fbrm control interface users’ manual version 6.8 · fbrm control interface users’ manual...

FBRM Control InterfaceUsers’ Manual

Version 6.8.0

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January 2008

Copyright 2005 by Mettler-Toledo AutoChem, Inc. 7075 Samuel Morse DriveColumbia, MD 21046 USAPhone 866-333-8822Fax: 410-910-8101www.mt.com

Lasentec® and FBRM® are registered trademarks

Mettler-Toledo Lasentec FBRM tehnology is covered by the following patents:

USPN 5,012,118 USPN 4,871,251 European PN 0289200 USPN 5,426,501

For service contact:

Mettler-Toledo AutoChem, Inc. 14833 N.E. 87th St. Redmond, WA 98052 USAPhone 425-881-7117 * 1-800-LASENTEC * Fax 425-881-8964www.mt.com/[email protected]@mt.com

Windows 2000® and Windows XP® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation

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January 2008 Table of Contents FBRM Manual

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Table of Contents

LASENTEC CONTROL INTERFACE V6.8 SOFTWARE LICENSE ........................... i

Chapter 1 Introduction .............................................................................1

Understanding the FBRM CI Software ......................................................... 1

Lasentec FBRM CI Users’ Web Site ............................................................ 3

Lasentec FBRM CI Training Programs ........................................................ 3

Software Upgrades for Lasentec FBRM Systems .......................................... 3

Hardware Requirements ........................................................................... 4

Product and Application Support ............................................................... 5

Chapter 2 Installation Instructions .............................................................7

Control Interface Installation ..................................................................... 7

Conformance to 21 CFR Part 11 ............................................................. 38

Chapter 3 Acquisition Module ...............................................................39

Features of the Acquisition Module .......................................................... 39

Starting the Acquisition Module ............................................................... 40

Acquisition Module Main Display ............................................................ 41

Multiple-Probe Systems ......................................................................... 45

Probe Status Conditions ......................................................................... 46

Getting Started ...................................................................................... 51

Setup Menu Options .............................................................................. 75

Display Menu Options ......................................................................... 111


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Distribution Display and Controls Panel ................................................. 117

Trend Display and Controls Panel ......................................................... 123

Probes with Calibration Verification System (CVS) ................................... 129

Printing Acquisition Module Reports ....................................................... 141

Exiting the Acquisition Module .............................................................. 143

Chapter 4 Data Review Module ............................................................145

Features of the Data Review Module ...................................................... 145

Starting the Data Review Module ........................................................... 145

Data Review Module Main Display ........................................................ 147

Setup Menu Options ............................................................................ 153

Display Menu Options .......................................................................... 166

Distribution Display and Controls Panel ................................................. 181

Trend Display and Controls Panel ......................................................... 187

Printing Data Review Module Reports ..................................................... 193

Exiting the Data Review Module ............................................................ 196

Chapter 5 Trend Compare Module ........................................................197

Features of the Trend Compare Module .................................................. 197

Starting the Trend Compare Module ....................................................... 197

Trend Compare Module Main Display .................................................... 199

Getting Started .................................................................................... 201

Setup Window Options......................................................................... 204

View Window Options.......................................................................... 210

Printing Trend Compare Reports ............................................................ 215

Exiting the Trend Compare Module ........................................................ 217

Appendix 1 Data Processing in the FBRM Software

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FBRM Measurement Prior to CI Software Data Processing ............................ 1

Primary Chord Length Distribution ............................................................. 4

Averaging and Save to File ....................................................................... 4

Channel Grouping ................................................................................... 6

Converting Counts to Counts per Second .................................................. 10

Channel Weights ................................................................................... 10

Relative Counts ..................................................................................... 12

Limited Channel Range (Isolation of a Population of Interest) ..................... 12

Statistics Calculation ............................................................................. 13

First Derivative Operation ....................................................................... 27

Proof of the Equation used for Mean Chord Length and Standard Deviation . 27

Channel Count Conversion ..................................................................... 29

References ........................................................................................... 32

Appendix 2 Terms and Conditions of Sale

Appendix 3 Installing Embedded Software

Embedded Installer .................................................................................. 1

Embedded Update Utility Install ................................................................. 3

Appendix 4 Installing Drivers for the Lasentec USB Serial Adapters

Introduction ............................................................................................ 1

Driver Installation .................................................................................... 1

Adapter Installation .................................................................................. 1

Reassigning Comports ............................................................................. 6

Troubleshooting Scenario 1: ..................................................................... 9

Troubleshooting Scenario 2: ................................................................... 10


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Troubleshooting Scenario 3: Not all USB Serial Devices Visible ................... 10

Appendix 5 Modbus Features

Introduction ............................................................................................ 1

Using Modbus in FBRM V 6.8.0 ................................................................. 1

Modbus Register Map .............................................................................. 5

Error Behavior ....................................................................................... 10

Mapping Floating Point Numbers to Modbus Registers ............................... 11

Glossary .............................................................................................. 11

January 2008 License Letter FBRM Manual

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Address

Telephone Fax

Internet

14833 NE 87th Street Redmond, WA 98052 425 881 7117 425 881 8964 www.mt.com/autochem

METTLER TOLEDO

LASENTEC CONTROL INTERFACE VERSION 6.8 SOFTWARE LICENSE: The use of this software program is covered by the standard Mettler-Toledo AutoChem, Inc. Condition of Sale, Warranty and License Agreement, a copy of which is provided in the operation manual. Mettler-Toledo AutoChem, Inc. remains the exclusive owner of all Software, Documentation, Manuals, and Proprietary Rights ("Software"). The Buyer is granted ONE (1) license to install the Software for live data acquisition. Any further data acquisition installations require purchase of additional licenses. The Buyer has no limit to the number of off-line data review [simulation mode] installations under the license agreement. By purchasing or being presented a registered copy of this LASENTEC® program, Buyer is granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the Software as long as Buyer does not transfer or disclose the Software to another person or third party, does not copy the software except for backup purposes, and agrees to use the Software solely in conjunction with LASENTEC® products. LIMITED WARRANTY: Mettler-Toledo AutoChem, Inc. warrants that the Software media are free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for ninety (90) days from the date that Buyer receives them. This warranty is limited to Buyer and is not transferable. The entire liability of Mettler-Toledo AutoChem, Inc. , and Buyer's exclusive remedy, shall be replacement of any media that does not meet this warranty. Mettler-Toledo AutoChem, Inc. does not warrant that the functions of Software will meet Buyer's requirements or that operation of Software will be uninterrupted or error free. Mettler-Toledo AutoChem, Inc. disclaims all other warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, for the software and all accompanying written materials. This limited warranty gives Buyer specific legal rights. Buyer may have others, which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In no event shall Mettler-Toledo AutoChem, Inc. or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of use or inability to use the software, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

January 2008 License Letter FBRM Manual

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January 2008 Introduction FBRM Manual

Chapter 1. Introduction1. Understanding the FBRM CI Software

This manual covers all phases of operation and installation for the Lasentec FBRM Control Interface (CI) version 6.8.0. It is designed and tested for use with Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP Pro.

CI is composed of three modules:

1. Data Acquisition Control Interface (Acquisition Module)

2. Data Review (Data Review Module).

3. Trend Compare (Trend Compare Module).


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Figure 1 shows how information is transferred from one module of the FBRM CI software to another:

Figure 1. How Information is Transferred Between Modules

As shown in Figure 1, the Acquisition, Data Review, and Trend Compare Modules are designed to run in sequence to respectively collect, review, and compare in-process data and/or data brought in from external sources from

Chordlength Distribution

LASENTECFBRM

Instrument

1

AcquisitionModule

2

Data ReviewModule

3

TrendCompareModule

4

Analog or SerialInput Device

Temperature,addition rate, etc.

Data File (.LST)

Export data to Excelor other DDE-

compatible program

Analog or SerialOutput to Control

System (e.g. DCS)

Data File (.TND)

Export data to Excelor other DDE-

compatible program

Reference File *.REF

FBRM Control Interface (CI)

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either serial or analog inputs. Each of these modules can be run indepen-dently of the others.

The FBRM measures optical chord lengths for a time duration determined by the user. The measurements are recorded by the CI software and the derived statistics can be output. Data from external devices such as thermocouples (TCs) and resistive thermal devices (RTDs) can also be recorded by the CI software. All of the information is saved to a data file for real time monitor-ing.

An optional custom statistics utility enables a user to create their own analy-sis tools for the data. The custom statistics are trended the same way the standard statistics are trended.

Note: The output of user-defined statistics is an optional feature. Please consult your Mettler-Toledo Technology and Applications Consultant for software details.

The CI software has two modules for reviewing data: Data Review and Trend Compare. The Data Review Module displays data, creates reports and exports data to other programs. The Trend Compare module compares trend data from different batches and creates reports from the data.

2. Lasentec FBRM CI Users’ Web SiteInformation for using Lasentec FBRM systems is at the users’ web site, http://www.mt.com/lasentec.

3. Lasentec FBRM CI Training ProgramsTraining for all Lasentec FBRM Systems is available from the Lasentec Prod-uct Group of Mettler-Toledo, Inc. For information about Lasentec FBRM Con-trol Interface training programs, see the Lasentec Users’ web site. A password is required to access the site. To request a password, go to http://www.mt.com/lasentec.

4. Software Upgrades for Lasentec FBRM SystemsUpgrades for Lasentec FBRM Control Interface software and optional software packages are also available from the Lasentec Users’ web site, http://www.mt.com/lasentec.


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5. Hardware RequirementsThe following hardware is recommended for the FBRM CI:

The minimum computer requirements for version 6.8.0 are sufficient to run the version 6.8.0 Acquisition Module, Data Review and/or Trend Compare modules only. To run other programs simultaneously with the version 6.8.0 Acquisition Module, more processing speed and memory are required. When running the CI, run as few programs as possible with no screen saver.

Table 1. Hardware Recommendations

OperatingSystem

Windows 2000, or Windows XP Pro.

Computer Pentium 4 2.0 GHz

Memory 512MB recommended

Monitor Screen resolution of 1024x768 or greater

Video 4MB minimum memory requirement

Hard Disk 20GB or larger recommended (25MB free space required for installation)

RemovableStorage

CD-RW or DVD drive recommended

Mouse Mouse or other pointing device

Communica-tion Port

One free RS-232 COM port (minimum), DB-9

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6. Product and Application SupportIf technical support or service is needed in a country not listed below, contact the main office at Mettler-Toledo Lasentec Product Group. For specific appli-cation assistance, the Technology and Applications Consultant (TAC) Team, contacted through the Mettler-Toledo, Inc. corporate headquarters, is avail-able to assist you at any time.

For information on Lasentec products, see [email protected]. For cus-tomer service of Lasentec products, use [email protected] or call the Mettler-Toledo office listed below.

Table 2. Product and Application Support

North AmericaMettler-Toledo Lasentec

Product Group

Tel: 425.881.7117

(1.800.LASENTEC)

Email: [email protected]

United KingdomMettler-Toledo

UK Office

Tel: 44.1789.471114 (0.800.96.5182)


Japan Mettler-Toledo Japan OfficeTel: 03.5762.0733Fax: 03.5762.0758


Australia Mettler-Toledo Ltd

Tel: +61 39 644 5700

Fax: +61 39 645 3935


Belgium N.V. Mettler-Toledo S.A

Tel: +32 (02) 334 02 11

Fax: + 32 (02) 334 03 34


DenmarkMettler-Toledo A/S

Tel: +45 (43) 27 08 00

Fax: +45 (43) 27 08 28


FranceMettler-Toledo S.A.

Tel: +33 (01) 309 717 17

Fax: +33 (01) 309 716 16


GermanyMettler-Toledo GmbH

Tel: +49 (0641) 50 70

Fax: +49 (0641) 507 128



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Italy Mettler-Toledo S.p.A

Tel: +39 (02) 333 321

Fax: +39 (02) 356 29 73


Korea Mettler-Toledo (Korea) Ltd.

Tel: +82 (2) 3498 3500

Fax: +82 (2) 3498 3556


NetherlandsMettler-Toledo B.V.

Tel: +31 (0344) 638 363

Fax: +31 (0344) 638 390


SingaporeMettler-Toledo (S) Pte Ltd

Tel: +65 890 00 11

Fax: +65 890 00 13


SpainMettler-Toledo S.A.E.

Tel: +34 932 237600

Fax: +34 932 237601


SwedenMettler-Toledo AB

Tel: +46 (08) 702 50 00

Fax: +46 (08) 642 45 62


SwitzerlandMettler-Toledo (Schweiz)

AG,Tel: +41 (01) 944 45 45

Fax: +41 (01) 944 46 60


Other CountriesMettler-Toledo AutoChem,

Inc.Tel: + 1 410 910 8100

Fax: +1 410 910 8101


Table 2. Product and Application Support

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January 2008 Installation Instructions FBRM Manual

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Chapter 2. Installation InstructionsNote: All power management should be disabled when running version

6.8.0 of the FBRM CI. Power-saving features can slow measure-ment time, may cause error messages such as ‘COM Buffer Error’ to occur, or simply stop the measurement until the computer powers back on.

Note: When upgrading from a previous version of the FBRM Control Inter-face (CI), perform a PVC Reference Procedure prior to installation of the upgrade.

1. Control Interface InstallationTo install version 6.8.0 of the Lasentec FBRM CI, you must log on to your op-erating system with a user account that has administrative privileges to the lo-cal machine. Consult your network administrator for more information onlogging into the local machine with an administrator-level account.

Note: Screen savers should not be used as they may interfere with the acquisition module.


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1.1 Set Computer Font Size

The computer font size must be Normal, 96DPI.

The font size can be checked and changed from the following proce-dure:

1. From the START menu, select Settings, Control Panel

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2. Select Display.

The Display Properties Panel appears.


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3. Select the Settings tab.

4. Click the Advanced Button.

The monitor settings are displayed.

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5. Set the DPI setting to Normal size (96DPI).


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1.2 Installation From Software CD

To install the FBRM CI software from a program CD, insert the CD. The installation loads automatically.

If the installation does not begin automatically, click Run from the Start menu and enter the drive containing the Program CD, followed by install.exe.

6. For example, if your Program CD is in drive D:, type D:\install.exe in the Open field, then click OK.

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1.3 Installation from Downloaded File

Download the installation software from the Lasentec Users’ Website at

http://www.mt.com/lasentec.

Mettler-Toledo typically compiles the installation files into a self-extract-ing executable file.

1. Download the self-extracting executable file to your local hard drive.

2. Double-click on the self-extracting executable.

3. When prompted, enter a destination directory for the installation files (e.g. C:\temp).

After all installation files have been extracted, you should find the installer executable (install.exe) in the destination folder (e.g. C:\temp).

Note: Mettler-Toledo Inc. recommends that the installer executable (install.exe) be moved to a root location (e.g. C:\ or D:\) before launch.

Double-click on install.exe to launch the FBRM CI installation.


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1.4 Installation options

1. When the installation starts a display appears indicating that FBRM CI files are will be installed on your hard disk. Click Next to continue.

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2. The next screen displays the file path for the CI installation. To accept the default drive and path, click Next. To use a different folder, enter the drive, path, and folder name, then click Next.


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3. You are then asked to select a group for Start Menu entries. To use the default Lasentec group name, click Next. To use a different group (e.g., if you want to replace an existing program group), enter a name, then click Next.

Note: If entering or modifying the group name, be sure you do not use any spaces in the group name (e.g., Lasentec-FBRM not Lasentec FBRM).

1.5 Instrument Selection Display.

Select the appropriate Program Group to install your instrument, then proceedto the next installation step. The options are as follows:

• M500, D600, S400A or S400E hardware installation.

• M400L or S400Q hardware.

• Off-line review or FBRM simulation.

For installations on data-acquisition computers, choose the hard-ware option corresponding to your FBRM model.

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For off-line analysis (e.g., an office desktop computer or if there is no FBRM field unit, but you want to see the FBRM CI), choose Off line Review or FBRM Simulation. Then click Next.

1. If you choose M500, D600, S400A or S400E hardware, continue at section 1.5.a .

2. If you choose M400L or S400Q hardware, continue at 1.5.b .

3. If you choose off-line review or FBRM simulation, continue at 1.5.c.


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1.5.a M500, D600, S400A or S400E hardware installation

1. The next screen displays the selection of communication ports. Choose the communication port (serial port located on the back of the computer) where the Optical Line Driver from the Lasentec FBRM field unit is connected, then click Next.

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2. Select whether your probe has a calibration verification system (CVS) or not (No CVS).

3. Install the embedded program.


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4. Choose if you want to install the FBRM manual (approximately 12MB) to your hard drive.

5. If you choose to install the manual, the system reminds you to install Adobe Acrobat Reader.

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6. Choose the number of FBRM probes used by the FBRM interface.

Note: It you are using more than one probe, use the hardware configuration panel in the FBRM CI to assign a different COM port for each probe. This selection will then override the default COM port.

7. Continue at Section 1.6.


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1.5.b M400L or S400Q FBRM hardware installation

1. Select Yes if you want to install the FBRM manual (approximately 12MB) to your hard drive.


3. Continue to Section 1.6.

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1.5.c Off-line review or FBRM simulation



3. Continue at section 1.6.


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1.6 Analog input and output options

1. Select analog input signal options. You can gather information (e.g., mixer RPM, temperature, etc.) from four standard and another eight optional analog inputs to be used in conjunction with data from the FBRM CI. For more information about hardware requirements and operation of the analog input feature, refer to the hardware manual that accompanied your FBRM instrument.

2. If no analog input board is installed, select No Hardware available, click Next, and skip to step 4.

If a Keithley ADC-16 analog input board is installed, select Keithley Adc16 Board available. Then click Next.

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3. To accept the default board address, click Next. Otherwise, enter the board address for the Keithley Adc16 input board, then click Next.


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4. Select your analog output signal options. Analog information can be output from up to 8 statistics, either from the FBRM or other analog input data. If no analog output board is installed, select No Hard-ware available, click Next, and skip to step 6.

If a Keithley DDA-0816 analog output board is installed, select Kei-thley DDA-0816 Board available, then click Next.

If a Cyber Research analog output board is installed, select Cyber-Research PciDac08a Board available, then click Next.

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The following installation step is for the Keithley DDA-08/16 output board only.

5. To accept the default board address, click Next. Otherwise, enter the board address to be used for the Keithley DDA-08/16 output board then click Next.

Note: The Cyber Research PciDac08a is a plug-and-play device and will select its own IRQ and I/O values,

The screen displays a progress bar as the files are installed to the correct location:


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Depending on your type of instrument, proceed as follows:

1. If you choose M500, D600, S400A or S400E hardware, continue at section 1.6.a.

2. If you chose M400L or S400Q hardware, continue at 1.6.b.

3. If you choose off-line review of FBRM simulation, continue at 1.6.c.

1.6.a M500, D600, S400A or S400E.

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If you chose to install the embedded program now, (step 3, page 19, Install the embedded program) you will see the the command prompt window shown below.

Make sure that all connections between the probe and the PC are established and that the probe has been turned on.

Follow the instructions in the command prompt window.

If the update is successful, the installation is complete.


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1.6.b M400L or S400Q

1. If you choose the M400L or S400Q FBRM hardware installation, the next installation steps detect the counter boards installed in your system. The installation program automatically detects PCI counter boards. If none are detected, the installation defaults to ISA counter boards. Click Next to Continue.

Note: All counter boards must be either PCI or ISA. Mixing PCI and ISA counter boards will cause the ISA cards to be ignored in favor of the PCI cards. If you are unsure which type of counter board is in your system, call your Mettler-Toledo, Inc. Technology and Applications Consultant (TAC) for assistance.

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2. If one or more PCI counter boards are detected, the program installs the corresponding drivers and shows the number of counter boards detected. Click OK to finish.


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If PCI counter boards are found, the installation is complete. Click OK to acknowledge completion. When the re-boot screen appears, click yes to reboot.

If no PCI counter boards are found, proceed to step 3.

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3. If the installation program does not detect any PCI counter boards it assumes the computer contains only ISA counter boards. If the screen below appears, click NEXT to continue.

.

4. Select the number of installed ISA counter boards for your system from the Number of ISA-Bus Counter Boards pull-down menu and click OK.


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5. To accept the default board address for each counter board, click OK. Otherwise, enter the board address to be used, then click OK. Accept the default unless additional ISA cards with conflicting addresses such as analog output or input ISA cards are installed.

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6. The Control Interface Install is now complete. Click OK to acknowl-edge.

7. When you are prompted to reboot your system, click Yes.


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8. Once the files have been properly installed, the FBRM CI icons are displayed on the screen. There is one icon each for the Data Review and Trend Compare modules. Up to four Acquisition module icons, depending on the number of counter boards detected, are shown. If the software manual is installed, a corresponding icon appears. Access the FBRM CI modules by double clicking these icons.

9. If there are difficulties with the installation, contact your Mettler-Toledo Technology and Application Consultant.

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1.6.c Off-line review or FBRM simulation



The installation is now complete.


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2. Conformance to 21 CFR Part 11Lasentec Control Interface software Version 6.8.0 complies with 21 CFR Part 11: “Electronic Records, Electronic Signatures.” The soft-ware reports the account information that was used in creation of the data file.

The electronic signature of the file creator can be verified by access-ing the Setup Menu drop down list box and selecting User Info. The following display appears in the Setup Window after User Info is selected:

The name of the computer workstation, the network domain (or workgroup), operator’s user log-on name and full name are dis-played above.

The identity of the file creator and FBRM operator are based upon the user currently logged into the FBRM computer. Establishment of user identities, proper control of passwords, and control of log in access are the responsibility of the customer. Compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 is not assured by the use of FBRM Control Interface Software version 6.8.0 alone.

Please read Lasentec Product Group Document number 002-5010 for more information.

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January 2008 Acquisition Module FBRM Manuel

Chapter 3. Acquisition Module

1. Features of the Acquisition ModuleThe Acquisition Module performs the following functions:

• Configures measurement setup.

• Displays chord-length distributions and statistic trends in real time.

• Displays analog inputs from other measurement devices (e.g., temperature from a thermocouple) alongside real-time FBRM statistics.

• Saves un-processed chord-length data.

• Saves up to 12 analog inputs and 30 serial inputs from other measurement devices to the same file as un-manipulated chord-length distributions, with the same time stamp, for later review.

• Applies a full range of user-defined statistics to enhance sensitivity to change on an isolated region of interest.

• Exports up to 8 statistics via DDE to Microsoft Excel.

• Exports up to 8 statistics via 8 analog outputs for real-time control.

• Verifies instrument calibration and operation via the calibration verification sys-tem (CVS). This optional feature is only available for D600 probes.

Note: If more than one FBRM probe was detected during installation of the FBRM Control Interface software, the install program will make one copy of the Acquisition Module for each probe (e.g, Probe A, Probe B, etc.). This allows users to have multiple instances of the Acquisi-tion Module open at one time, each collecting data from a different probe.

January 2008 Acquisition Module FBRM Manual

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2. Starting the Acquisition Module

Note: In general, it is best to run as few programs as possible during data acquisition.

To start the Acquisition Module:

1. From your desktop, double-click the FBRM Acquisition... icon, or from the Start menu, choose Programs, Lasentec FBRM, FBRM Acquisition... (For systems where more than one probe was selected during installation, see “Multiple-Probe Systems” on page 45).

2. Read the License and Limited Warranty Agreement, and click Accept License Agreement. If you do not want to see the dialogue box again, select Don’t Show this Dialog again.

Note: See Appendix 2: Terms and Conditions of Sale for the Mettler-Toledo Condition of Sale, Warranty and License Agreement referred to in the warranty.

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3. Acquisition Module Main Display

When the license and limited warranty agreement are accepted, the Acquisition Module main display appears. If you find the main display is partially hidden, make sure your screen resolution is 1024 x 768.

The Acquisition Module main display has the following seven sections:

1. Distribution Display and Controls Panel

2. Trend Display and Controls Panel

3. Setup Window

4. Current Measurement Setup Panel

5. Status Bar

6. Display Window

7. Start/Stop Measure and Start/Stop Save Panel


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Below is a diagram of the Acquisition Module main display with the seven sections labelled. Following that is a brief description of each section’s functionality.

Note: If the Windows task bar prevents you from viewing part of the dis-play, hide it by clicking “Start,” pointing to “Settings,” click “Task-bar,” and selecting “Auto hide.” The task bar re-appears when you move the cursor towards it and disappears when you move the cur-sor away.

Distribution Display Trend Display

Measure andSave Buttons Display

Window

CurrentMeasurementInformation Setup Panel

StatusBar

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3.1 Distribution Display and Control Panel

The graph on the upper left side of the Acquisition Module main display, along with the row of buttons directly beneath it, are referred to as the Distribution Display and Control Panel.

The Distribution Display graph presents the last completed measurement. The X-Axis shows the channel boundaries in microns. The Y-Axis shows either the number or percent of chord counts, depending on which is selected.

The Distribution Display and Controls Panel performs the following func-tions:

• Display chord counts by number of counts per channel, percent of counts per chord length, or by normalized (percent) or absolute counts.

• Display the counts in counts per second or counts per measurement.

• Apply one-over-length, unweighted, length-squared, or cubed weighting to the counts.

• Display a line or bar graph.

• Access scaling and zooming options.

• Autoscale the graph.

3.2 Trend Display and Controls Panel

The graph on the upper right side of the Acquisition Module main display, along with the row of buttons directly beneath it, are referred to as the Trend Display and Controls Panel.

The Trend Display graph presents up to 8 statistics trended over time. The X-Axis shows the trends either by record or by the actual time mea-surement in which the process was carried out. The Y-Axis is scaled to a selected statistic (1 through 8). The numerical values of the Y-axis only apply to the selected statistic. Other statistical trends are scaled to fit.


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The following functions are performed with Trend Display and Controls Panel:

• Select the Y-Axis scale, which is based on a single selected statistic.

• Display the X-Axis by time or record.

• Use the Trend Display buffer to determine the maximum number of records displayed in the graph.



3.3 Setup Window

The Setup Window, located in the lower-right panel, reflects whichever Setup Menu option is currently selected. Depending on the menu option selected, the Setup Window is used to view information and/or make changes.

3.4 Current Measurement Setup Panel

The Current Measurement Setup Panel is located just below the Trend Display and Controls Panel. This panel has three components:

1. Meas. Duration – a display that shows the current measurement duration (in seconds).

2. # Meas Since Start – a display that shows: 1) the number of mea-surements made since you started measuring data; and 2) the time-averaging and channel-grouping options applied to the displayed data.

3. Setup Menu – a dialog box with selections to change the display and function of the Setup Window.

Note: Data displays that have a blue background color cannot be edited.

3.5 Status Bar

The Status Bar, which is located at the bottom of the Acquisition Module main display, provides the following information and options:

• Offers information on whether or not a file is open and being saved

• Shows progression of a measurement (via a bar that fills left to right)

• Exit the program

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3.6 Display Window

The Display Window, located in the lower-left panel, reflects whichever Display Menu option is currently selected. Depending on the menu option selected, you can use the Display Window to view information and/or make changes.

3.7 Start/Stop Measure and Start/Stop Save Panel

The Start/Stop Measure and Start/Stop Save Panel is located just below the Distribution Display and Controls Panel. This panel has four compo-nents:

1. NOT Saving: Press to AutoSave – Allows you to start/stop saving data.

2. NOT Measuring: Press to Start – Allows you to start/stop measuring data.

3. Print Report – Allows you to print a variety of reports.

4. Display Menu – Presents selections that change the display and func-tion of the Display Window.

Note: When other saving and/or measuring functions are turned on, the buttons change from red to green.

4. Multiple-Probe SystemsAcquisition data can be shared between several FBRM probes with the master/slave function of the FBRM CI version 6.8.0 software. The measurement duration, channel grouping, measurement range, time averaging, password, hardware configurations, and stopping, starting, and saving of a measurement are controlled by a Master probe, while as many as three Slave probes can collect and share data with the Master.

The master/slave function makes data comparison easy by displaying selected sta-tistics from up to four different probes in one trend window. With the function, mea-surements can be continued with one probe while simultaneously starting measurements with another probe.


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The FBRM control interface supports up to four FBRM probes running simulta-neously. Only one probe can be the Master and up to three can be Slaves. Other-wise all probes can be run independently and still share data with the master if the user desires.

5. Probe Status ConditionsThere are four possible status conditions for the probes. The status conditions are selected using the setup menu list box.

The probe status conditions are the following:

1. Independent/No data sharing

Settings or data are not shared with other probes.

2. Independent Data Sharing

The probe shares its statistics and analog inputs with the Master Probe.

3. Slave Data Sharing

Selected measurement and control functions for the probe are under command of the Master Probe. Those functions are greyed out when Slave Data Sharing is selected. The Slave Probe performs the same functions that the master slave does.

4. Master Reading Shared Data

The Master Probe controls data acquisition for itself and all Slave probes. The Master Probe reads statistics from all Slave Probes and “independent data sharing” probes.

To Select a Probe Status

1. From the Setup Menu, select Master/Slave from the list box.

2. When the Control status of this probe box appears, select the desired status in the list box. See the following instructions for setting up probe types below.

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5.1 Master Probe

By designating one probe as the Master, you can use it to control the set-tings of up to three Slave probes in the system (i.e., measurement dura-tion, channel grouping, measurement range, time averaging, password, hardware configuration, and stopping/starting/saving of measurements). Only one probe in a multiple-probe system may be designated as the Master.

