Foxboro Introduces High-Availability FOUNDATION Fieldbus Solution for I/A Series System.

Business Editors

FOXBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 6, 2003

New, optionally redundant FOUNDATION fieldbus I/O modules utilize

redundant/fault-tolerant communications for

unprecedented availability in Invensys' flagship automation system

Foxboro Automation Systems, a unit of Invensys, has introduced a new, redundant/fault-tolerant Foundation Fieldbus module option for Invensys' flagship automation platform - the I/A Series system. Unlike many competitive systems, the I/A Series system also features fully redundant communications between the FOUNDATION fieldbus (or other) I/O modules and their optionally fault-tolerant Control Processors.

"The fully redundant hardware configurations offered in the I/A Series system, combined with our redundant communications and our unique software-based approach to fault-tolerance, provide availability levels that are unprecedented in the process control industry," said Steve Young, vice president of the Foxboro Automation Systems unit of Invensys. "With our new, optionally redundant FOUNDATION fieldbus I/O modules, we've extended this capability to be able to deliver the benefits of FF, in a highly secure, nonstop process control environment."

The new, optionally redundant I/A Series FOUNDATION fieldbus modules provide maximum protection against any fault that could halt system communication with the H1 fieldbuses. Should the module running the H1 Link Active Scheduler fail, the remaining module takes over as Backup Link Active Scheduler. Redundant and on-line-replaceable power conditioners for each H1 bus ensure the uptime of fault-tolerant power to the field devices.

The new I/A Series FOUNDATION fieldbus I/O modules feature extra-rugged and compact design. They plug into DIN rail baseplates that can be field-mounted in sealed cabinets close to the process units. The I/O modules work in conjunction with Foxboro's two new high-performance I/A Series Control Processors: the rack-room-mounted ZCP270 and the field-mounted FCP270. The ZCP270 rack room controllers utilize Foxboro's high-speed remote I/O communications network, while the FCP270 controllers mount on the same field-mounted DIN rail baseplates as the I/O modules. With both the I/O and controller located right out at the process, the latter arrangement provides a highly distributed process control environment. Both arrangements help to maximize the user benefits of FOUNDATION fieldbus.

The modules feature four FOUNDATION fieldbus segment ports per module to deliver extra space savings compared to competitive systems with only one or two ports.

For more information, readers should contact their local Invensys representative, call the Invensys Customer Satisfaction Center toll-free at 1-866-746-6477 (508-549-2424 outside of the US or Canada), or visit www.foxboro.com.

About Invensys

Invensys is a global leader in production technology. The group helps customers improve productivity, performance and profitability using innovative services and technologies and a deep understanding of their industries and applications.

Invensys operates in more than 60 countries, with its headquarters in London. For more information, visit www.invensys.com.

I/A Series, Foxboro, ArchestrA, APV, Avantis, Eurotherm, IMServ, SimSci-Esscor, Triconex, and Wonderware are trademarks of Invensys plc, its subsidiaries, or affiliates. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.