Serial drivers and the Ethernet are major components in field communications within the infrastructure of advanced heating products. Watlow® provides OEMs and design engineers with unmatched ease in taking their controllers online.
Watlow driver layout
Watlow users require specific converters to connect controllers with respective software. The EZ-ZONE® RUI and Gateway method optimizes set-ups involving up to 16 controllers running on a standard bus protocol. The driver works well with systems including nine to ten EZ-ZONE® PMs where design engineers seek individual control for each device.
A single RUI provides users with a cost-effective solution to their controller management needs, compared to individually integrated communication functions. RUI is compatible with a wide range of Ethernet, including Modbus® RTU, Modbus® TCP, DeviceNet™, Profibus DP and Ethernet I/P.
Watlow compatible software types
There are four primary software options compatible with Watlow controllers. Users should consider their controller type and preferred features before deciding on a software.
EZ-ZONE Configurator
The EZ-ZONE configurator supports EZ-ZONE PM, RM and ST controllers. The profile engine provides sophisticated functions in profile management, enabling users to create up to 40 profiles, set profile parameters and save them for easy reference and application.
EZ-ZONE configurator connects with controllers via standard bus protocol and offers firmware revs for EZ-ZONE PM and RM controllers.
COMPOSER®
COMPOSER software comes equipped with the profile engine function and supports F4T®, D4T™, EZ-ZONE® PM and RM and RUI controllers. The software provides users with access to function block diagrams and the offline view of saved system images with the exception of engine profiles.
LabVIEW™ Driver
The LabVIEW™ driver is free to download from its public website and connects to controllers via standard bus protocols. LabVIEW™ is compatible with F4T, D4T and controllers in the EZ-ZONE range.
LabVIEW™ offers users with four virtual instruments (VIs) for their controller needs, including initialize, read, write and close.
SpecVIEW
SpecVIEW is a SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) software that is free to download from its public site. SCADA software provides users with access to high-level process supervisory functions, which remotely monitors entire facility areas involving temperature and power controllers.
The software enables users to create and manage application-specific screens to cycle through flexible data logging and report generation capabilities. SpecVIEW’s smart function provides automated detection and fuss-free connection of Watlow controllers, apart from EZ-ZONE products running on Modbus®.
Watlow connections
Watlow offers two types of adaptor connections: USB to 485 and the USB to Ethernet RJ45.
Depending on the type of controller, users dealing with RAM-based systems may go with the USB to 485 choice, while F4T users may opt for USB to Ethernet connections to support more complex setups with an added display feature. OEMs may add OIT (operator interface terminals) to power and temperature controllers for advanced features and more intuitive monitoring routines.
Watlow’s OIT Silver Series comes in three available dimensions (4.3-inch, 7-inch and 10-inch) with built in serial, USB and Ethernet ports for fuss-free connectivity. The monitor functions via the EZwarePLUS software and includes remote monitoring capabilities, data logging and other advanced functions for greater control over industrial heating products.
Watlow is the leading supplier of advanced thermal products, including thermocouples, PID controllers and other essential field communication components. Each product undergoes comprehensive quality checks and assessments by top field experts to provide users with a future powered by possibility.