To set the Master probe:

1. Start the Acquisition Module of the probe you wish to designate as the Master by double-clicking its icon (Probe A, B, C, etc.) from the desktop, or by choosing the probe from Programs, Lasentec FBRM, under the Start menu.

2. Read and accept the License and Limited Warranty Agreement.

3. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Master/Slave.

4. In the Setup Window, under Control Status of this Probe, select Mas-ter, Reading Shared Data. The selection will turn orange (the color used to indicate Master settings) and the blue box on the Setup Win-dow will indicate that this probe has been selected as the Master. This information is also reflected in the window title bar.


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5.2 Slave Probes

Slave probes get their settings from the Master probe (i.e., measure-ment duration, channel grouping, measurement range, time averaging, password, hardware configuration, and stopping/starting/saving of measurements). They cannot be set separately. Up to three Slave probes can share data with one Master.

To set the Slave probe(s):

1. Start the Acquisition Module of the probe you wish to designate as a Slave by double-clicking its icon (Probe A, B, C, etc.) from the desk-top, or by choosing the probe from Programs, Lasentec FBRM, under the Start menu.



4. In the Setup Window, under Control Status of this Probe, select Slave, Data Sharing. The blue box on the Setup Window indicates that this probe is selected as a Slave. This information is also reflected in the window title bar.

5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for all probes you wish to designate as Slaves. You’ll notice that the buttons for starting and stopping, sav-ing and starting, and stopping a measurement are grayed out on the Start/Stop Measure and Start/Stop Save Panel.

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5.3 Independent Probes

There are two types of independent probes: one that shares data with a Master (Independent/Data Sharing) and one that does not (Independent/No Data Sharing). Independent/Data Sharing probes are set up indepen-dently in terms of measurement configuration, starting/stopping/saving measurements, etc., but they can share trend data with the Master simi-lar to a Slave probe. Independent/No Data Sharing probes are not con-trolled by the Master and do not share data. By default, all single-probe systems are Independent/No Data Sharing.

Independent probes can have their own measurement duration and start-stop sequence.

To set Independent probes:

1. Start the Acquisition Module of the probe you wish to designate as Independent by double-clicking its icon (Probe A, B, C, etc.) from the desktop, or by choosing the probe from Programs, Lasentec FBRM, under the Start menu.



4. In the Setup Window, under Control Status of this Probe, select Inde-pendent/Data Sharing or Independent/No Data Sharing, depending on the probe’s intended use. The blue box on the Setup Window will indicate that the probe has been set up as an Independent probe, with or without the ability to share data with a master. This informa-tion will also be reflected in the title bar of the Acquisition Module screen.

Probe Status Condition


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5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for all probes you wish to designate as Independent.

To set Measurement Duration and Time Averaging

1. Select Meas. Config from the Setup Menu list box.

The Control Box is Displayed.

2. Select the Measurement Duration from the List Box. The Measure-ment Duration is displayed above the Setup Menu.

3. Select Time Averaging from the List box.

5.4 Measurement Settings in Master

After setting up each of your probes as Master, Slave, or Independent, you must set the data acquisition parameters in the Master Probe so they will be applied to the Slave Probe(s). See Section 6, Getting Started, for more details.

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6. Getting StartedSome settings must be completed in the Acquisition Module before any measure-ments are made or data is saved. It is important with initial use of the FBRM CI that the following steps are completed in order.

Note: When using a multiple-probe system, first determine which probe will be the Master and which will be Slaves or Independent probes before proceeding with Getting Started.

6.1 Setting Time Stamps

The FBRM CI saves time stamps to the data as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) but displays them in local time. If data is taken in one time zone and then transferred to another, the time stamp displayed will be the local time at the second location when the data was taken.

For example, if data is collected in Seattle at 1 a.m. and then the file is transferred to the United Kingdom for analysis, a time stamp of 9 a.m. will be displayed. Local time in the UK was 9 a.m. at the time data was collected.

To ensure your data files reflect the correct time, verify that all computers running the FBRM CI are set to their local time zones.

To verify the time zone your computer is set to:

1. Right-click the clock that appears in the lower-right corner of the screen.

2. Select Adjust Date/Time.

3. From the pull-down menu on the Time Zone tab, select your local time zone, then click OK.

4. Verify that any other computers acquiring or reading FBRM data are also set to their local time zones.

6.2 Opening a File to Save Data

To create a new data file or open an existing one:

1. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Meas. Config.


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2. Click Open File for Save, located in the lower-left portion of the Setup Window.

3. If you are opening a new file, type a path and filename, then click Save. If you are opening an existing file, select the file you want, then click Save.

If you have chosen an existing file, the following dialog box appears:

4. To replace existing information in the file, click Overwrite. To add to existing information in the file, click Append. If you click Overwrite, the data in your existing file will be lost. If you choose Append, data will be added onto the end of the existing file.

5. To close a file, click the Close File button in the Setup Window.

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Note: Once a file is open, the Status Bar, which displayed, “Not Saving. No file open,” displays, “Not Saving. File Open: x.lst,” where x is the open file. Even though a data file is now open, data will not be saved until you click the red, “NOT Saving: Press to AutoSave” button on the “Start/Stop Measure and Start/Stop Save” Panel. Both Measure and Save must be selected to save data. Once this button is clicked, both the button and the Status Bar will turn green and display a mes-sage indicating data is now being saved.

6.3 Setting the Measurement Duration

Total measurement duration determines how long data is collected before both the current statistics and chord-length distribution are updated. A single measurement (i.e., the data from one total measurement duration) can be saved to a data file in the form of a record.

To set the measurement duration:


2. Under the Measurement Duration button, click the arrow to select a measurement duration that best meets your process requirements.

Note: In a multiple-probe system, toggle the Measurement Duration button of the Master once before you start measuring to ensure that the measurement duration is propagated to the Slave probes. Toggle the button even if you are not changing the measurement duration.

To produce robust statistics, the measurement duration should be as long as possible, while still maintaining resolution to changes in the pro-cess over time. There is a trade-off between measurement precision and time resolution. The more precise a measurement is, the greater its sensi-tivity to change will be.

The Lasentec FBRM measures and counts chord lengths over time. Therefore, the longer you measure, the larger your sample population for describing the actual chord-length population will be. The greater your sample population, the more precise and sensitive to change in particle shape and/or concentration your measurement will be.


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Measurements in the graph below were taken with a Lasentec FBRM. For each series of measurements, one of the calculated statistics has been trended over time. Note that only the measurement duration has changed between trends. The material and measurement configurations are the same for all measurements.

As measurement duration was increased, a significant increase in the stability of the statistic is also shown. However, resolution to any changes that may have occurred during the duration of a single mea-surement is lost.

Before setting a measurement duration, determine the amount of time resolution that your process and goals require. If you require a faster time resolution, you must determine the level of precision and sensitivity desired. Choose as long a measurement duration as possible, without losing required responsiveness to change.

If you find you need a quicker response, you can reduce the measure-ment duration. A shorter measurement duration increases the speed of response but reduces the statistical robustness of the data. Time aver-aging is a way to offset this.

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6.4 Specifying the Frequency of Saving Measurements

The default save frequency, which Mettler-Toledo, Inc. recommends, is to save with every measurement.

Do not change this value unless you have the following situation:

The Lasentec FBRM is being used to provide data for continuous process control

and

You do not have sufficient hard disk space to save all of the data from the Lasentec FBRM.

To specify how often you want to save measurements:


2. In the Setup Window, using the up/down arrows on the When Saving to File, save every n Measurements button, toggle to select if either the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. measurement is saved.

Note: When the program is saving, a round indicator to the right of the tog-gle flashes green every time a measurement is saved.


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6.5 Changing the Channel Grouping

Differences Between Logarithmic and Linear Channel Group-ing

Understanding the difference between channel grouping on a linear X-Axis versus a logarithmic X-Axis is important, as the choice of grouping can significantly affect both the data display and the statistic calcula-tion.

• Logarithmic Grouping – A logarithmic (or log) grouping is one in which each channel width is progressively wider than the preceding channel width and where the distance between channel midpoints is proportion-ate to their logarithms. The log grouping provides high resolution on the small-particle side of the distribution, while at the same time providing significantly lower resolution (channel-averaging effect) on the large-particle side.

• Linear Grouping – A linear grouping is one in which all channels have equal width. The distance between the channel midpoints is also equal. A linear grouping provides equal resolution throughout the distribution. For a linear channel group, each channel has an equal probability of a count being placed in it.

Note: Changing the channel grouping does not affect how the chord length data is stored in the data file for later review. It does however effect the display of the chord length data in the Acquisition Module and all derived statistics. Consider the effects of channel grouping especially when using statistical results as analog outputs for pro-cess control.

When deciding whether to use a logarithmic or linear grouping, the number of channels selected and the effects caused by the number of channels selected must also be taken into consideration. From a dis-play perspective, significantly different data attributes may be high-lighted depending on the chosen grouping.

The more counts per channel, the better the statistical robustness. The fewer channels chosen, the more counts there will be per channel.

The more channels chosen, the higher the potential resolution of change and the more counts required for statistical robustness. The fewer chan-

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nels chosen, the lower the potential resolution of change and the fewer counts required for statistical robustness.

The following graphs show a single data set (Data Set A) displayed first on a linear (Figure 3-1) and then on a logarithmic (Figure 3-2) grouping:

Figure 3-1 Data Set A displayed on a 100-Channel Linear Grouping


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Figure 3-2 Data Set A Displayed on a 90-Channel Log Grouping

Note the difference in number of counts (Y-Axis) at the mode of each distribution. The linear grouping shows a mode with just under 20,000 counts. The log grouping shows a mode with just over 75,000 counts! This difference is caused by the significantly wider channel width of the log grouping in this section of the distribution (the wider the channel, the more probability for a count to be placed in this channel). The distri-

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bution of counts per channel will affect all statistics, as well as display of the data.

The differences between log and linear statistics are primarily caused by the loss of information (resolution) in the upper channels of the log distri-bution. To more easily understand this, think of the extreme case where there is just one channel covering a range from 1-1000 µm. No matter how large or small the particles, they will always be given a value of 500 µm (the midpoint of the channel in linear grouping). Therefore, all struc-tural information about the distribution is lost. The only information pro-vided is the total number of counts in the channel.

With the log grouping, the progressively larger channels on the right side of the distribution have a similar effect in losing structural information. In some cases, this loss on the coarse-particle end of the distribution is desirable for its “averaging” effect. Although sensitivity to high-resolution change in this region will be diminished with larger channels, data that would otherwise be seen as noise may become discernible. For example, instead of having an occasional count in many channels, these channels may be combined into one channel that produces consistent information.

Depending on the actual distribution of the particle system under investi-gation, the grouping issues affecting display and calculation can become very significant. For Data Set A, statistics calculated on both the log and linear groupings are shown below:

Table 1. Comparison of Statistics for Linear and Logarithmic Channel Grouping of Data Set A

Statistic 100 Linear, 0-1000 µm 90 Log, 1-1000 µm % Difference

#/sec 501,000 500,998 0.0004%

#/meas 1,002,000 1,001,996 0.0004%

Median 500.00 µm 499.96 µm 0.008%

Mean 500.00 µm 500.12 µm 0.024%

Mode 495.00 µm 520.79 µm 5.21%

10th Percentile 223.28 µm 223.17 µm 0.05%



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With the exception of the mode, statistical differences caused by the change in grouping for Data Set A are not drastically different. However, for any given particle system under investigation, these differences may be much larger and quite significant. Grouping issues should always be investigated, particularly when looking for small changes in the system.

It is important to take into account the following in reference to the table above:

• The FBRM CI log groupings start at 1 µm and the linear groupings start at 0 µm. Raw channel resolution of FBRM is 0.25 µm between 0 and 100 µm on a linear grouping when the scan speed is set to 2 m/s (see Appendix1: Data Processing in the FBRM CI Software for details).

• No interpolation is required for any linear grouping. In Data Set A, the 1-µm lower end of the log grouping was used to avoid excessive subdi-vision of channels below 1 µm (see Appendix 1: Data Processing in the FBRM CI Software for more detail). Plus, the logarithm operation itself precludes inclusion of the 0-µm channel boundary.

• The differences in the #/sec and #/meas statistics are due to the differ-ences in channel range. All Version 6.8.0 log channel groupings start from 1 µm. Therefore, they do not include information that may be below this limit. In these instances, they miss only an insignificant four raw channels between 0 µm and 1 µm.

• The bottom end of the instrument range for most applications is 0.5 µm.


12.525th Per-centile 250.00 µm 249.96 µm 0.016%

%<250 µm 12.525% 12.53% 0.04%

%>=250 µm 87.475% 87.47% 0.006%

StdDev 204.35 µm 204.72 µm 0.18%

Table 1. Comparison of Statistics for Linear and Logarithmic Channel Grouping of Data Set A

Statistic 100 Linear, 0-1000 µm 90 Log, 1-1000 µm % Difference

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How Number of Channels Affects Statistics and Distribution Display

The decision between a logarithmic or linear grouping represents a choice between combined high fine-end resolution with comparatively low coarse-end resolution (log grouping) and equal resolution across the range (linear grouping). The number of channels also affects the potential resolution across the range for either grouping type:

• The more channels chosen, the higher the potential resolution of the data and the more counts required for statistical robustness. The more chan-nels under investigation, the better the potential sensitivity to spatial (not temporal) change and the more data points (counts) required. The fewer channels under investigation, the lower the potential resolution for spa-tial change and the less data points (counts) required.

• The more counts per channel, the better the statistical robustness. The fewer channels chosen, the more counts there will be per channel.

Desired features depend on the application. There are certainly cases where less is more. The following table illustrates how the number of channels can effect the statistics on data Set A.

Table 2. Comparison of Statistics of Data Set A with a 38-Channel Log Distribution

Statistic 38 Log, 0-1000 µm

90 Log, 1-1000 µm % Difference

#/sec 500,998 500,998 0.00%

#/meas 1,001,996 1,001,996 0.00%

Median 500.93 µm 499.96 µm 0.19%

Mean 500.7 µm 500.12 µm 0.12%

Mode 529.28 µm 520.79 µm 1.60%




12.525th Per-centile 249.04 µm 249.96 µm 0.37%

%<250 µm 12.62% 12.53% 0.71%


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Setting the Channel Grouping

To set the channel grouping:


2. In the Setup Window, under Channel Grouping, click the arrow and select a channel grouping that best meets your process require-ments.

3. For most applications, the channel group “1-1000 µm, 90 log” is satisfactory.

Note: The channel width is displayed below the channel grouping selec-tion. The channel width is a single number if the channel grouping is linear and a range of numbers if the channel grouping is logarith-mic. Channel grouping information is also displayed under the “# Meas Since Start” box in the Current Measurement Setup Panel. The information remains constant.

Measurement Range Based on Scanning Speed

Depending on the scanning speed, the measurement range of particles can be expanded from 1024 µm to 4096 µm. Ranges of particle mea-surement are as follows:

2 m/s 0 to 1024 µm - S400, M500, M600, D600

4 m/s 0 to 2048 µm - D600

6 m/s 0 to 3072 µm - D600

8 m/s 0 to 4096 µm - D600

Higher scan speeds allow larger particles to be measured. Your instru-ment must be calibrated for higher scan speeds (>2m/s).

%>=250 µm 87.38% 87.47% 0.10%

StdDev 206.38 µm 204.72 µm 0.80%

Table 2. Comparison of Statistics of Data Set A with a 38-Channel Log Distribution

Statistic 38 Log, 0-1000 µm

90 Log, 1-1000 µm % Difference

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While maximum particle size in the measurement range increases by a factor of two, three, or four depending on the scanning speed set, the down side is that resolution decreases by the same factor. This means that the low end of the measurement range for a scanning speed of 8 m/s is effectively 1 µm (as opposed to the 0.25 µm resolution attainable on a linear scale with a 2 m/s setting).

Measurement range expands the channel grouping to accommodate larger size ranges that may be available when a higher scanning speed is selected.

To change the measurement range:


2. In the Setup Window, under Meas. Range, click the arrow to select the maximum particle size that best meets your process require-ments. If the measurement range you select is larger than what can be supported by the current scan speed, a warning message appears:


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6.6 Specifying Time Averaging

Time averaging is used to improve statistical robustness at the expense of temporal responsiveness. In the following graph, increasing levels of time averaging are applied to the same Lasentec FBRM data. Note that only the time averaging option (number of measurements to average) has been changed between trends. The material and measurement con-figurations are the same for all measurements.

Figure 3-3 Specifying Time Averaging

As time averaging is increased, there is also an increase in measurement precision and sensitivity. That is, there is more sensitivity to change in concentration, but the time it takes to see the change (i.e., time lag) is longer. As shown in the following graphs, (Figure 3-4 and Figure 3-5) resolution to change over time is lost.


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Figure 3-4 The Averaging Function and Sensitivity to Change

Figure 3-5 Enhancing Instrument Sensitivity

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Keep in mind that the combination of measurement duration and averag-ing must be short enough to track process changes. At times, you may need to make a choice between measurement precision and resolution to change over time. It may be necessary to give up measurement precision for the sake of resolution to change over time, or vice versa.

To specify time averaging:


2. Under the Time Averaging button, click the arrow and select a time averaging option that best meets your process requirements. The fol-lowing time averaging options are available: No Time Averaging, Moving Average, Exponential, and Double Exponential.

No Time Averaging

To take measurements according to the set measurement duration:

1. From the Time Averaging list, select No Time Averaging to take mea-surements according to the set measurement duration (once every 10 seconds, 30 minutes, hour, etc.).

Moving Average

All averaging functions operate independently on each channel. E.g. choosing a moving average over ten measurements channel i of the averaged distribution is calculated base on channel i in each of the ten most recent distributions.

A moving average, sometimes referred to as a running average, adds the most recent n measurements together and divides the sum by n. For example, if n=10, then the most recent time-averaged measurement is calculated by taking the average over the 10 most recent unaveraged measurements.

To set the number of measurements you wish to average together:

1. From the Time Averaging list, click the arrow and select Moving Aver-age.

2. Using either the toggle or sliding scale that appears, select the Mov-ing Average Length number of measurements you want to average together.

Averaging can be applied up to 1,000 records by entering the desired value into the box.


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Exponential

Unlike the moving-average filter, the exponential filter does not give equal weight to past measurements, but rather gives exponentially declining weight to measurements further back in time. This implies that the very first measurement in a measurement series continues to have an effect, even though its effect diminishes over time. All past measure-ments cease to have an effect when time averaging is restarted.

To set an exponentially weighted moving average:

1. From the Time Averaging list, click the arrow and select Exponential.

2. Using either the toggle or sliding scale that appears, select the Alpha (percent from 0.00 to 1.00) weight that should be given to the cur-rent measurement when it is averaged with the proceeding expo-nentially weighted result.

Double Exponential

The double-exponential filter offers advantages for eliminating high-fre-quency noise. It is the equivalent of two exponential filters in tandem. In other words, the signal is filtered with an exponential filter and then that filtered signal is put through yet another exponential filter. The same fil-ter constant is used in both individual exponential filters.

To set a double exponentially weighted moving average:

1. From the Time Averaging list, click the arrow and select Dbl. Expo-nential.

2. Using either the toggle or sliding scale that appears, select the Alpha (percent from 0.00 to 1.00) weight that should be given to the cur-rent measurement when it is averaged with the proceeding expo-nentially weighted result.

Note: Time averaging affects displayed and trended data only. Data saved to the file is not averaged. Statistics sent out to analog and/or serial outputs are affected. See Appendix 1: Data Processing in the FBRM CI Software for further explanation of the time averaging options.

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6.7 Measuring Data

To begin measuring data:

1. Click the red, NOT Measuring: No File Open button. The program will begin measuring data, the button will turn green and display Measur-ing: Press to Stop, and the Distribution Display graph will begin dis-playing data.

2. To stop measuring, click the green Measuring: Press to Stop button

.

Note: The number of measurements made since measuring commenced appears under “# Meas Since Start” (located in the Current Measure-ment Information).


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6.8 Annotating

For detailed record keeping, text can be saved along with data when measurements are collected.

Note: For multiple-probe systems, the annotation function is not controlled by the Master. Separate annotations for each Slave or Independent probe in the system can be made.

To annotate:

1. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Annotation.

2. You can annotate using either standard annotation or by entering your own text. To enter your own text, type directly into the Annota-tion text box and skip to step 4. To use standard annotation, click the Standard Annotation button. The following dialog box appears:

# Meas Since Start

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3. Enter information as appropriate for your application, then click OK. The entered information appears in the format shown below.


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4. As a default, an X appears in the check box next to Save With All Records, indicating the text will be saved with each record. Click the check box to deselect this option.

5. To save the text with the next record only, click Save with Next Record. The button will change to display Waiting for Next Record.

Note: You may type in new text at any time to change your text annota-tion.

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6.9 Saving Data

To save the data that’s being collected:

1. Click the red, NOT Saving: Press to AutoSave button. Once you have clicked this button, the program will begin saving data, the button will turn green and display Saving Data: Press to Stop, and the Status Bar will turn green and display Saving to: x.lst where x is the name of the open file.

2. To stop saving, click the green Saving Data: Press to Stop button

.


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Note: If you click the “Close File” button on the Setup Panel (displayed when “Meas. Config” is selected from the Setup Menu), data-saving stops and both the start/stop save button and the Status Bar return to their red (not-saving) status.

Each record in version 6.8.0 of the FBRM CI software is approximately 6KB. If a file reaches 5000 records (about 30MB), the FBRM CI will automatically change the file name to a directory name, rename the first file to 00001.lst in the directory, and continue saving to 00002.lst. Subsequent files (00002.lst, 00003.lst etc.) are limited to 5,000 records as well. These *.lst files can be compressed using PKZIP, Win-Zip, or other similar compression programs.

Note: Saving to a file automatically shuts off when the target drive becomes full. However, a dialog box pops up to warn the user before this occurs.

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7. Setup Menu OptionsIn addition to the options for annotating (Annotation) and setting measurement con-figurations (Meas. Config) discussed in Getting Started, the Setup Menu contains options for:

• Configuring statistics (Stat. Config).

• Setting analog and serial inputs and outputs (Analog Inputs 1, Analog Inputs 2, Serial Inputs, Serial Outputs, Analog Outputs).

• Creating DDE links to Excel (DDE to Excel).

• Locking and unlocking the FBRM Acquisition Module with a password (Pass-word).

• Viewing and clearing the error log (Error Log).

• Changing hardware configuration (Hardware Cfg.). Note: a password can be used to specifically lock the hardware configuration.

• Viewing user identification information (User Info).

• Switch-Users Panel

Loading a Statistics Configuration

A set of standard statistics setup files is included with version 6.8.0 of the FBRM CI. These files are located in the Statistics Setup Files folder in the FBRM version 6.8.0 program directory (e.g., C:\Fbrm6B18\Statistics Setup Files). The configurations in these files are a good starting point for most processes. The files can be loaded at any time.

To load a statistics configuration:

1. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Stat. Config.

2. Click Load Stats. Config. A file display opens, allowing you to load a saved statistic file.

3. Select the statistics file (*.sta) you wish to load and click Open. The file name of the loaded statistic will be displayed in the Setup Win-dow in the Stat. Config File box.

4. The *.sta file which matches the channel grouping should be used.


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Use the following table:

Note: It is recommended that you load your own standard statistics con-figuration with each use of the FBRM. If others are using the same FBRM instrument, this helps ensure you are working with the correct configuration.

7.1 Configuring Statistics

Up to 8 trends, calculated from the FBRM chord-length data or from one of 12 analog inputs or 30 serial inputs, can be set at one time.

Note: While statistics can be changed at any time during data collection without affecting saved data, a change to the statistic setup can affect 4-20 mA analog outputs, serial outputs, and DDE to Excel data transfers.

Selecting a Statistic to Configure

To select a statistic (1 through 8) to configure:


2. Under Configure Statistic #, click the arrow to select a statistic. The statistic number, its attributes, and corresponding color will be dis-played.

Table 3. Statistics Configuration

Channel Grouping Default Statistics

1-1000 µm 90 Log Ch. default1-1000-Log.sta

0-300 µm 300 Linear default0-300-Lin.sta

1-1199 µm 39 Log Ch. default1-1199-Log.sta

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Note: Because they are individually applied to each statistic, Color, Chan-nel Range, Statistic, Weighting, Trend Y-Axis Range, and dx/dt will change in the Setup Window as you toggle between statistics 1 through 8. If an attribute is unavailable for the selected statistic, it will appear grayed-out in the Setup Window.

Changing the Color Used to Represent a Statistic

To change the color used to represent a statistic:


2. Under Configure Statistic #, select the statistic you wish to change.

3. Under Color, click the color block to display a collection of colors from which to choose.

4. To specify an exact color, click More; select the percentages of red, green, and blue for your color; then click OK. Otherwise, click the color you wish to use.

5. The color you have chosen will immediately display in the Setup Window. It will display on the Trend Display graph as soon as the current measurement is completed.

Configuring the Channel Range

You can isolate a particle population of interest (e.g., fines) by setting the upper and lower limits of the chord channel range. The selected statistic will only be calculated with data inside this range. In many cases, this


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will enable you to produce a statistic that is more sensitive to change to the particle system than a full-range statistic would be.

This feature can also be used to eliminate the effect of particulate pro-cess changes unrelated to the process or product parameter of concern. Not only can you use a certain type of statistic on all of the data, you can use a certain statistic on only some of the data as well.

The left entry of the channel range represents the lower limit of the low-est channel in the range. The right entry represents the upper limit of the highest channel in the range. Upon entering values, the values are auto-corrected to coincide with the nearest applicable channel boundary.

This range affects trend calculation only. Data for all channels are saved to the file, regardless of the channel range selected.

To configure the channel range:


2. Under Configure Statistic #, select the statistic you wish to configure.

3. Under Channel Range, type the lower limit of the channel range in the left box and the upper limit in the right box.

Note: If using a log based channel grouping, the channel boundaries will be automatically adjusted to match the log scale boundaries.

Configuring the Statistic Type

A variety of statistic types are available and are explained in Appendix 1: Data Processing in the FBRM CI Software.

To configure the statistic type:



3. Under Statistic, select the statistic type you wish to apply.

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Custom Statistics

Version 6.8.0 of the FBRM CI software has been enhanced to allow users to add their own statistics by implementing a DLL (dynamically linked library).

Input to the custom DLL is the same as to each of the built-in statistics (i.e., the grouped, weighted, and sub ranged counts/channel of the mea-sured chord-length distribution as well as the reference distribution). Other data (e.g., measurement time, time stamp, and analog inputs) are also passed to the DLL.

Please contact the Mettler-Toledo Technology and Applications Consult-ant for instructions on implementing a custom DLL.

Configuring Channel Weighting

You can apply a weighting function to the counts-per-chord-length distri-bution. Weighting places more or less emphasis on a particular aspect of the distribution. For this reason, it can be used to significantly enhance the resolution to change occurring in your particle system.

Channel weighting options are:

• 1/Lth Wt

• No Wt - data as measured

• Lth Wt

• Sqr Wt - similar to volume based

• Cube Wt

To configure the weighting applied to a statistic:


2. Under configure statistic number, select the statistic you wish to configure.

3. Under Weighting, select a weighting from the list.

Viewing and Modifying the Y-Axis Range

To modify the Y-Axis range:


2. To separate the statistics in the Trend Graph, check the Separated box at the bottom of the Trend Display and Controls Panel.


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3. To auto-adjust the range, click Scale All Trends above the Separated box. or type a range into the Trend Y-Axis Range text boxes in the Setup Window.

Applying the First Derivative (Rate Change) Function

To apply a first-derivative calculation to the selected statistic:



3. Check the dx/dt box in the Setup Window.

Saving the Current Statistics Configuration

Saving your statistics configuration enables you to recall it at any time. Saving is also useful for backup purposes. You can save many different statistics configurations (e.g., one for each material or application) if desired.

To save the current statistics configuration:


2. Click Save Stats. Config in the Setup Window. A file dialog box opens, allowing you to name the statistic you wish to save.

3. Enter a file name and click Save. The file will be given an extension of *.sta, and the file name will be displayed in the Stat. Config File box in the Setup Window.

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Viewing the Statistics Setup File

When Stat. Config is selected from the Setup Menu and a file is open, the last saved statistics configuration for that file (automatically named “ini-Acq.sta” in the Acquisition Module) appears in the Stat. Config File box in the Setup Window. When a standard statistic setup file is loaded, its file name will replace “iniAcq.sta.”

Note: The FBRM CI will not automatically save changes to a loaded statis-tics setup file. If you want your changes saved, you must actively save changes to the file before closing the program.

7.2 Analog Inputs 1 (-5V to 5V)

You can set the Acquisition Module to read analog input data from other measuring devices (e.g., temperature measurements from a thermocou-ple). Selecting Analog Inputs 1 from the Setup Menu allows you to receive a signal from an analog input board (e.g., Keithley ADC-16) on the computer running the FBRM CI and save the signal with data gener-ated by the FBRM.

Note: The following procedures assume an analog input board is properly installed, configured, and connected to the computer running the FBRM CI. For information about setting up an analog input board, see the appropriate hardware manual.

Selecting an Analog Input to Configure

The Acquisition Module can read up to 8 analog input values from an analog input board such as the Keithley ADC-16.

To view available inputs:

1. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Analog Inputs 1.

2. Under Input Selector, select the analog input (1 through 8) you wish to configure. (In the following illustration, Analog In 1 is the selected input.)


