February 25, 2014 - R. Stahl releases IS1+ remote I/O system that supports PROFINET in zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas. This capability gives users another option for Ethernet applications alongside the existing protocol support for Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP communication. “Ex op is” fibre optic cables ensure explosion protection and interference-free transmission even over long distances.
In late 2013, a tentative final draft of the PROFINET requirements for remote I/O specified by PROFIBUS International (PI) has been presented in the “Remote IO for Process Automation (RIO for PA) for PROFINET” profile. System integration is carried out via PROFINET GSDML. Compared with PROFIBUS GSD, this markup language allows for a considerably more comfortable and highly automated integration of IS1+ functions into engineering systems. Similar to PROFIBUS PA, module functions are mapped via transducer and function blocks that allow for diagnostics as well as, for example, scaling with units. Mode handling allows for setting signal transfer to “AUTO” (Cyclical Updates), “MANUAL”, or “O/S” (Out of Service) operation.
Conforming to NAMUR recommendation NE 107, the new status information options such as "Maintenance Required“ or "Out of Specification“ provide operators with a quick and easy overview of signal quality regardless of specific causes of errors. The PI status format (condensed status) supports preventive maintenance messages, which allow users to analyse the IS1+ self-diagnoses. Service staff will find comprehensive alarm and diagnostic data at their disposal. An integrated web server and a DTM provide additional diagnoses for commissioning and maintenance.
The AI/AO and DI/DO IS1+ mixed modules featuring channel-by-channel I/O parameterisation are of course also supported. The specifications for PROFINET I/O system redundancy (PNIO SR) with remote I/O and the online configuration and parameter changes (Configure in Run, CiR) will be published shortly by the PI organization. In the foreseeable future, they will also be supported by PROFINET I/O controllers. With the IS1+ remote I/O system, users will then immediately have a suitable solution for universal use of PROFINET in hazardous areas within process automation plants.
