Software Module enables sub-millisecond event detection.
Press Release Summary:
Sequence of Events (SOE) input module, for ControlLogix control platform, provides ability to pinpoint and record faults. It can timestamp to per-I/O-point level and discriminate between events that occur within 100 µsec of each other. Module operates in both coordinated system time per point and FIFO modes. Product is suited for utility and substation automation, emergency shutdown systems, energy management, and load shedding.
Original Press Release:
Sequence of Events Module from Rockwell Automation Brings Sub-Millisecond Event Detection to the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix Platform
New module joins with DC power supplies and a global positioning satellite module to create a comprehensive solution for utility and power applications
MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio, April 5, 2004 - The ability to accurately pinpoint and record faults is critical for utility companies, as witnessed by the fallout from last year's rolling power failures on the East Coast. To address this type of problem, Rockwell Automation today introduced the Allen-Bradley Sequence of Events (SOE) input module for the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix control platform.
The SOE module has the ability to timestamp to a per-I/O-point level and discriminate events that occur within 100 microseconds of each other, providing functionality that is unachievable with standard input modules. Combined with new Allen-Bradley DC power supplies and a global positioning satellite (GPS) module from Rockwell Automation Encompass partner Hiprom (www.hiprom.com), the SOE module is an ideal solution for a variety of power applications: utility and substation automation; emergency shutdown systems; energy management; and load shedding.
"These products allow utility companies to leverage the power and performance of the ControlLogix platform," said Pete Delic, product marketing manager, Rockwell Automation. "And because the SOE module is integrated with the controller, and not a separate add-on like most related products, it provides the benefit of seamless data flow throughout the system."
SOE modules operate in two modes - Coordinated System Time (CST) per point and First In/First Out (FIFO). In CST-per-point mode, a module provides two timestamps per input point, one for on/off transitions and the other for off/on. As a result, the module can capture timestamps for events on rising- and/or falling-edge transitions, which is essential when determining the order of a sequence of events. A module in FIFO mode can timestamp multiple transitions of any of its input points and store this data in an on-board buffer. Given that engineers can record every transition of every input in this mode, it is ideal for monitoring, analyzing, optimizing and troubleshooting the sequencing of any process.
Rockwell Automation also launched two power supplies - 48V and 125V DC - to accompany the SOE module. These supplies provide power to a ControlLogix system using any appropriate DC source (e.g., battery backup systems) as their input to allow the system to continue operating and recording data in a blackout.
In addition, the SOE-driven solution can give an absolute real-time reference for all timestamped data in the controller by adding the 1756HP GPS module from Hiprom. The GPS module helps users determine the exact order of events in their system and correlate those events to a real-time clock with microsecond granularity.
It also lets companies apply a common time base for control components scattered across a wide geographic area. With one GPS module in each remote system, multiple installations can operate and timestamp on the same real-time reference. This capability is tailor-made for utility and substation applications that may need to determine the cause of a power failure or grid collapse.
The Hiprom GPS module is currently available, as are the 125V DC AllenÂBradley SOE module and power supplies. The 48V DC offerings will be available in June 2004.
Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is a world-leading provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation solutions, including Allen-Bradley controls and engineered services and Rockwell Software factory management software, Dodge mechanical power transmission products, and Reliance Electric motors and drives. The company also is a leading provider of contact management technologies and applications that help companies more efficiently manage interaction with their own customers. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs about 22,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.
For more information on the Allen-Bradley Sequence of Events input module and supporting products, please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, Ext. 1705. And for more information on the Rockwell Automation Encompass Program, please visit http://www.automation.rockwell.com/encompass/.
