ABB launches latest version of flagship DCS

ABB has launched an updated version of its flagship distributed control system, System 800xA.

The company said that process plants today need to be more agile, scalable and flexible, and that process automation projects face challenges such as larger plant sites with increasing tag counts, more sophisticated and diverse field device integration and the implementation of emerging technologies and standards. ABB said that its ABB Ability System 800xA DCS Version 6.2 allows engineering teams, integrators and plant owners to meet these challenges while reducing the complexity and cost of automation projects.

Connectivity has been enhanced through improvements in OPC UA support, native Ethernet APL device integration and an increased number of supported Profinet devices to meet the growing number of network-centric I/O and field devices.

System 800xA also offers an improved and updated Orchestration Designer, to improve plant flexibility while meeting changing industry standards. In addition, native, direct connectivity to PROFIsafe devices is designed to increase safety while reducing engineering, installation and maintenance costs for SIS installations.

System 800xA’s Ethernet I/O Field Kit also optimises the configuration and commissioning of I/O loops without the need for control application or process controller hardware. Automated loop checks can be performed simultaneously on multiple smart devices, reducing required man-hours by more than 90%, according to ABB.

“Due to the adoption and execution of digital transformation initiatives in various industrial sectors, there has been a significant rise in the use of technologies such as OPC UA as well as the integration of network-centric, intelligent devices into automation system projects,” said Roy Tanner, Global Product Marketing Manager. “ABB Ability System 800xA version 6.2, with its enhancements, exemplifies its readiness to address the challenges posed by these trends and to seamlessly embrace emerging technologies as they evolve in the future.”