Distributed IO

The Controlstar range of I/O modules allow practically any combination of inputs and outputs to be connected to the Controlstar family of controllers. All modules are DIN rail mountable, and standard connectors allow rapid reconfiguration, replacement and servicing of the modules without rewiring the installation. The industry standard CAN communication protocol provides robust, cost effective connections between the I/O module rack and the Controlstar.

‘SMART’ instrumentation provides ranging, recalibration and data functions over the attached Fieldbus network. The Controlstar® supports access to these SMART configuration functions with a browser. Under password access control, the user selects a specific instrument and the system allows the users to modify and monitor the details of the individual instrument.

Controlstars® CAN (Control Area Network) Modular I/O system

CAN is a serial bus system especially suited for networking "intelligent" devices as well as sensors and actuators. The CAN serial bus was originally developed for use in automobiles, but it is now extensively used in industrial as well as building automation solutions, medical equipment and maritime electronics. One of the outstanding features of the CAN protocol is its high transmission reliability. Internationally CAN is the must used Field bus.

 

Controlstars® modular Field bus I/O system uses CAN: -

  • Each CAN node is composed of a maximum of 8 modules, configurable as any mix Digital and Analogue.
  • Each module handles up to 16 channels, the channel count being dependent on module type
  • A maximum of 10 CAN nodes connect to each Controlstar®
  • CAN encourages distributed system topologies, the CAN nodes can be separated by up to 500 meters, and larger distances are possible using repeaters or fibre optics
  • The CAN nodes report by exception, maximising system performance
  • The I/O Modules are self-configuring from a downloaded Fusion file; they include extensive diagnostics that are report visually via the SCADA.

Fusion and the I/O system configuration

Using ‘Fusion’ configuring a Controlstar® Input/Output system is straightforward– the designer picks and places images of the required modules onto a DIN rail image. The designer then links the individual channels of the modules to the control diagrams simply by selecting and clicking the respective control input or output function block on the diagram.

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Configuring the CAN I/O

Images of the DIN rail modules are placed on the virtual DIN rail bar, selecting an individual module triggers a pop up module configuration screen. Individual I/O channels are bound to the mimics and Control via Fusion. Fusion produces the configuration files for the SCADA, the Controlstar®, and the individual I/O modules.