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Note: The “Hardware Info” box that displays in the Setup Window shows the analog input hardware that is being used (a Keithley ADC-16 in the example above). The “Raw Data” and “Mapped Data” boxes show, respectively, the raw and mapped data as they are being read from each analog input. Raw Data is the data as they are received by the FBRM CI (e.g., in V). Mapped Data shows data mapped from their original range into a new range. For example, if you want 0V to correspond to 0 and 5V to correspond to 100, the Raw Data range is 0 to 5V and the Mapped Data range is 0 to 100.

Changing the Input Voltage Range

To change the range of voltage that will be measured by input to the analog input board:


2. Verify the selected input (e.g., Analog In 1) is the one you want to change.

3. In the Input Voltage Range text boxes, type the minimum value (in volts) in the left box and the maximum value (in volts) in the right box. (The default voltage range is 5.00V to 5.00V.)

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Changing the Measured Value Range

To change the range of measured values that will be sent to the FBRM CI from the analog input device:



3. In the Measured Value Range text boxes, type the minimum value corresponding to the minimum input signal in the left box and the maximum value corresponding to the maximum input signal in the right box. (The default measure value range is 0.00 to 100.00) If the input signal of 4 to 20 mA corresponds to a temperature of -10 to 110oC, (14oF to 230oF) then minimum and maximum values need to be -10 and 110 respectively.

4. Verify data is being measured (i.e., the Measuring: Press to Stop but-ton in the Start/Stop Measure and Start/Stop Save Panel is green).

Changing the Legend Label

To change the label that will appear when the analog input statistics are displayed:



3. In the Legend Label text box, type a new label. (For input number Analog In 1, the default legend label is Analog-In-1. Likewise, Ana-log-In-2 is the legend label for input number Analog In 2, etc.)


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Enabling the Input

The instructions below are for enabling the input. Once enabled, the data will be saved to the file. An enabled input also becomes eligible for use in one of the eight trends.

To enable an analog input to be saved as a statistics file:


2. Verify the selected input (e.g. Analog In 1) is the one you want to enable.

3. To read data for an analog input, click the Enable box. (When this box contains an X, data will be read for the selected input.)

4. To deselect data reading for an analog input, click the Enable box to remove the X.

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7.3 Analog Inputs 2 (4-20 mA)

Analog data from the FBRM can be saved and analyzed when Analog Inputs 2 is selected from the Set-up Menu. The built-in analog input board is available on all M500, M600, and D600 FBRM models. It is optional on the M400 and S400 FBRM.

Analog inputs are standard for the Lasentec D600. They are also stan-dard for Lasentec S400s sold since January 2004 and optional for ear-lier units.

Selecting an Analog Input to Configure

The FBRM CI can read four input values from the built-in analog input device.

To view the available inputs:


2. From the pull-down list, select the built-in analog input (1 through 4) you wish to configure. (In the following illustration, Delta In 1 is the selected input.)

Changing the Input Current Range

To change the Input Current Range that corresponds to the Measured Value Range:



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2. Verify the selected input (e.g., Delta In 1) is the one you want to change.

3. In the Input Current Range text boxes, type the minimum value (in mA) in the left box and the maximum value (in mA) in the right box. (The default current range is 0.00 mA to 20.00 mA.)

Changing the Measured Value Range

To map the range of input current to a new range of values:



3. In the Measured Value Range text boxes, type the minimum value in the left box and the maximum value in the right box. (The default measured value range is 0.00 to 100.00.)

Changing the Legend Label

To change the label that will appear when the built-in analog input sta-tistics are displayed:



3. In the Legend Label text box, type a new label. (For input number Delta In 1, the default legend label is Delta-In-1. Likewise, Delta-In-2 is the legend label for input number Delta In 2, etc.)

Enabling the Input

The instructions below are for enabling the input. Once enabled, it is saved to a *.lst file.

To enable a built-in analog input to be saved as a statistics file:


2. Verify the selected input (e.g., Delta In 1) is the one you want to enable.

3. To read data for the input, click the Enable check-box. (When this box contains an X, data will be read for that input.)

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4. To deselect data reading for the input, click the Enable check box to remove the X.

Note: Selecting “Enable” for a built-in analog input activates a computer alarm when the measured analog input value falls outside the desig-nated range.

Activating an Alarm for Analog Input Values Outside of Range

To activate the alarm function for a built-in analog input that is outside the designated range:


2. Verify the selected input (e.g., Delta In 1) is the one you want to enable.

3. Verify that the Enable box displayed in the Setup Window contains an X. This activates the Alarm if Meas. Val outside range function.

4. Type in new values to change the Lower Limit, Upper Limit, or both if you wish.

5. Check the appropriate Enable box or boxes to activate the alarm for either limit. If an alarm condition exists, a message will be sent to the error log and a warning light will blink in the displayed window.

7.4 Serial Inputs

Using an available serial port (COM port) on the computer running the FBRM CI software, you can set the Acquisition Module to read serial input data from another source. Up to 30 serial inputs can be configured.

One COM port is required for output and one is required for input. There-fore, each probe requires two extra COM ports for input/output.

How it Works

When serial inputs are selected, the FBRM CI is ready to receive COM port data at any time. Data are read, displayed, and updated in the Serial Input panel even if the FBRM measurement has stopped. However, the FBRM CI will only save or process serial inputs together with the next FBRM measurement. The most recently received piece of input data will be the one that is saved or used for FBRM CI action.


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If data records come in at a faster rate than the FBRM measurement duration, extra records will be ignored for the purpose of trending, data logging (saving), and further processing.

For example, if the FBRM CI receives data at the COM port every two seconds and the measurement duration is set at ten seconds with the statistics setup set to display COM port input #23 as trend #1, the COM port’s input rate is five times faster than the measurement duration. This will result in trend #1 displaying only every fifth instance of input #23.

Supporting Equipment/Software

The data transfer protocol used by the FBRM CI is supported by Argo-naut, HEL, Mettler-Toledo, and Systag. Two instruction/software pack-ages are available from Mettler-Toledo, Inc. to help interface other equipment with the Lasentec serial data transfer protocol. Please con-tact your Mettler-Toledo Technology and Application Consultant for fur-ther details.

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Note: The following procedures assume the COM ports on the computer running the FBRM CI software have been properly configured to read data from another computer. If you need assistance connecting the source, see your system administrator.

Selecting a Serial Input to Configure

The Acquisition Module can read up to 30 serial input values. Both labels and data values are part of the incoming data.

To configure a serial input:

1. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Serial Inputs.

2. Under Select Comport, choose the COM port that the data source is connected to.

3. To view the Label and Data for a selected serial input, you may need to use the slider to make the input visible.

Note: The “Number Inputs” box displays the number of data items (up to 30) transmitted. If you select a COM Port that is already in use, the “No Comport Open” message will display in the “Error Status” box. The “Reading Shared Data” indicator applies only to the Master probe in a multiple-probe system. In that case data are received from other probes rather than via Com Port.


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Serial Input in a Multiple-Probe System

In a multiple-probe system, the Master probe cannot get data from serial input, but uses the serial inputs panel to receive data from Slave or Independent/Data Sharing probes within the same system. Therefore, when Serial Inputs is selected for a Master probe, Select Comport is grayed out and the Reading Shared Data indicator turns green, indicat-ing that shared data will be received.

Input#1 of the Master is reserved for the built-in OK indicator of any Slave or Independent/Data Sharing probe sharing data with the Master. In the example below, the OK-B label for Input#1 indicates that Probe B is set up to share data. The alternating display of 1 and 0 in the Data box indicates that the data sharing is working properly.

Input#2 is reserved for the measurement duration of the Slave or Inde-pendent/Data Sharing probe. In the example below, the measurement duration for Probe B is 60 seconds (1 minute).

Input#3 through Input#10 contain data from Probe B (see “Serial Out-put in a Multiple-Probe System” on page 94).

Input#11 through Input#20 (as well as Input#21 through Input#30) are also reserved for slave or Independent/Data Sharing probes. If both Probe C and Probe D are designated as Slave or Independent/Data Sharing probes, values from Probe C will display in Input#11 through Input#20 and values from Probe D will display in Input#21 through Input#30.

If Probe C is not in use, the Probe D values will still display in Input#21 through Input#30, while Input#11 through Input#20 values will display Not Available.

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Only the Master probe has functional changes to Serial Inputs. For a Slave or Independent probe, serial data can be read in from another source just as it is in a single-probe system. Independent/No Data Shar-ing probes cannot share data with the Master although they can send and receive data from other sources.

7.5 Serial Outputs

You can use a serial (COM) port to send up to 8 statistics from the com-puter running the FBRM CI software to another computer.

One COM port is required for output and one is required for input. There-fore, each probe requires two COM ports for two way data exchange.

How it Works

When serial output is selected, the FBRM CI sends data out once every measurement. For example, if your measurement duration is 10 sec-onds, you will get a new data record every 10 seconds.

Supporting Equipment/Software

The data transfer protocol used by the FBRM CI is supported by Argonaut, HEL, Mettler-Toledo, and Systag. Two instruction/software packages are available from Mettler-Toledo, Inc. to help interface other equipment with the Lasentec serial data transfer protocol. Please contact your Mettler-Toledo Technology and Application Consultant for further details.


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Note: Save both the FBRM data and your data acquisition system data files. The FBRM data file contains far more information than the few calculated statistics that are sent out (e.g., measurement configura-tion, raw channel data, etc.) and provides detailed analysis for the future.

Selecting an FBRM Statistic for Serial Output

To select an FBRM statistic for serial output:

1. From the Setup Menu, select Serial Output.

2. From the Select Com Port list, select the COM port you will use for output. If the selected COM port is already in use, a message will appear in the Error Status box.

3. In the Select Analog Output box, select the serial output number you wish to configure. (Output 1 is selected in the example below.)

4. To change the default label for the selected output (label-1 in the example below), type a new label in the Label box (limit 8 charac-ters). Labels can be changed at any time during data acquisition.

5. From the Choose Stat list, select the FBRM statistic you wish to assign to the output. If you do not wish to assign an FBRM statistic to a particular serial output, select Disabled.

6. Repeat this procedure for each of the eight output values.

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Note: If there is no response from the computer to which the serial output data is sent, an error message is displayed in the “Error Status” box. When the computer is back on line, the error status clears.

Changing the Trend Value Range

Use the Trend Value Range to map the statistics value to a new Mapped Value that is used for output. The default range 0-1000 is useful if you map a statistic that represents a chord length (e.g. mean chord length) provided that a scanning speed of 2 m/s is used. However, if you wish to map counts/sec, a larger trend value range is recommended.

If you wish to output a different range of values for a particular statistic, you can change this range.

To change the trend value range of a serial output statistic:

1. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Serial Output.

2. Verify the output displayed in the Select Analog Output box (Output 1 in the example above) is the one you wish to change.

3. Enter new minimum and maximum values in the Trend Value Range text boxes.

4. As data is being collected, the current trend value (raw data) for a selected output will display in the appropriate Trend Value box on the right side of the Setup Window.

Changing the Mapped Value Range

You may wish to trend statistical values over one range, but map (scale) to a smaller or larger range. The mapped value range is designed to be proportionate to the trend value range. Like the trend value range, the mapped value range can be changed.

To change the mapped value range of a serial output statistic:


2. Verify the output displayed in the Select Analog Output box (Output 1 in the example above) is the one you wish to change.

3. Enter new minimum and maximum values in the Mapped Value Range text boxes.


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4. As data is being collected, the current mapped value for a selected output will display in the appropriate Mapped Value box on the right side of the Setup Window.

Monitoring Software and Unit Operational Status

There is a signal alternating between minimum and maximum value from one measurement to the next that is maintained by version 6.8.0 FBRM CI software. If the FBRM CI crashes or if there is a system error, the signal will stop alternating, which can be detected by the control system. You can set one of the serial output options to monitor software and unit operational status.

To flag the option to monitor software and unit operational status:


2. From the Select Analog Output box, select the output number you wish to use to monitor software and unit operational status.

3. From the Choose Stat list, select OK-Indicator.

Serial Output in a Multiple-Probe System

In a multiple-probe system, any Slave or Independent/Data Sharing probe can share data with the Master probe through the serial output panel. Selecting a statistic for serial output, changing the trend value range, and changing the mapped value range are the same for Slave and Independent/Data Sharing probes in a multiple-probe system as for single probes. The difference is that in a multiple-probe system, the out-put data is shared with the Master probe instead of being input to a sep-arate computer. See Serial Input in a Multiple-Probe System on page 90.

When a Slave or Independent/Data Sharing probe is configured to share data with the Master, the Sharing Data indicator turns green, indicating that data are ready to be shared. While no COM port is necessary to share data with the Master, the Select Comport button can be used to send out the same data via COM port to a different computer or device.

Independent/No Data Sharing probes function like probes in a single-probe system. They can send serial data out to a separate computer, but not to a Master probe.

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7.6 Analog Outputs

FBRM CI data can be converted to analog signals for process control. Up to 8 statistical outputs (each with 12bit resolution) can be sent from the FBRM CI to analog-output hardware. For information on installing the appropriate analog-output hardware components, refer to the appropriate hardware manual.

Note: Save both the FBRM data and your data acquisition system data files. The FBRM data file contains far more information than the few calculated statistics that are sent out (e.g., measurement configura-tion, raw channel data, etc.) and provides detailed analysis for the future.


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Selecting an FBRM Statistic for Analog Output

To select an FBRM statistic for analog output:

1. From the Setup Menu, select Analog Outputs.

2. In the Select Analog Output box, select the analog output number you wish to configure for the first statistic. (Analog Out 2 is selected in the example below.)

3. From the Statistic for Output list, select the FBRM statistic you wish to assign to that particular analog output. The FBRM statistic num-ber, statistic type, and any weighting applied will display. If you do not wish to assign an FBRM statistic to an analog output, select Disabled.

4. Repeat this procedure for each statistic you wish to output. If you are using a multiple-probe system (e.g., an S400Q with more than one probe), see “Configuring Analog Outputs for Multiple Probes” on page 97.

Note: The name of the analog output hardware installed will display in the hardware Info field. If an error is detected (e.g., if the analog output board did not initialize correctly), a message will appear in the Error Status field. WARNING: ANY CHANGE MADE TO THE SELECTED STATISTIC IN THE STATISTIC SETUP WILL ALSO CHANGE THE STATISTIC OUTPUT.

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Configuring Analog Outputs for Multiple Probes

If there are multiple instances of the Acquisition Module, do not select and enable the same analog output number for different instances (probes). The probes will try to reset to each other’s value if more than one is used for analog output.

In build 13b and later of the FBRM CI software, only analog outputs which are enabled are written out. Previously, even outputs which were disabled were written as 4mA outputs. Upon program shutdown or dis-abling of a particular analog output, the output retains its last set value and is not set back to 4 mA.

The analog output number is chosen in the Select Analog Output box when Analog Outputs is selected from the Setup Menu. It is enabled when a value other than Disabled is selected in the Statistic for Output box. See “Analog Outputs” on page 95.

Below is an example of enabling/disabling analog outputs for a multi-probe system:

1. The figure below shows the analog output configuration for probe A. In this example, Analog Out 2 is chosen in the Select Analog Output box, enabling only analog output #2 for probe A:

2. Next, because output #1 is used by probe B, it must be disabled for Probe A. Disable an output by selecting Disabled in the Statistic for Output box.


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3. This figure shows the analog output configuration for probe B. For probe B, both output #1 and output #3 are enabled, neither of which interfere with probe A’s enabled output #2:

Changing the Trend Value Range

The default values that display in the Trend Value Range boxes reflect the channel groupings for the selected statistic as they were set up under Changing the Channel Grouping.” if you wish to output a different range of values for a particular statistic, you can change this range.

To change the trend value range of an analog output statistic:

1. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Analog Outputs.

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2. Verify that the analog output displayed in the Select Analog Output box (Analog Out 2 in the example above) is the one you wish to change.

3. Enter new minimum and maximum values in the Trend Value Range text boxes.

4. As data is being collected, the current trend value (raw data) for a selected output will display in the appropriate Trend Value box on the right side of the Setup Window.

Changing the Output Current Range

The default values that display in the Output Current Range [mA] boxes reflect the standard 4-20 mA range used by most instruments. If you wish to input a different current range for a selected statistic, you can change this range.

For example, if you wish to map a certain value range (e.g., 0 to 1000 micron) to an interval [4,12], then a value of 2000 corresponds to a mapped output value of 20mA.

The difference between 12-4=8 mA corresponds to a value differ-ence of 1000-0,

A difference of 20-4=16 (which is twice as much as 8) corresponds to a value difference twice as high as 1000 (or 2000).

To change the output current range of an analog output statistic:

1. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Analog Outputs.

2. Verify that the analog output displayed in the Select Analog Output box (Analog Out 2 in the example above) is the one you wish to change.

3. Enter new minimum and maximum values (in mA) in the Output Cur-rent Range [mA] text boxes.

4. The real-time output current for a selected output will display in the appropriate Output Current box on the right side of the Setup Win-dow.


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Monitoring FBRM CI and Unit Operational Status

There is a signal alternating between minimum and maximum value from one measurement to the next that is maintained by version 6.8.0 FBRM CI software. If the FBRM CI crashes or if there is a system error, the signal will stop alternating, which can be detected by the control system. You can set one of the serial output options to monitor software and unit operational status.

To flag the option to monitor software and unit operational status:


2. From the Select Analog Output box, select the output number you wish to use to monitor software and unit operational status.

From the Choose Stat list, select OK-Indicator.

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7.7 DDE to Foreign-Language Excel

In Excel versions other than English, the topic name and item may need to be renamed to match the language-specific name for sheet, row ( ‘r’ ) and column ( ‘c’ ). The table below shows an example.

7.8 DDE to Microsoft Excel

Statistics can only be transferred from the FBRM CI to Microsoft Excel via DDE. In Excel, each cell is addressed with the information transferred from the FBRM CI software (i.e., one cell provides one statistic).

For the DDE transfer to work, Excel must be installed on the PC running the FBRM CI software. The following procedures cover the DDE link from the perspective of the FBRM CI only. Consult the Help function of Excel for instructions on linking from the other end.

Enabling DDE

To activate the DDE link to transfer data from the FBRM CI to Excel:

1. Open Excel.

2. From the Setup Menu of the FBRM Control Interface, click the arrow and select DDE to Excel.

3. Click the Enable DDE box. When an X is displaying in this box, the program will transfer data via DDE to Exel when FBRM measure-ments are made.

4. To deselect the DDE option, click the Enable DDE box to remove the X.

Table 4. DDE to Foreign-Language Excel

Language Topic Item

English SHEET1 r1c1=r8c1

German TABELLE1 z1s1 = z8s1


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Note: Excel must be open before DDE is enabled and must stay open dur-ing DDE transfer.

7.9 Password

When activated, the Password function locks the application and pre-vents unauthorized personnel from making changes during file mea-surement and saving. A box called ProtectionLevel designates the level of protection as Operator or Display-Only.

When the Operator level is activated, a user can stop/start the measure-ment, stop/start save, annotate, and open and close a file. Measure-ment duration, channel grouping, and averaging are not accessible. Hardware configuration is also not accessible.

All other FBRM CI capability is locked. When the DisplayOnly level is activated, all functions except display functions and error-status moni-toring are disabled.

Locking an Application with a Password

To lock an application with a password:

1. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Password.

2. From the ProtectionLevel box, select the appropriate level of protec-tion. (The Operator level allows the user to change most of the Setup Menu settings, while Display-Only will only allow access to the Password and Error Status screens.)

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3. In the Enter Password to LOCK Application text box, type a password that is at least five characters long, then click Enter.

4. A new screen will appear asking you to confirm your password. In the Re-Enter Password text box, re-type your password, then click Enter.

Unlocking an Application with a Password

To unlock a password-protected application:

1. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Password.

2. In the Enter Password to UN-LOCK Application text box, type your password, then click Enter.


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Note: Contact a Mettler-Toledo Technology and Application Consultant if you have forgotten or misplaced your password.

7.10 Switch-Users Panel

The Version 6.8 software has a mandatory user log-in feature. The FBRM software is locked when the system is started. When the applica-tion is locked, most of the functionality in the Setup Menu and the Dis-play Menu are inaccessible. The exit button and start/stop measuring button are also disabled.

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Un-locking the Application Using User Authentication

To unlock the application, select the domain and enter your Windows user name and password. All users must have a password; blank pass-words are not supported. If the user authentication fails, the application remains locked.

Once the software has been unlocked the user may open a file and begin measuring and saving. When saving to an *.lst file, the domain name, machine name, user name and full name are saved to the file.

The Switch-Users Panel also enables multiple users to access the soft-ware during a single data acquisition run without exiting the acquisition software. Users can log into the system and log off as often as they wish. Whenever a new user logs in, the new user information is saved as long as an *.lst file is open and the software is measuring/saving.


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Locking the Application

Click the Log Off button to lock the application.When the application is locked, most of the functionality in the Setup Menu and the Display Menu is inaccessible. The exit button and start/stop measuring button are also disabled. The indicator field turns red, indicating the the appli-cation is locked. If data are saved to an LST file, the user information for the current user account, for the user who is logged on into the com-puter, is used.

The software continues to run in the state it was left in.

Logging Off

Logging off locks the application. When the application is locked, most of the functionality in the Setup Menu and the Display Menu is inacces-sible. The exit button and start/stop measuring button are also disabled.

Click the Log Off button to lock the application. The indicator field turns red, indicating the application is locked. If data are saved to an LST file, the user information for the current user account, for the user who is logged on into the computer, is used. The software continues to run in the state in which it was left.

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7.11 Error Log

The Error Log tracks errors that occur while the FBRM CI is running. Error messages created in the Acquisition Module while measuring but not saving will only be available for review in the Error Log field. However, error messages generated in the Acquisition Module while saving to a file will display in Data Review as part of a records data set. The Data Review Module will also show the number of missed measurements on any error condition.

In the event of an instrument error (e.g., temperature, over speed, under speed, etc.) the Acquisition Module (when saving data) will save the first record where the instrument error first appeared. The error information will be contained in that record so it can be displayed in the Data Review error log. If subsequent measurements also show error conditions, they will not be saved to the data (*.lst) file, nor will any data be saved. How-ever, any error condition messages generated by the instrument will con-tinue to be saved to the error.txt file. The Data Review Module also gives the number of missed measurements between the onset of the error con-dition and the resumption of correct operation.

It is highly recommended that you do not delete the error.txt file, as keep-ing track of all errors may be very useful in diagnosing instrument prob-lems.

Viewing Current Error Messages and the Error Log

The most recent error message received for the open file is displayed in the Current Error Message box. All error messages received for the open file are displayed in the Error Log box.


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Clearing the Error Log Display

To clear the error log:

1. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Error Log.

2. Click the Clear Log Display button.

Note: Clearing the error log does not change the data in the error log file; it just clears the current window. Never delete or alter the error log file.

7.12 Hardware Configuration

Hardware configurations are changed with the CI software. Scanning speed, nucleation, fine and coarse electronics, COM ports, and the cali-bration verification system [CVS] function can be set with the Hardware Configuration dialog box in the FBRM CI. Some of the configurations affect data acquisition and review.

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Password Protection for Hardware Configuration

The hardware configuration function can be protected by a password.

To lock the hardware configuration:

1. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Hardware Cfg.

2. In the Enter Password to LOCK Hardware Controls box, enter and confirm a password of your choice, then click Enter.

3. To unlock the hardware configuration, enter and confirm your pass-word.

4. If you forget or lose this password, contact your Mettler-Toledo Tech-nology and Applications Consultant.

Detecting Nucleation

This hardware feature is not yet supported.

Switching Between Fine and Coarse Discrimination Electronics

Some FBRM instruments come configured to allow you to switch between the fine “F” and coarse “C” discrimination electronics. To switch electron-ics, first check that your unit has been properly configured. For instru-ments configured for both electronics types shipped in January 2001 or later, the procedure below is all that is necessary to switch between “F” and “C” electronics. For older units, information on switching the elec-tronics in the instrument itself can be found in the D600 or M-Series


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hardware manual. For units shipped prior to January 2001, the FBRM CI should be set to the same discrimination circuit as the hardware.

To switch between the fine and coarse discrimination electronics:


2. In the Fine/Coarse box, click the arrow and select the appropriate discrimination electronics type. With version 6.8.0 or later of the FBRM CI, the selected electronics will display in the Current Mea-surement Setup Panel, along with the time averaging and channel grouping settings.

Note: For units manufactured before January 2001, switching between fine and coarse discrimination electronics in the FBRM CI does not change the hardware setting. Refer to the appropriate hardware manual for information on changing the hardware settings.

Changing the Scanning Speed

The FBRM CI should be set to the same scanning speed as the hard-ware, which must be manually changed. For instructions on changing the hardware scan speed, see the appropriate hardware manual.

To take advantage of the higher scan speeds available in version 6.8.0 or later of the FBRM CI software, expanded measurement ranges are also offered.

To change the scanning speed:


2. In the Scanning Speed box, click the arrow and select the appropri-ate speed. The usable measurement range (e.g., 0-1024 µm for a scanning speed of 2 m/s up to 0-4096 µm for 8 m/s) will display underneath this box.

Note: Changing the scanning speed in the FBRM CI does not change the hardware setting. Refer to the appropriate hardware manual for information on hardware settings that also need to be made.

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Changing the FBRM COM Port

To change the FBRM COM port:


2. In the Instrument Com Port box, click the arrow and select the COM port to which the FBRM instrument is connected. The blue box under-neath will display the baud rate for the embedded software.

Note: For an M500, M600, or D600 FBRM system with more than one probe, you must specify a COM port for each probe.

8. Display Menu OptionsThe display menu contains options for:

• Viewing the statistics configuration (Stats).

• Viewing channel data (Channel Data).

• Working with reference distributions (Ref.Distr.).

• Changing the display setup (Display Setup).

8.1 Statistics Configuration

To view how the statistics are configured and their current value at the last measurement:

1. From the Display Menu, click the arrow and select Stats. The Stats display also controls the trends displayed in the Trend Display graph.

Tnd# – Refers to the statistic being displayed in the Trend Display. Up to 8 statistics can be displayed at one time. This column is un-editable.

Show – Allows you to choose whether to display a statistic in the Trend Display or not. Click the box corresponding to a statistic (1 through 8) in the Show column to display that statistic in the Trend Display. The statistic will be displayed in the Trend Display if an X shows in the box. If you do not want the statistic to be shown in the Trend Display, click the box again to remove the X.

Statistics and Channel Ranges – Displays the statistic type, any weighting applied, and the channel range of each statistic. This col-umn is un-editable. Also, as statistic names are generated by the CI based on statistic configuration, they too are un-editable.


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Current Value – Displays the value for each statistic at the last com-pleted measurement. This value will change each time a new mea-surement is completed. This column is un-editable.

Reference Value – This column (which only displays if a reference distribution is used) shows the value of the reference distribution by statistic. This column is un-editable. For more information, see “Reference Distributions” on page 113.

Percent Diff. – This column (which only displays if a reference dis-tribution is used) shows the percentage difference of the current value from the reference value. This column is un-editable.

8.2 Channel Data

Although statistics are calculated from the raw data, the counts dis-played when Channel Data is selected from the Display Menu are rounded to the nearest single count. In some cases, more precision is required. This information is saved to the file and can be reviewed when transferred to Excel.

To view channel boundaries and the number or percent of chords within the channels at the current measurement:

1. From the Display Menu, click the arrow and select Channel Data. All information is un-editable.

Ch.Bd. – Refers to the position (in microns) of a channel’s left boundary.

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Current Distr. – Shows either the number or percent of chords in the channel, depending on the selection made in the Distribution Display and Controls Panel.

Reference Distr. – This column (which only displays if a reference distribution is used) shows either the number or percent of chords in the channel, depending on which is selected in the Distribution Dis-play and Controls Panel. For more information, see “Reference Distri-butions” on page 113.

% Difference – This column (which only displays if a reference dis-tribution is used) shows the percentage difference between the cur-rent and reference distributions in terms of number or percent (whichever is selected) of chords in the channel.

Note: The scroll bar on the right side of the “Current Distribution Channel Data” table lengthens or shortens depending on the number of chan-nels. Use the scroll bar to see all channels in the distribution.

8.3 Reference Distributions

You can use the Reference Distributions function to save the current dis-tribution as a reference, load a previously saved reference distribution, or display the current distribution as a reference.


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Saving the Current Distribution as Reference

To save the current distribution for reference as an ASCII file:

1. From the Display Menu, click the arrow and select Ref.Distr.

2. Click Save Current Distribution to an ASCII File.

3. Enter a file name for your distribution and click Save.

Loading a Previously Saved Reference Distribution

To load a previously saved ASCII file as a reference distribution:

1. From the Display Menu, click the arrow and select Ref.Distr.

2. Click Load Reference Distribution from an ASCII File.

3. Select the distribution you wish to load and click Open. Important information about the reference record, including the name of the *.ref file and of the *.lst file (if applicable) from which the *.ref file was created, will display in the Reference Record Info field.

Note: The measurement range displayed in the “Reference Record Info” field is the theoretical range possible at the time the reference distri-bution was created. For example, if a reference distribution was cre-ated with build 13 or earlier of the FBRM CI software at a scan speed of 2 m/s, the measurement range will show 0 to 1024 µm.

4. To display the reference distribution in the Distribution Display graph, click the Show Reference Distribution box. (When an X appears in this box, the loaded distribution will display in the Distri-bution graph.)

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Displaying the Current Distribution as Reference

To display the current distribution as a reference:

1. From the Display Menu, click the arrow and select Ref. Distr.

2. Click Use Current Distribution as Reference. Because the reference record was created from the current measurement, no *.ref or *.lst file information will display in the Reference Record Info box.

