Highest Performance Inteface for Fieldpoint

[Jackson_Peacock]

Hi,

I have inherted a C# MeasurementStudio.NET application that reads and logs data from Fieldpoint modules. It has about 100 channels spread over several modules (mostly cFP-AI-118s) which it polls at around 20Hz. I have been asked to increase the sampling rate of some of the channels to at least 1kHz, and preferably 10kHz (the max spec for the module).

Currently the code interfaces the fieldpoint modules using an OPC DataSocket for each channel. Preliminary testing indicates that I'm not going to be able to acquire data at kHz rates using this approach. Is this true? If so, what is the best API/interface for getting data off those modules at high sample rates?

While I have done quite a bit of test and measurement work in the past, I don't have any experiance with fieldpoint, and am on a tight schedule, so having your advice to point me in the right direction and avoid false-starts will be extremely appreciated.

[Jackson_Peacock]

Sorry, I should have mentioned that we are using a cFP-180x ethernet module to communicate with the Fieldpoint devices.

[Fred_V · Accepted solution]

Hi Jackson,

Unfortunately, since the cFP-1808 sends each sample via OPC as it receives it, it's not able to chunk data together to make the transfer more efficient. This means that the max update rate on the network module connected via ethernet is around 100 Hz. See here for a benchmark of the device.

Hope this helps,

[Jackson_Peacock]

Thanks! It's bummer that we'll need to buy new hardware, but at least I won't spend anymore time beating my head against the wall, trying to do the impossible.

[Wayne.C]

Jackson,

I did some testing a while back with a cFP-2220 controller and an AI-118 trying to see how fast it could acquire data.  This configuration eliminates OPC servers and ethernet connection.  In my app the cFP runs free standing and I 'check in' every once in a while to see whats happening.   Best overall rate I could get was about 4Khz.  While the module is fast, the transfer time across the backplane to the 2220 is a bit of a dog and there are delays in the 2220 as well.

If you need the 10Khz you really need to look at a different family of hardware.