The main tasks of the SIWAREX FTA are the high-precision measurement of the current weight in up to three measuring ranges, and exact control of the weighing procedures.

The weighing module controls the weighing procedures fully automatically. However, integration in SIMATIC means that it is also possible to directly influence the weighing procedures using a PLC program. This means that the tasks can be sensibly divided: The very fast weighing functions are implemented in the SIWAREX FTA, the interlocking and logic functions in the SIMATIC CPU.

Weighing functions

The SIWAREX FTA is easy to parameterize for the various automatic weighing functions.

The following weighing functions can be parameterized:

• NSW (Non-Automatic Weighing Instrument) according to OIML R76
• SWA (Automatic Gravimetric Filling Instrument) according to OIML R61
• SWE (Automatic Catchweighing Instrument) according to OIML R51
• SWT (Discontinuous Totalizing Automatic Weighing Instrument (Totalizing Hopper Weigher)) according to OIML R107

Monitoring and control of the load cell signals and statuses

During the weighing procedure, the SIWAREX FTA weighing module monitors and controls the load cell signals and statuses. The optimized exchange of data within SIMATIC permits direct evaluation of the load cell signals and statuses in the PLC program.

The SIWAREX FTA can easily be adapted to changes in the system technology thanks to the PLC's influence on the weighing process.

The SIWAREX FTA is already factory-calibrated. This means that the theoretical adjustment of the scale is possible without adjustment weights, and that modules can be replaced without readjustment of the scale. When using "active bus modules", replacement is also possible during operation.

Integration in SIMATIC

SIWAREX FTA is completely integrated into the SIMATIC S7 and SIMATIC PCS 7. Users can freely configure their automation solution – including the weighing application.

The right combination of SIMATIC components can produce optimum solutions for small, medium-size and large plants. The scales are operated and monitored using SIMATIC standard operator panels. Needless to say, these operator panels can also be simultaneously used for the operator control and monitoring of the plant.

Customized or sector-specific solutions can be developed extremely quickly using the configuration package and example applications for SIMATIC. The following Figure shows a typical configuration of a medium-size plant.

The ready-to-use function blocks for the automation system and the faceplates for the operator station are used for the configuration in SIMATIC PCS 7.

SIMATIC S7/PCS 7 configuration with SIWAREX FTA

Software

SIWATOOL FTA commissioning software

SIWATOOL FTA is a special program for commissioning and servicing and runs with Windows operating systems.

The program enables the scales to be set without the need for prior knowledge of the automation system. During servicing, the technician can use a PC to analyze and test the procedures in the scale. Reading out the diagnostics buffer from the SIWAREX FTA is extremely helpful when analyzing events.

The following are just some of the tasks that can be carried out using SIWATOOL FTA:

• Parameter assignment and calibration of the scale
• Testing of scale properties
• Saving and printing scale data
• Recording and analysis of weighing sequence

Settings in SIWAREX FTA software

It is extremely helpful to analyze the diagnostics buffer, which can be saved together with the parameters from the module in a backup file.

The SIWAREX FTA weighing module includes a trace mode for optimization of weighing sequences. The recorded weight values and associated statuses can be displayed as traces using SIWATOOL FTA and MS Excel.

Upgrading firmware

A further program function can be used to download a new firmware version onto the SIWAREX FTA on site. This means that firmware upgrades can be carried out on site as required anywhere in the world.

Reading out of weighing reports

The weighing reports are saved on an MMC (Micro Memory Card) inserted in the SIWAREX FTA for the duration specified by the Weights and Measures Act. If complaints are received concerning a particular weighing procedure, the associated data can be read out of the MMC using SIWATOOL.

SIWAREX FTA – simple configuration

Integration in SIMATIC results in freely-programmable, modular weighing systems which can be modified according to operational requirements.

The ready-to-use SIWAREX FTA software "Getting started" is also available free-of-charge and shows beginners how to integrate the module into a STEP 7 program and offers a basis for application programming. This allows you to connect the scale very easily to an operator panel connected directly to the SIMATIC CPU.

Configuring the legal trade display on the panel

The software SecureOCX is available in systems running WinCC flexible. It provides a function for configuration of the legal trade display directly in WinCC flexible. In the TIA Portal, the software SecureDisplay is used. This is installed directly on a Windows CE-based panel (for example, SIMATIC Comfort Touch series). There is a separate "Getting Started" for using this software in the TIA Portal. This solution requires a SIMATIC CPU with an Ethernet port. SIMATIC Basic and Key Panels cannot be used.

Scale faceplate in the SIWAREX FTA "Getting started" software

In addition, the STEP 7 program SIWAREX FTA Multiscale provides a professional basis for the implementation of batching or filling plants.