Overview
FrameworX serves diverse professionals across the industrial automation spectrum. This guide provides tailored learning path for Control Engineers you focus on the most relevant features and capabilities for your role. Each path includes specific tutorials, exercises, and real-world scenarios designed to accelerate your proficiency.
→ learning paths for IT Professionals, and System Integrators.
Learning Path For Control Engineers
Your Profile
Traditional automation professionals with experience in PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems. You focus on reliable control, operator interfaces, and field device integration.
Learning Objectives
By completing this path, you will:
- ? Connect and configure industrial devices
- ? Design effective operator interfaces
- ? Implement alarm management strategies
- ? Create control logic and calculations
- ? Build trending and historical displays
Week 1: Foundation for Control Engineers
Day 1-2: Device Communication Mastery
Morning: Understanding FrameworX Drivers
Exercise 1: Driver Selection
1. Open Designer → Devices
2. Review available drivers:
- Allen-Bradley (EtherNet/IP)
- Siemens (S7)
- Modbus (TCP/RTU)
- OPC UA
3. Document which drivers match your PLCs
Afternoon: Configure Your First PLC
Lab: Connect to Allen-Bradley ControlLogix
??? Step 1: Create Channel
? - Protocol: Allen-Bradley ControlLogix
? - Connection: Ethernet
? - Timeout: 3000ms
??? Step 2: Add Node
? - IP Address: [Your PLC IP]
? - Slot Number: 0
??? Step 3: Import Tags
? - Use automatic tag import
? - Map to UNS namespace
??? Step 4: Verify Communication
- Check status indicators
- Monitor update rates
Day 3-4: HMI Design Fundamentals
Creating Operator Displays
Standard Display Components:
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? Header (Title, Time, Alarms) ?
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? ?
? Main Process Graphic ?
? (P&ID representation) ?
? ?
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? Navigation Bar ?
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Exercise: Build Motor Control Faceplate
- Create new symbol "MotorControl"
- Add elements:
- Status indicator (Running/Stopped)
- Start/Stop buttons
- Speed display (if VFD)
- Fault indicator
- Local/Remote mode
- Link to Motor UDT
- Test in runtime
Day 5: Alarm Configuration
Alarm Philosophy Implementation
Priority | Color | Response Time | Example |
---|---|---|---|
Critical (1-200) | Red | Immediate | Safety shutdown |
High (201-400) | Orange | 10 minutes | Process upset |
Medium (401-600) | Yellow | 30 minutes | Efficiency loss |
Low (601-999) | Blue | Next shift | Maintenance required |
Lab: Configure Process Alarms
Tank Level Alarms:
??? HiHi Alarm (95%) - Priority 250
??? Hi Alarm (85%) - Priority 400
??? Lo Alarm (15%) - Priority 400
??? LoLo Alarm (5%) - Priority 250
Settings per alarm:
- Deadband: 2%
- Delay On: 5 seconds
- Delay Off: 3 seconds
- Auto Acknowledge: No
Week 2: Advanced Control Topics
Day 1-2: Control Logic Implementation
Script Development for Control Engineers
csharp
// Example: Pump Control Logic
public void PumpControl()
{
// Read process values
float tankLevel = @Tag.Tank01.Level;
float setpoint = @Tag.Tank01.Setpoint;
bool pumpAvailable = @Tag.Pump01.Available;
// Control logic
if (pumpAvailable)
{
if (tankLevel < (setpoint - 5))
{
@Tag.Pump01.StartCmd = true;
@Tag.Pump01.Speed = CalculateSpeed(tankLevel, setpoint);
}
else if (tankLevel > (setpoint + 2))
{
@Tag.Pump01.StartCmd = false;
}
}
// Alarm generation
if (!pumpAvailable && tankLevel < 10)
{
@Tag.Alarms.LowLevelNoPump = true;
}
}
private float CalculateSpeed(float level, float sp)
{
// PID calculation or curve
float error = sp - level;
return Math.Max(30, Math.Min(100, error * 5));
}
Day 3-4: Trending and Historical Analysis
Creating Effective Trends
Trend Configuration:
??? Time Axis
? ??? Real-time (last hour)
? ??? Historical (date range)
? ??? Resolution (1 sec - 1 day)
??? Y-Axes
? ??? Primary (0-100%)
? ??? Secondary (0-150°F)
? ??? Auto-scale option
??? Pens
??? Pen 1: Flow (Blue, Primary)
??? Pen 2: Pressure (Green, Primary)
??? Pen 3: Temperature (Red, Secondary)
Exercise: Build Trending Display
- Create new display "ProcessTrends"
- Add trend object
- Configure 4 pens for related process values
- Add time navigation controls
- Include data export button
Day 5: Performance Optimization
Optimizing for Control Applications
Area | Best Practice | Impact |
---|---|---|
Scan Rates | Match process dynamics | Reduce network load |
Display Updates | Limit animations | Improve client performance |
Alarm Deadbands | Prevent chattering | Reduce alarm floods |
Script Efficiency | Avoid loops in expressions | Lower CPU usage |
Control Engineer Toolkit
Essential Components Library
Standard Objects to Create:
??? Motors
? ??? Motor_Simple (On/Off)
? ??? Motor_VFD (Variable Speed)
? ??? Motor_Reversing (Forward/Reverse)
??? Valves
? ??? Valve_OnOff
? ??? Valve_Control (Analog)
? ??? Valve_3Way
??? Process Equipment
? ??? Pump_Centrifugal
? ??? Tank_Level
? ??? Heat_Exchanger
??? Instruments
??? Transmitter_Analog
??? Switch_Digital
??? Controller_PID
Communication Quick Reference
PLC Brand | Recommended Driver | Typical Settings |
---|---|---|
Allen-Bradley | EtherNet/IP | Slot 0, RPI 100ms |
Siemens | S7 TCP | Rack 0, Slot 2 |
Modbus Devices | Modbus TCP | Port 502, Unit ID 1 |
Schneider | Modbus TCP | Port 502, Holdings |
Omron | FINS | Port 9600, Node 1 |
Troubleshooting Guide for Control Engineers
Problem | Check | Solution |
---|---|---|
PLC won't connect | IP address, subnet | Verify network settings |
Tags not updating | Point mapping | Check addresses match PLC |
Alarms flooding | Deadband, delays | Adjust alarm settings |
HMI slow | Graphics complexity | Simplify animations |
Trends gaps | Historian settings | Check storage configuration |
Certification Paths
Available Certifications
Certification | Target Audience | Prerequisites | Exam Topics |
---|---|---|---|
FrameworX Certified Developer | All paths | Basic training | Configuration, displays, basic scripting |
FrameworX Control Specialist | Control Engineers | FCD + experience | Advanced control, PLC integration |
FrameworX IT Specialist | IT Professionals | FCD + IT background | Security, databases, web deployment |
FrameworX Solution Architect | System Integrators | FCD + project experience | Architecture, standards, deployment |
Next Steps for All Paths
Continue Learning
- Hands-On Practice - Build sample projects
- Community Forum - Join discussions
- Advanced Training - Specialized courses
- Certification - Validate your skills
- Real Projects - Apply knowledge
Resources by Path
Resource | Control Engineers |
---|---|
Priority Docs | Device configs, HMI design |
Key Examples | PLC integration, faceplates |
Forum Sections | Devices, displays |
Advanced Topics | Custom drivers, scripting |
AI Assistant Data
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