YOKOGAWA ProSafe-RS N-IO (Network I/O) Safety Instrumented System

ProSafe-RS R4 adopts the same architecture as CENTUM VP R6 to improve

the engineering environment, thus greatly shortening the project schedule.

ProSafe-RS R4

N-IO (Network I/O): Smart Configurable I/O (SCIO)

In addition to conventional I/O modules dedicated for specific signal types (FIO module), ProSafe-RS R4 can offer the

N-IO module, which handles different signal types at each channel. By concurrently accepting both types of module,

ProSafe-RS R4 can deal more flexibly with a customers plant design requirements.

■ Features

- DI/DO/AI/AO signals can be handled at a single module. The types of I/O signal at each channel can be changed with software.

- Remote installation up to 50 km is available by using optical cables.

- SIL3 can be achieved with single configuration. Redundant configuration is also selectable.

- Terminal block has a disconnect function of signal loop of field devices as a standard function.

- An N-IO baseplate is available for intrinsically safe barriers.

Field Commissioning Support Package (F-CSP): software for validating and configuring N-IO loops

Combined with N-IO modules, F-CSP allows the field devices testing and validation without having a controller and an

engineering station. This software is offered as an option of FieldMate.

Automation Design Suite (AD Suite)

AD Suite offers the engineering environment integrated with CENTUM VP. Its change management function and

other features improve engineering quality and efficiency throughout the plant lifecycle. Based on the customers

design requirements, the engineering environment can be separated, ensuring a flexible configuration.

Benefits of ProSafe-RS R4

Early start-up of a plant

■ Challenge:

Starting up a plant more quickly has long been an issue that directly affects customers’ profits.

■ Our solution:

Application engineering and hardware engineering can progress independently and parallel. This parallel work shortens the

project schedule, either by starting later or by possibly enabling an earlier start-up.

Although the start-up of instruments and the installation of I/O modules can be performed in parallel, the loop check is completed

only after the FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) is finished and the controller and the engineering environment are installed.

In Yokogawas parallel engineering, there is no need to wait for the controller and engineering environment to be completed. The

integrity of loops can be checked only with N-IO modules and F-CSP. If any change is found in the I/O definition information, it can be

corrected on the spot, and the corrected definition can then be reflected in the master information in the plant.

Reducing risks to scheduled project delivery

■ Challenge:

The I/O definition often needs to be changed due to physical constraints. Such problems usually occur during commissioning and

may prolong the project schedule, as well as require costly re-wiring.

■ Our solution:

The I/O definition of N-IO modules can be changed more flexibly. Signal types among DI/DO/AI/AO can be switched only with

software, and there is no need to change I/O modules. Since signal types can be designated at each channel, there is no need to

stock I/O modules for each signal type, reducing maintenance costs.

Highly flexible installation

■ Challenge:

Sufficient space is needed to mount I/O modules. Also, the marshalling to connect field devices and I/O modules require space

and work, increasing costs. This may reduce the number of possible locations for arranging I/O modules.

■ Our solution:

N-IO modules do not need  the hardware marshalling. Conventionally, this marshalling is necessary to arrange field wiring for

each signal type and to connect them to I/O modules dedicated for specific signal types. In contrast, multiple types of signal can

be assigned to a single N-IO module, and there is no need for arranging signal types and thus marshalling. For this reason, N-IO

modules need less space and wiring for installation. This module is ideal for flexible and distributed installation in the field.

Furthermore, the use of N-IO modules eliminates the need for marshalling cabinets, further saving space and costs.