Bulletin 62.

1:VL2000
March 2001

FIELDVUE Instrumentation
VL2000 Series ValveLinkR Software

H Communicate with both HART R and H Decrease repetitive actions by setting up

FOUNDATION R Fieldbus FIELDVUE R batches
instruments with the same software
H Integrate into your existing DCS using the
application
Modbus capabilities
H Configure, calibrate, and diagnose multiple
H Scan multiple FIELDVUE instruments for
FIELDVUE instruments from one location
alerts and log them for ISO9000
H Use the Performance Tuner to automatically compliance
tune your valves optimally
H Perform diagnostics on single- and
H View operational trends of your valve double-acting actuators
D102227X012
 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

AMS ValveLinkR software gives you the ability to work with HARTR
and FOUNDATIONR fieldbus FIELDVUE instruments. ValveLink VL2000 Series
software provides an easy-to-use environment on a personal computer for
configuring, calibrating, and diagnosing the operating characteristics of
DVC5000, DVC6000, and DVC5000f Series digital valve controllers.
Using VL2000 Series software, an instrument engineer, maintenance
technician or operations supervisor can obtain the information needed to spot
problems before they affect the process. VL2000 Series software lets you
determine which control valves need to be rebuilt during turn-arounds. VL2000
Series software operates in conjunction with Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT and
2000 on a personal computer to present the FIELDVUE instrument information
with easy-to-interpret, customizable windows displays. Context-sensitive help
screens are available for every window and for most individual fields. These
on-line help messages explain the various options available and show you how to
complete the tasks.

CUSTOMIZE PARAMETERS
FOR MONITORING ON
STATUS DISPLAYS

VIEW CRITICAL
PARAMETERS ON BAR
GRAPH DISPLAYS FOR
INSTANT COMPARISON

Customizable display keeps track of operational parameters and alerts

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Communicate with both HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus

FIELDVUE instruments with the same software
VL2000 Series software remotely communicates with HART FIELDVUE instruments
(DVC5000 and DVC6000 Series) over the existing 4-20 mA signal wiring
using the HART communication standard. The same VL2000 Series software also can
remotely communicate with FOUNDATION fieldbus FIELDVUE instruments (DVC5000f
Series) over the fieldbus H1 segment. Information for all series of instruments is
presented in a consistent, easy-to-interpret interface that provides:

H A device connection view of all connected instruments

H Monitoring of instrument operational parameters and alerts
H Review and comparison of diagnostic graphs
H Instrument setup and calibration
H Tag group organization
H User security
H Data import and export

USE TOOLBAR, MENU

SELECTION, OR CONTEXT
MENU TO EASILY
SELECT ACTIVITIES
SUCH AS TRENDING,
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
AND ALERTS

INDICATES NETWORK
CONNECTION
INDICATES VALVE TYPE

Device connection view provides easy access to all network and database instruments

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Reduce device commissioning time

Save time by performing these commissioning
tasks online:

H Perform loop checks (wire wring-out) online

H Automatically calibrate travel
H Automatically tune instruments using
Performance Tuner
H Verify dynamic response to input changes

VL2000 Series software includes a Setup

Wizard that walks you step-by-step through The Setup Wizard makes setting up your valves fast and easy
instrument setup and calibration. Setup Wizard
asks basic questions about the valve and actuator to simplify and speed commissioning.
You can even customize the Setup Wizard so that:
H Instrument configurations are optimized for specific applications
H Manual entry is eliminated
H Alert points, travel cutoffs, travel limits and characterization are consistently applied

Reduce process variability

With the Step Response test you can evaluate how well the valve tracks an input change. By minimizing dead
time, dead band, and overshoot, process control is greatly enhanced. With the Step Response test you can:
H Validate your current tuning parameters
H Obtain a numerical analysis for
overshoot, hysteresis, dead time,
t63, and t86
H Define up to 30 steps
A Performance Step test provides a
predefined sequence of 29 steps. This
test allows the user to quickly evaluate
valve and actuator response to signal
change and determine
maximum deadband.

