Using the Kernel

Using CitectSCADA > Monitoring and Debugging Runtime > Using the Kernel

Using the Kernel

You use the CitectSCADA kernel to perform low-level diagnostic and debugging operations, and for runtime analysis of your CitectSCADA system. Use it to display low-level data structures, runtime databases, statistics, debug traces, network traffic, I/O Device traffic and so on. You can also call built-in Cicode function or user-written Cicode functions.

The Kernel includes the following areas:

General - presents statistics and information on the overall performance of CitectSCADA. For example, this page shows memory usage, summaries of protocol and I/O Device statistics, as well as CPU usage. Access this by using the Page General command.
Table - displays information about CitectSCADA runtime data structures. This area is extensive and is initially difficult to navigate. However, Page Table Stats is insightful. Access this by using the Page Table command.
Driver - displays statistics and information about the individual protocols running on the I/O Server. Each individual port has its own page of information. Access this by using the Page Driver command.
Unit - similar to the driver information, this shows specific statistics and information about each I/O Device. Access this by using the Page Unit command.

Note: restrict access to the Kernel: anyone using the Kernel has total control of CitectSCADA (and subsequently your plant and equipment).

UNINTENDED EQUIPMENT OPERATION

Do not use the kernel for normal CitectSCADA operation. The kernel is only for diagnostics and debugging purposes.
Configure your security so that only approved personnel can view or use the kernel.
Do not view or use the kernel unless you are an expert user of CitectSCADA and Cicode, or are under the direct guidance of Technical Support for this product.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, serious injury, or equipment damage.

Access to Cicode and Cache commands

So that there is no unauthorized use of Cicode and Cache commands in the Kernel, only Kernel users have access to these commands. The Kernel user needs to be defined in the User database (with the username 'kernel' and a non-blank password) for the CitectSCADA project in which they want to access the commands. The Kernel user does not need to have any areas or privileges defined.

During runtime if the Kernel user attempts to access Cicode or Cache Kernel commands, the Kernel will ask for the Kernel user password. If the Kernel user is not defined in the User database for that project (or if the user provides the incorrect password), access to the Cicode (or Cache) commands is denied.