Yokogawa Electric Corporation has announced an enhanced version of its Stardom network-based control system. This enhanced version includes new modules that enable the FCN autonomous controller to communicate directly with facilities and devices that use the Profibus-DP and CANopen industrial communication protocols. IT security setting tools are also provided to assist in the configuration of the same security models employed by Yokogawa’s Centum VP integrated production control system.
Development background
The Stardom network-based control system consists of the FCN/FCJ autonomous controllers. The system is used as a main controller for equipment in small to medium sized manufacturing plants, facilities that are distributed over a wide area such as oil/gas wells, and wind power generation systems, a booming segment of the renewable energy market.
As applications grow more varied, users need to connect with devices such as PLCs and MCCs from other vendors that use different communication protocols. There is thus a rising need for controllers that support a variety of communication protocols. Also, as Stardom is often operated and monitored as a DCS subsystem, its security measures must be equivalent to those used by the DCS to protect against cyber-attacks. And as for the Web-based scada software, there is a need for a more general-purpose application development environment.
Product features
Profibus and CANopen communication modules have been developed for the FCN autonomous controller. These modules make it possible for the controller to communicate directly with devices that support these protocols, eliminating the need for a gateway. An engineering tool is also provided that helps users to configure communications with these devices.
An IT security setting tool is provided to assist the configuration of the same multiple security models used with Centum VP. When Stardom is used together with a Centum VP, these models provide robust system protection against cyber attacks.
Takashi Nishijima, senior vice president of the industrial automation platform business headquarters, says, “With field digital technologies that make effective use of plant information through the digitisation of communications between field devices and control systems, Yokogawa is helping its customers realise the VigilantPlant concept. This new version allows customers to implement digital communication with both PA and FA devices. Digital information can be used to integrate on-site device management and maintenance. Device diagnostics help improve availability at our customers’ plants. This is true asset maximisation.”
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