Control System Hardware Architecture

For I/A Series/Control Core Services V8 software and later, the FECN (formerly MESH) control network forms the basis of the network architecture. The FECN control network consists of a number of Ethernet or fiber switches that connect Foxboro Evo stations and devices providing redundancy and peer-to-peer communication. In the figure shown below, the engineering workstation includes two Network Interface Cards (NICs) connected to redundant Ethernet switches.

Although several configurations are possible, the simple linear configuration is sufficient for the simulator. For the simulation, the physical CPs are replaced by SCP. Additionally, the redundancy is removed - only one switch is required between the Foxboro Evo systems and the SCP(s).

Networked Foxboro Evo stations can include WSTAs, Host Workstations, CPs, Historian Server(s), Historical Data Collector(s), Galaxy Database Repository Server(s), or a primary domain controller. A WSTA or an Operator Station monitors processes; displays real-time data, trends and alarms; and acts as the primary HMI machine. A real plant may include dozens of WSTAs, but the simulation suite may combine the functionality of several WSTAs to reduce simulation suite costs/size.

The Host Workstation hosts the Foxboro Evo Control Stations. It can act as an HMI as well as an Engineering Workstation and can be used to create or modify displays, view and manage alarms, configure control blocks, and monitor the health of the control system.

Historian Servers contain either the AIM* or Wonderware Historian software. The Historian Server is typically dedicated solely for this purpose (and not combined with other functionality) to ensure that historical data is accurately time-stamped. For smaller simulations, the historian server may reside on WSTA.

With the Wonderware Historian, Historical Data Collectors are WSTAs, but typically reside on computers separate from the Historian Server and are not used for any other purpose (e.g. controlling the plant). In a simulator, this functionality can combine on to a reduced set of WSTAs.

The Galaxy Database is associated with Foxboro Evo. In an actual PAS, this machine is used solely for this purpose and is not combined with any other functionality, such as the Historian Server or Operator Station. In a simulator, this functionality can combine on to a reduced set of WSTAs.