Yokogawa Electric Corporation has announced the release of an enhanced version of the Stardom network-based control system. This version will include a new E2 bus interface module that has been developed for use in FCN-500 autonomous controller extension units. This enables the construction of systems that have more I/O points and cover a wider area.
Stardom is a network-based control system that consists of the FCN autonomous controller, the VDS web-based HMI, and the FAST/TOOLS scada package. Since first releasing Stardom in 2001, Yokogawa has continued to improve the functions of the system to satisfy its customers’ evolving needs.
One such recent need is for the collective monitoring and control of applications where many different input and output devices are distributed over a wide area, in locations where conditions are often harsh. Other needs have included the reduction of wiring and maintenance costs, while ensuring high reliability. Based on its twin goals of achieving excellent scalability and excellent reliability, Yokogawa has sought to satisfy these needs by strengthening the functions of its Stardom system.
Enhancements
Excellent scalability: three times the number of connectable units, one hundred times the transmission distance
The FCN-500 is a modular-type controller. It consists of a control unit with a CPU module mounted on the unit’s base module. (An additional CPU module may be installed for dual redundancy.) Extension units that accommodate I/O modules can also be utilised. To connect a control unit with an extension unit, Yokogawa has developed the E2 expansion bus. The E2 bus consists of an E2 bus interface module that is installed on each unit and a general-purpose Ethernet cable. With this bus, up to nine units can be connected (including the FCN-500 control unit), a threefold increase. As a result, the maximum number of allowable I/O points has been tripled. Using the high-speed CPU module that was released in March 2016, a much larger system can be constructed, based on the FCN-500.
In addition, the maximum possible transmission distance between individual units has been increased to 100 metres. Therefore, with a nine-unit configuration, the maximum transmission distance is 800 m, which is 100 times longer than what was previously possible. Using commercial fibre optic cables and media converters, a Stardom system spanning distances of several kilometres can be constructed. The installation of extension units near sensors reduces wiring costs and maintenance workload.
Three different types of base modules are available: a long base module with slots for 10 modules; a short base module with slots for five modules, and a new compact base module with slots for three modules. Customers can combine these three different base types depending on the required number of I/O points and the amount of space available for installation.
Excellent reliability: duplexing of bus and improved environmental resistance
The new E2 bus, as well as the CPU, power supply, control network, and internal bus of the FCN-500 can all be duplexed. Thus, even when a large system is configured using the E2 bus, high reliability is assured.
Maintenance is also a key factor in ensuring high system reliability. As with previous versions, it is possible to check the operating status of the modules in the extension units and quickly detect any malfunctions using the VDS HMI, FAST/TOOLS scada, and other means, and any damaged modules can be replaced without having to shut down the FCN-500 controller. In addition, the new extension bus interface module has been built to withstand ambient temperatures as extreme from -20 to 70°C. (The existing interface module supports a range of 0-55°C.) This enhancement will make it possible to install extension units in locations where environmental conditions are extremely harsh.
For more information contact Christie Cronje, Yokogawa South Africa, +27 (0)11 831 6300, [email protected], www.yokogawa.com/za
| Tel: | +27 11 831 6300 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.yokogawa.com/za |
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