21/05/2023

FOXBORO I/A SERIES DCS

PREPARED BY
TEJASVINI YADAV 200130117006
BHARGAV CHAUHAN 200130117013
VIVEK KUMAR 200130117018

CONTENT
• WHAT IS DCS?
• AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY
• ARCHITECTURE WITH DETAIL REGARDING HARDWARE CONSOLES (OPERATOR
INTERFACE)
• WORKSTATIONS
• CONTROL STATION (CONTROLLER)
• COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS / BUSES (SERVER & INTERFACE)
• CHASSIS / CABINET AND SOFTWARE FOR CONFIGURATION AS APPLICABLE.

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WHAT IS DCS?
• A distributed control system (DCS) is a digital
automated industrial control system (ICS) that uses
geographically distributed control loops throughout
a factory, machine or control area. The goal of a
DCS is to control industrial processes to increase
their safety, cost-effectiveness and reliability.
• A control system is a set of mechanical or
electronic devices that regulate other devices or
systems through the use of control loops. Control
loops are systems composed of all the hardware
and software control functions needed for
measurements and adjustments in an individual
process. Control systems are a central part of
industrial and process automation systems.

AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY
Automation technology in the Foxboro I/A Series DCS
refers to the set of tools, methodologies, and features
that enable the system to automate industrial processes
and control systems. It encompasses advanced control
strategies, algorithms, and techniques to optimize
process performance, improve operational efficiency,
and enhance overall plant productivity. The automation
technology in the Foxboro I/A Series DCS includes
control strategies, advanced control algorithms,
sequential control, alarm management, event-based
control, asset management, integration with field
devices, data analytics, system integration, and user-
friendly operator interfaces. These automation
technologies work together to enable precise control,
efficient operation, and data-driven decision-making
within industrial environments.

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ARCHITECTURE WITH REGARDING

HARDWARE CONSOLES

The architecture of the

hardware consoles, or
operator interface, in the
Foxboro I/A Series DCS is
designed to provide
operators with a user-friendly
means of interacting with the
control system. Here are the
key details regarding the
hardware consoles in the
Foxboro I/A Series DCS:

CONT.

• Operator Workstations: The hardware consoles typically consist of operator

workstations, which are computer systems dedicated to running the operator
interface software. These workstations are equipped with sufficient processing
power, memory, and storage capacity to handle the graphical displays, trends,
alarms, and other functions of the operator interface.
• Display Screens: The hardware consoles feature high-resolution display screens that
present graphical representations of the process. These screens can show real-time
process data, control graphics, trends, historical data, and alarm displays, providing
operators with a visual overview of the plant operations.

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CONT.
• Input Devices: The hardware consoles incorporate input devices such as keyboards and
mice for operators to interact with the operator interface software. Operators use the
keyboard to input commands, navigate through the interface, acknowledge alarms, and
perform various tasks. The mouse is used for selecting objects, clicking on buttons, and
manipulating on-screen elements.
• Touchscreen Functionality: Some hardware consoles offer touchscreen functionality,
allowing operators to directly interact with the operator interface software by touching the
display screen. Touchscreen capabilities enhance the user experience, enabling intuitive and
quick access to information and control functions.
• Communication Interfaces: The hardware consoles include communication interfaces to
connect with the DCS network and other components. These interfaces facilitate data
exchange between the hardware consoles and other devices within the DCS, such as
controllers, I/O modules, and field instruments.

CONT.
• Redundancy and High Availability: To ensure uninterrupted operation, the hardware
consoles may incorporate redundancy features. Redundant hardware consoles, known as
hot-standby consoles, are configured to provide automatic failover in case of a hardware or
software failure. This redundancy ensures continuous availability of the operator interface
and minimizes the risk of system downtime.
• Security Measures: The hardware consoles employ security measures to protect the
operator interface and the control system from unauthorized access. These measures may
include user authentication, role-based access control, encryption protocols, and audit trails
to ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and system security.
The hardware consoles in the Foxboro I/A Series DCS serve as the primary means for
operators to monitor and control industrial processes. They provide a user-friendly interface,
display real-time process data, allow for control actions, and enable operators to effectively
manage the plant operations.

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WORKSTATION

A workstation refers to a
computer system used by
engineers, system administrators,
and operators to configure,
monitor, and control the DCS.
Here's a brief overview of
workstations in the Foxboro I/A
Series DCS:

CONT.
• Engineering Workstation: The engineering workstation is used by system
administrators and engineers to configure and maintain the DCS system. It
typically runs specialized software tools provided by Foxboro, allowing users
to perform tasks such as system configuration, database management,
graphics design, alarm configuration, and system diagnostics. The engineering
workstation is essential for setting up and customizing the DCS according to
specific plant requirements.
• Operator Workstation: The operator workstation provides a user interface for
operators to monitor and control the industrial processes. It runs the
operator interface software, which displays real-time process data, trends,
alarm notifications, and other critical information. Operators use the
workstation to interact with the DCS, acknowledge alarms, make control
adjustments, and monitor the overall process performance.

