Network-based control system enhanced

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 25, 2005

Yokogawa has introduced a number of functional enhancements to its Stardom network-based control system.

Yokogawa has introduced a number of functional enhancements to its Stardom network-based control system.

The upgraded system, Release 1.60, features faster processing in redundant CPU configurations as well as new Hart communication enabled modules.

In Stardom Release 1.60, program processing with redundant CPU configurations is 1.5 times faster.

As a result, it is now possible to introduce the autonomous controllers to processes such as compressor control that require high reliability and fast response.

CPU-to-CPU equalisation processing is 20 times faster, making it possible to replace and repair one of the CPU boards in the redundant CPU configuration while the plant is still in operation.

The introduction of six Hart-compliant I/O modules reflects the fact that many field devices used in upstream processes such as oil and natural gas extraction and pipeline transportation now employ the Hart (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) protocol.

The six modules are a collectively isolated, 16-channel current input module; a nonisolated, 16-channel current input module; an individually isolated, eight-channel current input module; a collectively isolated, 16-channel current output module; a nonisolated, eight-channel current input/eight-channel current output module; and an individually isolated, four-channel current input/four-channel current output module.

The new enhancements to Stardom are designed to address the growing demand for network-based monitoring and control systems at oil and natural gas extraction facilities, as well as in upstream processing equipment and pipelines.

General-purpose PLCs have often proved to lack the capacity that this field requires.

The demand is therefore growing for monitoring and control systems that feature high reliability, high information handling capacity, and compatibility with a wide range of networks, and which can be implemented at low costs.

Capital investment is also brisk in industries involving high-value added raw materials such as fine chemicals and semiconductor materials, and in the food, pharmaceutical and iron and steel industries.

As continuous processes (liquid processing, for example) often coexist with discrete processes (assembly and machining) in each of these fields, an increasing number of users are turning to PLC-based control systems, most of which are small to medium-scale.

As an increasing number of these systems have field devices, particularly transmitters, that use the Hart protocol, it has become essential for support of this protocol to be added to Stardom.

Stardom is made up of function-specific control, operation, and monitoring components that can be interconnected flexibly and in a scaleable fashion using networking technology.

The system has both the reliability and supportability of distributed control systems (DCSs) and the openness, versatility, and cost-effectiveness of systems that combine PCs, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and other devices.

In line with Yokogawa's fundamental commitment to steadily introduce new functions and improve reliability, the company is continually making enhancements to Stardom.

Stardom is a core building block of Yokogawa's VigilantPlant solutions.