TVC Systems

The term "systems integration" can mean many different things, depending on the field of expertise. For our purposes, we put all configuration and programming activities in this category, whether associated with communications, sequencing, or graphical user interfaces.

A majority of TVC’s control systems involve integration with intelligent devices that support digital communication, such as plant-floor equipment, skid-based controls, variable speed drives, analytical instruments, etc. We have vast experience with hardware and software-based protocol converters, and continually improve our procedures in defining these interfaces. We also utilize multiple forms of media, from copper (CAT-5, twisted-shielded pair, coaxial) to fiber optic (multi-mode and single-mode, fault-tolerant ring) to wireless. Some of our regularly supported protocols are as follows:

Allen-Bradley Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Data Highway Plus, Remote I/O, DF1
Modicon Modbus/TCP, Modbus Plus, Modbus RTU, Remote I/O
General Electric TCPIP, SNP, Genius

TVC Systems configures the PLC(s) and I/O modules for the project, using our approved Functional Specification. We then program the PLC(s) using our approved Sequence of Operations. The following are some of our key procedures for controller programming:

The PLC code is split into subroutines, per each section of the Sequence of Operations, for easy reference.
All rungs, tags and/or addresses, and functions are documented clearly.
Proven software routines from our extensive library are used wherever possible. This includes everything from simple auto/manual start/stop circuits, to multiple VFD-driven pumps on a common header with demand-based setpoints and FIFO sequencing.

We program the SCADA and/or plant-floor terminal applications using our approved Sequence of Operations or Operator Interface Specification (if no PLC is provided). Again, we make heavy use of our software library, and the standard "look and feel" of our systems. Our systems often contain the following capabilities:

Multiple I/O servers to communicate to separate devices
Redundant SCADA nodes
Networking to multiple view-only nodes
Historian servers
Reporting
Web access

TVC Systems maintains system integrator programming licenses for the products that we most often use, and our Engineering staff is continuously updated on the manufacturer’s developments.