Product category:
Asset Management and maintenance planning
News Release from: Invensys Foxboro | Subject: I/A Series
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 30 October 2003
Foxboro system support for HART field
devices
New, FDT-based software tools for I/A Series system provide a common environment for configuring, diagnosing, and supporting HART and other intelligent field devices from Foxboro and other vendors
New, FDT-based software tools for I/A Series system provide a common environment for configuring, diagnosing, and supporting HART and other intelligent field devices from Foxboro and other instrument vendors As demonstrated at both the HART Foundation and FDT Joint Interest Group exhibits at ISA EXPO 2003, Foxboro Automation Foxboro Systems, a unit of Invensys, has introduced exciting Field Device Tool (FDT)-based software tools that open up important new HART capabilities for I/A Series system users
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 25 Jul 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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These new FDT-enabled HART capabilities include: A common, productivity-enhancing configuration, diagnostic, and support environment across all HART field instrumentation, FoxCom field devices, and - in the near future - all Foundation fieldbus devices.
A wide variety of increasingly more capable software applications from Foxboro, other instrument vendors, and third parties can now be plugged right into the I/A Series automation system to help speed instrument configuration, simplify support, and maximise instrument utilisation.
Real-time device data from HART and other intelligent field instrumentation can now be passed up through the I/A Series system into Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) packages, such as Invensys own Avantis software, to support advanced, condition-based predictive monitoring and maintenance; as well as conventional EAM functions.
Further reading
Foxboro introduces two controllers for I/A Series
New high-performance controllers for rack room and field-mounting, respectively, offer GPS time synchronisation for SOE and TDA time stamping with up to one millisecond accuracy
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
Two controllers for I/A Series automation system
New high-performance controllers for rack room and field-mounting, respectively, offer GPS time synchronisation for SOE and TDA time stamping with up to one millisecond accuracy
The latter includes preventive maintenance, materials management, supply chain management, and work order management.
Foxboro rugged, optionally redundant I/A Series Fieldbus (I/O) Modules and exclusive redundant/fault-tolerant high-speed Ethernet fieldbus network maximise the benefits of HART and other smart field protocols by providing users with the option of securely distributing the system I/O remotely in the field to dramatically reduce their field wiring costs.
Foxboro HART Fieldbus Modules operate in conjunction with I/A Series Control Processors to provide real-time access to process data and status, plus on-demand access to field device parameters and diagnostics.
Each Fieldbus Module channel provides both a 4-20mA analogue signal and a HART digital signal, so users have the option of mixing conventional 4-20mA field devices with their HART smart field devices.
As part of a long-term field upgrade program, this would allow users to integrate smart transmitters that might already be installed and/or gradually update their conventional field devices to HART using maintenance budgets.
Advanced features of well-proven Foxboro HART Fieldbus Modules for the I/A Series system include: 8 channels per Fieldbus Module, each with its own dedicated HART modem for optimum throughput.
100 millisecond response for 4-20mA process inputs and outputs.
Up to 4 secondary variables per channel can be utilised for monitoring and/or control through HART digital communications.
Redundant configurations available for mission-critical applications.
Modules can be replaced without removing field device termination cabling, power, or communication cabling.
Power distribution security and support for field device power.
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