Foxboro introduces high-availability FF solution

Foxboro Automation Systems, a unit of Invensys, has introduced a new, redundant/fault-tolerant Foundation Fieldbus module option for the Invensys flagship automation platform - the I/A Series system

New, optionally redundant Foundation fieldbus I/O modules utilise redundant/fault-tolerant communications for unprecedented availability in the Invensys flagship automation system.

Unlike many competitive systems, the I/A Series system also features fully redundant communications between the Foundation fieldbus (or other) I/O modules and their optionally fault-tolerant control processors.

"The fully redundant hardware configurations offered in the I/A Series system, combined with our redundant communications and our unique software-based approach to fault-tolerance, provide availability levels that are unprecedented in the process control industry," said Steve Young, vice president of the Foxboro Automation Systems unit of Invensys.

"With our new, optionally redundant Foundation fieldbus I/O modules, we've extended this capability to be able to deliver the benefits of FF, in a highly secure, non-stop process control environment".

The new, optionally redundant I/A Series Foundation fieldbus modules provide maximum protection against any fault that could halt system communication to the H1 fieldbuses.

Should the module running the H1 Link Active Scheduler fail, the remaining module takes over as Backup Link Active Scheduler.

Redundant and on-line-replaceable power conditioners for each H1 bus ensure the uptime of fault-tolerant power to the field devices.

The new I/A Series Foundation fieldbus I/O modules feature extra-rugged and compact design.

They plug into DIN rail baseplates that can be field-mounted in sealed cabinets close to the process units.

The I/O modules work in conjunction with the two new Foxboro high-performance I/A Series Control Processors: the rack-room-mounted ZCP270 and the field-mounted FCP270.

The ZCP270 rack room controllers utilise high-speed remote I/O Foxboro communications network, while the FCP270 controllers mount on the same field-mounted DIN rail base-plates as the I/O modules.

With both the I/O and controller located right out at the process, the latter arrangement provides a highly distributed process control environment.

Both arrangements help to maximise the user benefits of Foundation fieldbus.

The modules feature four Foundation fieldbus segment ports per module to deliver extra space savings compared to competitive systems with only one or two ports.

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