Project Introduction The limited visibility caused by fog conditions can lead to serious traffic accidents. In areas where fog is common, an automatic fog warning system can be a life-saver. With visibility sensors and fog lamps installed along the road, drivers can be warned of upcoming fog conditions.
System Requirements PLCs are traditionally used as the main controller for traffic management applications. However, they lack the data storage and computing power necessary for more complex applications that require additional processing. For this project, RS-232, digital I/O, and GPRS needed to be integrated in one solution. The fog detection device needed to use RS-232 to communicate with the control system, which would perform additional processing on the data that was received. Digital outputs were needed to turn on fog lamps during periods of low visibility. The solution had to provide the following items:
GPRS access
RS-232 port to connect fog detection device
8 digital output channels for fog lamps
Digital input channel for door alarm
System Description
The UC IA-240 is the center of the system, connecting to the fog detection device and the OnCell G2150I using RS-232, and to the ioLogik E2210 using Ethernet. A program written in C obtains and processes data from the fog detection device. With this data, the UC IA-240 notifies the ioLogik E2210 to turn the connected fog lamps on or off, depending on visibility conditions. A door alarm and sensor are also connected to the ioLogik E2210. Using the onboard Click&Go Logic, the ioLogik can automatically activate the door alarm and send a warning message to the UC IA-240, saving both programming effort and CPU resources. With the OnCell G2150I installed, the system is remotely accessible over cellular networks. The UC IA-240 is thus able to report or receive instruction from a remote control center.
Project Implementation
Why Moxa?
Conclusion
ioLogik E2210
Active Ethernet I/O server with 12
digital inputs, 8 digital outputs
Moxa devices can be used for every component of this application. The UC IA-240 can rely on the MXIO library for easy communication with the ioLogik E2210. Also, the UC IA-240 can use dial-up scripts for effortless connection to the GPRS modem. Moxa can be your total solution provider for industrial automation.