3. To display the reference distribution in the Distribution Display graph, check the Show Reference Distribution box. (When an X appears in this box, the distribution will display in the Distribution graph.)

8.4 Display Setup

The Display Setup function changes the color scheme of both the Distri-bution Display and Trend Display graphs and sets the line markers at the channel boundaries for one or both displays.

Choosing the Color Scheme

To choose the color scheme associated with the Distribution Display and Trend Display graphs:

1. From the Display Menu, click the arrow and select Display Setup.

2. Click the arrow on the Color Scheme and select the color scheme that best suits your needs:

Regular - Displays white on a blue background in the Distribution Display and various colors on a black background in the Trend Dis-play.

Color - Displays black on a white background in the Distribution Display and various colors on a white background in the Trend Dis-play.

B/W - Displays black on a white background in the Distribution Dis-play and shades of gray on a white background in the Trend Dis-play.


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Setting Line Markers

To set line markers at the channel boundaries:


2. To set line markers in the Distribution Display graph, click the box to the right of Line Markers for Distribution Display.

3. To set line markers in the Trend Display graph, click the box to the right of Line Markers for Trend Display.

4. To deselect line markers, click the boxes again.

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The graph on the upper left side of the Acquisition Module main display and the row of buttons directly underneath it are referred to as the Distribution Display and Con-trols Panel. The Distribution Display graph presents the last completed measure-ment. The X-Axis shows the channel boundaries in microns. The Y-Axis shows either the number or percent of chord counts, depending on which is selected.

The Distribution Display presents data in the following formats:

• Displays chord counts as number of counts per channel, percent of total counts, cumulative counts or cumulative percent of total counts.

• Displays the counts in counts per second or counts per measurement.

• Applies inverse length, unweighted, length-squared, or cubed weighting to the counts.

• Displays a line or bar graph.

• Scaling and zooming options.



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9.1 Viewing Distribution as Number of Chords or Percent of Chords

Use the first drop-down list box to change the data display format in the Distribution Display graph.

The first drop down list box is at the bottom of the Distribution Display and Controls Panel (displays %/Channel in the example above). To change the data display format click the arrow and select the type of data display:

#/Channel – Displays chords per channel as a number.

%/Channel – Displays chords per channel as percent of total counts.

#/Cumulative – Cumulatively displays chords per channel as a number.

%/Cumulative – Cumulatively displays chords per channel as a percent of total counts.

9.2 Viewing Distribution as Counts per Measurement or Counts per Second

Use the second list box to select the way that counts-per-chord-length distribution is displayed.

To change the display, click the arrow in the second drop down list box (Counts/Meas. is shown in the example on the previous page) and select the type of data display:

Counts/Meas. – Displays the distribution with actual chord-length counts over the designated measurement duration. The Counts/Meas. option should only be used to compare measurements with identical measurement durations. It is typically useful when total counts are very low, but should otherwise be avoided.

Counts/Sec – Displays the distribution with chord-length counts divided by the single measurement duration used during the mea-surement. This option normalizes the data so you can compare measurements taken with different measurement durations.

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9.3 Applying a Weighting Function


For example, the statistic unweighted mean is more sensitive to change on the fine side of the distribution. As you add weight, you move the measurement of central tendency (mean) sensitivity from the fine to the coarse side of the distribution. Calculations for these weightings are pro-vided in Appendix 1: Data Processing in the FBRM CI Software.

To apply a weighting function to the counts-per-chord-length distribution:

1. Using the third from left drop-down list box at the bottom of the Distri-bution Display and Controls Panel (displays No Wt in the example above), apply a weighting function to the counts-per-chord-length distribution:

1/Lth Wt – An inverse length weighted distribution is obtained by applying an inverse length weighting function.

No Wt – Unweighted chord. The unmodified chord length as mea-sured by the FBRM instrument. No calculations or modifications have been made to this distribution. It is highly sensitive to changes in the fine aspect of the distribution.

Lth Wt – Chord length weight. A weighted distribution obtained by applying a chord-length weighting function to the unweighted chord distribution.

Sqr Wt – Chord length squared. A weighted distribution obtained by applying a chord-length squared weighting function to the unweighted chord distribution.

Cube Wt – Chord length cubed. A weighted distribution obtained by applying a chord length-cubed weighting function to the unweighted chord distribution. The cube weight function is applied to enhance sensitivity to change in the coarse aspect of the distribution.


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9.4 Viewing the Distribution as a Line Graph vs. a Bar Graph

To view the distribution as either a line or bar graph:

1. Using the fourth pull-down arrow at the bottom of the Distribution Display and Controls Panel (set to Bar Graph in the example above), toggle to view your distribution as either a line or bar graph in the Distribution Display:

Line Graph – This option is useful when comparing multiple distri-butions.

Bar Graph – This option is best for displaying channel boundaries and midpoints and for reading individual channel counts.

9.5 Scaling and Zooming Options

Buttons located in the lower right corner of the Trend Display and Con-trol panel affect the X and Y axis in the Trend Display. They also enable zooming and panning operation.

X and Y Autoscale Tools

The X and Y Autoscale tools automatically set the scales on the X and Y axes to show all of the available data. Clicked once, they autoscale their respective axis.

The switches to the left of the X and Y Autoscale tools can be toggled left or right to lock or unlock the autoscale function. (Both are unlocked in the example above.)

When the autoscale is unlocked, the axis re-scales only when the autoscale button is clicked. When the autoscale is locked, the respective axis re-scales every time new data is shown in the display.

To autoscale continuously, make sure the switches are set to the locked position.

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Zoom Tool

You can zoom in or out on the Trend Display graph with The Zoom Tool. When clicked, the Zoom Tool display indicates the following options:

To use a zoom option, click the Zoom Tool you wish to use and position the cursor on the Trend Display graph. The options are shown from the upper left, clockwise. They are listed below in that order.

• Zoom by rectangle

• Zoom by rectangle, with zooming restricted to the X-Axis (the Y scale remains unchanged)

• Zoom by rectangle, with zooming restricted to the Y-Axis (the X scale remains unchanged)

• Zoom in to a point (if you hold down the mouse on a specific point, the graph continuously zooms in until you release the mouse button)

• Zoom out of a point (if you hold down the mouse on a specific point, the graph continuously zooms out until you release the mouse button)

• Undo last zoom (resets the graph to its previous setting)

Panning Tool

The Panning Tool allows you to scroll through visible data on the Distri-bution Display graph. Click the Panning Tool button and position the cur-sor on the Distribution Display graph to move around the plot area.


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Operate Mode Tool

The Operate Mode tool is used to deselect the zoom and panning tools. If either the Zoom Tool or Panning Tool is selected (the button is depressed), clicking the Operate Mode tool button will deselect it.

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10. Trend Display and Controls PanelThe graph on the upper-right side of the Acquisition Module main display and the row of buttons directly underneath it are referred to as the Trend Display and Con-trols Panel.

The Trend Display graph presents up to 8 statistics trended over time. The X-Axis shows the trends by time or record. The Y-Axis is scaled to a selected statistic (1 through 8).

The Trend Display controls perform the following functions:

• Select the Y-Axis scale, which is based on one statistic (1 through 8)

• Display the X-Axis by time or record

• Use the Trend Display buffer to determine the maximum number of records dis-played in the graph

• Access scaling and zooming options

• Autoscale the graph


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10.1 Selecting Statistics for Display in the Trend Display Graph

Any or all of the statistics (1 through 8) can be displayed on the Trend Display graph at any time.

To choose which statistics to display:

1. From the Display Menu, click the arrow and select Stats.

2. Under the Show column, check the boxes that correspond to the sta-tistics you want to display. If a box is not checked, that statistic will not display in the Trend Display graph.

10.2 Scaling the Y-Axis

You can set the Y-Axis of the Trend Display to display the scale of a selected statistic (1 through 8).

To change the statistic to which the Y-Axis scale applies:

1. Use the pull-down menu under Y-Axis applies to at the bottom of the Trend Display and Controls panel.

2. Select the statistic (1 through 8) to which you want to apply the Y-Axis scale.

3. The Y-Axis automatically rescales to the selected statistic.

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10.3 Scaling the X-Axis

You can choose to scale the X-Axis by time or record. Keep in mind that time stamps in the FBRM CI are saved as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), but displayed in local time. If data is taken in time zone A and then trans-ferred to time zone B, the time stamp displayed will be the local time in time zone B at the time data was taken in time zone A.

To scale the X-Axis by time or record:

1. Using the pull-down arrow under the X-Axis Scale box at the bottom of the Trend Display and Controls panel, select one of the following:

Time – Scales the X-Axis to correspond with actual time elapsed between saved records.

Record – Scales the X-Axis to equal spacing between records (regardless of the actual time each record was saved).

10.4 Separating Statistics in the Trend Display Graph

You can set the Trend Display to view the statistics either overlapping each other or separated.

To view the statistics separately:

1. On the Trend Display and Controls Panel, check the Separated box. (An X will appear in the box.)

2. Click Scale All Trends. The Y-Axis will automatically rescale and the statistics will separate.

To view the statistics overlaying each other:

1. On the Trend Display and Controls Panel, un-check the Separated box. (The X will disappear.)

2. Click Scale All Trends. The Y-Axis will automatically rescale and the statistics will overlap each other.


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10.5 Setting the Maximum Number of Records Displayed

To increase or reduce displayed time resolution, you can choose a maximum number of records to be displayed on the Trend Display graph.

To set the maximum number of records displayed:

On the Trend Display and Controls Panel, click the Buffer Length toggle arrows or type in the desired buffer length. The graph will rescale when the next measurement is saved.


Buttons located in the lower right corner of the Trend Display and Con-trol panel affect the X and Y axis for scaling data in the Trend Display. They also enable zooming and panning operation.




When the autoscale is unlocked, the axis re-scales only when the autoscale button is clicked. When the autoscale is locked, the respective axis re-scales every time new data is added to the display.


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Zoom Tool









Panning Tool

You can scroll through visible data on the Trend Display graph with the Panning Tool. Click the Panning Tool button and position the cursor on the Trend Display graph to move around the plot area.

Operate Mode Tool



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11. Probes with Calibration Verification System (CVS)If your FBRM probe is equipped with a calibration verification system (CVS), the software can be set up to periodically conduct selected measurements on a well-defined line of known width which is embedded in the probe window. Proper opera-tion and calibration can be verified on a continuous basis by using the embedded line as a reference. Because the width of the target is well defined, it will measure a distribution that has only one single narrow peak centered near 200 µm that indi-cates the width of the verification target line, when the FBRM is in proper calibration. The total counts of that distribution should be 75 counts/sec for a scan speed of 2m/sec, as the target is scanned exactly once for each scan cycle lasting 1/75 of a sec-ond. Higher scan speeds of n*2m/sec result in n*75 counts/sec for n=1,2,3, or 4.

Even though the verification target is very well defined, small deviations from the ideal verification distribution may occur during regular probe operation due to probe vibration, sub-optimal focal position, etc. Thus, the user can specify allowable limits for peak location, standard deviation, and counts per second. Use the verification configuration panel to specify these tolerance levels.

If a verification distribution falls outside the allowable limits, an alarm is activated in the verification configuration panel explaining why the verification distribution was rejected. A similar entry is made into the verification.log file located in your FBRM CI installation directory. The verification.log file logs both passed and failed verification measurements, but no regular measurements. An entry is also made in the Error Log panel.

Verification measurements are interspersed with regular measurements. Verification measurements are not saved to a *.lst file and their statistics do not enter into trend windows. Time averaging and channel grouping do not affect the results of a verifi-cation measurement. Use the hardware configuration panel to set up and enable the verification feature and set the interval between verification measurements.

The following sections discuss these issues in greater detail.


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11.1 Measurement Zone Adjustment

The verification target is blanked out for all ordinary measurements and thus does not disrupt the regular measurement process. For that to work, the verification measurement zone has to be lined up with the physical position (see Positioning the Verification Measurement Zone below) of the verification target. This procedure must be performed under the following circumstances:

• For a new probe or new software installation.

• After the probe window has been readjusted or replaced.

• If the probe does not pass the verification test due to inadequate mea-surement zone adjustment.

Positioning the Verification Measurement Zone

To positioning the verification measurement zone:

1. Set the Distribution Display settings to the values shown below:

2. From the Setup Menu, select Meas. Config.

3. From the Measurement Duration menu, select 2 sec.

4. Set the Channel Grouping to 0-300 um 300 Linear Ch.

5. From the Time Averaging menu, select No Time Averaging.

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6. From the Setup Menu, select Stat. Config.

7. Set the Channel Range, Statistic, and Weighting to the settings below and make sure the dx/dt checkbox is unchecked.

8. From the Setup Menu, select Hardware Cfg.

9. Make sure that the Scanning Speed setting in the Hardware Configu-ration panel matches the probe’s actual scan speed. The scan speed is configured both in the software and inside the field unit. Refer to the hardware manual that accompanied your instrument for further information.

10. Set the Verification switch to the On position. This makes every mea-surement a verification measurement, making it easier to find the verification measurement zone.


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11. If the verification measurement zone has already been set up cor-rectly, there is a single narrow peak at or near 200 µm in the Distri-bution Display. The distribution should be no wider than four channels when the probe is in a fixed position and should look similar to the one below:

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12. From the Display Menu, select Stats. Tnd# 1 should show a Current Value of 75 counts/sec for a scan speed of 2 m/sec. For higher scan speeds (i.e., scan speeds of n*2m/s), you should get n*75 counts/sec.

13. If the distribution conforms to the above criteria, your instrument is already calibrated.

If the distribution does not conform to the above criteria, change the V.Delay control value (see red frame in the figure below) until you get a distribution that yields 75 counts/sec (or n*75 counts/sec for a n*2m/sec scan speed) and has a very narrow peak. Then proceed to step 14.

14. Adjust the verification delay in increments of one and allow for at least one complete measurement (2 seconds) before switching to the next V.Delay. Select the V.Delay value that gives you the best results. If more than one V.Delay value gives you the optimum result (e.g., V.Delay = 24, 25, 26), choose the value at or closest to the center (e.g., 25).


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If you cannot find a V.Delay value that gives acceptable results, contact Mettler-Toledo Technical Support for Lasentec Products at [email protected].

Note: Because the “V.Delay” values of 0 to 255 describe angles from 0 to 359 degrees (similar to how 0 degrees is the same as 360 degrees on a circle), a value of 255 is as similar to 0 as it is to 254. For example, if 254, 255, and 0 all yield optimum results, the center value of 255 (by position, not numerically) should be chosen.

11.2 Frequency of Verification Measurements

Verification measurements are conducted at regular intervals between regular measurements. The frequency at which verification measure-ments are conducted depends on how closely you wish to monitor the instrument for proper operation. You can specify the time that passes between verification measurements in terms of minutes or by the num-ber of regular measurements that pass between verification measure-ments.

The software automatically picks the choice (by the duration vs. by number of measurements) that gives you the shortest spacing in time. If for instance the regular measurement duration was 30 seconds and you specified Auto-Verify every five minutes, or every 20 measurements, the software would pick every five minutes because 20 measurements at 30 seconds imply a spacing of ten minutes.

Verification measurements can be distinguished from regular measure-ments by the color of the progress bar and by the appearance of Verify-ing... next to a gray progress bar.

Regular measurement:

Verifying measurement:

Separating Verification Measurements by Time Duration

To separate the verification measurements by time duration:


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2. Set the Verification switch to Auto.

3. Set the measurement duration for the verification measurement in the V.Meas.Duration [sec] box. This measurement duration may be dif-ferent from your regular measurement duration. For instance, your regular measurement duration (set in the Meas. Config. panel) can be set to one minute while your verification measurement is set to 10 seconds. This allows you to minimize the overhead incurred by the verification measurements.

4. In the box following the Auto-Verify every... statement, specify the desired interval between verification measurements. The example below specifies that a new 10-second verification measurement start every 5 minutes.

Note: Theoretically, the combination of current measurement duration, “V.Meas.Duration,” and the desired time interval between verifica-tion measurements could produce an insufficient number of regular measurements between verification measurements. To prevent this, the software makes a minimum of four regular measurements between verification measurements.

5. The software uses the smaller of the two intervals implied by either the time interval (e.g., 5 Minutes in the example above) or the num-ber of measurements between verification measurements (e.g, 9999 Measurements in the example above). If you want the time interval to take precedence over the measurement-based spacing, enter a high value in the measurement-based spacing (every... Measure-ments) box.


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Separating Verification Measurements by Number of Regular Measurements

To separate the verification measurements by the number of regular measurements:



3. Set the measurement duration for the verification measurement in the V.Meas.Duration [sec] box. This measurement duration may be different from your regular measurement duration. For instance, your regular measurement duration (set in the Meas. Config. panel) can be set to one minute while your verification measurement is set to 10 seconds. This allows you to minimize the overhead incurred by the verification measurements.

4. In the every...Measurements box, enter the desired number of regu-lar measurements between verification measurements (e.g., 5 Measurements in the example below). Values smaller than 4 mea-surements are not allowed and are automatically reset to 4.

5. The software uses the smaller of the two intervals implied by either the time interval (e.g., 9999 Minutes in the example above) or the number of measurements between verification measurements (e.g., 5 Measurements in the example above). If you want the number of measurements to take precedence over the time-based spacing, enter a high value in the time-based spacing (every... Minutes) box.

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11.3 Alarm Criteria for Verification Measurements

Even though verification measurements should be close to the ideal of 75 counts/sec for a 2 m/sec scan speed and a single-bin peak near 200 µm, slight deviations from the ideal distribution may occur even during regular probe operation. Specifying tolerance levels for the mean chord length and standard deviation of the distribution allows you to determine the alarm sensitivity.

Setting Acceptance Criteria for Verification Measurements

To set Acceptance Criteria for Verification Measurements:



3. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Verification Cfg.

4. In the Verification Configuration panel, monitor the Mean Chord Length, Standard Deviation, and Counts per Second over several ver-ification measurements. If your instrument is adjusted correctly, the mean chord length should be close to 200 µm and the standard deviation not far from 1.0. A mean chord length of 210 µm or stan-dard deviation of 2.0 would likely indicate a problem.

5. Set the tolerances (shown in the frame below) for Mean Chord Length, Standard Deviation, and Counts per Second so that typical values fall within the allowed range.


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6. The center value for the Counts per Second tolerance (see the frame below) cannot be edited because it is a function of the scan speed. A 2m/sec scan speed should produce 75 counts/sec, whereas a scan speed of 4 m/sec should yield 150 counts/sec. Changing Scanning Speed in the Hardware Configuration panel automatically adjusts this value.

11.4 Monitoring with Verification Measurements

With the tolerance levels selected, the verification measurements can be used to monitor the instrument for proper operation. To enable monitor-ing, select Hardware Cfg from the Setup Menu and set the Verification switch to Auto.

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Error Conditions

Error conditions are indicated at three different places:

• Alarms are indicated in the Verification Configuration panel. An example where the standard deviation has exceeded the allowed limit is shown below. In case of a verification error, the software automatically switches to the Verification Configuration panel, accompanied by a beep.

• An entry is also made in the Error Log panel. If you are saving data to a *.lst file, the error condition is saved with the next regular measurement saved.

• In your FBRM CI installation directory, there is a file (verification.log) that logs results for both passed and failed verification measurements. The software continuously appends to this file, providing a history of verifica-tion results. If desired, this file can be deleted at any time. The software will automatically create a new file with the first new verification mea-surement.


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Possible Alarm Scenarios

The following are the possible alarm scenarios for verification measure-ments:

• Mean chord length is outside the allowed range.

• Standard deviation is too large.

• Counts/sec is outside the allowed range.

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12. Printing Acquisition Module ReportsThere are three standard reports that can be printed from the Acquisition Module:

• Distribution Compare Analysis – Called Distribution, Plot, this report prints the current Distribution Display graph and associated data (i.e., X- and Y-Axis infor-mation, channel grouping, date and time stamp, the name, measurement dura-tion, time averaging, annotation, and statistics configuration). If a reference distribution is loaded, a comparison with this data will be shown as well.

• Recall Analysis – Called Distribution, Channel Data, this report prints a two-col-umn report listing the left channel boundary of the Distribution Display graph in the first column and the channel value in the second column. If a reference dis-tribution is loaded, a comparison with this data will be shown as well.

• Trend Analysis – This report prints the current Trend Display graph and associ-ated data (i.e., file name, annotation, record range, channel grouping, time averaging, date and time stamp, measurement duration, and statistics configu-ration).

12.1 Printer Setup

Unless otherwise specified, the FBRM CI software will print reports to the default printer set up under Windows. However, if you wish to change your default printer for the FBRM CI you can do so without changing your Windows default.

To change the default printer settings for the FBRM CI:

1. Click the Print Report button above the Display Menu. (You must first stop measuring.) The following dialog box appears:


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2. Click Page Setup. The following dialog box appears:

3. Click the Printer setup button. The following dialog box appears:

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4. Using the pull-down menu next to the Name box, select the printer you wish to set as the FBRM CI default, then Click OK. The printer you select becomes the default printer for the FBRM Control Interface until you exit the software, but your Windows default does not change.

Note: If you change printers while the FBRM CI is running, the attributes (e.g., changing black and white to print in color) will not be reset until the computer running the FBRM CI is shutdown and restarted.

12.2 Printing Reports

To print a report from the Acquisition Module:

1. Click the Print Report button above the Display Menu. (You must first stop measuring.)

2. In the Select Pages to Print dialog box, click the box to the right of the report(s) you wish to print, then click OK.

13. Exiting the Acquisition ModuleThe X at the upper right of the Acquisition Module main display (typically used to close Windows-based programs) is disabled. You must click Exit on the Status Bar to close the Acquisition Module.

To exit the Acquisition Module:

1. Click Exit at the bottom right-hand corner of the Status Bar. The fol-lowing message appears:

2. Click Yes to exit the program.


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January 2008 Data Review Module FBRM Manual

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Chapter 4. Data Review Module1. Features of the Data Review Module

The Data Review Module performs the following functions:

• Rapid analysis of previously acquired data.

• Displays, from a single data file, FBRM and analog input trends over time simul-taneous with the chord distribution associated with any point on that trend.

• Displays and compares up to 8 chord-length distributions over a time sequence.

• Displays and compares up to 8 chord-length distributions from up to 8 different files for batch-to-batch or sample-to-sample comparison.

• Exports data to other applications.

2. Starting the Data Review ModuleTo start the Data Review Module:

Step 1. From your desktop, double-click the Lasentec FBRM Data Review icon or, from the Start menu, choose Programs, Lasentec FBRM, FBRM Data Review.

Step 2. Read the License and Limited Warranty Agreement, and click Accept License Agreement. If you do not want to see the dialog box again, select Don’t Show this Dialog again.


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Note: See Appendix 2: Terms and Conditions of Sale for the Mettler-Toledo AutoChem Condition of Sale, Warranty and License Agreement referred to in the warranty.

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3. Data Review Module Main DisplayOnce you have accepted the license and limited warranty agreement, the Data Review Module main display appears. If you find the main display is partially hid-den, make sure your screen resolution is 1024 x 768.

The Data Review Module main display is broken into the following seven sections:


2. Trend Display and Controls Panel

3. Setup Window

4. Trend Crosshair Value Panel

5. Status Bar

6. Display Window

7. Current Measurement Setup Panel

Below is a diagram of the Data Review Module main display with each of the seven sections labelled. Following that is a brief description of each section’s functionality.


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Note: If the Windows task bar prevents you from viewing part of the dis-play, hide it by clicking “Start,” pointing to “Settings,” clicking “Taskbar,” and selecting “Auto hide.” The task bar will re-appear when you move the cursor towards it and will disappear when you move the cursor away.

3.1 Distribution Display and Controls Panel

The graph on the upper-left side of the Data Review Module main dis-play and row of buttons directly underneath it are referred to as the Dis-tribution Display and Controls Panel.

Distribution Display and Controls Panel

Trend Display and Controls Panel

CurrentMeasurementSetup Panel

DisplayWindow

Status BarTrendCrosshairValue Panel

SetupWindow

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The Distribution Display graph presents the specific chord-length distri-bution referenced by the current record crosshair position on the Trend Display graph. As the crosshair is moved along the trend over time, the current Distribution Display graph will update to match the data at that new point in time.

The X-Axis shows the channel boundaries in microns. The Y-Axis shows either the number or percent of chord counts, depending on the user’s selection. Additional chord-length distributions, for given single points in time, can be added to this graph for comparison.

The Distribution Display controls perform the following functions:

• Display chord counts either by number or percent of total counts

• Display the distribution in counts per second or counts per measure-ment.

• Apply one-over-length, unweighted, length-squared, or cubed weighting to the counts.

• Display a line or bar graph.



3.2 Trend Display and Controls Panel

The graph on the upper-right side of the Data Review Module main dis-play and row of buttons directly underneath it are referred to as the Trend Display and Controls Panel.

The Trend Display graph presents up to 8 statistics trended over time. The X-Axis shows the trends by time or record. The Y-Axis is scaled to a selected statistic, 1 through 8.

The Trend Display graph contains a movable crosshair (cursor) that points to the current record. The position of this crosshair is referred to as the current record crosshair position.


• Select the Y-Axis scale based on one statistic (1 through 8).


• Lock the current-record cursor to a particular statistic.

• Center the cursor within the X-Axis.


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• Scale and Zooms a display.


3.3 Setup Window

The Setup Window, located to the right of the Trend Crosshair Value Panel, reflects whichever Setup Menu option is currently selected. Depending on the menu option selected, you can view information and/or make changes in the Setup Window.

3.4 Trend Crosshair Value Panel

The Trend Crosshair Value Panel is located just below the Trend Display and Controls Panel. This panel has four components:

• Time at Crosshair – An uneditable box that displays the date and time stamp for the statistic at the current record crosshair position.

• Value at Crosshair – An uneditible box that displays the value for the statistic at the current-record crosshair position.

• Print Report – Function that allows you to print a variety of reports.

• Setup Menu – Changes the display and function of the Setup Window.

3.5 Status Bar

The Status Bar, located at the bottom of the Data Review Module main display, shows:

• The name of the file currently open for review.

• The Exit key.

3.6 Display Window

The Display Window, located to the right of the Current Measurement Setup Panel, reflects whichever Display Menu option is currently selected. Depending on the menu option selected, you can view infor-mation and/or make changes in the Display Window.

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3.7 Current Measurement Setup Panel

The Current Measurement Setup Panel is located just below the Distribu-tion Display and Controls Panel. This panel has three components:

• Current Recall Settings – An uneditable box that displays the time aver-aging and channel grouping options applied to the trend data and cur-rent chord-length distribution. (The chord-length distributions added from the Display Menu have a different averaging setup. All other param-eters are equal.)

• Meas. Duration during Acquisition – An uneditable box that displays the current chord-length distribution measurement duration. (As measure-ment duration was set up during data acquisition, it cannot be changed during data review.)

• Display Menu – Changes the display and function of the Display Win-dow.


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4. Setup Menu Options

In addition to the options for viewing and changing measurement configurations (Meas. Config) discussed in Getting Started, the Setup Menu contains options for the following functions:

• Viewing annotation (Annotation)

• Viewing and changing statistic configurations (Stat. Config)

• Viewing analog and serial inputs (Analog Inputs 1, Analog Inputs 2, Serial Inputs)

• Viewing the error log (Error Log)

• Customizing channel conversion (Meas. Config 2)

• Viewing user information (User Info)

4.1 Viewing Annotation

To view annotation:

1. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Annotation to view the annotation made during data acquisition.

The Settings during original data acquisition box displays the elec-tronics setting (FINE or COARSE), time averaging option and set-tings, channel grouping, and frequency of saved measurements while data was being acquired at the current-record crosshair posi-tion on the Trend Display graph.


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The Annotation box displays the annotation made while data was being acquired at the current record crosshair position on the Trend Display graph.

4.2 Configuring Statistics

You can configure up to 8 statistics for review by selecting Stat. Config from the Setup Menu. Statistics can be calculated from the FBRM counts-by-chord-length data, displayed from one or more of the 12 analog inputs, or from one or more of the 30 serial inputs.

This setup is used for the real-time trend of statistics, the recalled trend of statistics, the display of statistics with both real-time and recalled dis-tributions, and 4-20 mA analog output statistics.

Note: Statistics can be changed at any time during or after data collection without the data being saved or data that was previously saved being affected. However, changes made to the statistics may affect data exported from the Data Review module.

Selecting a Statistic to Configure

To select a statistic (1 through 8) to configure:


2. Click the Configure Statistic # arrow to select a statistic. The statistic number, its attributes, and corresponding color will display.

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Note: Because “Color,” “Channel Range,” “Statistic,” “Weighting,” “Trend Y-Axis Range,” and “1st Derivative” are applied individually to each statistic, they will change in the Setup window as you toggle between statistics.

Changing the Color Used to Represent a Statistic

To change the color used to represent a statistic:


2. Under Configure Statistic #, select the statistic you wish to change.

3. Under Color, click the color block. A collection of colors from which to choose will display.

4. If you wish to specify an exact color, click More and select the per-centages of red, green, and blue for your color. Otherwise, click on the color you wish to use.

5. Click OK. The color you have chosen will display immediately in the Setup Window and on the Trend Display graph as soon as the cur-rent measurement is completed.

Configuring the Channel Range

You can isolate a particle population of interest (e.g., fines) by setting the upper and lower limits of the chord channel range. The selected statistic will only be calculated with data within this range. In many cases, this will enable you to produce a statistic that is more sensitive to change to the particle system than a full-range statistic would be. This feature can also be used to eliminate the effect of particulate process changes unre-lated to the process or product parameter of concern.

