iFIX Strip Chart

GE Digital's HMI/SCADA platform for process visualization

Process Control
Real-time
Industrial

iFIX Introduction

Learn about iFIX's powerful capabilities for creating industrial strip charts

What is iFIX?

iFIX by GE Digital is a comprehensive HMI/SCADA platform that provides excellent strip chart capabilities for industrial process visualization. It offers real-time data display with extensive customization options.

Key Features

  • Real-time strip chart displays
  • Multi-trend visualization
  • Historical data playback
  • Alarm integration
  • Custom scripting support
  • Database connectivity

Main Applications

  • Process control systems
  • Manufacturing automation
  • Oil and gas operations
  • Chemical processing
  • Power generation
  • Water treatment

Advantages of Using iFIX for Strip Charts

Why iFIX is the preferred choice for industrial strip chart applications

Industrial Process Focus

Designed specifically for industrial process control with built-in strip chart capabilities optimized for real-time monitoring and process visualization.

Advanced Trend Visualization

Sophisticated trend visualization capabilities with multi-trend displays, historical playback, and real-time data streaming for comprehensive process monitoring.

Extensive Connectivity

Wide range of connectivity options with support for various industrial protocols, databases, and third-party systems for seamless data integration.

Custom Scripting

Powerful scripting capabilities with VBA support, allowing for custom strip chart functionality and advanced data processing for specific industrial needs.

Data Management

Comprehensive data management with built-in historians, archiving capabilities, and database connectivity for long-term data storage and analysis.

Industrial Reliability

Proven reliability in industrial environments with robust architecture, ensuring consistent operation in harsh conditions and critical applications.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Strip Charts in iFIX

Follow these detailed steps to create industrial strip charts in iFIX

1

Set Up iFIX Project and Database

iFIX Project Setup

Create a new iFIX project and configure the database connections to your industrial data sources for strip chart visualization.

  • Create new iFIX project
  • Configure database connections
  • Set up data acquisition
  • Configure communication drivers
2

Create iFIX Workspace

iFIX Workspace Creation

Open the iFIX Workspace and create a new picture for your strip chart display, setting up the basic layout and structure.

  • Open iFIX Workspace
  • Create new picture
  • Set picture properties
  • Configure display settings
3

Add Trend Object

Trend Object Addition

Add a Trend Object to your picture and configure it for strip chart functionality with real-time data display.

  • Add Trend Object
  • Configure object properties
  • Set up data connections
  • Configure display parameters
4

Configure Strip Chart Properties

Strip Chart Configuration

Configure the strip chart properties including time range, data points, colors, and real-time update settings for optimal industrial monitoring.

  • Set time range and buffer size
  • Configure line colors and styles
  • Set up real-time updates
  • Configure axis labels and scaling
5

Deploy and Test Strip Chart

Strip Chart Deployment

Deploy your strip chart to the iFIX runtime and test its functionality with real-time data from your industrial systems.

  • Deploy project to runtime
  • Test with live data
  • Configure user access
  • Set up monitoring and alerts

iFIX Configuration Examples and Applications

Practical configuration examples and real-world applications for iFIX strip charts

Basic iFIX Strip Chart Configuration

// iFIX Strip Chart Configuration
// Object: iFIX Trend Object
// Mode: Strip Chart

// Trend Object Properties
TrendObject.ChartType = "StripChart";
TrendObject.TimeSpan = 3600; // 1 hour
TrendObject.UpdateRate = 1000; // 1 second
TrendObject.MaxPoints = 1000;

// Data Source Setup
TrendObject.AddDataSource("Temperature", "TIC001.PV");
TrendObject.AddDataSource("Pressure", "PIC001.PV");
TrendObject.AddDataSource("Flow", "FIC001.PV");

// Real-time update function
Sub UpdateStripChart()
    TrendObject.Refresh()
    TrendObject.UpdateData()
End Sub

// Tag Configuration
TagConfig = {
    "Temperature": {
        "TagName": "TIC001.PV",
        "DataType": "REAL",
        "UpdateRate": 1000
    },
    "Pressure": {
        "TagName": "PIC001.PV",
        "DataType": "REAL", 
        "UpdateRate": 1000
    }
};

Explanation:

This basic configuration shows how to set up a simple strip chart in iFIX with real-time data binding and automatic updates from industrial tags.

