Yokogawa’s field wireless multifunction modules having DI, DO, AI, pulse and vibration sensing capability to assist mining, mineral processing and metal refining customers to convert their field transmitters and switches into field wireless communication devices that are ISA 100.11a compliant.
The company released the world’s first ISA100.11a compliant wireless system devices and wireless pressure and temperature transmitters in July 2010. In recognition of its innovation in industrial wireless communication technology, Yokogawa received the Frost & Sullivan 2014 Global Enabling Technology Leadership Award in the wireless solutions category. The award is presented to companies around the world that are best-in-class in a specific category.
Field wireless modules
Today, most mining, mineral processing and metals plants are already using communication protocols such as HART and Modbus to facilitate exchange of information. It is now possible to convert these into ISA100.11a wireless protocol using Yokogawa’s dedicated wireless multi-protocol module, the FN310 (FF and Profibus are still in the planning phase).
Other field devices such as switches, solenoid valves, and 4-20 mA analog transmitters can be retrofitted with Yokogawa’s multifunction module, the FN510, to convert their signals into ISA100.11a wireless signals.
Complete wireless system network
In addition to the field multifunction converters, Yokogawa offers a complete wireless network infrastructure including IoT enabled gateways, access points and managed stations devices. This is aligned with the direction that many of Yokogawa’s mining clients are taking: many companies are looking at ways to convert their existing infrastructure into the intelligent systems without spending too much capital. Yokogawa believes ISA100.11a wireless technology solutions will go a long away in achieving this.
Security
The ISA100.11a uses 128-bit key encryption algorithm as part of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to guard against wireless sniffing. There is also a provision for mutual device authentication which prevents spoofing devices from tapping into the wireless network.
To ensure interference avoidance thereby guaranteeing stability, the ISA100.11a uses both ‘channel blacklisting’ and ‘channel hopping’ principles. The blacklisting capability enables the disregarding of channels with significant interference thereby allowing coexistence with other wireless communication systems such as WiFi. The channel hopping on the other hand continuously switches between different communications channels to improve the success rate of data transmission.
In line with the Wireless Anywhere concept, Yokogawa will continue to expand its range of ISA100.11a wireless transmitters and other devices such as adaptors, to develop best-in-class solutions which provide higher value to customers, and promote the use of field wireless technologies.
For more information contact Christie Cronje, Yokogawa South Africa, +27 (0)11 831 6300, [email protected], www.yokogawa.com/za
| Tel: | +27 11 831 6300 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.yokogawa.com/za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Yokogawa South Africa |
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