Real time debugging capability: Control strategy drawings can overlay and display real-time updated parameter values, allowing for intuitive observation of control logic operation status without relying on human-machine interface (HMI); Support uploading real-time data from the controller directly to the database, or downloading configurable parameters from the database to the controller, without the need for a complete deployment process, greatly reducing the debugging cycle.
(3) Batch operation and migration upgrade
Batch generation strategy: Supports batch generation of control strategies based on predefined templates and external project data (such as Excel, CSV, SaveAll, IACC Export, SysDef Export, or proprietary XML documents). Users can use Visual Basic scripts to perform targeted editing on imported data grids, such as batch modifying policy parameters and adjusting composite object assignments, to quickly complete large-scale project configurations.
System migration compatibility: Provides the ability to batch migrate control strategies from installed I/A Series systems and Foxboro DCS, seamlessly migrating the control logic and intellectual property of existing systems to new systems, protecting users' existing investments, and reducing upgrade costs.
Import and export function: Supports the import and export of control strategy design files, facilitating cross project reuse, backup, and sharing, and improving engineering efficiency.
(4) System and equipment configuration
System topology construction: Users can instantiated hardware units such as control stations and fieldbus modules (FBMs) and customize their names. These hardware units can be allocated to designated factory unit areas (such as centrifuge area, purification area, reaction area, solvent recovery area, storage tank area, etc.) through a network view, visually presenting the system hardware layout and ownership relationships.
Intelligent device lifecycle management: supports comprehensive management of digital field devices using FOUNDATION Fieldbus, HART, and PROFIBUS technologies, including device access, parameter configuration, operation monitoring, fault diagnosis, debugging, and troubleshooting, ensuring stable linkage between field devices and DCS systems.
ArchestrA platform deployment: ArchestrA IAS platform, engine, and application objects (such as OLEDB database applications) can be created and deployed to the Foxboro DCS control software application environment to expand the system's functional boundaries.
(5) Security and Collaboration Management
Role based permission control: ArchestrA's role-based security model is adopted, where users subscribe to corresponding roles based on job responsibilities, and roles are associated with specific access permissions (such as operations, secure writes, configuration modifications, etc.) and security groups (corresponding to factory areas). Supports three authentication methods: local authentication, host operating system binding authentication, and Microsoft Active Directory authentication (it is recommended to configure at least two redundant domain controllers to enhance security).
Change Tracking and Traceability: Deeply integrated with Foxboro DCS' System Advisor change tracking function and FoxCTS change tracking software, all control configuration modifications (such as parameter adjustments) and program changes (such as HLBL, FoxSFC, LLD program modifications) will be recorded and synchronized to associated software, meeting industry regulatory requirements and facilitating fault tracing and auditing.
Multi client concurrent access: The server supports multiple clients to access the configuration database simultaneously through remote desktop services, with a record locking mechanism to prevent concurrent operation conflicts. The client runs independently and only communicates with the server when the session is open or closed, fully utilizing network resources and ensuring smooth operation.
Deployment process and operation mechanism
(1) Deploy core processes
Strategy design and configuration: Complete the graphical design, parameter configuration, and logical correlation of control strategies;
Hierarchical allocation: Assign control strategies to composite objects, and then bind the composite objects to the target control station;
Deployment execution: Select the corresponding object through the deployment view, execute the deployment command, and the system automatically completes the following operations:
Download the composite object and control block to the designated control station and Compound Summary Access (CSA);
Load the security access settings of the composite object and control block into the ArchestrA security system;
Update ArchestrA historical database and synchronize the configured collection point information;
Change deployment: After modifying the strategy or composite object, it is necessary to redeploy. The system only updates the affected targets and modified parameters to avoid resource consumption and downtime risks caused by full deployment.
(2) Operation guarantee mechanism
Email:wang@kongjiangauto.com