GE Fanuc Emerson | Field Control

About GE Fanuc Field Control
The GE Fanuc Field Control are rugged, compact, scalable, high-performance modules used for implementing distributed I/O architecture. These modules are DIN rail mountable field devices, with each component enclosed in an aluminum housing. These modules support installation near the process or equipment, effectively reducing costs by eliminating long cable runs and improving control system efficiency, maintainability and availability.

GE’s Field control modules act as marshalling terminal blocks themselves. The modular assembly of each Field control module features a removable terminal base and electronic components. The Terminal base are estimated to free up as much as 30 percent of valuable panel space which translates to smaller panel size thus, reducing installation cost.

Field control modules are classified into a variety of types, serving specific functionalities. Each Field Control Station may consist of a bus interface, field terminal bases, Input and output modules and field processor modules. The bus interface unit manages data exchange between field control modules and Programmable Controllers. Field terminal bases act as signal terminal blocks while field processor add intelligence to any field control station. A single Field Control station may contain up to Eight I/O modules.

The Field Control modules supports a wider variety of communication protocols through the bus interface unit for increased flexibility. Compared to Genius I/O which strictly supports the Genius Bus, Field control supports ProfiBus DP, InterBus as well as FIP and Ge Genius bus protocols.

The Field Control distributed I/O modules offer a wide range of modules. The selection includes Eight (8) Discrete Input modules, Seven (7) Discrete Output modules, Seven (7) analog input modules, Three (3) Analog output modules and One (1) combination I/O module.      

Field control modules are capable of acting as Distributed I/O modules for VersaMax PLC, Series 90-30 PLC, Series 90-70 PLC while it is compatible working with other distributed I/O platforms such as VersaMax I/O, and Genius I/O.

Field Control Modules requires use of DIN Rail for installation. Appropriate DIN rail type is a 35mm x 7.5mm DIN rail. DIN rail provides grounding connection, an unpainted DIN rail or DIN materials made of conductive materials, corrosive and oxidation resistant are recommended to provide continuous and reliable grounding. DIN rail may also be installed with screws spaced Six (6) inches apart to minimize vibration and shock. Recommended module spacing measures a minimum of 4.25 inches (10.80 cm) to ensure adequate air flow.

All Field Control I/O modules may be operated at temperature range of 0°C (32°F) up to 55°C (131°F) with relative humidity of 5% to 95%, non-condensing. Modules are tested to withstand certain vibration and shock levels provided that recommended DIN rail installation is followed, and enclosure feet is securely clamped. Field control modules are technically immune to standard known industrial noises however, it is best practice to follow installation standard to eliminate high-level of noise. 

Field control modules configuration software depends on the software used by the controller. All module configurable parameters are accessible via the programming software for customized operation to meet machine or process control requirements.  

PROS:

• Highly scalable
• Configurable modules
• Support for dedicated local micro-processor
• Wider range of communication protocol support
• Support for standard I/O modules
• Compatible with a variety of GE Programmable Controller Platforms
• Can be installed near process or machines
• DIN rail mountable
• Panel Space saver
• Support horizontal and vertical installation

CONS:

• No Ethernet Bus Interface unit
• No embedded webserver
• Protocols supported are technically legacy protocols except ProfiBus
• DIN rail is part of the grounding system
• Modules does not include specialty modules