correspond that of curve 3.
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Ttarget
T0
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10. TERMINAL
10.1.
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
How to Communicate with Controller via System of Commands
12
For a maximum flexibility, the controller gives an opportunity of communicating in the terminal
mode. For example, you can develop your own model of the controller behavior, regulation using various
input parameters; you can change settings and coefficients affecting the controller logic, etc.
In the upper right window of the edit box specify the address of the controller and the extended
address. The controller DX5100 extended address is always 0200.
In the next entry field you can enter commands sent to the controller (in an appropriate format
12
described in the controller documentation .
The output window displays information received from the controller in response to the command.
10.2.
How to Save Sets of Commands in File
You can create new sets of commands and save them for later use. To do this, use the toolbar
located to the right. The "New" button causes a pop-up menu:
12
See the documentation "DX5100 Table of Commands V320"
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When creating a new file, you will be prompted for a filename. Then you can start typing
commands line by line in the table.
To execute a command, you must click on the button "+" in the
appropriate row of the table. When working with the table, you can use the
context menu:
10.3.
Conversion of Files with Commands from Program "Terminal"
If you previously used the program "Terminal" you may have saved command files of the old format
(*.ini). In this case, you can convert them for the use in DX5100 Vision.
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10.4.
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
Usage of Set of Commands as Macros
You can execute single commands, and can mark necessary commands, set the delay time
(duration in milliseconds after the command execution) and click on the Start button on the right toolbar.
The commands will be executed sequentially from top to bottom.
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10.5. Cyclic execution of Macros.
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
You can also perform sets of commands in cycle. To do it, it is necessary to click the
button "Run macro as cycle" and then "Start macro".
The button "Stop" interrupts the execution.
You can use the cyclic execution of macros, simultaneously viewing charts in the
window "Monitor" (see the next section).
For example, the result of looping of this commands set will be the following graph of the
temperature of the cold side of thermoelectric module connected to the controller first channel:
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11. MONITOR
11.1.
Telemetry Start
The program ha the following modes: monitoring the current status of the controller, telemetry by a
user's choice, charting, data storage for later analysis.
The monitor window is not for parameters setting. You can only receive information from the
controller and control the current behavior and regulation by one or two channels.
Window of monitor:
The group of radio buttons "Telemetry interface" allows selecting an interface for sending
13
telemetry data. If you do not not use the command interface , the choice is not available and the
telemetry speed will be lower.
The telemetry period is the interval at which the controller will generate telemetry data. It can take
the values from 1 to 255, 1 corresponds to 10 ms.
For the command interface we recommend to choose this value not less than 50, you can
determine the optimal value experimentally.
13
See Sections "1.1 Controller to Computer Connection Options" and "1.2. How to Adjust
Computer Serial Port"
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The buttons «Start» and «Stop» start and stop telemetry. Pay attention to the fact that they do not
affect the regulation, i.e. if you switch on the telemetry, choose and run the regulation mode, and then
turn off the telemetry by clicking on the stop button, the controller will continue to regulate in the mode
selected.
11.2.
Choice of Regulation Mode
The regulation mode can be chosen from the dropdown menu of the corresponding channel:
If the channel is not available, the menu of this channel will not be available either.
When selecting a regulation mode, the program will prompt you for the necessary data:

Mode "Program":

Mode "T-regulation":
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

DX5100 Vision User's Guide
Mode of PID temperature control:
o
Starting with the controller version DX5100.333 it is possible to change a temperature
setpoint without restarting PID:
o
Request for setpoint:
Mode "Constant voltage":
o
11.3.
See the Chapter "3.1 Setting Limits of TEC Voltage"
Charts
It is possible to build two graphs simultaneously; the choice of parameters for each graph is done
from the drop-down list:
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Each chart has its own toolbar:
"+"and "-" allow minimizing/maximizing the chart window:

The buttons

Next button is zooming (the default chart width is 200 pixels):

Button of scale recovery (200 pixels):
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
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
Storage button saves the data to an Excel file:
11.4.
Status Bar
On the right side of each graph there is a status
bar that displays the controller current mode and the
telemetry value:
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12. UPDATE
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
Our company is eager to provide you with the most suitable mechanisms to solve your tasks. The
sphere of these tasks is constantly growing - there are new problems, new options for using the
equipment. For feedback you can use the form "About".
We are always glad to offer you all the possible assistance.
12.1.
Software Update
The update of DX5100 Vision program is available in the window "About".
Or on our web: http://www.rmtltd.ru/downloads/
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12.2.
DX5100 Vision User's Guide
Firmware Update
To update the firmware of the controller you can use the master "Firmware Programming
Wizard" on the starting tab of the program.
Here are the steps that are necessary for the successful programming of the controller:
12.2.1. How to Prepare for Controller Programming

Turn off the controller power;

Set the jumper supplied to the connector "PRG";

Proceed to the next page of the wizard;
12.2.2. Selection of Firmware File
Select the file location: "Internet update";
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Select the version of the file;
Proceed to the next page of the wizard;
12.2.3. Programming
Attention! Turn on the controller power.
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If you want to change the serial port number and speed of programming, press the button "Start".
Proceed to the next page of the wizard;
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12.2.4. How to Set Connection Rate in Controller after Programming
After programming the controller, the setting of the connection rate may have changed. There is a
special procedure of setting new parameters:
Remove the jumper, reset the controller, select the speed you are going to use in future to work
with the controller.
Press the button "Set".
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