The CIMScan architecture is very straightforward and easily understood. The simple diagram below shows how it works.

Sensors, including particle counters, send their measurement values to a sensor interface called an eLink Controller. The eLink forwards the data to the server over the facility's local area network (or a private LAN or the Internet).

REMOTE DEVICE OPERATION

Measurement can come from simple analog sensors (thermistors, RTDs, temp/humidity transmitters) or from intelligent instruments

1. Remote data acquisition units (I/O Pods) convert analog inputs from sensors or transmitters to digital values and send them to the eLink every 15 seconds.
2. Intelligent instruments (transmitters) send their measurement information to the eLink via the network every 15 seconds.
3. Wireless sensors transmit their measurement values to a gateway via a CI-83 receiver every 15 seconds.
4. The eLink or gateway receives the measurement data and averages it over a user-assigned sample period. At the end of the sample period, the average is taken and a timestamp applied. If an alarm has been detected, the data is transmitted to the server immediately along with the sensor’s serial number and status. If there are no alarms, the data will be sent at the user-defined reporting period.

ELINK CONTROLLER

The DA-06 eLink Remote Data Acquisition Controller can interface with up to 16 data acquisition units or sensors on a common 4-wire network as shown in the diagram below. The eLink measure 5.50” x 3.35” x 1.36” deep and weigh about 8 ounces. A port is provided to connect the eLink to the server via the facility’s LAN.

eLinks have the ability to buffer measurements during LAN or server outages and automatically transmit them to the server when communications is restored. All of the eLinks communicate with the instruments over an RS-485 twisted pair multi-drop network.

Sensors & Sensor Interfaces

The table below contains a description of the available sensors and sensor interfaces.

I/O Pod Data Acquisition Units

The following I/O Pods are available if analog sensors are being used. These are especially useful for retrofit applications where there is a significant investment in sensors that use older technologies.

Wireless Sensors

The following short range (30-50 feet) battery-operated wireless sensors are available.

AVAILABLE SERVER SOLUTIONS

We offer three possibilities to implement the server for your system.

Server software to install on your computer

The CIMScan Server Software can be installed on your Windows-based server computer for a one-time license fee based on the number of monitoring points. Packages for 25, 100, 250, and an unlimited number of points are currently available.

Small Server with Software Installed

We can also supply a 10 or 25 point system installed on a small Windows XP computer and configured for your application.

Click to download a datasheet for the computer used with the packaged system.

This is an ideal solution if you intend to purchase the components and install and commission the system yourself.

Your system hosted on our server

The least expensive monitoring system can be realized by utilizing our server for a small monthly fee. Four (4) packages are currently available to monitor up to 10, 25, 100, and 250 points. Every customer’s system is completely isolated from all other customers on the server. The alert delivery via voice telephone is included along with messaging via email, text messaging, and pager. Of course, we act as the system administrator for all systems hosted on our server.