Channel values shown reflect the bottom (or lowest) value in that chan-nel. For example, channel 4.6 reflects the chords ranging from 4.6 to 5.5 microns. This range is for display and calculation purposes only. Data for all channels are saved to the file, regardless of the range selected.

To configure the channel range:



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2. Under Configure Statistic #, select statistic you wish to configure.

3. Under Channel Range, type the lower limit of the channel range in the left box and the upper limit in the right box.

Note: If channel boundaries are not available with the channel grouping currently set up, the FBRM CI automatically changes the entries The lower boundary is moved to the next lowest channel boundary and the upper boundary is moved to the next highest channel boundary.

Configuring the Statistic Type

To configure the statistic type displayed:


2. Under Configure Statistic #, select the statistic you wish to configure (see Appendix 1: Data Processing in the FBRM CI Software for a description of statistics options).

Configuring Applied Weighting

You can apply a weighting function to the counts-per-chord-length dis-tribution. Weighting places more or less emphasis on a particular aspect of the distribution. For this reason, it can be used to significantly enhance the resolution to change occurring to a specific aspect of your particle system. You can apply no weight, length weight, length-squared weight, or cubed weight to a statistic.

To configure the weighting applied:



3. Under Weighting, select a weighting from the list.

Viewing and Modifying the Y-Axis Range

To modify the Y-Axis range:


2. On the Trend Display and Controls Panel, check the Separated box, and click Scale All Trends to auto-adjust the range. (If you prefer, you can type in a range instead in the Trend Y-Axis Range text boxes.)

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Applying the First Derivative (Rate Change) Function

To apply a first-derivative calculation to the selected statistic:


2. Check the 1st Derivative box.

Saving the Current Statistics Configuration

Saving your statistics configuration allows you to reference it at any time. Saving is also useful for backup purposes. You can save many different statistics configurations (e.g., one for each material or application) if desired.

To save the current statistics configuration:


2. Click Save Stats. Config. A file menu will open, allowing you to name the statistic setup file you wish to save.

3. Enter a file name and click Save. The file will be given an extension of *.sta, and the file name will be in the Setup Window in the Stat. Config File box.

Loading a Statistics Configuration

A set of standard statistic setup files is included with version 6.8.0 of the FBRM CI. These files are located in the Statistics Setup Files folder in your Lasentec directory. The configurations in these files are a good starting point for most processes. The files can be loaded at any time.

To load a statistics configuration:


2. Click Load Stats. Config. A file menu will open, allowing you to load a saved statistic file.

3. Select the file you wish to load and click Open. The file name of the loaded statistic will be displayed in the Setup Window in the Stat. Config File box.

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the instrument. This will help ensure you are working with the cor-rect statistics configuration.

Viewing the Statistics Setup File

When the FBRM CI software is closed, the current statistics configuration in the Data Review Module is automatically saved to a file called “iniRev.sta.” When the FBRM CI software is opened, “iniRev.sta” is auto-matically loaded. If a standard statistic setup file is loaded, its file name will replace “iniRev.sta” as the current statistics configuration.

When Stat. Config is selected from the Setup Menu and a file is opened, the current statistics configuration file appears in the Stat. Config File box.

Note: The FBRM CI does not save changes automatically to a loaded sta-tistics setup file. To save a loaded statistics setup file, save the files manually before they are closed.

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4.3 Viewing Analog Inputs 1

To view analog input data collected by the external analog input board:


The labels entered for each analog input (1 through 8) in the Acqui-sition Module will appear in the boxes under Legend for the current record. If the inputs were selected for enabling during acquisition, an X will appear in the corresponding Enabled box. Data values for enabled inputs will display in the boxes under Data Values.

The Hardware Info box will display the analog input hardware used. Underneath that is a note affirming that only inputs enabled during acquisition are available for review.

Any of the external analog inputs can also be chosen as a statistic for review. See “Configuring Statistics” on page 154.

Note: Analog Input information is for review only. No changes can be made.


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4.4 Viewing Analog Inputs 2

To review the analog input data collected by the built-in analog input board during acquisition:


For the current record, labels entered for each input (1 through 4) in the Acquisition Module will appear in the boxes under Legend for the current record. If the inputs were selected for enabling during acquisition, an X will appear in the corresponding Enabled box. Data values for enabled inputs will display in the boxes under Data Values.

A note affirming that only inputs enabled during acquisition are available for review appears in the box on the far right side.

Any of the built-in analog inputs can also be chosen as a statistic for review. See “Configuring Statistics” on page 154.

Note: Analog input information is for review only. No changes can be made.

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4.5 Viewing Serial Inputs

To review the serial input data collected during acquisition:

1. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Serial Inputs.

If a serial input was configured for the current record in the Acquisi-tion Module, its corresponding input number (1 - 30) will display under Input#. The labels entered for each serial input will appear in the Label boxes and the data values for enabled inputs will display in the Data boxes. The Number of Inputs box displays the total num-ber of serial inputs collected during data acquisition.

Any of the serial inputs can also be chosen as a statistic for review. See “Configuring Statistics” on page 154.

4.6 Viewing the Error Log

Error messages generated while data was being saved in the Acquisition Module will be displayed in the Data Review error log and in a text file called error.txt. Data Review also shows the number of missed measure-ments on any error condition.

In the event of an instrument error (e.g., temperature, over speed, under speed, etc.) the Acquisition Module (when saving data) will save the first record where the instrument error first appeared. The error information will be contained in that record so it can be displayed in the Data Review error log. If subsequent measurements also show error conditions, they will not be saved to the data (*.lst) file, nor will any data be saved. How-ever, any error condition messages generated by the instrument will con-


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tinue to be saved to the error.txt file. The Data Review Module also gives the number of missed measurements between the onset of the error condition and the resumption of correct operation.

In the event of a communication error (which leads to no data at all, as no data is provided from the field unit) the Acquisition Module does not save a measurement for the first failure. Because no record is saved, the exact error condition is not saved to the *.lst file. The next record will tell you how many measurements were dropped.

To view the error messages saved to the error.txt file:

1. Go to the Lasentec FBRM CI directory and double-click the error.txt file.

To view the error messages and error log created during data acquisi-tion:

1. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Error Log.

The Error Message box displays any errors that occurred while data was being acquired at the current-record crosshair position on the Trend Display graph.

The Error Log box displays all error messages received to date up to the point represented by the current-record crosshair position on the Trend Display graph.

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4.7 Customizing Channel Conversion

This feature allows customizable operations on the grouped channel data prior to channel weighting being applied. It is available only in the Data Review Module, and only in build 12 or greater of the FBRM Control Inter-face software.

In the channel conversion feature, algorithms are implemented inside custom DLLs. This is different from the custom statistics DLLs. A channel conversion algorithm operates on the grouped channels and outputs an array with the same number of channels. This allows implementation of custom algorithms that weigh or redistribute channels in ways that are not possible with the existing channel weights.

Custom DLLs appear in the Channel Conversion menu in the same order as the numbering of the corresponding DLLs (e.g., CustChConv0.dll, CustChConv1.dll, etc.). The operation affects all distributions (i.e., live, reference, and buffers 1-6) in the Distribution Display window, as well as trend calculations.

To set the custom channel conversion:

1. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select Meas. Config 2.

2. Select one of the options under Channel Conversion.

The Usage Information field, which is automatically filled in by the custom DLL, provides information on the nature and use of the algo-rithm. Parameters that are required by the algorithm are entered in the Parameters field. In the example above, the Usage Information


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field tells the user that a single parameter – the channel index – is required.

The Error and Diagnostic Info field is also filled in by the custom DLL. In this case, the user is informed that the required parameters are missing.

3. To enter or alter the parameter, type directly in the Parameters field. This operation affects all trends, so once the parameter is changed, the entire trend is then recalculated.

In the example below, a value of 10 has been entered in the Parameters field. This will zero out all channels except for the first ten. Note that the Error and Diagnostic Info field is now empty, indi-cating correct parameter settings.

Note: If a file has been loaded with more than ten non-zero channels, the cut-off effect can immediately be seen in the Distribution Display window.

4.8 Viewing User Information

Version 6.8.0 has a new feature for user identification that com-plies with the Electronic Records and Signatures Final Rule set forth in 21 CFR Part 11 of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Food and Drug Administration. The new feature displays the user name, machine, and domain name for the selected data record.

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To view user information:

1. From the Setup Menu, click the arrow and select User Info.

2. Move the cursor along the trend line to see how the user information changes based on user identification at the time of acquisition.


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5. Display Menu OptionsThe Display Menu contains options for:

• Comparing distributions (Distr. Compare).

• Viewing the statistics (Stats/Ref. and Stats/Trend).

• Viewing channel data (Channel Data).

• Saving and loading reference distributions (Ref. Config).

• Exporting to Excel (Export to Excel).

• Exporting to the Trend Compare Module (Export Trend).

• Viewing and changing the display setup (Display Setup).

5.1 Comparing Distributions

Using the Distr. Compare option from the Display Menu, you can make comparisons between chord-length distributions from up to 8 relative time points or comparisons of up to 8 chord-length distributions from 8 different files.

Adding a Distribution to Compare

You can add up to 8 different distributions from up to 8 different files to the distribution comparison.

To add a distribution to the distribution comparison:

1. From the Setup Menu, select Meas. Config.

2. Click Open File and select a data file to open.

3. From the Display Menu, select Distr. Compare.

4. On the Trend Display and Controls Panel, click the Center Cursor box (so an X is displayed).

5. In the Trend Display graph, move the current-record crosshair to locate the distribution you wish to display on the Distribution Dis-play graph.

6. When the current record crosshair position is where you want it, click on one of the 8 Add buttons displaying on the Current Mea-surement Setup Panel.

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Once a distribution has been added to the distribution compare:

• An X will appear in the On Off box in the Display Window.

• The distribution will be added to the Distribution Display graph using the color displayed in the corresponding Clr box in the Display Window.

• The file name, date and time stamp, measurement duration, scan speed, and measurement range pertaining to the selected distribution will dis-play in the blue Distribution Compare box. (Place the cursor inside this box and use the right/left arrows on the keyboard to scroll through the data.)

Note: To deselect a distribution for comparison, click its corresponding “On Off” box in the Display Window. The X will disappear and the distri-bution will be removed from the distribution graph.

Changing the Color of the Distribution

To change the color used to represent a distribution:

1. From the Display Menu, click the arrow and select Distr. Compare.

2. Click on the color corresponding to the statistic (1 through 8) you wish to change. A collection of colors from which to choose will dis-play.

3. To specify an exact color, click More and select the percentages of red, green, and blue for your color; otherwise, click on the color you wish to use.


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4. Click OK. Both the color block and the Distribution Display graph will update to the new color.

Viewing and Changing Annotation in Distribution Compare

You can edit annotation made during data acquisition. Any edits made will also appear in the annotation printout.

To view or change annotation for the distributions displayed:


2. In the Display Window, click the View Anno box. Any annotation made for the distributions will appear in the Trend Display graph.

3. To change the annotation, type directly in the boxes showing in the Trend Display.

4. To deselect this display, click the View Anno box again.

Viewing Statistics in Distribution Compare

To view the statistics for the distributions displayed:


2. In the Display Window, click the View Stats box. A table showing a comparison of the statistics for each distribution will appear in the Trend Display graph.

3. To deselect this display, click the View Stats box again.

Viewing Data in Distribution Compare

You can view data values (i.e., date and time stamp, measurement duration, and counts per channel) for each of the distribution records.

To view data values:

1. From the Display Menu, select Distr. Compare.

2. In the Display Window, click the View Data box. A table showing data values for each of the distributions will appear in the Trend Display graph.

3. To deselect this display, click the View Data box again.

Note: “View Anno,” “View Stats,” and “View Data” work as a toggle. Select-ing one deselects the others.

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Clearing the Entire Distribution Comparison

To clear the distribution comparison data from the distribution compari-son display:


2. In the Display Window, click the round Clear All button. When the distribution comparison has been cleared, the X in each On Off box (except for the current and reference distributions) will disappear. The boxes under Distribution Compare will display “[Not Assigned]” for all distributions except the current and reference distributions.

5.2 Viewing the Statistics

To view how the statistics are configured and how their values for the current record are shown in the Trend Display, select Stats/Ref or Stats/Trend from the Display Menu.

Stats/Ref displays values for a reference distribution, while Stats/Trend displays minimum and maximum values for the Trend Display Y-Axis for each statistic. Stats/Ref and Stats/Trend also control which trends are displayed in the Trend Display graph. Changing whether or not a trend is displayed in one changes it in the other as well.

To view how the statistics are configured and their value at the current crosshair location:

1. From the Display Menu, select either Stats/Ref or Stats/Trend. The fol-lowing columns appear in the Display Window when either Stats/Ref or Stats/Trend is selected:

Tnd# – Refers to the statistic being displayed in the Trend Display. Up to 8 statistics can be displayed at one time. This column cannot be edited.

Show – Allows you to choose whether to display a statistic in the Trend Display or not. Click the box corresponding to a statistic (1 through 8) in the Show column to display that statistic in the Trend Display. The statistic will be displayed in the Trend Display if an X shows in the box. If you do not want the statistic to be shown in the Trend Display, click the box again to remove the X.

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umn cannot be edited. Also, as statistic names are generated by the CI based on statistic configuration, they too cannot be edited.

Current Value – Displays the value for each statistic at the current crosshair position. This column cannot be edited.

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Viewing the Statistics with Reference Distribution Information

To view statistics with reference distribution information:

1. From the Display Menu, select Stats/Ref. The following columns appear in the Display Window only when Stats/Ref is selected

Reference Value – Only available when Stats/Ref is selected and if a reference distribution is used in the open file. Shows the value of the reference distribution by statistic. This column cannot be edited.

Percent Diff. – Only available when Stats/Ref is selected and if a ref-erence distribution is used in the open file. Shows the percentage dif-ference of the current crosshair position from the reference value. This column cannot be edited.

Viewing the Statistics with Trend Display Y-Axis Value

Instead of comparison fields for the current crosshair location versus the reference distribution (Reference Value and Percent Diff.) that display when Stats/Ref is selected, Stats/Trend contains two trend-related fields.

To view statistics with Y-Axis values:

1. From the Display Menu, select Stats/Trend. The following columns appear in the Display Window only when Stats/Trend is selected:

Trend Min - Only available when Stats/Trend is selected, this column displays the minimum Y-Axis value pertaining to each statistic.


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Trend Max - Only available when Stats/Trend is selected, this col-umn displays the maximum Y-Axis value pertaining to each statis-tic.

5.3 Viewing Channel Data

To view channel data:

1. From the Display Menu, click the arrow and select Channel Data.

2. Use the bar on the right to scroll through the channels in the distri-bution. (All information is view only and cannot be changed.)

Ch.Bd. – Refers to the position (in microns) of a channel’s bottom boundary.

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Current Distr. – Shows either the number or percent of chords in the channel, depending on the selection made in the Distribution Display and Controls Panel.

Reference Distr. – Will only display if a reference distribution is selected under Ref. Config. This column shows either the number or percent of chords in the channel, depending on which is selected in the Distribution Display and Controls Panel. For more information see Saving and Loading Reference Distributions below.

% Delta – Will only display if a reference distribution is loaded. This column shows the percentage difference between the current and ref-erence distributions in terms of number or percent (whichever is selected) of chords in the channel.

5.4 Saving and Loading Reference Distributions

You can save the current distribution to an ASCII file or load a reference distribution from an ASCI file using the Reference Configuration function.

Saving the Current Distribution as Reference

To save the current distribution as an ASCII file:

1. From the Display Menu, click the arrow and select Ref. Config.

2. Click Save Current Distribution to an ASCII File.

3. Enter a file name for your distribution and click Save.

Loading a Previously Saved Reference Distribution

To load a reference distribution from an ASCII file:

1. From the Display Menu, click the arrow and select Ref. Config.

2. Click Load Reference Distribution from an ASCII File.

3. Select the distribution you wish to load and click Open.


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Turning Off a Reference Distribution

To turn off a reference distribution:


2. Deselect the On Off box that corresponds with the reference distribu-tion you wish to turn off (the X will disappear from the box when the distribution is deselected).

5.5 Exporting to Microsoft Excel

Selecting Export to Excel from the Display Menu allows you to export FBRM and analog input data to an Excel spreadsheet. The data exported is a function of the channel grouping, time averaging, and Distribution Display control buttons (number versus percent, count per measure-ment versus count per second, and weighting).

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Note: Microsoft Excel must be open to export data. For Excel versions other than English, the Topic” name may be different than “SHEET1.” See “Exporting to Foreign-Language Excel” on page 177.

Exporting the Current Distribution Compare to Excel

When transferring data from the FBRM CI to Excel, the open Excel work-book must have four sheets (named Sheet 1 to Sheet 4) although the default workbook contains only three sheets. An Excel template (called DistributionCompareTemplate.xlt) is included in the root of the FBRM install directory with version 6.8.0 of the FBRM CI software. The template comes complete with graphics for channel counts and statistics. It also illustrates how you can automatically incorporate the transferred labels right into the graphs.

To ensure correct data transfer, either use the template, manually add a fourth sheet, or configure Excel to open with a default of four sheets.

Version 6.8.0 enbables you to transfer the entire distirbution compairson to Excel. Previous versions only enabled transfer of one record.

To transfer the current distribution compare to Excel:

1. Start Microsoft Excel and verify that the file and sheets to which you want to export are open.

2. From the Display Menu of the FBRM CI Data Review module, select Export to Excel.

3. Click Transfer Distribution Compare to Excel.

4. Open Excel to view the data transfer. Data from the current distribu-tion comparison will appear as follows:

Sheet 1: Channel counts

Sheet 2: Delta inputs

Sheet 3: Analog inputs

Sheet 4: Statistics


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Exporting the Entire Open File to Excel

To transfer the entire data file to Excel:

1. Start Microsoft Excel and verify that the file and sheets to which you want to export are open.

2. From the Display Menu of the FBRM CI Data Review module, select Export to Excel. (If you are using an Excel version other than English, see “Exporting to Foreign-Language Excel” on page 177.)

3. Click Auto-Transfer File to Excel.

4. Open Excel to view the data transfer.

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Note: If your data file is large, you may not want to transfer all records. Instead, you can opt to only transfer every x record, where x is the number of records to skip between records exported. For example, entering “1” in “Transfer every ___ records to Excel” before clicking ‘Auto-Transfer File to Excel’ will transfer every measurement, while entering “10” will transfer data only on every 10th measurement .

Exporting to Foreign-Language Excel

In Excel versions other than English, the topic name and item may need to be renamed to match the language-specific name for sheet, row ( ‘r’ ) and column ( ‘c’ ). The table below shows an example.

Once these changes are made, follow the instructions for “Exporting the Current Distribution Compare to Excel” on page 175 or “Exporting the Entire Open File to Excel” on page 176.

5.6 Exporting to the Trend Compare Module

The Trend Compare Module is specifically designed to speed analysis of trend data from multiple files. To use the Trend Compare Module, trend files must first be created in the Data Review Module.

Trend files reduce the chord-length distributions from 1500 fields to 30 fields, greatly increasing the speed of analysis. Select Export Trend from the Display Menu to create and export trend files.

Table 1. DDE to Foreign-Language Excel

Language Topic Item

English SHEET1 r1c1=r8c1

German TABELLE1 z1s1 = z8s1


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To export a trend for viewing in the Trend Compare Module:


2. Click Open File to open the data file from which you want to trend data.

3. From the Display Menu, click the arrow and select Export Trend. When a record comes up, it automatically shows the two outer data points in the Start and End boxes.

4. Position the current-record crosshair on the Trend Display graph at the date and time you want to begin the trend.

5. Click the “start” SetFromCursor button on the Current Measurement Setup Panel. The date and time corresponding to the crosshair position will display in the box to the right of Start.

6. Position the current-record crosshair on the Trend Display graph at the date and time you want to end the trend.

7. Click the “end” SetFromCursor button in the Current Measurement Setup Panel. The date and time corresponding to the current-record crosshair position will display in the box to right of End.

8. Enter a file name for your trend in the box under Trend File to Save to or click the Browse button to select a path and file name.

9. Click the Save Data To File to create Trend File box.

10. Repeat the above steps to create additional trend files.

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5.7 Changing the Display Setup

The Display Setup function allows you to change the color scheme of both the Distribution Display and Trend Display graphs and set line markers for one or both of these displays.

Choosing the Color Scheme

To choose the color scheme associated with both the Distribution and Trend Display graphs:


2. Click the arrow on the Color Scheme button to select the color scheme that best suits your needs:

Regular - Displays white on a blue background in the Distribution Display and various colors on a black background in the Trend Dis-play.

Color - Displays black on a white background in the Distribution Display and various colors on a white background in the Trend Dis-play.

B/W - Displays black on a white background in the Distribution Dis-play and shades of gray on a white background in the Trend Dis-play.


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To set line markers at the channel boundaries:


2. To set line markers in the Distribution Display graph, click the box to the right of Line Markers for Distribution Display.

3. To set line markers in the Trend Display graph, click the box to the right of Line Markers for Trend Display.

4. To deselect the line markers option click the boxes again.

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The graph on the upper left side of the Acquisition Module main display and the row of buttons directly underneath it are referred to as the Distribution Display and Con-trols Panel. The Distribution Display graph presents the last completed measure-ment. The X-Axis shows the channel boundaries in microns. The Y-Axis shows either the number or percent of chord counts, depending on which is selected.

The Distribution Display presents data in the following formats:

• Displays chord counts as number of counts per channel, percent of total counts, cumulative counts or cumulative percent of total counts.

• Displays the counts in counts per second or counts per measurement.

• Applies inverse length, unweighted, length-squared, or cubed weighting to the counts.

• Displays a line or bar graph.

• Scaling and zooming options.



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6.1 Viewing Distribution as Number of Chords or Percent of Chords

Use the first drop-down list box to change the data display format in the Distribution Display graph.

The first drop down list box is at the bottom of the Distribution Display and Controls Panel (displays %/Channel in the example on the previ-ous page). To change the data display format click the arrow and select the type of data display:

#/Channel – Displays chords per channel as a number.

%/Channel – Displays chords per channel as percent of total counts.

#/Cumulative – Cumulatively displays chords per channel as a number.

%/Cumulative – Cumulatively displays chords per channel as a percent of total counts.

6.2 Viewing Distribution as Counts per Measurement or Counts per Second

Use the second list box to select the way that counts-per-chord-length distribution is displayed.

To change the display, click the arrow in the second drop down list box (Counts/Meas. is shown in the example above) and select the type of data display:

Counts/Meas. – Displays the distribution with actual chord-length counts over the designated measurement duration. The Counts/Meas. option should only be used to compare measurements with identical measurement durations. It is typically useful when total counts are very low, but should otherwise be avoided.

Counts/Sec – Displays the distribution with chord-length counts divided by the single measurement duration used during the mea-surement. This option normalizes the data so you can compare measurements taken with different measurement durations.

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6.3 Applying a Weighting Function


For example, the statistic unweighted mean is more sensitive to change on the fine side of the distribution. As you add weight, you move the measurement of central tendency (mean) sensitivity from the fine to the coarse side of the distribution. Calculations for these weightings are pro-vided in Appendix 1: Data Processing in the FBRM CI Software.

To apply a weighting function to the counts-per-chord-length distribution:

1. Using the third from left drop-down list box at the bottom of the Distri-bution Display and Controls Panel (displays No Wt in the example above), apply a weighting function to the counts-per-chord-length distribution:

1/Lth Wt – An inverse length weighted distribution is obtained by applying an inverse length weighting function.

No Wt – Unweighted chord. The unmodified chord length as mea-sured by the FBRM instrument. No calculations or modifications have been made to this distribution. It is highly sensitive to changes in the fine aspect of the distribution.

Lth Wt – Chord length weight. A weighted distribution obtained by applying a chord-length weighting function to the unweighted chord distribution.

Sqr Wt – Chord length squared. A weighted distribution obtained by applying a chord-length squared weighting function to the unweighted chord distribution.

Cube Wt – Chord length cubed. A weighted distribution obtained by applying a chord length-cubed weighting function to the unweighted chord distribution. The cube weight function is applied to enhance sensitivity to change in the coarse aspect of the distribution.


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6.4 Viewing the Distribution as a Line Graph or as a Bar Graph

To view the distribution as either a line or bar graph:

1. Using the fourth pull-down arrow at the bottom of the Distribution Display and Controls Panel (set to Bar Graph in the example at the beginning of this section), toggle to view your distribution as either a line or bar graph in the Distribution Display:

Line Graph – This option is useful when comparing multiple distri-butions.

Bar Graph – This option is best for displaying channel boundaries and midpoints and for reading individual channel counts.


Buttons located in the lower right corner of the Trend Display and Con-trol panel affect the X and Y axis in the Trend Display. They also enable zooming and panning operations.




When the autoscale is unlocked, the axis re-scales only when the autoscale button is clicked. When the autoscale is locked, the respective axis re-scales every time new data is shown in the display.


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Zoom Tool

You can zoom in or out of the Distribution Display graph with the Zoom Tool. When clicked, the Zoom Tool display indicates the following options:








Panning Tool

You can scroll through visible data on the Distribution Display graph with the Panning Tool. Click the Panning Tool button and position the cursor on the Distribution Display graph to move around the plot area.

Operate Mode Tool

the Operate Mode tools is used to deselect the zoom and panning tools. If either the Zoom Tool or Panning Tool is selected (the button is depressed), clicking the Operate Mode tool button will deselect it.


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7. Trend Display and Controls PanelThe graph on the upper right side of the Data Review Module main display and the row of buttons directly underneath it are referred to as the Trend Display and Con-trols Panel.

The Trend Display graph presents up to 8 statistics trended over time. The X-Axis shows the trends by time or record. The Y-Axis is scaled to a selected statistic (1 through 8).

The Trend Display graph contains a cursor (movable crosshair) that points to the current record. The position of this cursor is referred to as the “current-record crosshair position.”


• Select the Y-Axis scale based on one statistic (1 through 8).


• Lock the current-record cursor to a particular statistic.

• Center the cursor within the X-Axis.




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7.1 Selecting Statistics for Display in the Trend Display Graph

Any or all of the statistics (1 through 8) can be displayed on the Trend Display graph.

To choose which statistics to display in the Trend Display Graph:

1. From the Display Menu, click the arrow and select either Stats/Ref. or Stats/Trend.

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2. In the Show column, check the boxes corresponding to the statistics you want displayed in the Trend Display graph. If a box is not checked, that statistic will not display in the Trend Display graph.

7.2 Scaling the Y-Axis

You can set the Y-Axis of the Trend Display to display the scale of a selected statistic (1 through 8).

To change the statistic to which the Y-Axis scale applies:

Using the pull-down arrow under the Y-Axis applies to: box at the bottom of the Trend Display and Controls panel, select the statistic (1 through 8) to which you want to apply the Y-Axis scale. The Y-Axis will automati-cally rescale to the selected statistic.

7.3 Scaling the X-Axis

You can choose to scale the X-Axis by time or record. Keep in mind that time stamps in the FBRM CI are saved as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), but displayed in local time. If data is taken in time zone A and then trans-ferred to time zone B, the time stamp displayed will be the local time in time zone B at the time data was taken in time zone A.

To scale the X-Axis by time or record:

1. Using the pull-down arrow under the X-Axis Scale box at the bottom of the Trend Display and Controls panel, select one of the following:

Time – Scales the X-Axis to correspond with actual time elapsed between saved records.


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Record – Scales the X-Axis to equal spacing between records (regardless of the actual time each record was saved).

Note: Use the arrows above “X-Axis Scale” to move the current record crosshair one record at a time. If “Record” is selected from the “X-Axis Scale” menu, the crosshair will move forward or backward one record at a time. If “Time” is selected from the “X-Axis Scale” menu, the crosshair will move forward or backward one time stamp at a time.

7.4 Separating Statistics in the Trend Display Graph

You can set the Trend Display to view the statistics either overlapping each other or separated.

To view the statistics separately:

1. On the Trend Display and Controls Panel, check the Separated box. (An X will appear in the box.)

2. Click Scale All Trends. The Y-Axis will automatically rescale and the statistics will separate.

To view the statistics overlaying each other:

1. On the Trend Display and Controls Panel, un-check the Separated box. (The X will disappear.)

2. Click Scale All Trends. The Y-Axis will automatically rescale and the statistics will overlap each other.

7.5 Locking the Current-Record Cursor

The cursor that points to the current record on the Trend Display graph can be locked or unlocked. When the cursor is locked, moving the cur-sor will keep it on the same statistic. When the cursor is unlocked, you can jump between statistic trends.

To lock the cursor on a statistic in the Trend Display graph:

1. On the Trend Display and Controls Panel, select the check box under Lock Cursor (an X will appear in the box).

2. Clear the check-box to unlock it.

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Note: When the cursor is locked on a statistic in the Trend Display graph, the box under “Y-Axis applies to:” will display the statistic on which the cursor is locked.

7.6 Centering the Current-Record Cursor

The cursor can be centered on the X-Axis so it is kept visible when zoom-ing or panning.

To center the cursor on the Trend Display graph X-Axis:

1. On the Trend Display and Controls Panel, select the check-box under Center Cursor. An X will appear in the box and the cursor will display in the center of the Trend Graph.

2. Clear the check box to keep the cursor from being auto-centered.

3. To center the cursor only a single time, click the small square button to the left of the check-box.


Buttons located in the lower right corner of the Trend Display and Control panel affect the X and Y axis for scaling data in the Trend Display. They also enable zooming and panning.






