Discrete I/O Devices

Chapter 46
46.1 Output Interface
46.2 Field Instrumentation
46.3 Input Interface
46.4 Input Processing
46.5 Output Processing

This chapter explains how a typical discrete device
is realised by means of computer control. Discrete
devices, sometimes referred to as entities, relate to
a system’s discrete I/O channels. A device consists
of some two to four discrete input and/or output
channels that are logically connected. The logic is
normally handled by function blocks. Typical ap-
plications are in enabling trips and interlocks, dis-
crepancy checking and polling redundant signals.
Larger numbers of discrete I/O are normally han-
dled by sequences.
The discrepancy checking of a valve position
is used as a vehicle for explaining the operation
of devices. The device consists of a discrete out-
put channel which is used for opening an isolating
valve, and a discrete input channel connected to
a proximity switch used for checking whether the
valve is open or not. This is depicted in P&I dia-
gram form in Figure 46.1.
ZY
47
ZS
47
Fig. 46.1 Representation of an isolating valve as a discrete device
The corresponding block diagram is shown in Fig-
ure 46.2.
This may be considered to consist of four sub sys-
tems:
• An output interface consisting of a sampler, dis-
crete to voltage converter D/V, zero order hold
ZOH and relay V/V
• Field instrumentation comprising a solenoid ac-
tuated pilot valve V/P, pneumatically actuated
isolating valve P/Z and a proximity switch Z/V
• An input interface consisting of a voltage con-
verter V/V, sampler and voltage to discrete
reader V/D
• Function blocks for handling discrete input DIN
and discrete output DOT signals
46.1 Output Interface
The four elements of sampler, D/V, ZOH and V/V
are all realised by the circuits of a DOT card. As-
sume that the output to the isolating valve is one of
a number of 0/24 V channels handled by the card,
the circuit for which is as depicted in Figure 46.3.
Note the barrier for electrical protection.
The sampler is virtual.On a regular basis,under
control of the RTOS, the status of the DOT block
output is sampled,i.e. it is copied from the database
into a register. It is usual for all the DOT outputs
associated with a card to be stored in the bits of the
register and to be “scanned” simultaneously.
 334 46 Discrete I/O Devices

0/12 0/5V 0/5V 0/<24V 0/2bar 0/100%

D/V ZOH V/V V/P P/Z

T
DOT card
DIN card

DOT DIN V/D V/V Z/V

T

0/12 0/5V 0/<24V

Fig. 46.2 Block diagram for realisation of discrete device

24V

DOT card

0/5V Pilot solenoid

Barrier
0/<24V

0V
Fig. 46.3 Discrete output channel

The D/V conversion of the logical 0/1 in the regis-
ter into a 0/5 V signal is handled by an op-amp type
of circuit. This is then latched by the ZOH in be-
tween samples as described in Chapter 44. The re-
lay depicted is electro-mechanical in nature. This,
and the transistor based type of relay, are the most
common forms of relay used for discrete outputs
signals.
46.2 Field Instrumentation
When the relay is closed, the 24 V power supply is
routed through the barrier to the solenoid of a pilot
valve, as described in Chapter 5. This enables com-
pressed air to be applied to the diaphragm actuator
of the isolating valve.
Suppose that the valve is of the air-to-open type
and its closed position is of interest. The proxim-
ity switch is attached to the yoke of the valve and
the magnet to its stem, both being positioned at
the closed end of stem travel. Also suppose that
the switch is normally open, but is closed by the
 46.3 Input Interface 335

magnet. Thus, when the valve is shut the output of
the proximity switch is approximately 24 V. If the
valve is open, fully or otherwise, or if the proximity
switch fails, the output is 0 mA.
46.4 Input Processing
The DIN function block of Figure 46.2 represents
a discrete input processing routine. Its algorithm
operates on the generic data block shown in Ta-
ble 46.1.

Table 46.1 Discrete input function and data block

46.3 Input Interface Function block Datablock
The three elements of V/V, sampler and V/D are Slot Description Value
all realised by the circuits of a DIN card. Assume
1 Block no. B0027
that the input from the proximity switch is one of
2 Block type DIN
a number of 0/24 V channels handled by the card,
the circuit for which is as depicted in Figure 46.4. 3 Tag no. ZS47
The two zener diodes would typically have 4 Description Proximity
threshold values of z1 = 20 V and z2 = 25 V. These switch
zeners establish a window through which only volt- 5 Block status On
ages of approximately 24 V can pass. This guards 6 Sampling frequency 1
against false inputs due to spurious induction ef- 7 Frame/rack/card/channel no. 1/2/4/16
fects in the field circuits. Note the RC network for 8 Display area 06
filtering out noise due to bounce on the proximity 9 Alarm priority 0
switch.Again note the barrier for electrical protec- 10 Alarm on high No
tion.
11 Alarm on low No
TheV/V conversion concerns scaling the 0/24 V
12 Message code 0
signal into a 0/5 V signal using an op-amp type of
circuit. On a regular basis, under control of the 13 Current status
RTOS, the 0/5 V signal is sampled, converted into a
The content of these slots is largely self explana-
logical 0/1,and written into a register from which it
tory. Note the following slots in particular:
is read into the database.It is usual for all the inputs
associated with a DIN card to be stored in the bits 5. If set to off, this would suspend execution of
of the register and to be scanned simultaneously. the DIN routine, despite the fact that the input

24V Proximity switch

DIN card
Barrier

z1
0/<24V
z2

0V
Fig. 46.4 Discrete input channel
 336 46 Discrete I/O Devices

is being sampled. Such a course of action would 12. This slot permits the time delay allowed for in
be appropriate, for example, if there is a hard- the discrepancy checking to be specified.
ware fault that causes the input signal to be in 13–15. If a discrepancy occurs, it is treated as an
a permanent state of alarm. alarm for which an area has to be specified,
10 and 11. These enable alarms to be attached to a priority attached and an option to generate
either state of the discrete input. Neither is used messages provided.
with the proximity switch because of the dis-
crepancy checking on the discrete output to the These DIN and DOT function blocks have been
solenoid valve. explained on the basis of their use for discrep-
ancy checking. However, it should be appreciated
that the routines are general purpose and are used
extensively for handling conventional discrete I/O
46.5 Output Processing that are not logically connected.
The DOT function block of Figure 46.2 represents
a discrete output processing routine. Its algorithm Table 46.2 Discrete output function and data block
operates on the generic data block shown in Ta-
ble 46.2. Function block Datablock
The content of many of these slots is self ex- Slot Description Value
planatory. Note the following slots in particular: 1 Block no. B0270
7. This identifies the source of the required sta- 2 Block type DOT
tus of the discrete output corresponding to the 3 Tag no. ZY47
valve opening, typically either 0 for shut or 1 4 Description Isolating
for open. The status is normally determined valve
by some other logic block, B0470 as indicated, 5 Block status On
by a sequence or by an operator decision. 6 Sampling frequency 1
9. An option for discrepancy checking is pro- 7 Input block B0470
vided. For example, following a decision to 8 Frame/rack/card/channel no. 1/2/7/16
close the solenoid valve, and allowing a time 9 Discrepancy checking Yes
delay for the valve to close, the input from the
10 Discrepancy input block B0027
proximity switch is checked.
11 Discrepancy criteria 01,10
10. This identifies the discrete input signal to be
used for discrepancy checking. 12 Discrepancy delay 5
11. A discrete output of 0 should correspond to 13 Display area 06
an input of 1, and vice versa. Hence the binary 14 Alarm priority 0
codes of 01 and 10 are specified as acceptable 15 Message code 0
combinations. 16 Current status