Woodward Flex500 Programmable Real-Time Deterministic Dedicated Digital Controller

The Flex500 is a programmable, real-time deterministic dedicated digital controller that optimises the performance and protection of compressors, steam turbines, gas turbines and water turbines.

Woodward builds on our reliable, field-proven 505D hardware platform.

Designed and manufactured in conjunction with our industry trusted and easy to use GAP programme and advanced service tools.

This model is a backplane mounted low voltage 18-36 Vdc power input rated for Class 1 Div. 2 standard position.

Features and Functionality

The Flex500 control system represents a new generation of dedicated controller remote view virtual terminal connections.

The industrial hardware platform provides stable, low-cost control for a wide variety of turbine, engine and compressor applications.

As a low-cost alternative to general-purpose PLCs, the Flex500 provides a simple, user-friendly gap-planning architecture as well as

True industrial-grade long production and support lifecycles eliminate frequent high-cost obsolescence issues.

The platform's real-time operating system and dedicated inputs and outputs provide deterministic performance for critical prime mover control functions.

Its fast I/O scan times, high accuracy and software program synchronisation make it ideal for controlling and protecting critical high-speed rotating equipment.

Applications.

Compressor control and protection

Steam turbines

Gas turbines

Hydraulic turbines

Gas and diesel engines

Features.

Optional rear panel

Remote view

Virtual terminal connection

Powerful real-time microprocessor control

Fast, accurate on-board I/O channels

Combines real-time control with PLC programming

Deterministic I/O scan rates as fast as 5 ms.

Distributed input/output RTCnet and LINKnet HT compatible

Compliant with time synchronisation protocol SNTP

Network control connection to DCS

Low-cost alternative to general-purpose PLCs

Sulphur-resistant conformal coating

Standard or hazardous location certified

Distributed control systems

Designed for use as a distributed control system based on Woodward's RTCnet and/or LINKnet HT distributed I/O modules.

They can be used in conjunction with the Flex500 platform to expand the number and type of input and output signals according to the requirements of a particular application.

Ethernet, serial and CAN communication ports and the associated Modbus TCP/IP and CANopen protocols also make the platform

ideal for use as part of a plant-wide DCS or as a stand-alone controller.

Four Ethernet ports and four CAN ports provide the network flexibility and redundancy required for today's critical control system architectures.