Use the step response test to verify instrument

tuning and valve response to signal changes

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Increase field device effectiveness through

access to real-time status and
diagnostic data

With access to the device

status and diagnostics such
as Dynamic Error Band,
Drive Signal, Output Signal
and Step Response, you can
identify emerging valve
problems quickly and
accurately. Using the Valve
Signature test, you can
determine:
H Valve friction, dead band, ZOOM IN TO EXAMINE
and shutoff capability VALVE MOVEMENT AND
OTHER DETAILS

H Actuator spring rate

and bench set
H Potential packing
problems

A high resolution (up to 8000

points) graphical presentation
makes it easy to see the
degradation in equipment Diagnostic tests help you spot emerging valve repair requirements
permitting better scheduling before they impact performance. This enables you to set up a schedule
of maintenance intervals. to do predictive maintenance rather than preventative maintenance

Use Signature Series tests to benchmark valve performance

Current diagnostic tests also can be overlaid with Signature Series tests taken when the valve was new.
ValveLink Signature Series tests are performed on Fisher control valves equipped with the FIELDVUE digital
valve controller. Tests may be ordered prior to or after shipment of the valve. By importing Signature Series data
into ValveLink software, you can compare as-shipped performance with the valve’s current operating condition.

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Monitor valve performance during process operation

VL2000 Series software can help you keep your facility working optimally with valve trending
capabilities. Trending provides an easy visualization of valve response to a control system
output using an electronic strip chart the user can
configure. Trending provides the ability to:

H Trend input current, actuator pressure, travel and

temperature
H Zoom graph in critical areas
H Save all four variables so that the trend may be
viewed at a later date
H Trend multiple valves simultaneously
H View cycle counter and travel accumulation vs time
H View travel histogram
H Archive up to 30 days of trend data VL2000 Series software lets you trend parameters
such as input current, actuator pressure, travel,
and temperature

The Travel Histogram shows you

where the valve spends the majority of
its time. This can help you determine if
the valve is sized correctly

VL2000 Series Performance Diagnosticst tests

provide continuous monitoring of critical
performance parameters during normal process
operations. The operator does not have to take
the valve out of service to perform this
diagnostic. Performance Diagnostics tests
can determine:

H Friction (sliding stem)

H Torque (rotary)
H Dead band
H Dead time
H Oscillatory behavior

Trending of these values is an additional feature

provided by ValveLink software. This allows the Performance Diagnostics tests are available upon user
user to better determine a maintenance interval request or a pre-selected daily, weekly, biweekly, or
for the valve. monthly schedule without user intervention.

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Maintain a central database and keep it up-to-date

DataSync is a tool that allows you to merge multiple VL2000 Series software databases.
This gives you the ability to:

H Keep maintenance and operator databases synchronized

H Replace, skip duplicate tags, merge and purge tags you are synchronizing
H Synchronize over your LAN
H Synchronize using a cable connecting two computers
H Import Valve Spec sheet from Fisher FirstVue sizing and specification software

DataSync is a database tool that allows you to synchronize multiple databases

Automatically optimize valve performance

The Performance Tuner lets you easily adjust a
digital valve controller for optimum performance
on a specific valve and actuator assembly.
When mounting a FIELDVUE instrument to a
Fisher or non-Fisher actuator, Performance
Tuner does all the work for you.

Use the Performance Tuner to automatically tune the

FIELDVUE instrument

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Simplify ISO9000 audit requirements

Use VL2000 Series software Audit Log to filter and sort byą
user,ątag, event, dateąor a combination.

Events that occur within VL2000 Series

software are stored in the Audit Log.
Events are logged by user, date and time,
and action.
VL2000 Series software Audit Log captures and logs events
that occur within the software by the user and time/date. Events include
valve and instrument configuration changes, calibration changes, and diagnostic
tests. Audit Log makes a great ISO9000 tool. For security, the log is encrypted.
The viewer can filter the display but cannot delete or modify data.

