OREANDA-NEWS. May 31, 2012. Yokogawa Electric Corporation announces that it will release an enhanced version of the STARDOM™ network-based control system on May 31.

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※. An IT security setting tool is also provided to assist in the configuration of the same security models employed by Yokogawa's CENTUM® VP integrated production control system. In addition, Microsoft Visual Studio® 2010 support has been added for the creation of graphics for the VDS SCADA control and monitoring software.
Development Background

The STARDOM network-based control system consists of the FCN/FCJ autonomous controllers and VDS software. The system is used as a main controller for equipment in small- to medium-size manufacturing plants, facilities that are distributed over a wide area such as oil/gas wells, and wind power generation systems, which is a booming segment of the renewable energy market.

As applications grow more varied, users need to connect with devices such as programmable controllers (PLCs) and motor control centers (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 HMI SCADA software, there is the need for a more general-purpose application development environment.
Product Features
Support of PROFIBUS-DP and CANopen protocols
 PROFIBUS-DP and CANopen communication modules have been developed for the FCN autonomous controller. These modules make it possible for the FCN 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.

Engineering tool for multiple security models
 An IT security setting tool is provided to assist in the configuration of the same multiple security models used with CENTUM VP. When STARDOM is used together with a CENTUM VP system, these models provide the total system robust protection against cyber-attacks.
Visual Studio support
 Graphics and other functional components that support Visual Studio, a widely used software development tool, have been incorporated in the VDS SCADA software. The use of these components with Visual Studio greatly facilitates the development of production instruction, production control, and other types of graphics needed for specific applications. The VDS SCADA software has thus been optimized to meet the requirements of the process automation (PA) and factory automation (FA) fields.

Takashi Nishijima, Director, Senior Vice President of the Industrial Automation Platform Business Headquarters, says, "With field digital technologies that make effective use of plant information through the digitization of communications between field devices and control systems, Yokogawa is helping its customers realize 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 will truly realize asset maximization."