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High-integrity controller brings it all together

01 March, 2005

High-integrity controller brings it all together

ABB has announced a high-integrity process controller which offers the options of combining control and safety functions in one controller, or keeping these functions separate in the same system. The System 800xA controller includes all automation functions in a single operation and engineering environment, extending beyond conventional process control to encompass facilities for smart drives and motor control, safety, production management, simulation, smart instrumentation, documentation and asset optimisation.

The System 800xA is a scalable IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 compliant safety instrumented system (SIS) that spans the entire safety loop, including field devices, I/O modules and field actuators. By embedding safety and control in the same architecture, the controller allows safe, instant interaction between applications, and eliminates the costs associated with separate systems. It is also said to optimise project engineering, training, operations, maintenance and spares. It provides one set of consistent data for single-point entry, change and re-use across a plant. The TÜV-certified system incorporates diagnostics and firewall mechanisms to eliminate common-cause failures or control and safety circuits.

The 800xA uses an object-oriented engineering environment with SIL-compliant function libraries that support the entire lifecycle from planning, through design and library management, to commissioning and support. A set of application-specific libraries contain pre-configured control modules, function blocks and graphic elements. For safety applications, the system limits user configuration choices automatically and will prevent downloads if SIL requirements are not met.