Title :
What is in store for DCS systems? Where are they headed?
Author :
Decker, Delmar L.
Author_Institution :
Harris Group Inc., Seattle, WA, USA
Abstract :
The advances in microelectronics in the form of large scale integrated circuits have enabled manufactures of distributed control systems (DCS) to make their packages smaller and more reliable. In addition, new innovative communications systems and networks have combined to allow true distributed control to field devices. The future of DCS is directed towards full network functionality. Pure discrete inputs may only be used in situations where immediate inputs and outputs are required because of speed. This need for immediate inputs are few and far between for most mill processes. New processors are faster and scan rates can be as fast as 200 microseconds from sensed input to full output. These circumstances can be handled with discrete input/output modules in the main processor rack. Even in small control systems the benefit is real. Networks as mentioned can save wiring costs and offset the cost of the intelligent devices.
Keywords :
computer networks; distributed control; paper industry; communications networks; communications systems; discrete input/output modules; distributed control; distributed control systems; intelligent devices; large scale integrated circuits; main processor rack; paper mill processes; pure discrete inputs; small control systems; wiring costs; Control systems; Costs; Distributed control; Integrated circuit manufacture; Integrated circuit packaging; Integrated circuit reliability; Large scale integration; Microelectronics; Milling machines; Telecommunication network reliability;
Conference_Titel :
Pulp and Paper Industry Technical Conference, 2001 Conference Record of.
Conference_Location :
Portland, OR, USA
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-6745-6
DOI :
10.1109/PAPCON.2001.952943
