Distributed Control System delivers PLC architecture.
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Press Release Summary:
Foxboro A2 T2550 combines control and I/O technology into expandable baseplate or chassis that can be deployed independently or as part of centrally controlled network. Each unit can have up to 32 process controllers that operate in simplex mode or in optional redundant mode. Standard T2550 control and I/O baseplate houses up to 16 I/O cards, which can be replaced live, under power, without disturbing field wiring or other I/O.
Original Press Release:
New Foxboro A2 Product Delivers Low-Cost PLC Architecture with Real DCS Functionality
Foxboro A2 T2550 combines process controllers plus I/O in a single expandable baseplate to provide a powerful, low-cost stand-alone or networked DCS solution
FOXBORO, MASSACHUSETTS, USA - January 17, 2006 - Foxboro Automation (www.foxboro.com), a unit of Invensys Process Systems, has extended its low-cost Foxboro A2 distributed control system (DCS) with a compact new product that combines control and I/O technology into an expandable baseplate or chassis. Like a PLC, this can be deployed independently or as part of a centrally controlled network.
"In addition to our flagship I/A Series automation system, Invensys offers the Foxboro A2 system as a highly cost-effective alternative for smaller applications. The new Foxboro A2 T2550 controller now allows this low-cost, multi-loop process control capability to be deployed right at a process unit," said Betty Naylor-McDevitt, marketing director of the Foxboro Automation unit of Invensys Process Systems. "While the T2550 can be easily integrated into a control or plant network, it will continue to control the process even if a network link is lost. Combined with optional controller redundancy, this provides a high degree of fault-tolerance at a very low cost."
The T2550 controller is the first product in the Foxboro A2 line to bundle full process control and I/O functionality in a compact, field-mountable baseplate and termination assembly. Each unit can have up to two process controllers, which can operate in a simplex mode or in an optional redundant mode. No additional engineering is required to make the system redundant. The standard T2550 control and I/O baseplate can also house up to 16 I/O cards. These can be replaced live, under power, without disturbing field wiring or other I/O.
Like other members of the Foxboro A2 product family, the T2550 controller supports high-density packaging of a broad range of analog and digital I/O types. System controllers can be mixed and matched as needed to meet specific control and price requirements using the highly flexible licensing strategy. Users pay only for currently needed functionality and can upgrade at any time without cost penalty. Redundant processors with automatic switchover, redundant power supplies, and redundant network connections can be specified on a controller-by-controller basis. Control strategies are configured graphically using IEC-61131 tools including function block, sequential function charts, structured text, and PID and advanced regulatory control. A library of pre-constructed function blocks is also available to speed application development.
For more information, readers should contact their local Foxboro representative, visit www.foxboro.com, or call 866-746-6477 (508-549-2424 outside the US and Canada).
About Invensys Process Systems
Invensys Process Systems (http://ips.invensys.com), a business unit of Invensys plc, provides products, services and solutions that enable today's industrial process plants to monitor, manage, and improve the performance of their manufacturing assets. In addition to its rapidly expanding Global Solutions group, Invensys Process Systems includes industry-leading brands such as Foxboro, Triconex, SimSci-Esscor, Wonderware, and Avantis, whose products are installed in more than 100,000 plants across the world. These range from small hybrid and batch plants to the world's largest upstream projects, refineries, gas plants, petrochemicals plants, power plants, and pulp and paper mills.
The Invensys Group (www.invensys.com) is made up of five businesses: Process Systems, APV, Eurotherm, Rail Systems and Controls. The Group is headquartered in London and is listed on the London Stock Exchange, with approximately 30,000 employees working in 60 countries.
Invensys, I/A Series, Foxboro, Triconex, SimSci-Esscor, Wonderware, and Avantis are trademarks of Invensys plc, its subsidiaries, or affiliates. All other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.
