Signature System Frequently Asked Questions

General Signature System Questions

1. What distinguishes the Signature System from other power monitoring/analysis systems?

The Signature System is the only power information system specifically designed to work with the Internet. With the Signature System, no proprietary software must be installed into your computer. With just the click of a mouse from any computer equipped with Internet access, you get 24/7 real-time access to your information. And, because access is password-protected, you decide who can enter the system.

Real-time access to data, including meter panels, means you are on top of the situation immediately without waiting for data to processed and posted.

2. Are there other distinguishing features?

Yes. The Signature System was designed to provide answers, not just data. With its unique infrastructure, the Signature System is able to collect data typically missed by other power information systems, provide unequalled analytical capabilities, and deliver targeted answers to the identified needs of each individual installation.

3. If the Signature System uses a web-browser, does it connect to the Dranetz-BMI website?

No. The Signature System is completely independent of any website or the Internet itself. No connection to the Internet is required unless you want to use it for communication.

4. What type of technology do I need at my facility in order to use the Signature System?

You need a computer with Internet access. That access can be provided through a standard telephone line and a modem with a Dial-up networking connection. Alternately, Internet access can be provided through DSL or cable connections. From that starting point, the Signature System will include an InfoNode and one or more DataNodes.

5. There is only one phone line into my substation and I don‘t yet have network access. Can I share this one phone line with the Signature System and other devices in my substation?

Yes. Inexpensive off-the-shelf phone line multiplexers typically are equipped with multiple ports that allow you to share one incoming phone line. Typically, these multiplexers contain four or eight ports, allowing you to connect the Signature System and additional devices. When you dial into your substation, you simply add control characters after the telephone number to identify which port you want to access. For example, if the Signature System is connected to port Number 3, you might add a “3” after the telephone number. The same procedure would be used for your other devices.

6. I have a modem and want to monitor several points in my substation. Do I need a separate phone line for every monitoring point?

No. The central InfoNode handles all communication with the DataNodes in your system. All communication is with the central InfoNode, so you only need a phone line connected to the InfoNode.

7. I want to use Dial-Up communications, but I want to share data with my co-workers. Can more than one person share my modem connection at the same time?

Yes. Microsoft NT Server Remote Access Server (RAS) incorporates a multiple dial-on-demand feature that allows multiple users to contact the InfoNode at the same time. The first user contacts the unit by using the IP address. That initial contact initiates the modem connection. Once the IP address is open, it is available to multiple users.

8. I need to share information with co-workers and customers. How can I do this?

The InfoNode supports up to 10 simultaneous users via the network, letting those users view the same data or different data at the same time. Multiple access is enabled through an optional built-in modem that supports a Dial-Up networking connection to the InfoNode. That Dial-up access is completely independent of network access. The web-browser interface when using Dial-Up networking is exactly the same as when using a network connection.

Since the InfoNode is a web-based system, you can bookmark specific pages for convenience and you can email specific pages or urls to colleagues at other locations.

9. Does the Signature System support IPV4, IPVA or DNP?

The Signature System supports IP4, which is the current TCP/IP Internet protocol. The InfoNode and DataNodes have 2 network connectors: RJ-45 (10BaseT) and AUI (Auxiliary Universal Interface). The RJ 45 connector allows for direct connection to most networks in use today. The AUI port enables you to use off-the-shelf adaptors to connect to other types of networks, such as Fiber and coaxial (10Base2).

10. Does the Signature System support other manufacturers’ equipment?

Yes. The Signature System can utilize information from any instrument that converts its data output into a PQDIF format. This capability will be supported by the future implementation of UCA (Utility Communication Architecture) protocol. If an instrument manufacturer is incapable or unwilling to adopt the PQDIF format, we can provide the services necessary to connect the systems.

DataNodes: Acquiring Critical Data

11. What function does the DataNode serve?

The DataNode is the data-acquisition instrument of the Signature System. There are several models of DataNode available, distinguished by their connection mechanisms and sizes.

12. Can DataNodes be operated on DC voltage?

Several DataNode models can be operated on both AC and DC voltage. EPQ DataNodes operate on both supplies, with the range for DC operation between 105 and 125 VDC. Models 5540 and 5571 run off AC supplies only and would require DC-to-AC inverters to operate from DC supplies.

