Ethernet backbone improves design, implementation, and lifecycle management of safety and basic process control systems

摘要

Ethernet communications has become pervasive in today's technological environment. Data from Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) are routinely gathered together, transmitted between islands of automation, and served to upper level Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). Now this flexible, highspeed, low-cost communications layer is being introduced at the lowest level of control system architecture - the rack. Rack-based systems of various shapes, sizes, and descriptions have been the norm in the DCS and SIS environment. We can now examine the benefits of the Ethernet-based system with regards to system design phase, operations and maintenance, and overall lifecycle impacts. Bringing Ethernet to the control system as a replacement for the control system rack enables the connectivity and integration required in the age of the Industrial Internet.