Temperature Profile Editor

The Temperature Profile Editor is the main tool for creating and managing temperature control sequences for your manufacturing processes. It allows you to design complex temperature curves, integrate with pressure profiles, add signal automation, and coordinate multiple profiles.

Basic Profile Settings

Profile Name and Description

• Profile Name: Give your profile a descriptive name (e.g., “Quick Ramp Up”, “Slow Cool Down”)
• Description: Add detailed notes using the markdown editor. You can format text, add lists, and include process instructions

Duration Control

Set the total time for your profile using the time code editor in hours:minutes:seconds format (hh:mm:ss). This duration applies to the entire temperature curve.

Temperature Curve Design

Visual Curve Editor

The main curve editor shows your temperature profile as a smooth Bézier curve. You can:

• Add Control Points: Click anywhere on the curve to add a new control point
• Move Points: Drag control points to adjust temperature and timing
• Real-time Preview: See your curve update instantly as you make changes

Temperature Range

• Set the maximum temperature for your profile
• The curve editor automatically scales to show the full temperature range
• All control points are displayed as percentages of your maximum temperature

Control Point Management

• Temperature Control Points Panel: View and edit all control points in a detailed list
• Precise Values: Enter exact temperature and time values for each point
• Clear to Default: Reset the curve to a simple ramp from maximum to minimum temperature

Advanced Profile Features

Signal Plot Integration

Connect your temperature profile with automated signal control:

• Signal Plot Selection: Choose from available signal plots to run alongside your temperature profile
• Timeline View: See signal control points overlaid on your temperature curve
• Signal Control Points:
  • Add control points by double-clicking on the timeline
  • Configure actions like coil writes, register updates, or display messages
  • Set precise timing for each signal event
  • Drag control points to adjust timing visually

Pressure Profile Coordination

When pressure profiles are enabled:

• Pressure Profile Selection: Associate a pressure profile to run simultaneously
• Dual View Mode: Switch between editing temperature and pressure curves
• Synchronized Duration: Pressure profile duration automatically matches the temperature profile
• Independent Control: Edit pressure and temperature curves separately while keeping them coordinated

Child Profiles (Sub-plots)

Create complex multi-stage processes:

• Child Profile Selection: Choose other profiles to run as sub-processes
• Synchronized Control: Child profiles start, stop, pause, and resume with the parent profile
• Layered Processes: Build sophisticated manufacturing sequences by combining multiple profiles

Target Controller Configuration

Controller Selection

• Available Controllers: See all connected controllers that can receive temperature commands
• Batch Selection: Use “Add All” to quickly select all available controllers
• Individual Control: Check/uncheck specific controllers as needed
• Slot Management: The system manages up to 8 controller slots automatically

Register Mapping

• Each selected controller shows its Modbus slave ID and command register address
• The system automatically finds the correct setpoint command registers for each controller

Profile Management

Import/Export Functions

• JSON Export: Save complete profile data including all settings and control points
• Markdown Export: Generate human-readable documentation with:
  • Profile overview and settings
  • Temperature sequence table
  • Step-by-step instructions for operators
  • Signal plot documentation if associated
• JSON Import: Load previously saved profiles to continue editing

Live Profile Monitoring

When profiles are running:

• Status Display: See if the profile is running, paused, or stopped
• Progress Indicator: Visual progress bar shows current position in the profile
• Elapsed Time: Track how long the profile has been running

Working with Multiple Profile Types

Temperature Profiles

• Primary control for heating and cooling sequences
• Smooth Bézier curves for gradual temperature changes
• Support for complex multi-stage heating cycles

Pressure Profiles

• Coordinate pressure control with temperature changes
• Independent curve editing while maintaining synchronization
• Automatic duration matching with temperature profiles

Signal Plots

• Automate equipment control during profile execution
• Support for various signal types:
  • Modbus coil writes (on/off controls)
  • Register writes (numeric values)
  • Display messages for operator guidance
• Precise timing control for all automated actions

Best Practices

Profile Design

1. Start Simple: Begin with basic temperature ramps before adding complexity
2. Test Incrementally: Validate temperature curves before adding signals or child profiles
3. Document Thoroughly: Use the description field to explain the purpose and special requirements
4. Name Consistently: Use clear, descriptive names that indicate the profile’s purpose

Signal Integration

1. Plan Timing: Consider equipment response times when placing signal control points
2. Safety First: Include safety signals like pressure relief or emergency stops
3. Operator Guidance: Use display messages to guide operators through manual steps

Multi-Profile Coordination

1. Logical Grouping: Group related processes as child profiles
2. Resource Management: Ensure child profiles don’t conflict with controller assignments
3. Testing: Test parent and child profiles individually before combining them

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

• Controller Not Listed: Check Modbus connection and register mapping
• Signal Not Executing: Verify signal plot timing and parameter values
• Profile Won’t Start: Ensure at least one target controller is selected
• Curve Editing Problems: Check that control points are within valid time and temperature ranges

Profile Validation

The editor automatically validates:

• Control point values are within acceptable ranges
• Signal timing doesn’t exceed profile duration
• Target controllers are properly configured
• Required fields are completed before saving