ION architecture

This section covers the basics of ION architecture, focusing on the different ION modules.

ION modules are the functional building blocks of ION architecture. The functions or features available in the ION device are a result of the logical groups and links between different types of ION modules. Each module is specialized to perform a specific task, contain data and instructions on how to manage that data. By combining (or linking) several modules together, you can create custom functions for your power monitoring system.

ION modules that are linked together to perform a specialized task are collectively referred to as a "framework". A framework defines a specific ION device (or Power Monitoring Expert or ION Setup software) function, such as the Demand and Energy framework, or the Power Quality framework. These different functional frameworks are then grouped together for a particular ION device, and are collectively referred to as the "device template". Each ION device has its own device template that defines its metering/monitoring capabilities.

You can change the default factory configuration on the ION device by changing the settings (i.e., setup registers) of certain ION modules inside the device. You can add, change, or delete functionality by changing the way the ION modules are linked in the device. There are a number of ways to do this:

From the meter front panel – Use the meter’s front panel or remote display to change basic power meter settings such as Volts Mode, PT and CT primary and secondary ratings, as well as communications settings such as unit ID, baud rate, protocol or webpage configuration. Only a limited number of ION modules (e.g., those used for basic setup) can be accessed from the front panel or remote display.
Using ION Setup – ION Setup configuration software is available as a free download from the Schneider Electric website. Advanced Mode in ION Setup lets you access and modify the settings for any ION module inside an ION device. ION Setup is particularly useful for configuring meters that do not come with a front panel or remote display.
Using Designer – Designer is the component of Power Monitoring Expert that graphically shows how the different ION modules are linked together in a framework. In addition to giving you the ability to change the settings of any ION module, Designer also lets you change existing links between modules, add new links, add new modules or delete them. Designer helps you visualize the logic when you are programming custom functionality in the ION device. See the section “Configuration Tools” for more details.