MicroSAM and SITRANS CV

Client: Siemens AG, Industry Sector, Sensors and Communication Process Analytics

  • Development Period: since 2000 (in several stages)
  • Period of use: since 2002
  • Size of the code base: about 1,000,000 lines of code

Siemens is one of the leading manufacturers of process gas chromatographs. Highly accurate analytical results are achieved in a minimum analysis time by the microsystem technology developed by Siemens. Based on a common hardware platform, a freely configurable model is offered under the name is MicroSAM and a specialized model called SITRANS CV for the calculation of calorific values.

Statement of the problem

The MicroSAM consists of an analytical system and its electronics. In the analytical system a small quantity of gas being investigated is injected into a continuous flow of gas. During the run, the sample is separated into its components. Taking advantage of the difference in thermal conductivity between the carrier gas and the sample, analog signals are generated which are further processed by the electronics.

The electronics consist of a dual processor system, the Real-time Signal Processor (RSP) for the low-level control of the peripherals and the stabilization of the measuring conditions and the Calculation-and-Communication Unit (CAC), which is responsible for the control of the analytical processes, the evaluation of the signals and the communication of results.

Our contribution

  • Commissioning the computer core
  • Bootstrap loader for manufacturing test, system start-up and software update
  • Adaptation of a real-time operating system (Windows CE) to the computer core
  • Implementation of a Windows CE device driver for controlling the electronics
  • Implementation of a hardware virtualization of electronic components
  • Integration of the calculation module with conversion of the data and time programs between the formats that occur
  • Implementation of a flash based file system (power loss proof, error detecting)
  • Implementation of the sequential control for analyses and calibrations in sealed and configuration mode
  • Implementation of a complex PC control software (online operation control, configuration, data visualisation and export)
  • Implementation of a configurable Modbus component (Windows CE driver, application integration)