13. How many DataNodes can I connect to one InfoNode and how far from the InfoNode can they be connected?

Each InfoNode can serve multiple DataNodes. The location of the DataNode from the InfoNode is dependent on the model of DataNode selected. Models 5571 and 5540 connect to the InfoNode via RS232 or RS 485, with a maximum distance for RS232 of 25 feet and a maximum distance for RS485 of 4000 feet. Other DataNode Models, including EPQ 5510/20/30, use a 10BaseT Ethernet network. For such a connection, the distance between InfoNode and DataNode is dependent on the design of the network but potentially is unlimited. For example, the Internet or corporate Intranet can be used for communication. On a simple one-to-one network with only a wire connecting the InfoNode and DataNode, the maximum distance from end to end is about 300 feet. Standard off-the-shelf hubs, repeaters, routers and similar instruments can be used to build a network appropriate for any individual application.

14. Explain each of the DataNodes and its distinguishing features.

•DataNode 5571

The DataNode 5571 is the most comprehensive data acquisition technology available, capturing data commonly missed by other systems. The 5571 captures the full range of power quality events, including sags in rapid succession, low-frequency sub-cycle transients, high-frequent impulse transients and sequences of interruptions. Equally important, the 5571 captures the data you need to diagnose power quality events, including pre- and post-event waveforms, complete RMS profiles of sags and swells (with initiating voltage and current waveforms), and microsecond peaks. Finally, the 5571 tracks continuous parameters like RMS voltage and current by logging the cycle-by-cycle minimum, average and maximum values — ensuring that you never miss the worst-case event. Up to 32 Model 5571 DataNodes can be connected to a single InfoNode, providing web-browser access to 128 voltage/current channel pairs through a single phone line or network connection.

•DataNode 5540

The DataNode 5540 provides affordable, entry-level access to the Signature System. Up to 32 DataNodes can be connected to a single InfoNode to provide real-time information and historic trends about power flow. With the click of a mouse, you can access trends on power factor, amps, volts and other critical parameters. In addition, you can trigger events when power parameters exceed your threshold, creating a personalized alarm system.

•DataNode Series 5510/20/30

The Enhanced Power Quality (EPQ) DataNode Series (5510/20/30) provides the complete power picture at your data center, substation, service entrance or manufacturing process. The EPQ DataNodes collect 384 samples per cycle, per channel, using advanced data acquisition and synchronization techniques. Damaging microsecond transients are peak-hold-captured, while RMS values are updated every half-cycle along with minimum, average and maximum values. Triggering can be chosen based on absolute values or a floating nominal and equipment-susceptibility level. The Dranetz-BMI patented waveshape trigger algorithm, coupled with the “smart transient” algorithms for voltage and current, ensure that all critical information is captured. You can save 16 pre/post cycles of waveforms per event.

15. If I buy the Model 5540 DataNodes, can I upgrade them later?

Yes. The Signature System is designed to be scalable and upgradeable, ensuring that as your needs grow, you can expand the capabilities of the original system.

InfoNode: Analyzing and Communicating Data

16. What is an InfoNode and what functions does it perform?

The InfoNode is a web-server and database manager, effectively taking the place of a PC within the Signature System. The InfoNode also supports the standard File Transfer Protocol, allowing the InfoNode database to be archived manually or through an optional NodeLink enterprise software package. Manual archiving is done via FTP by copying the database to any PC with connectivity to the InfoNode, via network or modem. Alternately, the Optional NodeLink enterprise software is used to archive InfoNode data according to a schedule you establish. Data is then stored on your PC or server in the standard PQDIF format for viewing in DranView or PQVIEW. Like any computer, the InfoNode has a finite amount of data storage capacity. The size of the server, ranging from a minimum of 5 GB to hundreds of GB, dependents on each system’s number of connected DataNodes, disturbance levels, or storage periods.

17. How many DataNodes can one InfoNode serve and how far from the InfoNode can the DataNodes be installed?

Each InfoNode can serve up to 10 DataNodes. The distance of the DataNode from the InfoNode depends on the specific model of DataNode used. DataNode Models 5571 and 5540 communicate via RS232 or RS485, with a maximum distance for the RS232 of 25 feet and the maximum for RS485 of 4000 feet from end to end. DataNode Models EPQ 5510/20/30 use a 10BaseT Ethernet network, so the distance between the InfoNode and DataNode depends on the design of the individual network and is, potentially, unlimited.