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Zoom Tool









Panning Tool


Operate Mode Tool


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8. Printing Data Review Module ReportsThere are four standard reports that can be printed from the Data Review Module:

• Distribution Compare Analysis – Called Distribution Compare, Plot, this report prints the current Distribution Display graph and associated data (i.e., X- and Y-Axis information, channel grouping, date and time stamp, file name, measure-ment duration, time averaging, annotation, and statistics configuration). If a ref-erence distribution is loaded, a comparison with this data will be shown as well.

• Recall Analysis – Called Distribution Channel Data, this report prints a two-col-umn report listing the left channel boundary of the Distribution Display graph in the first column and the channel value in the second column. If a reference dis-tribution is loaded, a comparison with this data will be shown as well.

• Trend Analysis – This report prints the current Trend Display graph and associ-ated data (i.e., file name, annotation, record range, channel grouping, time averaging, date and time stamp, measurement duration, and statistics configu-ration).

• Annotation Printout – Called Distribution Compare, Annotation, this report prints three columns, showing the color, data file name, and annotation associated with the statistics selected for review.

8.1 Printer Setup

Unless otherwise specified, the FBRM CI software will print reports to the default printer set up under Windows. However, if you wish to change your default printer for the FBRM CI you can do so without changing your Windows default.


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1. Click the Print Report button (located above the Setup Menu pull-down options on the Trend Crosshair Value Panel). The following dialog box appears:

2. Click Page Setup. The following dialog box appears:

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3. Click the Printer setup... button. The following dialog box appears:

4. Using the pull-down menu next to the Name box, select the printer you wish to set as the FBRM CI default, then Click OK. The printer you select will become the default printer for the FBRM Control Inter-face until you exit the software, but your Windows default will not change until you exit the software.



To print a report from the Data Review Module:

1. Click the Print Report button on the Trend Crosshair Value Panel.

2. In the Select Pages to Print dialog box, click the box to the right of the report(s) you wish to print, then click OK.


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9. Exiting the Data Review ModuleThe X at the upper right of the Data Review Module main display (typically used to close Windows-based programs) is disabled. You must click Exit on the Status Bar to close the Data Review Module.

To exit the Data Review Module:

1. Click Exit at the bottom right-hand corner of the Status Bar. The fol-lowing message will appear:


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Chapter 5.

Chapter 5. Trend Compare Module1. Features of the Trend Compare Module

The Trend Compare Module is specifically designed to speed analysis of trend data from multiple files. To use the Trend Compare Module, trend files must first be cre-ated in the Data Review Module (See Chapter 4, Data Review Module). These files reduce the chord-length distributions from 1500 fields to 30 fields, greatly increas-ing the speed of analysis.

The Trend Compare Module performs the following functions:

• Recall up to 10 trend files.

• Display up to 10 trends.

• Choose from any of the 12 analog input statistics or 8 statistics or 30 serial inputs set up in the Data Review Module when the trend file was created.

• Synchronize the files by time, by a change in a specific trend, or by a certain data point (e.g., temperature) in a specific trend.

2. Starting the Trend Compare ModuleTo start the Trend Compare Module:

1. From your desktop, double-click the Lasentec FBRM Trend Compare icon or, from the Start menu, choose Programs, Lasentec FBRM, FBRM Trend Compare.

2. Read the License and Limited Warranty Agreement, and click Accept License Agreement.

3. If you do not want to see the dialog box again, select Don’t Show this Dialog again.


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Note: See Appendix 2: Terms and Conditions of Sale for the Mettler-Toledo Autochem, Inc. Condition of Sale, Warranty and License Agreement referred to in the warranty.

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3. Trend Compare Module Main DisplayThe Trend Compare Module is comprised of two windows, the Setup Window and the View Window. The Setup Window appears when the Trend Compare Module is first opened. The View Window, which is not accessible until trend files are opened and selected, is used to analyze the trends established in the Setup Window. The graph displayed in either window is referred to as the Trend Graph.

Once you accept the license and limited warranty agreement, the Setup Window appears as shown below. If you find the display is partially hidden, make sure your screen resolution is 1024 x 768.

3.1 Setup Window

Trend files (*.trd) that were set up in the Data Review Module are loaded and synchronized from the Setup Window (see below). After the files are loaded and statistics selected, the statistics to be trended are analyzed in the Setup Window.


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Note: If the Windows taskbar prevents you from viewing part of the dis-play, hide the taskbar by clicking “Start,” pointing to “Settings,” clicking “Taskbar,” and selecting “Auto hide.” The taskbar will re-appear when you move the cursor towards it and disappear when you move the cursor away.

When the Trend Compare Module is first opened, the Setup Window dis-plays.

To switch from the Setup Window to the View Window:

1. Click the toggle button at the bottom left of the screen (currently dis-playing Setup).

2. Switch to View.

3.2 View Window

The View Window contains extensive options for comparative trend analysis. However, before you can access the View Window, trend files must be loaded and statistics chosen in the Setup Window. See See “Getting Started” on page 201. If no trends are loaded and you try to access the View Window, the following dialog box appears:

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The following display appears when View Window is accessed after loading trend files and selecting statistics:

To switch from the View Window to the Setup Window:

1. Click the toggle button at the bottom left of the screen (currently dis-playing View).

2. Switch to Setup.

4. Getting StartedThe first step to using the Trend Compare Module is to load and select the trend files you wish to compare. The Trend Compare Module will verify whether or not the sta-tistics in these files are compatible. Then, you can set up the statistics you wish to compare between trend files and synchronize data in the Setup Window, or switch over to the View Window and start data analysis.


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4.1 Loading Trend Files for Comparison

Load the files you wish to compare. Up to 10 files can be opened at one time.

To find a trend file for comparison:

1. In the Setup Window, click one of the 10 buttons in the FindFile col-umn. A dialog box will appear, allowing you to browse for available trend files. If the file you want to review is not shown, browse to its location.

2. Select a file from the list or type in a path and file name, then click Open. The path and file name of the trend file you selected will appear in the Setup Window under Data File.

3. To load additional trend files, repeat the above steps. Up to 10 files can be added.

4. Click the Compile Data Files for Trend Compare button.

Note: If the Tend Compare Module was previously open, the “Data File” column displays the most recently opened trend files. If you wish to replace a displayed file, click its corresponding “Find File” button and select a different file.

4.2 Selecting a Trend File for Comparison

Trend files ready for comparison are shown in the Data File column and have an enabled checkbox in the “Select File” column.

To select a trend file for comparison:

1. In the Setup Window, under Select File, select the checkbox that cor-responds to the trend file you wish to select. An X will appear in the box, meaning the file has been selected for comparison. (To dese-lect a trend file, deselect the check box.) Files that have not been loaded cannot be selected because the checkbox is disabled (grayed-out).

2. Repeat for all trend files you wish to select, then click the Compile Data Files for Trend Compare button.

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The Setup Window displays the following information which is specific for each file:

• Under File Length, the file size (in records) of each trend file.

• Under Statistic Description, a list of statistics that are contained in the file.

• In the Trend Graph, the selected statistic for each selected file.

As long as the trend files you have selected are compatible, you are now ready to select the statistics you wish to compare (see “Selecting Statis-tics for Comparison” on page 204).

3. Trend Compatibility

When the trend files were created in the Data Review Module, they may not all have been created with the same set of eight statistics. While that does not prevent display of the trends, it may lead to a comparison of trends of different physical dimensions (E.g. counts/sec trend 5 of file A has counts/sec [dimensionless] vs. trend 5 of file B has mean chord length [length]), which may not have much meaning and may also lead to plotting trends of substantially different order of magnitude (E.g. counts/sec may be in the ten thousands, mean chord length in the hun-dreds) on the same Y-axis which can squash trends of the smaller order of magnitude.

How to View Trend-File Specific Statistics:

If you suspect that not all trend statistics match between trend files, you can check the set of statistics for any particular trend file. Switch to the SETUP window and select the checkbox in the SELECT FILE column next to the trend file of interest. Clear all other checkboxes in the SELECT FILE column. Repeat the process for each of the loaded trend files. An alter-native method is to place the crosshair cursor on a trend that belongs to the trend file of interest. Use the FILENAME field to check the trend file for the specific trend.


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Automatic Warning of Trend Incompatibility:

The trends available for display (up to ten trends) are determined by the files selected in the SELECT FILE column and statistics selected in the SELECT STAT column. If there are any incompatible trends among those trends, the STATUS box in the VIEW window will show the following message:

“At least one trend line is calculated differently than comparable trend lines. See statistic and trend information at the crosshair to identify dif-ferences.”

Data File/Statistics combinations that have not been selected in the SETUP window are not investigated for incompatibility. E.G. statistics 5 of file A and statistics 5 of file B are incompatible with one another. If one of file A or B has not been selected in the SELECT FILE column, or if statistics 5 has not been selected in the STATISTIC DESCRIPTION, this incompatibility is not flagged.

5. Setup Window OptionsIn addition to the functions necessary to begin the trend compare, the Setup Win-dow contains functions for:

• Selecting the statistics you wish to compare.

• Setting the synchronization point.

• Scaling and zooming in the trend compare graph.

• Viewing an annotation made during data acquisition.

5.1 Selecting Statistics for Comparison

A list of 50 statistics (8 configured statistics, 30 serial inputs, 8 analog inputs from an analog-input board, and 4 analog inputs from the FBRM built-in analog inputs) is displayed under Statistic Description. Using these statistics, you can display a total of up to 10 trends at one time.

Keep in mind that each statistic you select will be applied to each trend file. You cannot select a statistic to apply to one file only. Therefore, if you have selected only 1 trend file, you can select up to 10 statistics; 2 selected trend files enables you to select up to 5 statistics; 3 trend files enables you 3 statistics, etc.

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To select a statistic for comparison:

1. From the Setup Window, click the box under Select Stat that corre-sponds to the statistic you wish to select. An X will appear in the box, meaning the statistic has been selected for comparison. (To deselect a statistic, click the box again.)

2. Repeat step 1 for all statistics you wish to select. (Once you have reached the maximum of 10 statistics, you will not be allowed to select any more without first deselecting one.) The Trend Graph will change with each selection.

Note: The Statistics Description Column can display only 20 statistics at one time. Use the scroll bar under “Select Stat” to scroll through all 50 statistics.

5.2 Setting the Synchronization Point

The synchronization point is used when moving one or more trends from different files past one another along the time axis. Trends that belong to the same file move as a group and cannot be re-aligned since they share the same time stamps. There is one sync point for each file. By definition the sync points always line up in vertical direction and thus determine the relative position of the trends to one another. Moving a Sync Point for-ward in time makes a trend ( or set of trends) move to the left in relation to the trends of other files.

Synchronization can be done by:

• Time stamp.

• Value of one of the trends (e.g., when the temperature reaches 50 degrees C in each trend file).

• Common phenomenon in the data (e.g., the point of nucleation or some other significant change).

Note: Annotation added during data acquisition can also be used to deter-mine synchronization points.


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Synchronizing Using the Sync Point Function

The Sync Point function is most useful when synchronizing to a specific time.

To synchronize the trends using the sync point function:

1. In the Setup Window, slide the bar under Sync Point corresponding to the trend for synchronization. Sliding right moves the file’s sync point forward in time leading to a left-shift of the file’s trends with the other files’ trends.

2. To move the Sync Point forward or backward one record at a time, click the left or right arrow located on either side of the slide bar.

Note: The Synch Point Time Stamp changes automatically as you syn-chronize using either the sliding bar or arrows.

Synchronizing Using the Crosshair

You can also use the crosshair to set a file’s syncpoint.

To synchronize the trends using the crosshair:

1. Make sure you are in the Setup window.

2. Move the crosshair to a trend that belongs to the file whose sync point you wish to set. Use the File Name field as a guide. It displays the file name for a given trend.

3. For easier use you can lock the cursor on that trend by switching to the View Window and check-marking the Lock Cursor checkbox.

4. Click the Operate Mode tool (see page 209) from the group of scal-ing and zooming tools. The crosshair will appear on one of the trend lines in the Trend Graph.

5. In either window, adjust the crosshair position on the trend.

6. In the setup window, click the Sync Point from crosshair button to set the synchronization point for that file.

7. Repeat these steps for each trend you wish to synchronize.

Note: Under “Trend Information at Crosshair,” the plot color, statistic description, and file name pertaining to the trend the crosshair is on will display.

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The Trend Graph below shows two trends synchronized at the beginning measurement for each.


Buttons located in the lower right corner of the Trend Display and Control panel affect the X and Y axis for scaling data in the Trend Display. They also enable zooming and panning operations.


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Zoom Tool









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Page 209 of 218

Panning Tool


Operate Mode Tool


5.4 Viewing Annotation

For the record designated by the crosshair position on the Trend Graph, you can view the annotations made while data was being acquired

To view annotation:

1. From the Setup Window, look in the box under Annotation. If there is more annotation than fits in the box, additional lines of text can be viewed by clicking inside the Annotation box and pressing the <Up> or <Down> arrow keys on the keyboard.

Note: The Annotation field is read-only in the Trend Compare Module. Annotations cannot be changed.


Page 210 of 218 0031604 Rev C

6. View Window OptionsThe View Window contains extensive options for comparative trend analysis. You must load trend files and choose statistics in the Setup Window before you can access the View Window (see “Getting Started” on page 201). If no trends are loaded and you try to access the View Window, the following message will appear:

The View Window provides the following options for trend analysis:

• View time averaging and channel grouping information.

• View the file-compatibility status.

• View data values.

• View date and time stamp information.

• View and/or change currently trended statistics.

• View and/or change the Trend Graph.

6.1 Switching to the View Window from the Setup Window

You may find your screen is displaying the Setup Window when you wish to see the View Window.

To switch to the View Window from the Setup Window:

1. Click the toggle button at the bottom left corner of the screen (cur-rently displaying Setup) and switch to View.

6.2 Viewing Time Averaging and Channel Grouping Information

When the View Window is active, the box under Trend Information at Crosshair displays the time averaging and channel grouping informa-tion for the specific-trend designated by the crosshair position on the Trend Graph. This information is read-only.

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6.3 Viewing File-Compatibility Status

The box under Status displays the compatibility status of all trend files that have been marked in the Select File column in the Setup window.

Status Message for Compatible Files

If the selected trend files have compatible statistics, the Status box dis-plays the following message:

“Selected Files and Trend Lines are fully compatible”

Status Message for Incompatible Files

If the open trend files have incompatible statistics, the Status box dis-plays the following warning:

“At least one trend line is calculated differently than comparable trend lines. See statistic and trend information at Crosshair to identify differ-ences.”

6.4 Viewing Data Values

The box under Data Value displays the trend value for the specific record designated by the crosshair position on the Trend Graph. This informa-tion is read-only.

6.5 Viewing Date and Time Stamp Information

The box under Time Stamp displays the date and time information for the specific record designated by the crosshair position on the Trend Graph. This information is read-only.

Time stamps in the FBRM CI are saved as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), but displayed in local time. If data is taken in time zone A and then trans-ferred to time zone B, the time stamp displayed is the local time in time zone B at the time data was taken in time zone A.


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Viewing and Changing the Currently Trended Statistics

Selected statistics can be viewed and their display can be changed at the bottom right of the View Window. The statistic calculation, channel range, and weighting are displayed under Statistic Description. The name of the data file is displayed under Data File.

The following functions can be performed:

• Place the crosshair position on the specific trend.

• Select which statistics are plotted.

• Change the plot color.

As statistics are selected or deselected using the Select Stat function in the Setup Window, both the Statistic Description and Data File boxes will update in the View Window.

Note: Changes to the definition of a statistic must be done in the Data Review Module prior to exporting the trend file. To change a statistic definition, return to the Data Review Module and repeat the export process.

Changing the Crosshair Position

You can select which trend line the crosshair cursor is positioned on.

To position or move the crosshair cursor on a trend line:

1. From the View Window, select the checkbox under the Cursor col-umn that corresponds to the trend line you want (an X will display in the box).

2. To move the crosshair to a different trend line, select a different Cur-sor checkbox. (Selecting a new trend line deselects the first.

Plotting the Statistic

You can choose to plot any, all, or none of the statistics listed under Statistic Description in the Trend Graph.

To plot a statistic in the Trend Graph:

1. From the View Window, select the selected statistic’s corresponding checkbox under Show Plot (an X will display in the box and the sta-tistic will plot on the Trend Graph).

2. To remove a trend plot, clear the corresponding checkbox.

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Changing the Plot Color

To change the color used to represent a statistic in the Trend Graph:

1. From the View Window, click the color field under Plot Color that cor-responds to the statistic you wish to change. (A collection of colors from which to choose is displayed.)

2. Click on the color you wish to use, or click More and select the indi-vidual red, green, and blue intensities to specify an exact color, then click OK.

6.6 Viewing and Changing the Trend Compare Graph Display

There are several functions in the View Window that enable you to make changes to the Trend Graph display.

Moving Between Records

To move the crosshair cursor one record at a time along the trend line:

1. From the View Window, click the right or left arrow (located to the right of the Annotation field), or click and drag the crosshair along the Trend Graph.

Changing the Color Scheme

To choose the color scheme associated with the Trend Graph:

1. In the View Window, click the arrow on the plot color button (located to the right of the Annotation field) and select the Trend Graph color scheme that best suits your needs:

Regular – Displays various colors on a black background.

Color – Displays various colors on a white background.

B/W – Displays shades of gray on a white background.

Scaling the X-Axis

To choose how the X-Axis of the Trend Graph is scaled:

1. In the View Window, click the arrow on the axis button (located to the right of the Annotation field) and select the scaling that best suits your needs:


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Record Axis - Scales the X-Axis of the Trend Graph with equal spac-ing between records, regardless of the actual time each record was saved.

Time Axis - Scales the X-Axis of the Trend Graph to correspond with the actual time elapsed between saved records. The time stamps that correspond to the trend file belong to the trend currently selected by the crosshair.


To set line markers at the channel boundaries of the trend lines:

1. In the View Window, select the checkbox to the right of Line Markers (an X will appear in the box).

2. To deselect the line-markers option, clear the checkbox (the X will disappear).

Locking/Unlocking the Cursor

The crosshair cursor can be locked onto one trend line in the Trend Graph. When the cursor is locked, moving the cursor will keep it on the same trend line. When the cursor is unlocked, you can jump between trend lines.

To lock the cursor on a trend line in the Trend Graph:

1. In the View Window, select the checkbox to the right of Lock Cursor (an X will appear in the box).

2. To unlock the cursor from the trend line, clear the checkbox again (the X will disappear).

Note: If you move the cursor from one trend line to another in the Trend Graph, the “Cursor” box that corresponds to the trend line on which the cursor is placed will display an X.

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Page 215 of 218

Separating Trend Lines in the Trend Graph

You can set the Trend Graph to view the statistics with varying degrees of separation or overlap.

To separate trend lines in the Trend Graph:

1. In the View Window, use the slide bar or arrows to the right of Over-lap to create more separation (move right) or more overlap (move left) in the trend lines.

7. Printing Trend Compare ReportsFrom the Trend Compare Module, you can print the current trend compare analysis (called Trend Analysis). This report shows the current Trend Graph and associated data (i.e., file names, statistic descriptions, annotation, general trend information [channel grouping and time averaging], date and time stamp, statistic compatibility status, and low and high crosshair values) for the trend file.

7.1 Printer Setup

Unless otherwise specified, the FBRM CI software prints reports to the default printer set up under Windows. However, the default printer for the FBRM Cl can be changed without changing the Windows default.


1. In the View Window, click the Print button (located to the right of the Setup/View toggle). The following box appears:


Page 216 of 218 0031604 Rev C

2. Double-click Page Setup. The following box appears:

3. Click the Printer setup button. The following box appears:

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Page 217 of 218

4. Using the pull-down menu next to the Name box, select the printer you wish to set as the FBRM CI default, then Click OK. The printer you select becomes the default printer for the FBRM Control Interface until you exit the software, but your Windows default does not change.



To print the Trend Analysis report:

1. In the View Window, click the Print button (located to the right of the Setup/View toggle).

2. In the Select Pages to Print dialog box, select the Trend Analysis checkbox, then click OK.

8. Exiting the Trend Compare ModuleThe X at the upper right of the Trend Compare Module main display (typically used to close Windows-based programs) is disabled. You must click Exit on the Status Bar to close the Trend Compare Module.

To exit the Trend Compare Module:

1. Click Exit at the bottom right-hand corner of the Status Bar. The fol-lowing message appears:



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0031604 Rev C

January 2008 Data Processing in the FBRM CI FBRM Manual

Page 1 of 32

Appendix 1: Data Process-ing in the FBRM CI Software1. FBRM Measurement Prior to CI Software Data Pro-

cessingThe following terminology is presented as a brief chronological outline to the steps of FBRM measurement prior to data processing using FBRM CI software:

• Chord Length – A straight line between any two points on the edge of a particle.

• Optical Chord Length – Optical effects of the particle system (e.g., refractive index of the solution and particle, backscatter properties of the particle at the observed wave length, etc.) will influence the optically measured chord length. The optical chord length is a straight line between any two points on the edge of a particle as measured by the FBRM optical system.

• Count – A term used to describe the measure of a single chord. Each count rep-resents a single chord of a given chord length in microns.

• Channel – A bin with a specific upper and lower limit in microns. Counts with a chord length between specific limits are put in a specific channel.

• Primary Chord Length Distribution – This distribution is comprised of 1324

channels covering the range from 0 to µm on a linear scale where

for a scan speed of (see Table 1 for details). The FBRM hardware measures each optical chord length individually then stores the counts of equivalent chord lengths in the appropriate channel. The result is a count by chord length distribution called a primary chord length distribution. This is displayed as a number by micron distribution (number of counts by chord length in microns).

• Measurement (or Record) – FBRM accumulates counts in a primary chord length distribution for an amount of time specified by the user. Once this time span is completed, the measurement is completed and the primary chord length distribution is passed from the FBRM hardware to the FBRM CI software. At this point, the FBRM hardware will start the next measurement. Once a measurement is saved to a file, it is referred to as a record. The record includes all measured data, as well as all instrument configuration information relating to this mea-surement.

n 1024⋅n 1 2 3 4, , ,= n 2m s⁄⋅


Page 2 of 32 0031604 Rev C

Figure 1 illustrates the sequence of operations the primary chord length distribution undergoes in the FBRM CI software before it is either displayed or further processed to yield a statistical value.

First, if the user has elected to average the measurement in some way, the mea-surement is averaged with preceding measurements. Once this is complete, the 1324 channels are regrouped into a smaller number of channels following either a linear or logarithmic progression. Next, the block diagram splits into two different branches: one for display of the distribution and one that specifies the calculation of one of eight statistics.

For the Distribution Display, counts per channel are optionally divided by the mea-surement time to yield counts per second (recommended). They then are weighted (1/length; no weighting; or length, square, or cube weight) and optionally normal-ized to reflect counts as a percentage of total counts. The distribution can option-ally be converted to cumulative distribution.

Settings that affect the right branch of Figure 1 are specific to each of the eight sta-tistics. The counts per channel are weighted. The user then has a choice to further limit the channel range over which the individual statistic is calculated (e.g., mean between 1 and 10 µm). The limited range of channels then goes through a statis-tics calculation (total counts, counts per second, mean, median, mode, etc.) that yields a single number.

In addition to the built-in statistics, a custom statistic can be implemented in a DLL (dynamically linked library) called by the FBRM CI.

If the first derivative is preferred over the statistic itself, the trend will reflect the change from one measurement to the next.

Each stage in Figure 1 is discussed in further detail in the following sections.

0031604 Rev C


Page 3 of 32

RawChannelCounts

Time Averaging

ChannelGrouping

Custom ChannelConversion

(Review Only)

Custom DLL

Distribution

Settingsare

specificto

eachTrend.

Counts orCounts/Sec

Channel Weights

Counts orRelative Counts

DistributionDisplay

Regular orCumulativeDistribution

Channel Weights

ChannelSubrange

StatisticsCalculation

Custom DLL

Optional FirstDerivative

TrendDisplay

Figure 1. Processing of Chord Length Data


Page 4 of 32 0031604 Rev C

2. Primary Chord Length Distribution

The FBRM hardware provides 1324 primary channels of data from 0 to µm on a linear scale, where for scanning speeds .

The scale is broken into two ranges, µm and

µm. The bottom 400 channels in the µm

range provide finer, µm resolution, whereas the upper 924 channels

provide a coarser, resolution, but cover a wider micron range

µm.

Table 1 outlines these properties:

3. Averaging and Save to File

Averaging multiple measurements over time can provide more stable chord length distributions. These distributions provide greater precision and enhanced sensitivity to change in dimension. The negative aspect of averaging is that it slows the response to change and, in some cases, can decrease the reported magnitude of change in time (see the FBRM Application Manual for examples).

There are 1324 each of input and output channels in this operation. Each output channel is an averaged version over past values of the corresponding input chan-nel.

Each channel independently undergoes the same averaging operation. For this rea-son, the channel number is left out in the following discussion. The counts in a

particular channel taken over time are denoted as , and the corre-

Table 1. Primary Chord Length Distribution

Range

Channel width

Number of channels 400 924

n 1024⋅

n 1 2 3 4, , ,= n 2m s⁄⋅

0 n 100⋅,[ ]

n 100⋅ n 1024⋅,[ ] 0 n 100⋅,[ ]

n 1 4⁄⋅

n 1µm⋅

n 100⋅ n 1024⋅,[ ]

µm[ ] 0 n 100⋅,[ ] n 100⋅ n 1024⋅,[ ]

µm[ ] n 1 4⁄⋅ n

xt xt 1– …, ,

0031604 Rev C


Page 5 of 32

sponding filtered values as , where for the first,

second, and third measurement etc.

3.1 Moving-Average Filter

The moving-average filter averages a specified number of past

measurements (which includes the most recent measurement ) by

giving equal weight to each measurement. The moving-average filter can be expressed as:

(1)

where is the number of available past data points.

At the beginning of the measurement, or when restarting the averaging,

is set to 1 because there is only one past measurement available.

With each new measurement, increases until it reaches .

3.2 Exponential Filter

Unlike the moving-average filter, the exponential filter does not give equal weight to past measurements, but gives exponentially declining weight to measurements further back in time. This implies that the very first mea-surement in a measurement series continues to have an effect, even though its effect diminishes over time. All past measurements cease to have an effect when time averaging is restarted.

Rather than taking an exponentially weighted sum over all past measure-ments with each new measurement, a mathematically equivalent result is obtained by performing a weighted average between the most recent

measurement and the past filtered measurement:

with (2)

yt yt 1– …, , t 0 1 2 …, , ,=

Jmax

xt

yt1J--- xτ

τ t J– 1+=

t

∑=

J

JJ Jmax

yt αxt 1 α )yt 1––(+= 0 α 1≤<


Page 6 of 32 0031604 Rev C

The weight regulates how fast the filter drops off. The larger the that

is chosen, the faster the filter drops off and the more the most recent value is emphasized.

Limiting cases for are:

No filtering takes place. The filtered output is the same as the

unfiltered measurement .

The most recent measurement has negligible influence.

An exception must be made for the very first measurement of a mea-surement series or when averaging is restarted, because, in either case,

there is no past filtered measurement at . The first measurement

is given the full weight of . The very first filtered measurement is

obtained as follows:

(3)

3.3 Double-Exponential Filter

The double-exponential filter offers advantages for eliminating high-fre-quency noise. It is equivalent to two exponential filters in series, where the second exponential filter acts on the output of the first filter. The

same filter constant is used in both individual exponential filters.

3.4 Save to File

Version 6.8.0 of the FBRM CI software differs from version 5.4 in that saving to a file is performed prior to averaging and channel grouping.

4. Channel GroupingChannel grouping gives the user the ability to group the primary chord length distri-bution of 1324 channels into a channel grouping more appropriate to the applica-

tion under investigation. Channel grouping is characterized by four parameters: ,

, , and the Channel Progression (linear or logarithmic).

α α

α

α 1=xt

α 0→ xt

t 0=x0 1

y0 x0=

α

AB N

0031604 Rev C


Page 7 of 32

Examples for channel groupings are as follows:

denotes the number of channels that divides the interval , where is

the left boundary of the lowest channel (in µm) and is the right boundary of the

highest channel (in µm). The channel progression is either linear or logarithmic.

In the following discussion, the index indexes the first, second, ...,

Nth channel and its left channel boundary. Because the right channel boundary of

channel i is always identical to the left channel boundary of channel i+1, there is a

total of N+1 channel boundaries with:

= left channel boundary for channels

= right channel boundary for channels

4.1 Linear Progression

The interval is divided into N channels of equal difference d

between the left and right channel boundary:

(4)

The channel boundaries are calculated as follows:

for (5)

Table 2.

