• N-IO (Network-IO): A field I/O device with a versatile I/O module that can handle multiple types of I/O signals Control systems rely on field I/O devices for the transfer of data to and from sensors, valves, and other types of field instruments. Using this data, they automatically control a plant's operations. Depending on instrument models, the type of electric signal used to transfer this data varies. With Yokogawa's current FIO device, a compatible I/O module is needed for each signal type. The N-IO, a new CENTUM VP field I/O device, fulfills the functions of universal I/O and a signal conditioner, enabling configurable software and flexible I/O assignment. It has an I/O module that accommodates multiple I/O signal types, accepts up to 16 I/O points, and allows specification of an individual signal type for each point. Both analog and digital I/O signals, which account for the majority of I/O signal traffic, can be handled solely through software settings. Pulse and relay I/O signals can be managed by using additional adaptors. With the N-IO, it is no longer necessary to replace the I/O module, reducing the amount of rewiring that must be done when changing sensor types and/or layouts during a plant revamp. This significantly reduces the amount of work that has to be performed by plant engineers and maintenance personnel. In addition, Yokogawa has signed OEM agreements with , under which Yokogawa will receive baseplates and market them as its own products. These will be used in combination with the company's N-IO modules and intrinsic safety (IS) isolators procured from the two companies. Both partners have solid track records in the development of interface products for use in hazardous areas. This tie-up means Yokogawa is able to ensure that the N-IO conforms to the major IS regulations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
  • FieldMate™ Validator: A software tool that is used with N-IO devices to check field device wiring and verify that the device operates correctly Upon installation of a field instrument and completion of all wiring, the wiring must be checked. Until now, such verification could only be conducted using the CENTUM operation/monitoring screen, which required engineers to wait for all field I/O devices to be installed and the entire CENTUM system, including all operation/monitoring stations and system controllers, to be set up. The new CENTUM VP R6.01 features the FieldMate Validator N-IO loop commissioning software, a software tool that is used to verify the wiring and relevant operations for any newly installed field instrument or field I/O device. FieldMate Validator is provided with FieldMate, Yokogawa's field device management PC software. When FieldMate establishes a connection with an N-IO device, the FieldMate Validator tool can check in real time the wiring of all field instruments, based on the control loop I/O information in the control system's application software, to verify that they operate correctly. There is no more need for the whole CENTUM system to be installed to do this, thus saving significant time and providing added versatility in project execution.
  • Automation Design Suite (AD Suite): A first-of-its-kind integrated engineering environment that goes beyond traditional DCS engineering functionality Leveraging its engineering expertise and the experience gained through the execution of myriad projects, Yokogawa has developed the AD Suite integrated engineering environment. AD Suite is an integrated platform that ingenuously facilitates project execution, system integration, and site execution, bringing certainty and confidence through all project phases and the start-up, operation, maintenance, expansion/upgrade, and extension stages of the plant lifecycle. With advanced program templates for heat exchangers, filters, and other types of equipment commonly used in the field, AD Suite improves engineering efficiency and helps to ensure uniform quality. It is able to centrally manage the functional design documents that provide the basis for control system engineering, along with all the control program master data stored in the CENTUM database. This simplifies history management when programs are modified and makes certain that the latest design information is available when system expansion, modification, or maintenance is performed. In essence, AD Suite generates a total engineering environment, with an entirely new database structure that feeds standardized and consistent engineering information, maintains engineering data integrity, eliminates inconsistencies between the design information and the actual system, manages change, and supports the automation lifecycle. At the same time, it facilitates the reuse of valuable engineering knowhow, eliminating the duplication of work for subsequent projects. This both saves time and reduces cost.
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