RTU controller

GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the PAC8000 RTU controller, a rugged, field-mountable platform. Combined with the 8000 Process I/O, it offers flexible system design and high system availability. A PAC8000 RTU control system can utilise any off-the-shelf HMI package, including Proficy HMI/SCADA iFIX and Cimplicity.

The PAC8000 RTU controller is suitable for all types of RTU applications, including oil and gas pipelines and wellheads. It is designed for use in harsh environments, operating over a temperature range of -40 to +70°C, and is resistant to 30 g shock, 5 g vibration and G3 corrosive environments. The PAC8000 RTU's relatively low power consumption also makes it suitable for applications using solar power.

The controller supports the industry standard DNP3 ethernet communication protocol as well as fully supporting the five IEC 61131-3 automation languages.

Redundant controllers can be used for critical applications where the redundant controller pair operates in parallel, checking status multiple times through the processing loop and enabling the backup controller to continuously monitor the health of the master controller.

The controller also has two high-speed ethernet ports to provide fault-tolerant communication. In the event of communication loss, the RTU can continue to operate autonomously or adopt a user-defined safe state and data will be logged for transmission once communications have been restored.

The PAC8000 RTU is designed to operate in Class I, Division 2 and Zone 2 hazardous areas and can control I/O modules that have field wiring extending into more hazardous Division 1, Zone 1 and Zone 0 areas.