Channel Grouping A B NChannel

Progression

1-1000 µm 90 Log Ch. 1 1000 90 Logarithmic

0-500 µm 100 Linear Ch. 0 500 100 Linear

0-30 µm 120 Linear Ch. 0 30 120 Linear

N A B,[ ] AB

i 1 … N, ,=

ci i 1 … N, ,=

ci 1+ i 1 … N, ,=

A B,[ ]

d B( A ) 1N----⋅–=

ci A d i 1–( )⋅+= i 1 2 … N 1+, , ,=


Page 8 of 32 0031604 Rev C

The channel midpoint of channel i is defined as the point that divides the channel via equal differences:

(6)

Solving Eq.(6) for Mi yields:

(7)

4.2 Logarithmic Progression

The interval [A,B] is divided into N channels of equal ratio r between the left and right channel boundary with:

(8)

Noteworthy here is the similarity to Eq.(4) except that all variables with

chord-length dimension are now operated on by the logarithm and d has been renamed r. Eq.(8) holds regardless of the base of the loga-

rithm used (base 10, e, or other). Solving for r yields:

(9)

Modifying Eq.(5) by replacing chord-length variables with their loga-

rithm and renaming d to r, the channel boundaries are calculated as follows:

(10)

Solving Eq.(10) for ci yields:

for (11)

ci 1+ Mi Mi ci–=–

Mici 1+ ci+

2-------------------------=

rlog Blog Alog–( ) 1N----⋅=

r BA---⎝ ⎠

⎛ ⎞

1N----

=

cilog Alog rlog i 1–( )⋅+=

ci A ri 1–⋅= i 1 2 … N 1+, , ,=

0031604 Rev C


Page 9 of 32

Using this formula, it is indeed easy to verify that the ratio between the right and left channel boundary is constant:

(12)

The channel midpoint of channel i is defined as the point that divides the channel via equal ratios. It can be derived from Eq.(6), by considering that - on a logarithmic scale - the midpoint should again divide the chan-nel via equal differences:

(13)

Applying the exponential function to both sides yields:

(14)

Solving for we get: (15)

(16)

Especially for logarithmic progression, the channel boundaries do not

necessarily coincide with a primary channel boundary. In this case, a primary channel can contribute to more than one channel in proportion to its overlap with either grouped channel.

In the following sections, the grouped channel counts are denoted as ,

with . A detailed description of the regrouping algo-

rithm is given in Section 12.

ci 1+ci

-------------- A r i 1+( ) 1–⋅

A ri 1–⋅

------------------------------------ ri

ri 1–------------- r= = =

ci 1+log Milog Milog cilog–=–

ci 1+Mi

--------------Mici------=

Mi

Mi ci ci 1+⋅=

ci

ni

i 1 2 … N, , ,=


Page 10 of 32 0031604 Rev C

5. Converting Counts to Counts per SecondTo normalize the count per channel data, the user has the option to convert the

counts per measurement to counts per second

for channels (17)

where is the measurement duration.

6. Channel WeightsChannel weighting emphasizes the change in one region of the distribution while de emphasizing the change in another region of the distribution by applying a

channel-specific weight to counts . The weighted channels are obtained

via:

for channels (18)

The weights are obtained from the channel midpoints via:

for channels (19)

ni

niniTm-------= i 1 2 … N, , ,=

ni

wi ni yi

yi wi ni⋅= i 1 2 … N, , ,=

wi Mi

wi

Mγ

i

Mγ

jj 1=

N∑------------------------ N⋅= i 1 2 … N, , ,=

.

0031604 Rev C


Page 11 of 32

The table below shows how the different types of channel weight procedures can be

calculated by varying :

Using it is easy to verify that for is obtained for

.

The rationale for the summation term in the denominator and the multiplication by

is the following:

If we were to use raw weights the weights would become very large for

square and cube weights, which in turn would make the counts per channel and derived quantities (e.g., total counts) very large. For this reason, we have scaled the weights (not the counts) so the sum over the weights remains the same as if no

weighting was chosen. That sum has to be since each weight for "No Weighting"

has to be 1. The operation is equivalent to normalizing raw weights by their

average.

with and raw weights (20)

Table 3. Calculating Channel Weight Procedures

Method

1/Length Weight -1

No Weighting 0

Length Weight 1

Square Weight 2

Cube Weight 3

γ

γ

M0i 1≡ γ 0 wi, 1= =

i 1 2 … N, , ,=

N

ωi Miγ=

Nωi

wi ωi ω⁄= ω

ωi

j 1=

N

∑N

-----------= ωi Mγi=


Page 12 of 32 0031604 Rev C

The result is a much better behaved weighting function.

7. Relative CountsFor display purposes, the user has the option to convert the weighted counts per

channel to relative counts , which indicates the counts as a percentage of

the total counts:

for channels (21)

8. Limited Channel Range (Isolation of a Population of Interest)

When the statistics are calculated, each statistic can be calculated from a limited channel range chosen from the current channel grouping. In other words, each sta-

tistic can have its own sub range of channels out of the total channels. A sub-

range is specified by channel indices and , with denoting the index of the

first channel and the index of the last channel of the sub range. Channel indices

, , and are limited via:

(22)

The user does not enter the channel range by the respective channel indices and

, but rather in terms of their channel boundaries and (in µm units).

Therefore, it can happen that the user-specified channel boundaries do not coin-

cide with any actual channel boundary (e.g., when the channel grouping is

changed or when the user does not have the exact channel boundary available). In these cases, the user-specified lower boundary is corrected towards the closest

boundary that is smaller than the specified value. Likewise, the user-specified

yi ri

riyi

yjj 1=

N

∑

--------------- 100⋅= i 1 2 … N, , ,=

Na b a

bi a b

1 a i b N≤ ≤ ≤ ≤

ab ca cb

ci

ci

0031604 Rev C


Page 13 of 32

upper boundary is corrected towards the closest boundary that is larger than the

specified value. Any user-specified channel boundary that lies outside the maximum

allowed range is corrected towards the nearest of either or

. After these corrective steps, the user-specified channel sub range lines up

with existing channel boundaries and , and their corresponding indices are

and . Choosing a channel sub range precedes statistics calculation (the sub-

ject of Section 9).

9. Statistics CalculationThe statistics calculation is chosen individually for each trend and acts upon the

channel range of weighted channels with midpoints with

. The output of this operation is always a single num-

ber. The following subsections, which correspond with the statistic options available in the FBRM CI software, discuss each of the different statistics.

9.1 Counts (#/meas) and Counts per Second (#/sec)

This statistic is often used to help isolate a population of interest (e.g., fine count between 1 and 4 µm). After limiting the range as described in Section 8, counts per measurement are obtained via

(23)

and counts per second are obtained via

(24)

where is the measurement duration.

ci

c1 cN 1+[ , ] c1

cN 1+

ca cb

a b

yi Mi

i a a 1 … b 1– b, , ,+,=

NTotal yii a=

b

∑=

NPerSecondNTotal

Tm---------------=

Tm


Page 14 of 32 0031604 Rev C

9.2 Mean

The mean chord length is obtained from counts per channel and

midpoints as follows. A proof of this formula is given in Eq.(27)

and Eq.(28):

(25)

It is legitimate to perform the sums only from to ,

because taking the channel sub range is equivalent to considering

for .

It can be shown (proof is given below) that the mean can be

expressed directly in terms of the unweighted counts via

(26)

where for 1/length weight; no weighting; and

length, square, and cube weight.

C yi

Mi

C

yiMii a=

b

∑

yi

i a=

b

∑

---------------------=

i a= i b=

yi 0= i 1 … a 1– b 1 … N, ,+, , ,=

Cni

C

niMiγ 1+

i a=

b

∑

niMiγ

i a=

b

∑

-----------------------------------=

γ 1– 0 1 2 3, , , ,=

0031604 Rev C


Page 15 of 32

Proof:

where (27)

(28)

Definitions

• Unweighted Mean Chord (No Weighting) – The sum of the unweighted counts per channel multiplied by the midpoint of that channel, divided by the sum of all unweighted counts.

• Length Weight Mean Chord (Length Weight) – The sum of the length weighted counts per channel multiplied by the midpoint of that channel, divided by the sum of the length weighted counts.

• Length Square Weight Mean Chord (Square Weight) – The sum of the length square weighted counts per channel multiplied by the midpoint of that channel, divided by the sum of the length square weighted counts.

• Length Cube Weight Mean Chord (Cube Weight) – The sum of the cube weighted counts per channel multiplied by the midpoint of that channel, divided by the sum of the length cube weighted counts.

wi

Mγ

i

Mγ

jj 1=

N

∑

------------------ N Mγ

iG⋅=⋅= G N

Mγ

jj 1=

N

∑

------------------=

C

yiMii a=

b

∑

yi

i a=

b

∑

-------------------------

niwiMii a=

b

∑

niwii a=

b

∑

-------------------------------

niMiγ

G Mi⋅ ⋅

i a=

b

∑

niMiγ

G⋅

i a=

b

∑

----------------------------------------------= = =

G niMγiMi

i a=

b

∑⋅

G niMiγ

i a=

b

∑⋅

-----------------------------------------=

niMiγ 1+

i a=

b

∑

niMiγ

i a=

b

∑

------------------------------------=


Page 16 of 32 0031604 Rev C

9.3 Mode

The mode is the midpoint of the channel with the highest counts. The

first step is to find the channel index belonging to the channel with

the highest count .

(29)

where the search is performed over channels . The mode is

the center point of the corresponding channel:

(30)

9.4 Chi Square (ChiSquare)

The Chi Square statistic provides a measure of similarity between

two distributions based on the shape of the distributions. The more the

measured distribution deviates from a reference distribution , the

larger becomes.

imax

yi

imax arg max yi=

a i b≤ ≤

Cmode Mi=

χ2

yi Ri

χ2

0031604 Rev C


Page 17 of 32

Background

The Chi Square statistic originally applies to an experiment with a finite

number N of possible outcomes, performed times, where

are the number of experiments that resulted in each

possible outcome, with probabilities of each outcome . The definition is:

; (31)

The observed results will generally diverge from the expected results

at least by chance or by a significant change in the experimental

conditions. The probability that a certain value of is due to chance

is expressed as a rather complicated integral solution involving the Gamma function, and therefore cannot be solved in close form. Values of

are usually found tabulated for the number of degrees of freedom of

the experiments and values of .

But even if the value of is not calculated, can provide a useful

measure of the deviation of an experiment from an expected or reference result. Over a series of experiments it is possible to establish a typical

value of which, if exceeded, indicates a change in the experimental

conditions.

nY1 Y2 … YN, , ,

p1 p2 … pN, , ,

χ2Yi npi–⎝ ⎠

⎛ ⎞ 2

npi--------------------------------

i 1=

N

∑= n Yii 1=

N

∑=

Yi

npi

Q χ2

Q

N 1–( ) χ2

Q χ2

χ2


Page 18 of 32 0031604 Rev C

Application to Chord-Length Distributions

Eq.(31) can also be applied to chord-length distributions. In Eq.(31)

can be interpreted as the measured number of individual chords

that fall into a range determined by channel with channel midpoint

. We can interpret to be the probability of a chord to fall into

channel and can be interpreted to be the total number of chords to

be distributed across those channels. Then the term becomes the

expected number of counts in channel . If a reference distribution

is representative enough to serve as estimator of , we can use each

of its channels to represent . For a given sample distribution

and a reference distribution is calculated as follows:

(32)

is thus a measure for the combined relative deviation of individual

elements of the sample distribution from the reference distribution. We

arrive at the reference distribution by submitting the reference distri-

bution to the same operations in Figure 1 as the sample distribution .

Eq.(32) also applies to a limited range of channels, in which case it becomes:

(33)

Yi yi

iMi pi

i nnpi

i R

pi

Ri npi

yi Ri χ2

χ2 yi Ri–( )2

Ri-----------------------

i∑=

χ2

Ri

yi

χ2 yi Ri–( )2

Ri-----------------------

i a=

b

∑=

0031604 Rev C


Page 19 of 32

If the sample distribution and the reference distribution were taken

with different measurement durations, the value of would thus

become measurement-time dependent. This change in not only

reflects the desired measure of variation in distribution shape, but also a difference in absolute number of counts. Therefore, a time-normalized

is defined as:

(34)

; (35)

where Tm is the measurement duration and Tm,R the measurement

duration of the reference distribution.

One problem arises if one or more of the elements of the reference

distribution are zero. is not defined in this case. Another problem can

arise if , but very close to zero (e.g., 0.001). This could dramat-

ically drive up the magnitude of , just based on a single channel.

A possible modification of the Chi Square statistic could be to simply

ignore those elements of the sample distribution for which

(or close to zero) and sum over the remaining relative devia-

tions. However, by doing so, we are ignoring possibly important infor-

mation contained in those channels of the sample distribution for

which the corresponding is 0.

yi Ri

χ2

χ2

χ2

χ2 yi Ri–( )

2

Ri-----------------------

i a=

b

∑=

yiyiTm------= Ri

RiTm R,-----------=

Ri

χ2

Ri 0>

χ2

yi

Ri 0=

i yi

Ri


Page 20 of 32 0031604 Rev C

To overcome this problem, we followed a different approach. This approach is also suggested in [1], pp.280-281.

Channels in the reference distribution that are below a threshold

(the current implementation uses a threshold of to force any

fractional counts to be combined with other channels) are combined

with the nearest channel that satisfies and . If there is

no such channel (as would be the case if one or more of the left-most channels fall below the threshold), they are combined with the nearest

channel that satisfies and . Once all channels that

need to be combined to form a new distribution are identified, a new

sample distribution is constructed by combining those same chan-

nels in the sample distribution .

The following table illustrates this for and a channel sub range

from channels to :

The underlined entries indicate values that fall below the threshold

and therefore necessitate the channel be combined with the nearest

channel (indicated by arrows) above the threshold .

Table 4. Channel Sub Range

i 2 4 5 6

0.1 70 0.2 20 30 15 0.0 0.02

3 60 25 29 32 17 4 3

Ri ε

ε 1=

Rj j i< Rj ε≥

Rj j i> Rj ε≥

R'yj'

yi

ε 1=a 1= b 8=

1 → 3← 7← 8←

Ri

yi

Ri

ε

0031604 Rev C


Page 21 of 32

The table below shows the new distributions and the channels that were combined to form the new channels:

It is now possible to determine a modified :

(36)

The usefulness of these modifications to the Chi Square statistic will depend on the application. In any case, a large number of controlled

experiments should be carried out to determine typical values of .

Changes of must be observed for controlled changes to the experi-

mental environment, so that limiting values of to distinguish random

derivations from significant changes of the experiment can be estab-lished.

9.5 Standard Deviation (StdDev)

Standard deviation and variance are indicators of the spread of a distri-bution about the mean. The narrower the distribution, the smaller the

variance and standard deviation become. Variance is obtained from

Table 5. Distributions after combining channels

1 2 3 4

Channels used toform this channel

1,2,3 4 5 6,7,8

70.3 20 30 15.02

88 29 32 24

ji

R'jy'j

χ'2

χ'2y'j R'j–( )

R'j---------------------- 14.01=

j 1=

4

∑=

χ2

χ2

χ2

s2


Page 22 of 32 0031604 Rev C

channel counts , mean chord length and midpoints as fol-

lows :

(37)

A proof is given in Section 11. The positive square root of the variance is called the standard deviation and is denoted by:

(38)

9.6 %Counts<C, %Counts C, Percentile, and Median

The function returns the percentage of all chords

with chord length smaller than . The inverse of this function is the

Percentile function, which returns the chord length C, below which

percent of the chords lie. The median is the =50th percentile and thus

represents a special case of the percentile function. Finally,

is obtained from via:

(39)

The first step for both the and Percentile functions is to

calculate the cumulative distribution from the channel counts

and the channel boundaries .The cumulative distribution function

contains the total counts between the left channel boundary of

the lowest channel and the left channel boundary of channel ,

yi C Mi

s2

yi Mi C–( )2

i a=

b

∑

yii a=

b∑

----------------------------------------=

s s2=

≥

%Counts C< PC

PP

%Counts C≥ %Counts C<

%Counts C≥( ) 100 %Counts C<( )–=

%Counts C<

Qi yi

ci

Qi ca

a ci i

0031604 Rev C


Page 23 of 32

where and is the index of the highest channel in the chan-

nel sub range.

is calculated from distribution via:

for (40)

Limit cases are

for (41)

and

for (42)

where is the total counts between channels and .

Next, we derive a normalized distribution function that expresses the cumulative counts as percentage of the total counts:

(43)

Usage of is best illustrated with a concrete example. We start with a

linear channel grouping of 100 channels between 0-1000 µm that yields the following channel boundaries:

Table 6. Linear Channel Grouping

1 2 a=3 4 5 b=6 7 ... 100

left channelboundary

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 ... 990

right channelboundary 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 ... 1000

a i b≤ ≤ b

Qi yi

Qi yk

k a=

i 1–

∑= a i b≤<

Qi 0= i a≤

Qi NTotal= i b>

NTotal a b

Qi 100Qi

NTotal--------------⋅=

Qi

i

ci

ci 1+


Page 24 of 32 0031604 Rev C

Assume that in the statistics setup we selected a limited channel range from 20-60 µm, leading to channel indices a = 3 and b = 6. The table

below shows the calculation of and from channel counts , using equations Eq.(40) and Eq.(43):

Table 7. Calculation from Channel Counts

Left Bd.

RightBd.

Counts

a=3 20 µm 30 µm 7 0 %

4 30 µm 40 µm 23 2.8 %

5 40 µm 50 µm 140 12 %

b=6 50 µm 60 µm 80

68 %

7 60 µm --- --- 100 %

Qi Qi yi

i ci ci 1+yi

Qiyk

k a=

i 1–

∑=Qi

NTotal----------------= 100%.Qi

0

7 yk

k 3=

3

∑=

30 yk

k 3=

4

∑=

170 yk

k 3=

5

∑=

250 NTotal=

0031604 Rev C


Page 25 of 32

The most important columns are columns 1 and 5, which are summa-rized in the table below:

This table allows us to determine the percentage of total counts below a selected chord length. For instance, the table shows that 68% of all

counts are below 50 µm. Conversely, it also shows that the 68th percen-tile is 50 µm.

An additional challenge arises when we seek to compute values such as

or the 90th percentile, because there is no entry in

the table for either of these values. To calculate intermediate values, we must employ linear interpolation. The use of linear interpolation is also suggested in [1].

In the first example we demonstrate the function by cal-

culating the . The two-point pairs left and right of

are in columns 3 and 4, namely and

. When we linearly interpolate between two points

and on an graph, any intermediate point

on the line divides both the X-interval and the Y-interval

into sub intervals and , such that each have

the same proportion to their respective interval:

(44)

Applied to the above point pairs, we get:

Table 8. Columns 1 and 5 from Table 7

Column 1 2 3 4 5

Chord length 20 µm 30 µm 40 µm 50 µm 60 µm

Percent Counts<Chord length

0 % 2.8 % 12 % 68 % 100 %

%Counts 47µm<

%Counts C<

%Counts 47µm<

47µm 40µm 12%,{ }

50µm 68%,{ }

x1 y1{ , } x2 y2{ , } XY

x y{ , } x1 x2[ , ]

y1 y2[ , ] x1 x[ , ] y1 y[ , ]

x x1–x2 x1–----------------

y y1–y2 y1–----------------=


Page 26 of 32 0031604 Rev C

(45)

Solving for yields:

(46)

In a second example, we seek to calculate the 90th percentile. The clos-

est two pairs are in columns 4 and 5, namely and

. Using the previous equation for linear interpolation,

we get:

(47)

Solving for yields:

(48)

9.7 Custom Statistics implemented in a DLL

Version 6.8.0 of the FBRM CI software has been enhanced to allow users to add their own statistics by implementing a DLL (dynamically linked library). A DLL is a piece of executable code that cannot be exe-cuted by itself, but can be called by another application. It is called “dynamically linked” because the code is linked to the calling execut-able not at compile time, but rather at run time.

Input to the custom DLL is the same as to each of the built-in statistics (i.e., the grouped, weighted, and sub ranged counts/channel of the measured chord-length distribution as well as the reference distribu-tion). Other data (e.g., measurement time, time stamp, and analog inputs) are also passed to the DLL.

Please contact the Marketing Coordinator at Lasentec’s Redmond office for instructions on implementing a custom DLL.

47µm 40µm–50µm 40µm–----------------------------------- P%-12%

68%-12%------------------------=

P

P 51.2%=

50µm 68%{ , }60µm 100%{ , }

Cµm 50µm–60µm 50µm–----------------------------------- 90%-68%

100%-68%---------------------------=

C

C 56.875µm=

0031604 Rev C


Page 27 of 32

10. First Derivative OperationThis optional operation allows statistical values to be replaced by the difference between the last measured statistical value and the previous statistical value. While this is only a crude estimate for the first derivative, it can nonetheless be used to indicate sudden changes in the trend.

Let and be the current and previous trend values and and the

corresponding time stamps (in seconds). Then the first derivative is estimated via:

(49)

11. Proof of the Equation used for Mean Chord Length and Standard Deviation

Let be a discrete random variable with possible outcomes and

the relative frequency of outcome . Applied to our chord length distribution,

we can say that we have outcome if a single chord falls into the chord length

interval given by the channel boundaries of channel . Let be the frequency at

which we have outcome , i.e. the number of chords falling into channel . The

relative frequency can be determined from the frequency of measuring :

(50)

vk vk 1– Tk Tk 1–

v'kvk vk 1––Tk Tk 1––-----------------------=

X x1 x2 … xN, , ,

pi xi

xi

i yi

xi i

yi xi

piyi

yjj 1=

N

∑

-------------=


Page 28 of 32 0031604 Rev C

The mean is defined as:

(51)

The standard deviation is defined as:

(52)

We can consider each channel midpoint as a chord-length measurement

that occurs with frequency . Combining Eq.(50) and Eq.(51) and replacing

and the mean chord length becomes:

(53)

Similarly, combining Eq.(50) and Eq.(52) yields the variance:

(54)

x xi

i 1=

N

∑ pi=

s2 xi( x ) pi–2

i 1=

N

∑=

Mi xi

yk

xi Mi→ x C→

C

yiMi

i 1=

N

∑

yii 1=

N

∑

---------------------=

s2

yi Mi C–( )2

i 1=

N

∑

yii 1=

N

∑

----------------------------------------=

0031604 Rev C


Page 29 of 32

12. Channel Count ConversionWhen converting from the primary 1324 channels to a user-selectable channel dis-tribution (e.g., 38-channel, logarithmic progression), the channel counts need to be redistributed based on the relative location of the new channel boundaries to the original channel boundaries.

In the following discussion, let be the primary channel boundaries of the 1324

channels, with and the channel boundaries of the user-select-

able channel grouping (e.g., 38 channels with ). Especially if fol-

lows a logarithmic progression, the channel boundaries usually will not coincide because the 1324 channels are either only 1-µm or 1/4-µm wide (assuming a 2 m/s scanning speed). Therefore, a more elaborate scheme is necessary to distribute the channel counts.

While the target channels are wider than the source channels in most cases, the fol-lowing calculations hold true for either instance and can be used for conversion between any two sets of channel boundaries, no matter how irregularly spaced they may be.

Figure 1 below shows a simple example of how the primary channel counts are

redistributed to yield the regrouped channel counts :

bi

0 i 1324<≤ cj

0 j 38<≤ cj

mi

nj

dijd i 1–( )jmim i 1–( )

nijn i 1–( )j

nj

b i 1–( ) bi b i 1+( )

c j 1+( )cj

Figure 1. Raw Channel Counts Redistributed to Yield Regrouped Channel Counts


Page 30 of 32 0031604 Rev C

The counts of channel are distributed into those channels that overlap

with channel . The channel width of channel is:

(55)

If is the overlap between channel and channel , then the fraction of counts

channel receives from channel is the proportion of that overlap to the channel

width:

(56)

If channels and have no overlap, then:

and therefore (57)

Note that any given channel can receive contributions from more than one chan-

nel, if it overlaps more than one channel. To compute the total counts channel receives, we sum up the contributions from all the source channels :

(58)

To get the entire re-grouped channel counts, we have to repeat the above process

for all .

12.1 Example

The following example shows how to calculate the channel counts

from the source channel counts . Figure 2 shows the channel widths

for source and target channels.

mi i j

i i

wi bi 1+ bi–=

dij i j

j i

nij midijwi------⋅=

i j

dij 0= nij 0=

jj

i

nj niji

∑=

j

nj

mi

0031604 Rev C


Page 31 of 32

The non-zero transition widths are summarized in this table:

The corresponding transition counts mij are calculated using Eq.(56),

shown here again:

(59)

Table 9. Non-zero Transition Widths

i=0 i=1 i=2

j=0 0.5 µm

j=1 1.0 µm

j=2 1.0 µm 1.0 µm

j=3 1.0 µm 4.0 µm

bi 0 3 5, , 9{ , }=

ci12--- 1 2, , 4 10,{ , }=

ChannelBoundaries µm[ ]

Figure 2. Channel Widths for Source and Target Channels

dij

dij

dij

nij midijwi------⋅=


Page 32 of 32 0031604 Rev C

The non-zero values of as well as grouped channels are sum-

marized in this table:

The right-most column shows the new channel counts in terms of

the old channel counts .

13. References[1] Kennedy, John B. and Neville, Adam M. Basic Statistical Methods for Engi-

neers and Scientists, 1986, 3rd Edition (Harper and Row, Publishers, New York)

Table 10. Non-Zero Values for and resulting grouped counts

3.0 µm 2.0 µm 4.0 µm

nij nj

nij nj

i 0= i 1= i 2= njnij

i∑=

wi

j 0= n00 m00.5µm3.0µm----------------⋅= n0

m06

-------=

j 1= n01 m01.0µm3.0µm----------------⋅= n1

m03

-------=

j 2= n02 m01.0µm3.0µm----------------⋅= n12 m1

1.0µm2.0µm----------------⋅= n2

m03

-------m12

-------+=

j 3= n13 m11.0µm2.0µm----------------⋅= n23 m2

4.0µm4.0µm----------------⋅= n3

m12

------- m2+=

nj

mi

0031604 Rev C Page 1 of 6

January 2008 Terms and Conditions of Sale FBRM Manual

Appendix 2: Terms and Con-ditions of Sale1. ACCEPTANCE. The following terms and conditions ("Agreement") shall govern the sale of the products described herein ("Product"), by Mettler-Toledo AutoChem, Inc. ("Seller") to you ("Buyer"). This Agreement is part of any price quotation sent on behalf of Seller and is attached to every acknowledgment sent by Seller to acknowl-edge a purchase order received from Buyer. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between Seller and Buyer relating to the sale of the Product. Buyer's pur-chase and acceptance of the Product hereunder represents acceptance of the terms and conditions of this Agreement which shall govern this sale. No modification or addition to this Agreement shall be valid unless in a writing signed by the party against whom such modification or addition is sought to be enforced.

2. PRODUCT. The Product consists of particle system characterization monitor(s), which may be used either in the laboratory or for in-line process applications. Each Product includes both an analyzer unit and a measuring unit. The analyzer unit includes a computer, which may be furnished as part of the Product by Seller or separately obtained by Buyer from a third party, and operating software (the "Soft-ware"). The measuring unit includes a probe head assembly which contains one of the following: (A) optics, laser source, receiving detectors and detection circuitry and analog module; or (B) an optical system and imaging device, laser source and control circuitry. For purposes hereof, all references to the “Product” shall include, but not be limited to, the Software and Documentation (as defined below).

3. PRODUCT PERFORMANCE. With respect to the Product described in Paragraph 2(A), the Product performs the following functions: it provides a laser beam which is focused on individual particles suspended in a fluid solution; detects the light pulses back-scattered from these particles and classifies them into a number of size channels; and periodically transfers the content of the high speed counting registers associated with these size channels to a data handling computer. The computer provides the means for an operator to control the counting process and to record and display the collected information. The Product does not provide an absolute particle size measurement and must be calibrated against other process parameters or particle measuring standards as adopted by the Buyer.


Page 2 of 6 0031604 Rev C

Alternatively, with respect to the Product described in Paragraph 2(B), the Product performs the following functions: it illuminates with an intense laser light a region of interest that contains particles to be analyzed, and acquires the back-scattered light from these particles with an optical system that produces an image of the par-ticles on the imaging device. The imaging device converts the image to an electri-cal signal that can be transmitted to a computer, image processor or other system for display and analysis.

4. LICENSE TO SOFTWARE AND DOCUMENTATION. In connection with the sale of the Product to Buyer, Seller hereby grants to Buyer a non-exclusive, non-transfer-able license to use the Software and all written instructions, manuals, and other documentation relating to the Product ("Documentation") in accordance with the terms and conditions herein and in the Documentation. Buyer agrees not to copy, transfer or disclose to any third party the Software and Documentation except for backup purposes, and agrees to use the Software and Documentation solely for its internal purposes in conjunction with the Product. Seller does not provide the source code to the Software.

5. PROPRIETARY DATA. Buyer agrees that all right, title and interest in and to any patent, trademark, copyright, trade name, service mark, know-how, trade secret or other intellectual property right ("Proprietary Data") incorporated in or relating to the Product, including without limitation, the Software, Documentation, Seller’s propri-etary circuitry and hardware design, and computer data bases developed by or for Seller, shall remain vested solely in Seller. Buyer shall retain and not obscure or alter in any way the serial numbers and copyright, proprietary rights and trademark notices in the Product. Buyer shall not, and shall not permit any person to, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, copy, disclose or publish to third parties any Proprietary Data, in whole or in part. Buyer shall safeguard the confidentiality of the Proprietary Data against all loss, theft or other inadvertent disclosure to the same extent that it protects its own most confidential and proprietary data. Any breach of the foregoing will cause irreparable harm to Seller which will not be adequately remedied by money damages, and Buyer agrees that Seller shall be entitled, in addition to other available remedies, to injunctive and other equitable relief.

6. PAYMENT TERMS/TAXES. Unless otherwise quoted in writing, payment terms are “Net 30 days,” F.O.B. Seller’s Redmond, Washington facility. All prices are exclusive of, and Buyer shall be responsible for, all applicable governmental taxes,



tariffs and charges unless otherwise expressly set forth on the invoice for the Prod-uct. Late payments shall bear interest at the rate of 1% per month until paid.

