Abstract

NVRAM is a high-speed battery backed RAM that is used for high-speed datalogging, retained variables, scaled analogs. The onboard battery supports the NVRAM and clock.

Products

RTU Products:

ST-IPm-8460/ST-IPm-6350/ST-IPm-2350/ST-IPm-1350/VT-IPm-1410/VT-IPm-2410/VT-mIPm-245-D/VT-mIPm-241-D/VT-mIPm-135-D/VT-mIPm-131-D/VT-IPm2m-213-D/VT-IPm2m-113-D/VT-uIPm-431-H/VT-uIPm-441-H/ST-GT-1210

Use Case: NVRAM and Battery Functions

Required Software

Sixnet I/O Tool Kit 5.0.103

What is NVRAM and Battery used for in the RTUs?

NVRAM has a few main functions. The are listed and described below.

1. Special Features functions are in the NVRAM.
   1. Special Features manages the Retained Variables.
      1. This setting is set in each Virtual I/O module configured in the tool kit.
      2. To set Retain variables highlight your RTU go to Configure > Configure Station/Module > I/O Modules Tab > Select Module > Configure Module > Options Tab. Check the Retain values on power loss.
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   2. Special Features manages the analog scaling features. 
      1. The scaling setting is set in the Analog and copied to Float virtual I/O module.
         1. To set scaling values in the Analog Input channels go to Configure > Configure Station/Module > I/O Modules Tab > Select Analog Input or Output Module > Configure Module > Tags Tab > Change Scaled Minimum and Maximum.
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         2. Next turn on scaling option in the Float Input channel. Go to Configure > Configure Station/Module > I/O Modules Tab > Select Float Input or Output Module > Configure Module > Options Tab > Change Scaling option and First analog register.
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2. Logged records can be stored in NVRAM. 
   1. 1. Set the Datalog storage location by selecting RTU station > Configure > Datalogging > Configure. Select the station and the datalog configuration file. Go to the Capture Parameters and set Memory Location to NVRAM.
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3. Station Clock is powered by battery.  

1. 1. The state of the clock is stored by the battery on power cycle.
   2. To set the clock go to Operations > Set the Clock. Click Apply to set the time in the station. Note: The time stored in the RTU is in the GMT time zone. The current time is displayed using the time zone of the computer reading the time. When communicating with an RTU remotely in a different time zone the clock may appear to have the wrong time. In such a case verify GMT not the displayed time.
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   3. The time can be synchronized with every load from the Tool Kit. To set this up go to Operations > Load > Load Options. Click the “Set the station’s clock” option.
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   4. The time can also be regularly synchronized using an NTP server. To set this automatic synchronization select your RTU in the main windows and go to Configure > Configure Station\Module > Advanced Tab > Services. Enable SNTP synchronization, enter the server IP, SNTP update rate and and status bit configuration.
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What will happen to functions dependent on the battery if it stops holding a charge

The battery in an RTU typically lasts 10 years or more. What will happen in the above functions if the battery is losing its charge.

1. Special Features functions are in the NVRAM.
1. In the event of a power cycle or loss of power the retained variable values and settings would be lost. The analog scaling settings would also be lost. The configuration must be loaded again.
2. Logged records can be stored in NVRAM. 
1. In the even to of a power cycle or loss of power any files logged to NVRAM would be lost and would not be recoverable. The Datalog configuration would also be lost and must be reloaded.
3. Station Clock is powered by battery.
1. In the event of a power cycle or loss of power the clock state will be lost and must be reset.
2. Once the battery is charged the clock can be set and will be retained. 

Disclaimer

It is the customer's responsibility to review the advice provided herein and its applicability to the system. Red Lion makes no representation about specific knowledge of the customer's system or the specific performance of the system. Red Lion is not responsible for any damage to equipment or connected systems. The use of this document is at your own risk. Red Lion standard product warranty applies.

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