Product category:
Industrial Ethernet systems
News Release from: R Stahl | Subject: IS1
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 31 January 2008
Remote I/O system for hazardous areas
R Stahl introduces a new version of the IS1 remote I/O system for hazardous areas, which can communicate via Modbus TCP and thereby qualifies for industrial Ethernet environments
The protocol itself lacks standardised configuration, parameterisation and diagnosis mechanisms, but a DTM developed by R Stahl makes IS1 systems compatible with standard software packages such as Pactware, Fieldcare, Fieldmate etc Many users have, of course, long been familiar with the proven Modbus protocol
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 29 Apr 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Its Ethernet-capable version was chosen because of its highly efficient data transfer, its very easy implementation and operation and its suitability for redundant structures.
Moreover, Modbus TCP is supported by almost all control systems, e.g Emerson Delta V and Yokogawa Centum CS.
The Ethernet-adapted IS1 version features a modified CPU and Power Module (IS1 CPM).
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It now consists of two separate components: a Communication Unit (CPU) with inner workings similar to a PC, and a Power Module (PM).
Both components remain hot swappable, i.e they can be exchanged separately during operation in zone 1.
No changes were made to the input and output modules.
The same is true for the proven BusRail.
Both can be used as is with the Ethernet system.
IS1 for Ethernet can be operated with redundant Ethernet networks and with standard Ethernet networks featuring power supply redundancy for the CPU module.
In case of a line breakdown, the system can switch to the other line within 200 ms - much faster than any standard Ethernet mechanism, such as Rapid Spanning Tree.
The new solution is therefore suitable for nearly all critical process engineering applications.
The system is designed for use in zone 1 / division 1.
Fiber-optic cables are used for the Ethernet line to allow for bridging larger distances as well.
The signal complies with the "op is" type of protection as specified in the IEC60079-28 standard, which covers "inherently safe optical radiation".
A suitable isolator, i.e an "Ex op is switch" for Ethernet structures, is also available.
Up until the present day Ethernet is still a niche solution in process automation, but is likely to become much more prevalent in the forthcoming years.
Hence, R Stahl actively supports the development of future Ethernet standards for process engineering applications in key organizations, such as the working groups responsible for Ethernet-enabling the Profinet fieldbus and the Foundation Fieldbus HSE.
The R Stahl contribution is based on many years of relevant experience, extending all the way back to the proprietary R Stahl standard bus for the "ICS MUX fieldbus system" (predecessor model of the current remote I/O system), which was first introduced in 1988.
Later, as open bus protocols came into being, R Stahl also added powerful new features to these, e.g by establishing a Profibus DP implementation suitable for hazardous areas, since the standard itself did not address such applications.
A proven solution for years in any number of applications, that intrinsically safe interface saw only minor modifications before it was at long last termed RS 485-IS as it was officially included in the Profibus standard by the Profibus user organization PNO in 2003.
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