Yokogawa Releases Enhanced Version of ProSafe-RS Safety Instrumented System

Outline of New Features

1. N-IO (Network I/O) field I/O device with smart configurable I/O that can handle multiple types of I/O signals
   SISs rely on field I/O devices for the transfer of data to and from sensors, valves, and other types of field instruments. Using this data, they can detect abnormal conditions and safely initiate emergency shutdowns. Depending on the instrument model, the type of electric signal used to transfer this data varies. With a conventional FIO device, a compatible I/O module is needed for each signal type.
   The N-IO field I/O device developed for use with ProSafe-RS fulfills the functions of smart configurable I/O, enabling software marshalling and flexible I/O assignment. It has an I/O module that accommodates multiple I/O signal types and allows configuration of an individual signal type for each point. Both analog and digital I/O signals, which account for the majority of I/O signal traffic, can be handled solely through software settings. With the N-IO, it is no longer necessary to replace the I/O module, reducing the amount of rewiring that must be done when changing sensor types and/or layouts during a plant revamp. This significantly reduces the amount of work that has to be performed by plant engineers and maintenance personnel. The N-IO device can also be used together with conventional FIO devices.
   In addition, Yokogawa has signed OEM agreements with Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH*1 and MTL Instruments Group Limited*2 under which Yokogawa will receive baseplates and market them as its own products. These will be used in combination with the company's N-IO modules and intrinsic safety (IS) isolators procured from the two companies. Both partners have solid track records in the development of interface products for use in hazardous areas. This tie-up means Yokogawa is able to ensure that the N-IO conforms to the major IS regulations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
2. FieldMate Validator software tool for use with field I/O instruments to check field device wiring and verify that devices are operating correctly
   Upon installation of a field instrument and completion of all wiring, the wiring must be checked. Until now, such verification could only be conducted using the SIS's engineering screen, which required engineers to wait for all field I/O devices to be installed and the entire SIS, including all operation/monitoring stations and system controllers, to be set up.
   The N-IO loop commissioning software, which is used to verify the wiring and relevant operations for any newly installed field instrument or field I/O device, has been modified to support ProSafe-RS R4.01. When FieldMate establishes a connection with an N-IO device, the FieldMate Validator tool can check in real time the wiring of all field instruments, based on the control loop I/O information in the SIS's application software, to verify that they are operating correctly. An industry first, there is no longer the need for the entire SIS to be installed to do this, thus saving significant time and providing added versatility in project execution. FieldMate Validator will be released in early December.
3. Automation Design Suite (AD Suite) integrated engineering environment
   ProSafe-RS R4.01 features AD Suite, the same engineering environment used with the CENTUM® VP integrated control system, allowing the integrated management of CENTUM VP and ProSafe-RS data. With this feature, ProSafe-RS engineers can use AD Suite to design the I/O. AD Suite also has functions for managing the change history and recording changes that save time when renovating systems.

Applications/Major Target Markets

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