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CONT.
• Redundant Workstations: To ensure high availability and system resilience, redundant
workstations are often employed in critical control environments. Redundant workstations,
also known as hot-standby workstations, operate in parallel with the primary workstations,
mirroring their functionality. In case of a failure in the primary workstation, the redundant
workstation seamlessly takes over, minimizing disruption and maintaining continuous
operation.
• Network Connectivity: Workstations in the Foxboro I/A Series DCS are connected to the DCS
network, allowing them to communicate with other system components, including
controllers, I/O modules, and field devices. This network connectivity enables real-time
data exchange, system monitoring, and control functions.
• Security Measures: Workstations in the Foxboro I/A Series DCS incorporate security
measures to protect the system from unauthorized access and ensure data integrity. These
measures include user authentication, role-based access control, and encryption protocols
to safeguard sensitive information and control system functionality.

CONTROL STATION (CONTROLLER)

The control station, also known as the controller, in the
Foxboro I/A Series DCS is the central component
responsible for executing control strategies and
managing process control functions. It is a dedicated
computer system equipped with control software that
receives real-time data from field devices, calculates
control actions, and adjusts process parameters to
maintain desired process conditions. The control
station interfaces with other DCS components,
supports redundancy for high availability, facilitates
system integration, and incorporates security measures
to protect the control system. In short, the control
station is the brain of the DCS, regulating and
optimizing industrial processes

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COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS /
BUSES (SERVER & INTERFACE)

The Foxboro I/A Series DCS

utilizes various
communication protocols and
buses to enable seamless
data exchange and integration
between different
components of the system.
Here are some of the
commonly used
communication protocols and
buses in the Foxboro I/A
Series DCS:

CONT.

• Modbus: Modbus is a widely used industrial communication protocol that facilitates

communication between various devices, such as controllers, I/O modules, and field
instruments. It supports both serial (Modbus RTU) and Ethernet (Modbus TCP/IP)
communication, allowing for interoperability and integration with third-party devices.
• OPC (OLE for Process Control): OPC is a standard communication protocol in the process
automation industry. It enables data exchange between software applications, such as the
DCS software, and devices or systems from different manufacturers. OPC provides a
standardized interface for accessing real-time and historical process data.
• Ethernet: Ethernet is a widely used communication protocol for local area networks (LANs).
It allows for high-speed data transfer between system components, including controllers,
workstations, and field devices. Ethernet provides a reliable and scalable communication
infrastructure in the DCS.

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CONT.
• Profibus: Profibus is a popular fieldbus protocol used for communication between
controllers and field devices. It provides fast and deterministic data transfer, making it
suitable for demanding control and monitoring applications. Profibus supports various
device profiles, allowing for interoperability between different manufacturers' equipment.
• HART: HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) is a digital communication protocol
commonly used in process industries. It allows for bi-directional communication with smart
field devices, providing access to additional device diagnostics, configuration, and
calibration capabilities.
• Foundation Fieldbus: Foundation Fieldbus is a digital communication protocol designed for
process control applications. It enables communication between field devices, such as
transmitters, actuators, and analyzers, and the control system. Foundation Fieldbus
supports advanced control functions and provides additional diagnostic information from
field devices.

CHASSIS / CABINET AND SOFTWARE

FOR CONFIGURATION AS APPLICABLE

Software
Chassis

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CONT.
1. Chassis/Cabinets: The Foxboro I/A Series DCS employs chassis or cabinets to house
various hardware modules and components of the system. These chassis/cabinets
provide a physical enclosure, power supply, and backplane infrastructure for the DCS
components.
• Controller Chassis: The controller chassis houses the control station or controller modules
responsible for executing control strategies and managing process control functions. It
typically accommodates the control station hardware, including the processor, memory,
communication interfaces, and other components necessary for control operations.
• I/O Chassis: The I/O chassis houses the input/output (I/O) modules that interface with field
devices, such as sensors, actuators, and switches. These modules convert analog and digital
signals from the field devices into a format that can be processed by the control station.
The I/O chassis provides connectivity and power distribution for the I/O modules.
• Network Chassis: The network chassis facilitates network connectivity and communication
between various components of the DCS. It houses modules or cards that provide Ethernet,
serial, or other communication interfaces, allowing for seamless data exchange and
integration within the DCS network.

CONT.
2.Configuration Software: The Foxboro I/A Series DCS utilizes configuration software tools to
set up, configure, and maintain the system. These software tools provide an interface for
system administrators, engineers, and operators to configure the DCS components, define
control strategies, and perform system maintenance tasks.
• Foxboro Control Software: The Foxboro I/A Series DCS provides its own proprietary control
software for system configuration. This software allows users to define control loops,
configure alarms, set control parameters, and manage other system settings. It provides a
user-friendly interface to configure and customize the DCS based on specific plant
requirements.
• Engineering Workstation Software: The Foxboro I/A Series DCS includes engineering
workstation software that enables system administrators and engineers to perform
configuration and maintenance tasks. This software provides tools for database
management, configuration backup and restoration, system diagnostics, and
troubleshooting.

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CONT.
• Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Software: The Foxboro I/A Series DCS offers HMI software
for designing and configuring operator interfaces. This software allows operators to
visualize process data, monitor alarms, view trends, and interact with the control system. It
provides a graphical interface for configuring displays, creating control graphics, and
defining alarm management strategies.
• System Integration Software: The Foxboro I/A Series DCS may include software tools for
system integration with other plant systems. These tools facilitate data exchange and
integration between the DCS and other systems, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP)
software, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and asset management systems. They
enable seamless integration and interoperability between different systems within the
plant.

THANK YOU

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