Workbench Helps Configure Process-Safety Applications Faster for Improved Productivity

Dec. 2, 2013
The system consists of the scalable AADvance controller platform configured to any mix of SIL1 to SIL3 simplex, redundant or triplicated safety loops.

Rockwell Automation has released the AADvance Workbench 2.0 to help manufacturers get process-safety applications up and running faster. Suited for applications that require a flexible architecture, distributed safety and mixed SIL levels, the AADvance Workbench is a complete design, configuration and maintenance software environment.

The system consists of the scalable AADvance controller platform configured to any mix of SIL1 to SIL3 simplex, redundant or triplicated safety loops. Several units can be used to form a network of distributed safety controllers seamlessly integrated to monitor and control thousands of safety I/O points.

A system is configured using the workbench software to suit any functional-safety or critical-control application using a standard range of modules and assemblies. It is particularly useful for emergency shutdowns and protection applications for fire-and-gas detection by providing a system solution with integrated and distributed fault tolerance. The new workbench is a T3-compliant software tool, per the IEC61508 standard that generates SIL3 code certified by TÜV Rheinland. This may significantly reduce the burden of validating the application.

AADvance Workbench 2.0 features a multiuser, multicontroller environment with built-in version control and traceability. A modern graphical user interface (GUI), drag-and-drop configuration, built-in simulation and compliant IEC61131 programming languages for optimum flexibility are also featured. With the workbench, application designers can import, export or migrate projects, as well as use convenient plug-ins to monitor and manage controller status and communication protocols, along with other time-saving development tools.