Network Topology Independence - a homogenous network that can incorporate Microwave, Leased-Line, Radio, VSAT.

Valuable Standard Tool Set - tools such as Telnet, Ping and FTP are available for system flexibility and diagnostics.

Supports Multiple Protocols
With many devices and different applications located in the field, there is an essential need to be able to utilize many protocols. The APEX supports multiple protocols such as MODBUS, DF-1, CA and many others at different baud rates, parity and word lengths. The data is acquired asynchronously serially or through an Ethernet port. If it is necessary, different protocols can alternate on the same port on a radio network or multi-drop line for more flexibility. Therefore, any and all data is acquired to fit the remote site specifics and the overall network requirements.

Local I/O
A great benefit besides the communication abilities of the APEX, is the PC/104 bus for the addition of local I/O. If a site requires the replacement of an RTU or needs some additional I/O points, such as analog inputs or relays for control purposes, the unit is expandable with up to three I/O modules. Now, the APEX functions as an RTU/PLC while also gathering data points from other devices for even more flexibility within the network.

PLC/RTU Programmability
For local control and data manipulation, the APEX is loaded with the IEC-1131-3 software-programming suite. It has five different types of control logic programs that provide the means for local control of the I/O and data points. With this program, the APEX has the functionality of a PLC/RTU and even sends write commands to other devices based on their data requirements locally without waiting for a control sent from the Host. As cost is an important criteria in any system, this is a simple and cost effective means to fit requirements and changes within a network. The IEC1131-3 languages are:

• Sequential Function Chart (SFC)
• Function Block Diagram (FBD)
• Ladder Diagram (LD)
• Structured Text (ST)
• Instruction List (IL)

The applications editor supports all of the languages specified in the IEC1131-3 standard.

Arcom has adopted the IEC-1131 standard to promote open standardisation and equip the APEX with the necessary tool set enabling complete control of the I/O and data points acquired.

Click here for ISaGRAF Programming Suite

Remote Diagnostics
Given the capabilities of TCP/IP with multiple logic connections on the same communications port, the end-user can Telnet into the APEX and diagnose problems without affecting system performance. Real-time data captures of the actual hex values of polls sent to a device with its corresponding response can be analyzed remotely by a dial-up connection or through the local LAN. Also, the control program can be viewed as it is stepped through with the debug capabilities of the IEC-1131-3 program suite, analyzed, changed and downloaded remotely. With a pass-through port set up on the APEX, diagnose radio networks with software loaded on your desktop at the office. Given the flexibility of the diagnostics offered, technicians are no longer being sent to remote sites to find the problem, they are being sent to fix a problem already found.

Easy Expansion
By creating a protocol neutral homogenous network with a APEX, the conversion of the existing protocols is done at the remote site. Thus, the addition of new equipment or incorporation of old is a download away with a new configuration. These enable end-users to choose and expand equipment based on technical features and cost, not on proprietary concerns with a simple change in configuration.

Multiple Physical Topologies
The APEX interfaces with many dissimilar communication mediums. It acquires data from sources in a Radio, Microwave, ISDN, PSTN, leased-line, Ethernet or a local network. This enables the end-user to place the VSAT sites at the head of tail circuits acquiring the data from either previously installed communication mediums or placing new ones in on a cost and technical advantage basis.

Retain Capitol Investment
One of biggest problems to many of the solutions today is the economic barrier presented by the lack of communication compatibility. This problem is compounded by the vast array of existing equipment that often forces users to decommission and replace perfectly adequate systems and devices prematurely. The APEX represents a unique and powerful approach to creating a communication network incorporating many different mediums among products with dissimilar protocols into one common platform eliminating these problems faced today and retaining the capitol investment already in place.

"PUSH" or Event-Based Reporting
With the advent of data requirements outside of the real-time SCADA systems into the business and other applications, data is pushed from the APEX to the remote site into the business units. Data items such as batch reports for electronic flow measurement is sent when it happens based on the event of end-of-batch flag going high for faster billing and payment cycles. Other data and information in any format can be forwarded to any type of application due to criteria at the remote site. Timed events, alarms or any setpoint can be constructed with the programming suite offered in the APEX for complete data control. Thus, any and all information is acquired by multiple applications without the costly and time hungry custom applications that are strung out in most systems today.

Report-By-Exception Technology
Due to the needs required for SCADA networks on obtaining changes of data and alarms in the field, especially on oil pipelines, the APEX reports to the Host without being requested for the data based upon changes. Each data point in the field has an associated dead-band which if it is achieved the APEX will report the information unsolicited to Host. Thus, the scan or update rates for whole pipelines can be as low as 2-5 seconds enabling shutdown or controls to happen in a timely and critical manner.

Windows Based Configuration
The APEX is configured by Arcom Configuration Environment (ACE) is an easy-to-use graphical user interface to configure the operational and communication characteristics. It enables the user to modify the parameters for communication to the field devices for maintaining the network operations.

Click here for more details on ACE