Multi-Channel Process Strip Chart

// Multi-Channel Process Strip Chart
// Supporting multiple process parameters

// Data Source Configuration:
var dataSources = {
    "Temperature": {
        "tags": ["TIC001.PV", "TIC002.PV", "TIC003.PV"],
        "color": "Red",
        "yAxis": "left"
    },
    "Pressure": {
        "tags": ["PIC001.PV", "PIC002.PV", "PIC003.PV"],
        "color": "Blue",
        "yAxis": "right"
    },
    "Flow": {
        "tags": ["FIC001.PV", "FIC002.PV", "FIC003.PV"],
        "color": "Green",
        "yAxis": "left"
    }
};

// Trend Object Configuration:
TrendObject.ChartType = "StripChart";
TrendObject.TimeSpan = 7200; // 2 hours
TrendObject.UpdateRate = 500; // 0.5 seconds
TrendObject.MaxPoints = 2000;
TrendObject.MultipleYAxes = true;

// Real-time update function
Sub UpdateMultiChannelChart()
    Dim currentTime As Date
    currentTime = Now()
    
    For Each channel In dataSources
        Dim tags As Variant
        tags = dataSources(channel).tags
        Dim values As Variant
        values = ReadTags(tags)
        
        TrendObject.AddDataSeries(channel, currentTime, values)
    Next
    
    TrendObject.Refresh()
End Sub

// Alarm Configuration:
AlarmConfig = {
    "highLimit": 100,
    "lowLimit": 0,
    "alarmEnabled": true,
    "notificationMethod": "iFIXAlarm"
};

Explanation:

This advanced configuration demonstrates how to create a multi-channel strip chart with different Y-axes, multiple data sources, and real-time updates for comprehensive process monitoring.

Advanced Strip Chart with Historical Data

// Advanced Strip Chart with Historical Data
// Including data archiving and historical playback

// Historical Data Configuration:
HistoricalConfig = {
    "archiveEnabled": true,
    "archiveInterval": 1000, // 1 second
    "archiveDuration": 86400, // 24 hours
    "compressionEnabled": true,
    "storageLocation": "iFIXArchive"
};

// Trend Object Advanced Properties:
TrendObject.ChartType = "StripChart";
TrendObject.TimeSpan = 14400; // 4 hours
TrendObject.UpdateRate = 250; // 0.25 seconds
TrendObject.MaxPoints = 4000;
TrendObject.HistoricalData = true;
TrendObject.ArchiveAccess = true;

// Data Archiving Function:
Sub ArchiveStripChartData()
    Dim currentTime As Date
    currentTime = Now()
    Dim data As Variant
    data = ReadAllTags()
    
    ' Archive data
    ArchiveManager.StoreData(currentTime, data)
    
    ' Update strip chart
    TrendObject.AddDataPoint(currentTime, data)
    TrendObject.Refresh()
End Sub

// Historical Playback Function:
Sub PlaybackHistoricalData(startTime As Date, endTime As Date)
    Dim historicalData As Variant
    historicalData = ArchiveManager.RetrieveData(startTime, endTime)
    TrendObject.LoadHistoricalData(historicalData)
    TrendObject.PlaybackMode = True
End Sub

// Export Configuration:
ExportConfig = {
    "format": "CSV",
    "timeRange": "24h",
    "dataPoints": "All",
    "includeHeaders": True
};

Explanation:

This advanced configuration includes data archiving, historical playback, and export capabilities, demonstrating iFIX's comprehensive industrial data management features.

iFIX Strip Chart Applications

See how iFIX strip charts are used in actual industrial applications

Process Control

Process Control and Manufacturing

Manufacturing facilities use iFIX strip charts to monitor production processes, track equipment performance, and ensure quality control in industrial operations.

  • Production process monitoring
  • Equipment performance tracking
  • Quality control visualization
  • Production efficiency analysis

Oil and Gas

Oil and Gas Operations

Oil and gas facilities use iFIX strip charts to monitor drilling operations, track production parameters, and ensure safety compliance in hazardous environments.

  • Drilling operation monitoring
  • Production parameter tracking
  • Safety compliance monitoring
  • Environmental parameter tracking

Chemical Processing

Chemical Processing and Petrochemicals

Chemical processing plants use iFIX strip charts to monitor reaction processes, track chemical parameters, and ensure process safety in chemical operations.

  • Reaction process monitoring
  • Chemical parameter tracking
  • Process safety monitoring
  • Quality control visualization