Configure, calibrate and diagnose

multiple FIELDVUE instruments from
one location
Type VL2031H software communicates through a
HART multiplexer such as the HART Interchange or
ELCON multiplexer, both available from Fisher
Controls. VL2000 Series software can also
communicate with DVC5000 and DVC6000 Series
instruments using multiplexers available from other
manufacturers such as MTL and Pepperl and Fuchs.
Multiplexer support allows operators to easily display
key valve parameters. Quality control personnel can
capture critical valve and instrument variables used for
statistical process control. Process engineers and
technicians can quickly change instrument
configurations during commissioning and track the
With VL2000 Series software and a HART multiplexer you
changes. Maintenance personnel can conduct
can communicate with virtually every valve in the plant diagnostic testing of the instrument and valve
equipped with a HART-based FIELDVUE instrument

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

from a centrally located PC during

turn-around operations. Multiplexer
support gives the user the ability to
monitor as many valves as required.
The user has the ability to decide which
valves and which alerts are being
scanned. Alerts are recorded in the
network alert log for later review.
Connecting the PC running VL2000
Series software to a multiplexer allows:
H Connecting up to 2500 valves
H Continual scanning of multiple valves
for alerts
H Configuring specific valves and alerts
for scanning
H Configuring, calibrating, monitoring
and diagnosing valves from one central Connecting VL2000 Series software to HART-based
location FIELDVUE instruments permits continually monitoring
H Maintaining a Network Alert Log showing for alerts
alert type, time on and time off

Automate repetitive actions by

setting up batches

With Batch Runner you can setup VL2000

Series software to automatically run diagnostic
tests, calibrate, or upload configuration data to
multiple valves with a user specified routine.
During a turn-around or production change
over, you can upload configurations, run the
Performance Tuner to optimize tuning, or even
reset the instrument clock without any
interaction by personnel. Batch runner reduces
redundancy and increases consistency by
allowing the user to set up a batch once, then
repeatedly run it for different groups of valves.

Use Batch Runner to automate diagnostic tests and other

repetitive activities

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Maintain system security

VL2000 Series software security enables:
H Individual Name and Password for user log in.
H Assignment to a specific user group with pre-determined privileges. Users can be restricted to
specific valve groups.
H Secure logout. The software can continue to monitor valves in a secure mode. Login is
restricted to authorized users.

Only users with an authorized name and

password can start and use VL2000 Series
software

With VL2000 Series software security you can assign the

privileges necessary for individuals to perform their job

Integrate information from HART-based FIELDVUE instruments

into your existing DCS
VL2000 Series software has the ability to integrate information it receives into your
existing Modbus compatible DCS.
Using the Modbus interface, you can:
H Pass critical monitoring data to a control system
H Display HART alerts on the DCS operator console
H Display HART instrument travel, input current, actuator
pressure, or temperature on the DCS operator console
H Select which valves to view and the information passed to the DCS
H Include valve parameters in DCS system trend displays

AMS ValveLink software is available as a stand-alone product

or as a SNAP-ONt application to the Fisher-Rosemount AMS
product. Using AMS software, an instrument engineer, maintenance
technician, or operations supervisor can determine the status of
any HART device in order to spot problems before they
affect the process. Adding the SNAP-ON application to
AMS provides advanced diagnostic capabilities that
permit you to select only those control valves that
need to be rebuilt during plant turn-arounds.

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Operation
VL2000 Series software is installed on a personal computer which uses a Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT or 2000
operating system. Start up and operation is very intuitive, making extensive use of graphical representations
with point and click operation.

Start the software by simply double clicking on the ValveLink icon. After logging on, select an
instrument to configure, calibrate, or diagnose by opening its tag. If you know the tag, simply
type it in, select it from the network display, or you can search for the tag.

