Bronkhorst IQ+FLOW (till 01-07-2013) - Manual (Page 14)

9.17.045 page 14
3.4 Basic RS232 operation
Digital operation adds a lot of extra features (compared to analog operation) to the instruments, such as:
• Up to eight selectable fluids (if installed)
• Direct reading at readout/control module or host computer
• Testing and self diagnosis
• Identification (serial number, model number, device type, user tag)
• Adjustable minimal and maximal alarm limits
• (Batch) counter
Hook-up
Connecting an IQ + FLOW® instrument to a COM port of a pc
requires a special cable (7.03.426) which changes the
appropriate pin configuration. Optionally use an RS232 to
USB2.0 converter (9.02.122) to connect to a USB port. Use the
split cable (Y-adapter 7.03.241) in combination with the Plug-
in Power Supply (7.03.424) for powering the instrument.
Instead of using a COM or USB port, it is also possible to
connect the RS232 pinning manually using the loose-end
cable (7.03.419), typically for connection to PLC or
microcontroller devices.
Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)
RS232 communication can be used for operating the instrument using the Bronkhorst FlowDDE server application.
Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) provides the user a basic level of interprocess communication between Windows
applications. FlowDDE is a DDE server application. Together with a client-application, either self-made or with a
SCADA-program from third parties, it is possible to create an easy way of data exchange between the flow controller
and a Windows application. For example, a cell in Microsoft Excel could be linked to the measured value of the flow
controller and when the measured value changes, it will be updated automatically in the Excel spreadsheet.
FlowDDE
The FlowDDE server also offers a lot of test facilities and user-adjustable settings for efficient communication with the
connected flow/pressure meter or controller. How to setup a DDE link with FlowDDE is described in the help-file of the
FlowDDE application. Programming examples are available for making applications in: Visual Basic, LabView and
Microsoft Excel.