Process control system adds IO to handle digital-only signals

03 May 2017

Yokogawa Electric Corporation has released an enhanced version of its CENTUM VP integrated process production control system. Enhancements to release R6.04 include a new input/output (IO) module.

Because the latest control systems often primarily use digital signals, a low-cost IO module that handles only digital signals has been added to the CENTUM VP’s N-IO (Network-IO) lineup. To accommodate both analogue and digital signals it can be used in combination with the universal IO module. In this way, the cost of a plant construction or expansion project can be reduced.

In addition, a signal conversion function is included in the new IO module’s adaptor. With the universal IO module, a dedicated signal conversion board is required to directly receive signals from a field instrument such as a temperature sensor. The incorporation of this function in the new IO module eliminates the need for this hardware.

The CENTUM VP is a process production control platform with solutions that encompass all stages of the plant lifecycle – from design, engineering, installation, and startup to full operation, and routine and major maintenance - including the migration and upgrade to next-level technology platforms based on user needs, market dynamics, and technology advancements.

This latest CENTUM version uses Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise. Based on its Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) service model, Microsoft provides five years of extended support in addition to the standard five years of mainstream support, enabling a 10-year product lifecycle.

CENTUM VP’s Vnet/IP real-time control bus uses the star topology, in which all devices are connected to a central hub. This latest CENTUM version also allows the use of a ring topology, in which devices are connected to each other in the form of a ring. With this feature, more flexible networks can be configured to satisfy customer needs.


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