Modules on cFP backplanes

[HWJ]

is it possible to read the channels of individual modules connected on the backplane of a cFP without using Max explorer?

[Ching_F.]

Hi HWJ,

There are many ways you can read the channels of individual FieldPoint modules.  You can use the FieldPoint driver to program the FieldPoint in different programming languages, you can use the FieldPoint OPC Server to access the different I/O points on the module, or you can even use Server Explorer to see the data being read by the FieldPoint module.  Please let me know if you have any further questions, or if you would like me to expand on any one of these options.

[HWJ]

hi thanks for the reply. To be more specific, I do not need to read the data acquired by the individual I/O. I need to read the number of channels of respective modules connected. For example, when i connect the cFP, I will be able to detect the number of slots on the bankplane, and on Bank 0, cFP-AIO-610 is connected, and there are 8 channels on this module. All these will be achieved programmatically, not through using Max to detect devices. I know i can easily detect using Max Explorer by reading from the IAK file. But, the requirement is not to use Max or any iak file. Will that be possible?

[Wayne.C]

You can use the "FP Get Configuration Info.vi".  It is located on the FieldPoint - Advanced palatte.

[HWJ]

FP Get Configuration Info.vi is getting the config info through the iak file. But I dun want to use Max Explorer or iak file. that's the prob.

[Wayne.C]

Look at the file "fpbank.ini" on the fieldpoint. 

[Ching_F.]

Hi HWJ,

Just to elaborate on the comment made by centerbolt, the fpbank.ini file will contain information about the modules attached to cFP backplane.  The fpbank.ini file though, will only be downloaded to the controller when you save the .iak file in MAX.

There is no straight forward way to do this without using MAX, so if you would like to find device without using MAX, you will need to develop something yourself.
 
Please let me know if you have any questions while you are working on this.

[HWJ]

will it possible for you to give me any ideas that you have thought of?

[Wayne.C]

You really haven't given any real details about what you want to do.  For now I'm going to assume that you are writing a program that can detect what modules are installed on a backplane.  The file "fpbank.ini" is a text file that is updated when the .iak file is written to the cFP from MAX.  If you will be configuring the cFP using MAX and then deploying the cFP with those modules, you could use the ftp copy to get a copy of the file.  Or you can write an embedded routine that you call through vi server that reads the file and sends you the data. 

This idea would not work if you planned to interchange modules on the fly.  In that case I'm not sure how you would go about avoiding MAX completely.

You really need to spell out the big picture of what you are trying to accomplish and how you want the final application to work.  One important piece of info is if the application is completely imbedded or will you be running a host application.

[HWJ]

I'm sorry about not giving a clearer picture. Alright, my application will be running on a host machine. Basically it's a distributed system and I will be able to monitor the real-time controllers (cFPs) through the subnet programmatically. Together with the knowledge that I will be able to configure the range of the modules connected on the fieldpoint programmatically with the "configure range.vi" under the fieldpoint ehternet subplatte without using Max at all.

I am curious if there's any way for me to detect the names of the modules, the channels available on each respective module as well without Max and with that info displayed on the front panel, I am to select modules to configure. i thought of using the datasocket.vi but it seems i can acquire data connected to the I/Os but not reading the config info. similarly, i thought of opc server, but does not have in mind how i can go about it. Therefore, I hope to seek advice from experienced users of cFPs and LabVIEW if this will be possible and how I can do it. 

Suppose this is not possible, then probably I have to call in IAK file to read the configuration info and ensure that the file is updated at all times.