The fifth generation process control architecture

Abstract

The “fifth generation” architecture for process control systems will be based on the use of a “field bus” as being defined by the ISA SP50 standards committee. While a name has not yet been given to this architecture, this paper will call it “Network Control” to distinguish it from the fourth generation “Distributed Control”. While all previous generations worked to increase the operator's span of control, this new architecture will achieve most of its benefits through increased functionality and performance and decreased installed cost. One major driving force for this architecture should be the rapid segmentation of the process control market where parts of a total system would be supplied by the vendors most able to meet the user's needs at the lowest price. The effect of this will be a restructuring of the process control market, to the benefit of those users who can take advantage of the changed product offerings. While it is expected that all of the traditional process control system vendors will participate with their total product lines, they will no longer be able to control the market. The new functionality may also be the final blow to second generation pneumatic and electronic analog control systems.