18. What system diagnostics does Signature System have?

During boot-up, extensive diagnostics are done on the InfoNode. The boot-up and diagnostics procedure takes approximately two minutes. Once operational, the InfoNode continually checks the health of the system and its components, including communication links, GPS availability, database integrity and DataNode health. Additional diagnostics are performed on each DataNode. These diagnostics are model-specific.

19. How will the Signature System tell me when a disturbance or other important event occurs?

The InfoNode handles the Signature System alarm notification function. Currently, there are methods of notification, from which the user can select the preferred method:

1. Pager: The alphanumeric or numeric page contains alarm details to a list of recipients. To prevent nuisance pages when more than one problem occurs at the same time, pages are aggregated over a short time period, allowing one page to be sent in the place of multiple pages.

2. E-mail: The e-mail format is similar to pager notification, but the e-mail typically is more descriptive since an e-mail can be of larger size than a page message. Hyperlinks to event details also are available through e-mail.

3. Contact Closure: A contact closure adapter for connection to an InfoNode COM port via 4 solid-state dry contacts is available. The user selects the combination of contacts to close upon an alarm, allowing for simple encoding of messages to 3rd part SCADA, HMT, BMS or other systems.

20. What is an “event category” and how was it developed?

The event categories were derived from a magnitude/duration chart developed by Electrotek. The event chart can be viewed _____________.

21. Can I individualize the Signature System to my specific needs?

Absolutely. Upon start-up, you can identify the parameters you wish to monitor, the frequency you want to monitor, the format in which you want your data to be presented, and which data you want to archive. You can also develop highly specialized features, such as one-line system diagrams, which can be designed as simple HTML pages with URL addresses for individual DataNodes. These specialized services are available from Electrotek as part of a customization service.

22. When I view recorded data in the web-browser, is the InfoNode database transferred to my PC for viewing?

Only a formatted web page is transferred to your PC for viewing in your web-browser. When the user requests a report, timeline, setup or any other type of recorded data, the InfoNode creates a web-page containing the requested data. This procedure is much more efficient than uploading the entire database, greatly reducing the time required to display information.

AnswerModules: Converting Data into Answers

23. Can I add AnswerModules after I install my Signature System?

Yes. AnswerModules can be installed in the field using the standard Internet File Transfer Protocol (FTP) by the customer or with Dranetz-BMI support.

24. How many AnswerModules are available?

Currently available are: the Radial Fault Locator AnswerModule, the CapSwitch AnswerModule, and the SagDirection AnswerModule. Each AnswerModule was developed to address a specific and common problem faced by power quality professionals:

•The Radial Fault Locator AnswerModule

The Radial Fault Locator AnswerModule responds to the need for system integrity by providing a quick and accurate answer to the location of radial faults. Employing a proven algorithm, the Radial Fault Locator AnswerModule calculates the distance from the substation to the identified fault source, substantially reducing the time required for repairs.

•The CapSwitch AnswerModule

The CapSwitch AnswerModule automatically identifies and points to capacitor switching transients, enabling you to determine if a capacitor switching event originated on your side of the meter — or somewhere else. Capacitor switching transients are the second most common power quality event. With the CapSwitch AnswerModule, you can instantly track down the offending capacitor bank and develop a solution, whether a new switching schedule or a change to sensitive equipment.

•The SagDirection AnswerModule

The SagDirection AnswerModule addresses the most common power quality problem: voltage sags. The SagDirection AnswerModule detects a voltage sag event, identifies its characteristics, and determines the direction of its location relative to the monitoring point. By identifying and helping to locate the problem, the SagDirection AnswerModule saves you critical time in resolving the problem.

25. How does an AnswerModule connect to the Signature System?

Each InfoNode needs its own copy of each AnswerModule. Site licenses for multiple copies are available from Dranetz-BMI.

Enterprise-Wide Power Management Software

26. What can enterprise-wide software do that the Signature System can’t already do?

After you have viewed the data in your browser via the Signature System, NodeLink™ power management software provides download and archiving functionality on a manual or autopoll basis and stores data in the standard PQDIF file format, for visualization and analysis using DRAN-VIEW®, PQVIEW®, or TOP®.

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