Yokogawa to Release Multi-function Wireless Adaptor that Allows Wired Field Instruments to Function as ISA100 Wireless Devices

Tokyo, Japan - November 18, 2014

Yokogawa Electric Corporation announces that it will release a newly developed multi-function wireless adaptor on December 1. This adaptor enables wired devices that transmit/receive digital ON/OFF signals or receive 4-20 mA analog signals to function as ISA100 Wireless™^* field wireless devices.

Multi-function Wireless Adaptor

Development Background

Field wireless systems enable plant field devices and host-level monitoring, control, and other systems to communicate wirelessly with each other. Driven by the need to improve productivity and safety, companies are looking for ways to collect more data on their plant operations. Consequently, there is a rising demand for field wireless devices as they can be installed in difficult-to-wire locations. Field wireless devices have the added advantage of having a lower installation cost.

In addition to ISA100 Wireless-based field devices and systems, Yokogawa offers multi-protocol wireless adaptors that enable HART^® and Modbus devices to function as ISA100 Wireless devices. The development of this new multi-function wireless adaptor demonstrates Yokogawa's ongoing commitment to promoting the spread of wireless communication technologies.

Product Features

Plants use communication protocols such as FOUNDATION™ fieldbus, HART, Modbus, and PROFIBUS to facilitate the exchange of data. In addition, digital ON/OFF, 4-20 mA analog input, and other types of signals are used for a variety of purposes. This multi-function wireless adaptor has been developed with this latter category of signal types in mind. The mounting of this adaptor on a wired device that transmits/receives digital ON/OFF signals or receives 4-20 mA analog signals enables it to function as an ISA100 Wireless device. This increases the variety of devices that can be used with field wireless systems, and is expected to lead to a wider use of such systems in plant operations.

1. Signal types
   For use with limit switches, solenoid valves, analog transmitters, and other device types, the adaptor has two channels for digital input signals that are used to monitor the ON/OFF state of devices, one channel for digital signals that output the ON/OFF state of devices, and one channel for receiving 4-20 mA analog process value signals from transmitters.
2. Environmental resistance
   An all-weather model that is waterproof and dustproof and an explosion proof model that can be used in inflammable gas environments are expected to be released by the end of 2015.

Major Target Markets

Industries such as oil & gas, LNG, refining, petrochemicals, chemicals, power, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, food, and iron and steel

Applications

For use with switches, solenoid valves, and other device types that utilize digital ON/OFF signals, and transmitters that utilize 4-20 mA analog input signals

Yokogawa's Approach to Field Wireless Communications

Yokogawa released the world's first ISA100 Wireless system devices and wireless pressure and temperature transmitters in July 2010. In addition to enabling sophisticated control techniques in continuous processes, this gave customers a wider range of devices to choose from.

In line with the Wireless Anywhere concept for field wireless solutions, Yokogawa will continue to expand its lineup of ISA100 Wireless transmitters and other devices such as adaptors to develop best-in-class solutions that provide higher value to customers, and promote the use of field wireless technologies.

*ISA100 Wireless
A technology that is based on the ISA100.11a standard. It includes ISA100.11a-2011 communications, an application layer with process control industry standard objects, device descriptions and capabilities, a gateway interface, infrared provisioning, and a backbone router.

 

About Yokogawa

Yokogawa's global network of 86 companies spans 56 countries. Founded in 1915, the US$4 billion company conducts cutting-edge research and innovation. Yokogawa is engaged in the industrial automation and control (IA), test and measurement, and other businesses segments. The IA segment plays a vital role in a wide range of industries including oil, chemicals, natural gas, power, iron and steel, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, and food. For more information about Yokogawa, please visit the company's website www.yokogawa.com.

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