Varec TankGate Interface 8315 Series - Manual (Page 29)

8315 TGI Software Description
Varec, Inc. 19
4 Software Description
The Tank Gate Interface software platform is based on a real-time, multi-tasking operating
system. The software consists of I/O scanning functions for data acquisition, a database/
database manager and communication functions for data transfer.
Note COM1 is not available on the 8315 Tank Gate Interface.
Figure 4-1: Software Block Diagram
4.1 Software Features
4.1.1 Real-Time / Multitasking Executive
The operation of the Tank Gate Interface is based on a highly reliable, field-proven real-time
multitasking executive. It provides task switching based on real-time events and interrupts,
message passing and task priorities. Its capabilities also include timed suspension of tasks,
queue handlers and interrupt processing tasks.
4.1.2 Real-Time Clock
Integral to the real-time executive is the system’s real-time clock. All timed events of the Tank
Gate Interface are coordinated by this clock. In addition to the real-time executive interaction,
all field data scanning is coordinated by the real-time clock.
4.1.3 Automatic Fault Recovery
The Tank Gate Interface has a watchdog timer that is periodically strobed by the microprocessor.
Should the processor suffer a lapse due to hardware or software failure, the watchdog timer will
time out and the Tank Gate Interface will then be reset and normal operation will resume.