BECKHOFF DK9122-0510-0025 User Manual
Industrial PC
Preventive maintenance
TwinCAT
Diagnostics
Configuration
MDP
Programming interface
Interface
Embedded
Application Note DK9122-0510-0025
Keywords
Industrial PC
Diagnostics and configuration
Monitoring
Standard diagnostic and configuration interface for
Beckhoff Industrial PCs
As the heart of a manufacturing facility, the Industrial PC is monitored in order to guarantee high plant
availability. An additional software tool does not always have to be used for this: this application example
describes how monitoring the most important parameters from within TwinCAT or via standardized
programming interfaces (OPC, UPnP, .NET etc.) enables preventive maintenance of Industrial PCs (IPCs). The
diagnostic and configuration interface for Beckhoff IPCs accesses all parameters of an IPC by means of MDP
(Modular Device Profile) and makes it possible for the user to display critical parameters and to link this
information to executable actions.
Uniform access to all parameters of a Beckhoff Industrial PC
In addition to the usual benefits of IPC monitoring within a manufacturing facility, the configuration and diagnostic interface
for Beckhoff Industrial PCs can be used to access each parameter of an IPC (hardware, software or application) for reading
or writing. Access can take place both from within TwinCAT or via standard programming interfaces such as OPC, UPnP, .NET
etc. Therefore, the parameters of an IPC can be used for plant monitoring in a simple, but effective way. Apart from plant
monitoring, the diagnostic and configuration interface can also be used ’remotely,’ in order to extremely simplify configuration
procedures and to carry out support/service more efficiently. In the case of external access to the IPC (e.g. via LAN), access to
the system is password-protected.
For application notes see disclaimer on the last page
Beckhoff
New Automation Technology
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Application Note DK9122-0510-0025
Interfaces for accessing MDP data
PLC
FBs
UPnP
TwinCAT
2.11
.NET
HMI
MDP
Registry
Win API
parameter
Web
page
OPCUA
ADS router
Diagnostics and configuration
Industrial PC
Fig. 1 Accessing parameters
IPC monitoring: The ‚classic‘ parameters
The three classic parameters that are suitable for simple and effective monitoring are temperatures, speeds of rotation and
voltages on the motherboard: the CPU temperature provides information regarding the extent of processor utilization and the
ventilation quality. Knowing the speed of the fan rotation allows conclusions to be drawn about contamination and possible
wear. A check of the various on-board voltages also ensures the smooth operation of the IPC. In addition, the voltage level of
the frequently existing lithium battery for the system clock can be checked. Apart from these three parameters, checking the CF
cards and RAID systems is important for the trouble-free operation of PC-based controls.
CF card testing tools that require the medium to be removed from the IPC are suitable only in the case of plant standstills,
since removing the card entails switching the IPC off. Online monitoring is more convenient and can be accomplished during
running operation. The degree of use of the CF card is displayed directly by percentage via the diagnostic and configuration
interface for Beckhoff IPCs. Additionally, a message on the screen can suggest a replacement upon falling below a certain limit,
so that an exchange can be considered during the next scheduled maintenance.
RAID systems work in the background and are only visible to the user in the operating system as a logical drive that is not
distinguishable between the individual hard disks. For monitoring purposes the data in the RAID controller can be accessed, via
which the status and the performance of the individual hard disks can be read out. If read/write errors continually occur within
the same sector of a disk, then an exchange should be considered.
For application notes see disclaimer on the last page
Beckhoff
New Automation Technology
2
Industrial PC
Chassis fan speed below minimum! Current fan speed 5273 rpm !
OK
Motherboard temperature is critical! Current temperature 51° C !
OK
Execution of programs or tasks for switching the IPC off
Optional
CPU temperature | increasing
Fan speed | decreasing
Monitoring of defined parameters
Application Note DK9122-0510-0025
Diagnostics and configuration
Recognition of a problem
The decreasing speed of rotation of a CPU fan is a first signal that usually points to strong contamination of the fan and
indicates a possible upcoming failure. If the plant operator is informed of this by a pop-up on the screen, then cleaning or
replacement of the fan should be considered during scheduled maintenance work and a failure of the IPC due to poor heat
dissipation can be avoided. The costs of unplanned downtime are negligible in comparison with this small maintenance job.
However, if there is a large increase in the CPU temperature as the fan speed decreases, one should not wait until the next
planned maintenance. Since the IPCs feature an emergency power-off in the case of over-temperature, system failure is
imminent in this case without further cooling. If this condition is also indicated by a message, then effective intervention
measures can be taken: the emergency power-off is prevented by clear instructions for action, such as the request to switch off
the PC or to open the control cabinet doors.
Fig. 2 Analysis of the information, with optional further steps
Information on limit values for speeds of rotation, temperatures and voltages for Beckhoff IPCs can be found in the
documentation (links at the end of the document).
For application notes see disclaimer on the last page
Beckhoff
New Automation Technology
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