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8. LIMITED WARRANTY, WARRANTY DISCLAIMERS AND EXCLUSIONS.

(A) Seller warrants to Buyer that the Product will be capable of performing the func-tions set forth in Paragraph 3 for a period of twelve (12) months from date of pur-chase by Buyer, as long as Buyer follows the maintenance and installation instructions as specified in the Documentation for proper and normal use.The fore-going warranty shall be void, and Seller’s obligation under this Paragraph 8 shall not apply, with respect to items sold to Buyer hereunder which have been altered by Buyer in any way, combined by Buyer with other equipment or technology not authorized in writing by Seller, or otherwise used by Buyer in an unauthorized or improper manner. If the Product fails to conform with the terms of this Agreement during such warranty period, Seller will, at its option (i) repair or replace Product at no additional charge except as set forth below or (ii) refund the purchase price for such defective Product after the return of the Product by Buyer to Seller in accor-dance with the terms hereof. Repair parts and replacement Product will, at Seller’s option, be either reconditioned or new. All replaced parts and the Products will become the property of Seller once returned. Warranty service may be obtained by delivering the Product to Seller's Repair Center at Redmond, Washington, or such other facility as may be specified in writing by Seller. Buyer shall pay for freight charges to and from the Repair Center, adequately insure the Product, assume the risk of loss or damage in transit, and use the original padded shipping container or equivalent to return the Product.

(B) THE WARRANTY SET FORTH IN SECTION 8(A) ABOVE IS THE ONLY WARRANTY MADE BY SELLER. SELLER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, ARISING BY LAW OR OTHERWISE, ORAL OR WRITTEN, INCLUD-



ING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICU-LAR PURPOSE.

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9. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PATENTS. The Products are manufactured under and covered by one or more U.S. Patents, including without limitation, U.S. Patents 4,871,251 (which covers both the apparatus of the technology incorporated in and relating to the Product, as well as the method of using such technology for on-line measurements to provide real-time information for process control); 5,012,118; 5,619,043 and various Patents and Patents Pending in the United States and abroad. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Seller hereby grants Buyer a non-exclusive license to practice the inventions protected by Seller's patents and patent applications that are embodied in either the Product or Software, which license shall be transferable with the Product upon prior written notice to Seller. To preserve the ability of Seller to continue to sell the Product, Buyer grants Seller a royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, transferable license, with the right to sublicense, to make, have made, use, distribute, modify and reproduce products under any patents or patent applications owned by or licensed to Buyer which claim use of the Product, Proprietary Data or improve-ments thereto.

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infringe any valid United States patent, copyright or trademark and its use is enjoined, Seller shall, at its expense, (A) procure for Buyer the right to continue using the Product, (B) modify the Product so it becomes non-infringing, (C) replace the Product with a non-infringing product which gives equivalent performance or (D) grant Buyer a credit for the Product and accept its return. Seller shall have no liability for, and Buyer shall indemnify and defend Seller against, any claims arising from the combination, modification or use of the Product other than as set forth in the Documentation or in writing by Seller. THE FOREGOING STATES SELLER’S SOLE LIABILITY, AND BUYER'S SOLE REMEDY, FOR INFRINGEMENT OF ANY PROPRIETARY RIGHTS.

11. DESIGN CHANGES. Seller reserves the right in its sole discretion to make design changes to the Product or provide Software updates, and in such event, Seller shall not be obligated to make equivalent changes or provide equivalent updates to previ-ously manufactured or delivered goods.

12. CONTINGENCIES. Seller shall not be liable for delay in performance or nonper-formance of its obligations hereunder, in whole or in part, due to the occurrence of any contingency or condition beyond the reasonable control of Seller or its suppli-ers, including without limitation, acts of God, war, sabotage, embargo, riot, failure or delay in transportation, act of any government or any court or administrative agency thereof, labor dispute, accident, fire or other casualty. If production or ship-ment of the Product is delayed because of any such contingency or condition, Seller may reschedule delivery in a reasonable manner.

13. BUYER’S CREDIT. Seller reserves the right to require cash payments or security satisfactory to it for delivery of the Product if, in Seller’s judgment, Buyer’s financial condition is or becomes unsatisfactory to Seller.

14. GENERAL. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Wash-ington, U.S.A., without regard to its conflicts of law rules The United Nations Con-vention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods shall not apply. Any term of this Agreement found to contravene the applicable law of any jurisdiction will be deleted without affecting the remaining terms. Any claim or dispute arising hereun-der shall be settled by arbitration in the City of Seattle, WA, in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. In any legal action to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover rea-sonable expenses and attorney's fees. Any waiver by Seller of a breach of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any later breach. This Agreement shall not



be assigned or transferred by Buyer without the prior written consent of Seller and any attempted assignment or transfer without such consent shall be null and void.

(Rev. 11/18/04)

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January 2008 Installing Embedded Software FBRM Manual

Appendix 3: Installing Embedded Software1. Embedded Installer

1.1 Upgrade Requirements

When upgrading from a previous installation of the FBRM control inter-face, it may be necessary to also upgrade the embedded software of the FBRM field unit.

To determine if this upgrade is necessary, double click on the acquisition module icon.The acquisition module performs a system test.

1. If the acquisition module starts without a warning with regard to the embedded software no further installation steps are necessary.

2. If the upgrade is necessary, the following screen appears. Click OK to close the acquisition module.


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1.2 Embedded Software installation:

Step 1. Start the host computer (computer running the FBRM CI). If the operating system is already running, close all open applications.

Step 2. Make sure the field unit is switched on and connections are made to the host computer, computer running the FBRM CI.

Step 3. Place the Lasentec FBRM CI program CD, referred to as “Program CD” for all installation instructions, into the appropriate drive of the host com-puter.

Step 4. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the Embedded subdirectory on the Program CD.

Step 5. Copy the entire Embedded folder to a temporary location (e.g., your C:\Temp directory).

Step 6. From the C:\Temp\Embedded subdirectory, double-click Embedded_Installer.exe.

Step 7. Upon start-up, the program attempts to detect the COM port from a previ-ous installation and asks for confirmation. Unless you are using a differ-ent COM port than in the past, answer with y.

Step 8. If the field unit is turned on and running embedded.exe Version 3 Build 18 or higher, the program automatically reboots the embedded system and displays the string: Rebooting field unit... Otherwise the program asks you to press <Enter> and manually restart the field unit.

Step 9. Wait while the program detects update.exe. If it fails to do so within one minute of switching on the field unit, press the <Escape> key and repeat the process from step 6 above.

Step 10. Answer Y if when prompted if you wish to proceed with updating embed-ded.exe.

Step 11. While uploading the new embedded software, the program displays Updating EMBEDDED.EXE and marks the progress by a series of dots. In

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the case of a data packet failure, a dot is replaced by an F. More than five such failures in a row causes the program to abort the upload. If this happens, exit Embedded_Installer.exe and repeat the process from step 6 above.

Step 12. Upon a successful upload, the program detects the newly installed embedded.exe, its version , and the connection speed. The installation is finished and successful when the program displays: Installation of EMBEDDED.EXE was successful.

Step 13. Press <Enter> to exit the program.

Step 14. Remove the Embedded folder from the temporary file location (e.g., C:\Temp).

2. Embedded Update Utility Install

Note: The Embedded Update Utility Install is not required for FBRM instru-ments with serial number 497 or later that were shipped after Sep-tember 1, 2000. These units have the embedded update utility install performed at the factory.

The following instructions are for installing the FBRM Embedded Update Utility in the M500, M600, and D600 embedded computer, specifically for systems with 16-in. x 20-in. field unit enclosures. The last three digits of these units’ serial numbers are 497 or greater. If the embedded update utility was not detected during the Embedded Installer procedure, you must complete the Embedded Update Utility Install procedure first, and then return and complete the Embedded Installer.

One installed, the update utility enables future upgrades to the embedded system without the need to use extra programs (e.g., HyperTerminal) or service cables.

Note: Please read this entire procedure before beginning the installation. Follow all instructions exactly.

To install the FBRM embedded update utility:


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Step 1. Obtain a service cable for the field unit computer (Part No. 708-0434) from Lasentec. If the computer on which you intend to run the FBRM Con-trol Interface (i.e., the host computer) is not close enough to the field unit to connect to it using the service cable, you must use a different computer (e.g., a laptop), which can be located closer.

Step 2. On the host computer, click the Windows Start button, choose Programs, Accessories, and look for HyperTerminal. (Do not start HyperTerminal at this point, just verify that the icon is displayed in the folder.)

Note: HyperTerminal is part of the Windows 2000 or Windows NT 4.0 installation. Refer to your Windows help if you cannot find this pro-gram on your computer.

Step 3. To connect the service cable, shut down Windows and turn off power to the host computer.

Step 4. Switch off power to the field unit.

Step 5. Find the field unit computer (located near the bottom right-hand side of the field unit).

Step 6. Disconnect the long, rectangular connector attached to the bottom of the field unit computer and connect the keyed 50-pin end (the first two holes are plugged) of the service cable in its place. Be sure the plugged holes are on the end of the connector that is closest to the back of the enclosure.

Step 7. Connect the service cable’s 9-pin connector to a free COM port on the host computer. (If your field unit is connected to the host computer and there are no other COM ports available, you can disconnect the field unit and use that COM port while uploading the software.)

Step 8. If the COM port is labelled, write down its number for reference.

Step 9. Start the host computer and open Windows Explorer.

Step 10. From the drive containing the Program CD, find the file folder labelled UpdateKit. Copy this folder to your C:\ drive.

Step 11. Switch on power to the field unit.

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Step 12. If you are connected to COM2, double-click C:\Update Kit\COM_2.ht and the HyperTerminal window should open. (If you are connected to COM1, double-click C:\Update Kit\Com_1.ht.)

Step 13. If the HyperTerminal window is empty, press the <Esc> key several times until you see the C:\> prompt. HyperTerminal is now connected to the field unit and you can proceed to step 14. If the system prompt does not appear, you must restart the field unit.

Step 14. Restart the field unit (steps 15 – 17) only if you did not see the C:\> prompt in the HyperTerminal window.

Step 15. Switch off power to the field unit, then wait five seconds and switch the power back on.

Step 16. After a few seconds, the computer start-up messages appear in the HyperTerminal window. The field unit software start sand show the current version of the software and the line, ”Starting Loop...”

Step 17. Press the <Esc> key several times until you see a system prompt. If a system prompt still does not appear, exit HyperTerminal and repeat from step 12 using a different COM port.

Step 18. When you see the C:\> prompt in the HyperTerminal window, type dir and press <Enter>. Confirm there is more than 250kb of free disk space. If there is less, abort the procedure.

Step 19. Type dir embedded.exe and press <Enter>. Write down the date and time stamp for later reference.

Step 20. Type rename embedded.exe embedded.bck and press <Enter>. This file is renamed embedded.exe by the update program.

Note: After completing step 21 below, you have approximately 40 seconds to complete steps 22 through 24, otherwise the connection is inter-rupted. Begin the process again from step 21 if you encounter a “Connection Timed Out” or “Failed to Receive” error.

Step 21. Start the file transfer by typing loadprog and press <Enter>.


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Step 22. In the HyperTerminal menu, select Transfer, then Send File as shown below.

Step 23. Browse to C:\Update_Kit, specify UpdateInstaller.exe as the file to send, and select the Xmodem protocol from the list.

Step 24. Click the Send button. The file transfer status is displayed as shown below:

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Note: The upload procedure takes approximately one minute. DO NOT STRIKE ANY KEYS DURING THIS PROCESS. When the upload proce-dure transfers a file to the embedded system, it renames it embed-ded.exe.

Step 25. Wait until the transfer is complete and make sure it was successful. If nothing happens or if you receive an error message, go back to step 21 and try the procedure again.

Step 26. To unwrap the installation files, type embedded and press <Enter> at the system prompt. If you are asked whether you want to overwrite an exist-ing file, answer with y.

Step 27. At the prompt, type install and press <Enter>. You are prompted to enter either 1 or 2 for fast or slow communication speeds. If your system uses the “black box” optical modems, select SLOW. If your system uses the Lasentec Optical Data Link, select FAST.


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Step 28. Wait until the batch file has finished executing. If at any time you are asked if you want to overwrite an existing file, answer with y.

Step 29. To verify that the installation was successful, type type autoexec.bat at the command prompt and press <Enter>. You should see the following lines of text:

REM Batch program for Embedded Applications

REM @Echoo = off

PROMPT $p$g

mode com1: 9600,n.8.1

ctty com1:

UPDATE.EXE

EMBEDDED.EXE

A correct and complete transfer of the autoexec.bat is crucial. If the printout does not exactly match the above lines, complete steps 30 and 31. If the printout is an exact match, skip to step 32.

Step 30. At the prompt, type copy c:\backup\autoexec.bat c:\autoexec.bat, then press <Enter>. Confirm with y if you are asked whether you want to overwrite the file.

Step 31. Repeat the procedure from step 21.

Step 32. To make sure the speed.txt transferred correctly, type type speed.txt and press <Enter>. If you chose to set the connection for 9600 baud (slow connection), the first word in the printout should be SLOW. If you chose the 115,200 baud connection (fast connection), the first word in the printout should be FAST.

Step 33. In HyperTerminal, type update and press <Enter>. If you set the program for a SLOW connection, the following text is displayed:

COM Port initialization

Watchdog enabled

Update Program Version 1 Build 1

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9,600 Baud host communication.

To change to 115,200 baud, create or edit the text file c:\speed.txt containing the string “FAST”

If you set the program for a FAST connection, the display reads:

COM Port initialization

Watchdog enabled

Update Program Version 1 Build 1

115,200 Baud host communication.

To change to 9,600 baud, create or edit the text file c:\speed.txt containing the string “SLOW”

Step 34. After five seconds, update times out and the C:\>prompt appears. Type dir embedded.exe and press <Enter>. Verify that the date and time stamp matches the one you wrote down in step 19.

Step 35. To test the field unit start-up functions, switch off power the the field unit, wait five seconds, and then switch the power back on. In the HyperTermi-nal window you should be able to follow the start-up of update.exe, fol-lowed by the launch of embedded.exe five seconds later.

The final message line to appear in the HyperTerminal window should be “Starting Loop...”, indicating that the embedded software has started to run. If this is the case, proceed to step 36. If the embedded software does not start to run,re-examine the autoexec.bat file to verify whether it matches the printout shown in step 29. If it does not, repeat the proce-dure from step 21.


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Step 36. Close the HyperTerminal window using the X in the upper right corner (be sure not to strike any other keys). The following message appears:

Step 37. Click Yes.

Step 38. Shut down Windows and turn off power to the computer and field unit.

Step 39. Disconnect the service cable from the field unit and host computer.

Step 40. If you previously disconnected the fiber-optic modem or electrical com-munication cable, reconnect it now to its appropriate COM port.

Step 41. Reconnect the internal communications connector to the field unit com-puter according to the appropriate diagram below:

In early M500, M600, and D600 models (Serial numbers 497 to 540), a 50-pin connector was used. Carefully center the connector so all 50 pins are properly seated as shown below:

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All models after Serial Number 541 have a keyed 50-pin connector (the first two holes are plugged), which leaves two pins exposed on the right-hand side when the connector is correctly seated:

Step 42. The Embedded Update Utility Install is now complete. Return to the Embedded Installer procedure page 1 and run steps 1 through 13. At step 13 you should receive a message that reads: Installation of EMBED-DED.EXE was successful.


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January 2008 Driver Installation for USB Serial Adapters FBRM Manual

Appendix 4: Installing Drivers for the Lasentec USB Serial Adapters

1. IntroductionThis appendix has instructions for installing software drivers for the Lasentec USB optical data link.

1.1 Requirements

• PC equipped with USB port, running Microsoft Windows 2000 or Windows XP.

• One or more Lasentec USB Optical Links..

2. Driver InstallationThe drivers are installed automatically when installing the FBRM Version 6.8.0 control interface.

3. Adapter Installation1. Plug in one or more Lasentec USB Optical Links.

Windows 2000 only: The operating system informs you via popup messages that it detected the device(s) but will not prompt you for any input or action. You should not be prompted for installing any drivers. Otherwise consult section 5 through 7 on troubleshooting issues.

Windows XP only: For each plugged-in adapter, the operating system will prompt you with a series of message boxes. The following steps, 1 through 6, guide you through the installation dialog boxes.


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2. When the message box show below appears, select the default (Install the software auto-matically) and press the Next button.

3. When prompted to accept the driver installation, Press the Continue Anyway button.

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4. In the next dialog box, press the Finish button.

5. You will be prompted to confirm installation of a second driver with the below dialog box. Again select the default (Install the software automatically) and press the Next button.


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6. At the prompt to accept the driver installation. Press the Continue Anyway button.

7. In the next dialog box, press the Finish button.

8. Open the Device Manager on the My Computer icon

Step 1. Right click on the My Computer Icon.

Step 2. Select Properties

Step 3. Click on the Hardware tab

Step 4. Press the Device Manager button.

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9. Click on the section Ports (COM & LPT)

10. In addition to the standard RS232 comports labelled Communications Port (comx), you should see an entry Lasentec USB Serial Port (COMX) for each installed Lasentec USB device. An example is shown surrounded by the black rectangle in the figure above.

11. By default each device should be assigned to a unique comport. If that is not the case or if you wish to use a different comport number, read section 4 on reassigning comports.

For each device entry starting with Lasentec USB Serial Port, perform these steps:

1. Double-click on the entry.

2. Click on the Lasentec Device Information tab. An example is shown on the following page.


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The Description should read Lasentec USB Device.

The Serial Number is unique to each adapter so you can identify which probe is accessed by which comport. Even if you plug the device into a different physical USB port, the device remains associated with the same comport. The association remains intact even if you con-nect the device via a USB Hub.

4. Reassigning ComportsUnder some circumstances you may wish or need to reassign a different comport number to a Lasentec USB device.

1. Exit all applications that use Lasentec USB Serial devices.

2. Open the Device Manager by first clicking on the My Computer icon




3. Click on the section Ports (COM & LPT)

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4. Double-Click on the device entry whose comport you wish to change.

5. Click on the Lasentec Device Information tab.

6. Make sure that the comport pull-down menu shows the currently assigned comport (COM4 in the example shown below) followed by the string assigned to this device. If the string instead shows assigned & used by this device, this device is still in use by an application. Exit the application, close the device properties dialog and open it again. It should now show only the string assigned to this device. If the problem persists, reboot your PC and go back to step 2.

7. Choose a new comport (e.g. COM7) from the pull down list that is not assigned or in use.


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8. Press the Confirm to use this Comport button.

9. The next entry advises that the comport is not ready for use.

10. Close the Properties dialog, but leave the device manager open.

11. Unplug the device whose comport you just reassigned. You will see the corresponding entry disappear in the device manager.

12. Plug the device back in.

13. After Windows detects the device, the entry reappears with the new comport number (see black frame).

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14. Double-click on the entry and go to the Lasentec Device Information tab. The new comport has been assigned successfully if the comport is followed by the string assigned to this device (there is no need to press the button to confirm the comport).

5. Troubleshooting Scenario 1:If you see the following dialog box upon plugging in a Lasentec USB device, the Lasentec USB Optical Data Link (ODL) has not been properly detected.

1. Click the Cancel button.

2. Follow steps in section 7 for further diagnostic steps.


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6. Troubleshooting Scenario 2:If you see the following dialog box upon plugging in a Lasentec USB, the Lasentec USB Serial Adapter likely has not been properly detected.

1. Click the No button.

2. Follow steps in section seven for further diagnostic steps.

7. Troubleshooting Scenario 3: Not all USB Serial Devices VisibleIf all your Lasentec USB devices are plugged in, but not all of them appear in the device manager as Lasentec USB Serial Port devices, the missing device may have lost its identifying information or it may share a serial number with one of the detected devices.

1. Open the Device Manager by first clicking on the My Computer icon




2. The device that was not properly detected should show up in the Other devices section.

If the device shows up as USB<->Serial or as USB Serial Converter as shown below, the device may have improper EEProm settings and may need to be reprogrammed by Lasentec. In that case, do not continue with the next steps but contact a Technology and Applications Consultant for further assistance.

If the device shows up as Lasentec USB Device (see below), the device may have a Serial Number that is identical with one of the other plugged-in devices. Follow the next steps starting at paragraph 3 to con-firm this.

3. For each detected Lasentec USB Serial Port device in the Ports (COM & LPT) category (see black box), perform steps 1 and 2 below.

Step 1. Double-click on the entry to bring up the Properties dialog box.

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Step 2. Note down the Serial number of the device and its corresponding comport (e.g. S/N=00000002, Comport=7).

4. Unplug all Lasentec USB Serial Adapters.

5. Plug each USB Serial Adapter in one by one until the first device shows up in the Other devices section.

6. Unplug the most recently plugged-in device. Since the most recently plugged-in device is the one that shows up in Other devices, that entry should now disappear. Set aside the device you just unplugged.

7. Unplug all other Lasentec USB Serial devices.

8. Plug in the device you set aside in step 6.

9. If it shows up in the Ports (Com & LPT) section (example below), double click on the entry and check the serial number. If the serial number matches any of the ones you noted down in step 2 the adapter has a duplicate serial number and needs to be reprogrammed. Con-tact Lasentec Technical Support for further assistance


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January 2008 Modbus Features FBRM Manual

Appendix 5: Modbus Features

1. IntroductionThis document describes modifications to the FBRM Version 6.7.0 software to provide Modbus commu-nication. The new version is called V 6.8.0.

2. Using Modbus in FBRM V 6.8.02.1 Enable Modbus Interface

To enable the Modbus interface, select Modbus from the Setup menu. On the Modbus panel, check the Enable Modbus Interface box.


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2.2 Writing Measurement Data Indicator

When measurement data is written to Data Block C, the Writing Measurement Data indicator is high-lighted green.

When no measurement data is written, the indicator turns black. This may occur under the following cir-cumstances:

• When a user stops measuring

• When the software was remote-triggered to stop measuring

• If an instrument error occurs

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2.3 Windows Firewall

The first time the Modbus feature is switched-on, Windows Firewall may prevent 6.8.0 from using the Ethernet port. This will prevent the Modbus freature from communicating on the network. Press the “Unblock” button on the Windows Security Alert dialog box that appears when Modbus is switch-on.

NOTE: If the Unblock button does not appear on Window Security dialog box, this is likely the result of a corporate network security policy. Contact a local network administrator to assist in making a firewall exception for FBRM-Acquistion.exe


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2.4 Remote Control Using Modbus

The FBRM CI can be remote-controlled using the Modbus interface. The commands are issued using Register Range A. The commands do not interfere with the manual operation of the software; a user can still manually start and stop measuring and/or manually start/stop saving data.

To enable remote control, check the Enable Remote Control box.

You can interrogate whether a command has been successfully executed by reading the status registers in Register Range B using Modbus.

Sending a Start Measure Command

After sending a Start Measure command, the measuring button appears as follows:

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After sending a Stop Measuring command, the measuring button appears as follows:

Sending a Start Saving Command

The Start Saving command only works if a file is open for saving. If the status bar shows that no file is currently open, the command is not executed until a file is open.

To Start/Stop saving remotely, select Meas.Config from the Setup Menu and click the Open File for Save button. Specify a file to which data is to be saved.


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After sending a Start Saving command, the Saving button appears as follows:

After sending a Stop Saving command, the Saving button appears as follows:

3. Modbus Register MapThe Client's control system (Modbus Client) will specify the IP address of the PC running FBRM control interface Version 6.8 with Modbus Server.

Note: The clients control system must specify Modbus ID=1 (the Modbus ID is also referred to as Sta-tion Address, Device ID, or Unit ID).

Block A

• Dynamic Control System (DCS) triggers FBRM to start/stop acquisition

• DCS triggers FBRM to start/stop saving

Block B

• FBRM indicates when it is acquiring data

• FBRM indicates when it is saving data

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• FBRM indicates when it is OK and operating normally

Block C

• FBRM outputs 8 calculated statistics

• FBRM outputs entire grouped distribution channel boundaries and data points

3.1 Register Block A: Triggering commands from the DCS to the FBRM CI

• The user must enable the Modbus Enable Remote Control in the FBRM Acquisition Software, Setup Menu.

• The 2 registers are opened regardless of whether the Enable Remote Control checkbox is checked. If the box is unchecked, the registers are ignored by the FBRM CI and commands are not processed. This is an additional safety measure to insure against unintended start/stop events if one wants to only manually operate via the FBRM GUI.

• The FBRM software can receive 2 Modbus inputs which trigger software measuring and saving. This will be accomplished by designating two 16-bit read/write registers.

• If no LST file has been opened for saving or if the LST file has been closed, then the Start Saving trigger will fail. The Start Saving command status (see Register Block B) for start/stop measuring indicates that no file is open for saving.

• Start/Stop Measuring register works as follows: Writing a 1 to this register issues a “Start Measuring” command. Writing a 0 to this register issues a “Stop Measuring” command.


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• Start/Stop Saving register works as follows: Writing a 1 to this register issues a “Start Saving” com-mand. Writing a 0 to this register issues a “Stop Saving” command.

3.2 Register Block B: FBRM status output to DCS

• One read-only register indicates whether the FBRM CI is measuring. This register can be conveniently used to find out if a start/stop measuring command has been successfully executed. It is set to 1 if measuring, and set to 0 if it is not measuring. It is set to -1 if an instrument error prevents the mea-surement from being started. This register is always available even if the Enable Remote Control box is not checked.

• One read-only register indicates whether the FBRM CI is saving. This register can be conveniently used to find out if a start/stop saving command has been successfully executed. It is set to 1 if sav-ing, and set to 0 if it is not saving. It is set to -1 if no file has been specified (in which case saving cannot be started). This register works even if the Enable Remote Control box is not checked and the FBRM CI is controlled via the GUI.

• One Modbus register is a “heartbeat” indicator that increments by 1 whenever a new measurement becomes available. Upon surpassing the maximum value for a Modbus register (65535), the register re-starts at 0 and again increase incrementally.

• The heartbeat is transferred to a Modbus read-only register.

Table 1. Register Block A

# of Items

Data Type Description Modbus Registers

1 Integer=1: start measuring. =0: stop measuring.

This value is polled periodically by FBRM CI to determine whether to start or stop measuring.

40,001

1 Integer=1: start saving. =0: stop saving.

This value is polled periodically by FBRM CI to determine whether to start or stop saving.

40,002

Table 2. Register Block B

# of Items


1Short Integer

Is measuring indicator. 0 = not measuring, 1 = measuring, -1 cannot measure because of instrument error that interrupts mea-suring.

30,001

1Short Integer

Is saving indicator. 0 = not saving, 1 = saving, -1 cannot save because no file is open.

30,002

1Short Integer

Heartbeat indicator. Continuously increasing starting with 0…increasing once per measurement. Jumps back to 0 upon surpassing 65535.

30,003

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3.3 Register Block C (Measurement Data)

8 User Defined Statistics

• The 8 user defined statistics defined by the user in the statistics setup menu can be written out.

• The statistics are transferred to one block of Modbus read-only registers.

• Trend values are mapped to the registers in the same order as they are set up in the trend setup.

• There are no remapping of trend values because 4 byte float values are used. Thus sixteen 16-bit reg-isters are used to transfer the 8 trend values.

Grouped Distribution

• The channel grouping defined by the user is transferred to one block of Modbus read-only registers.

• The grouped distribution, channel boundaries, and number of channels are available for Modbus out-put.

• There is no remapping of trend channel counts/boundaries because 4 byte float values will be used. Thus two 16 bit registers will be used for every channel count and channel boundary value.

Table 3. Register Block C

# of Items


1Short integer

Trends: number of trend values (the value will always be 8 in this release)

30,100

84 byte Float

Trend values30,101 through 30,116

1Short integer

CLD : N=Number of grouped Channels. N <= 500 31,000

N4 byte Float

CLD: Counts/second for each channel, first N pairs of registers contain valid data.

31,001 through 32,000

Unused registers are zero padded.

N+14 byte Float

CLD: Channel boundaries, first N+1 pairs of registers contain valid data.

32,001 through 33,002

Unused registers are zero padded.


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4. Error Behavior

Table 4. Error Behavior

Error Type Behavior

No ErrorRegister blocks A,B,C available as long as Modbus interface is enabled. Heartbeat increasing.

Software detects Hardware failure. Software not crashing.

Register blocks A,B,C available as long as Modbus interface is enabled. Heartbeat not increasing

Software Crash, independent of hardware failure or not.

A,B,C are taken down because software is no longer running. TCP connection is taken down.

Software hangs and does not execute measure-ments properly even though it does not detect hardware failure.

Most likely A,B,C are available. Heartbeat not increasing.

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5. Mapping Floating Point Numbers to Modbus RegistersEach 32 bit floating point number is mapped to 2 Modbus registers, where each register is a 16 bit unsigned integer (also known as a Word).

6. Glossary

Table 5. Glossary of Terms

Term Definition

EXE Executable piece of code

DCS Dynamic Control System

DLL Dynamically linked library

FBRM Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement

FBRM CI FBRM Control Interface software. The software prior to icFBRM.

GUI Graphical user interface


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Modbus ServerThe FBRM CI will be the Modbus server. A Modbus server responds to requests for data from one or more Modbus clients.

Modbus ClientOne or more clients read data from one Modbus server. The Modbus client initiates a TCP/IP connection to the server

Table 5. Glossary of Terms

Term Definition

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