VL2000 Series software incorporates a tag manager that allows you to:

H Easily search for, open, modify or copy a tag

H Search by tag name, partial name, or assigned group
H Quickly view tag information to make identification fast and easy

Year 2000 Compliance

VL2000 Series software (versions 3.1 and later) are year 2000 compliant.
All FIELDVUE instruments are year 2000 compliant.
Table 1. VL2000 Series ValveLink Software Capability
Product Type
Capability
VL2005H VL2005f VL2021f VL2021H VL2021fH VL2031H VL2041H
Initial Database Tags(1) 5 5 125 125 125 125 125
Modem
HART (2)
Communication Multiplexer
FOUNDATION fieldbus H1
Modbus Interface
Valve Signature Test
Performance Step Test
Step Response Test

Ste Res
Step Response
onse Maximum Number of Steps 8 8 30 30 30 30 30
Test Step Test Analysis
C biliti
Capabilities Overlay Step Test Graphs
Dynamic Error Band Test
Drive Signal Test
Trending
DataSync
Batch Runner (3)

Performance Diagnostics Tests

Indicates capability available
1. Number of database tags may be increased to as many as 2500. Type VL2005H and VL2005f may be increased to 75 tags. See Specifications table.
2. With one RS232-to-RS485 converter and one serial port on the PC, Type VL2031H software can communicate with up to 1024 FIELDVUE DVC5000 or DVC6000 Series
instruments. Adding a second converter and serial port permits communicating with an additional 1024 instruments.
3.HART only

Product Description
Types VL2005H, VL2021H, and VL2031H ValveLink software communicate with FIELDVUE DVC5000 and
DVC6000 Series instruments using the HART communication protocol. Types VL2005f and VL2021f ValveLink
software communicates with DVC5000f Series instruments over a FOUNDATION fieldbus H1 segment. Type
VL2021fH ValveLink software communicates with either HART or fieldbus instruments. Communication with the
instrument can occur either remotely by connecting to the instrument field wiring or locally by connecting directly
to the instrument.

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Specifications
Available Configurations Slave address 1 to 255 (user selectable)
See Table 1 Communication Rate: 300 to 19.2 kbaud
Data Types:
Recommended Minimum Hardware Requirements Function codes 1 & 2—Alert Status
Function Codes 3 & 4—Analog Values
150 MHz Pentium processor IEEE double precision floating point
16 Megabytes RAM (random access memory) Signed integer
Hard disk with 40 Megabytes of free space(1) Scaled integer
Color VGA monitor Electrical Connection to Control System:
Serial Port for HART communications RS-232 or RS-485
PC card slot for FOUNDATION fieldbus H1
Communication Options
CD-ROM drive—4X or higher
Type VL2005H: StepUp to Type VL2021H
Increase database tags from 5 to 25, and 25 to 75
Personal Computer Operating System
Type VL2005f: StepUp to Type VL2021f
Requirements
Increase database tags from 5 to 25, and 25 to 75
ValveLink VL2000 Series software (version 4.x) is a Type VL2021H: StepUp to Type VL2021f,
32-bit application that runs on MS Windows 95, 98, VL2021fH, or VL2031H
NT, or 2000 VL2021H, VL2021f, VL2021fH, and VL2031H:
increase database tags from125 to 250, 500, 750,
Modbus Interface (Type VL2031H) 1000, 1500, 2000, or 2500
Modbus Protocol:
RTU or ASCII ValveLink SNAP-ON application for AMS
Function codes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 (subfunction 0)
1. For extensive use of trending, 100 Megabytes of free space is recommended.

FIELDVUE, ValveLink, Fisher, Fisher-Rosemount, and SNAP-ON are marks owned by Fisher Controls International, Inc. or Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. HART is a mark owned by the
HART Communications Foundation. FOUNDATION is a mark owned by the Fieldbus Foundation.
All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
EFisher Controls International, Inc. 1995, 2001; All Rights Reserved
The contents of this publication are presented for informational purposes only, and while every effort has been made to ensure their accuracy, they are not to be construed as warranties or guarantees, express
or implied, regarding the products or services described herein or their use or applicability. We reserve the right to modify or improve the designs or specifications of such products at any time without notice.

For information, contact Fisher:

Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 USA
Cernay 68700 France
Sao Paulo 05424 Brazil
Singapore 128461

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Printed in U.S.A.