eXPert STAR DualBus

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eXPert STAR DualBus

Our functional control module that ensures maximum safety in monitoring and controlling critical processes.

The eXPert STAR DualBus controller, available in single or dual configuration with hot backup, connects the field directly with the supervisory level.

Thanks to its technology, the various control nodes are connected via a local network (in a redundant configuration with a star or ring architecture) based on the Ethernet 10/100 Mbps standard and TCP/IP communication. The controller supports both typical distributed control architecture (DCS), with nodes located near the areas of the plant to be controlled, and the architecture with centralized I/O in a single acquisition and control center.

Insight

Architecture based on racks and baskets, housed within a cabinet or other typically metallic enclosures, with characteristics chosen based on the specific applications and customer requirements.
Field data acquisition using both wired I/O and standard protocols and sending set-points and commands to the field.
Quick signal management with Event History Recording (Sequence of Events, SOE), with millisecond timestamp and buffered transmission to the control center.
Communication with a large number of nodes.
Execution of processing, logic, control blocks, and regulation.

Why eXPert STAR DualBus?

High reliability and security with redundant configuration

System connectivity and openness

Optimal data management all in one system

Maximum flexibility in data acquisition

Unparalleled versatility and scalability

Fields of Application

The adoption of redundant solutions and failover mechanisms for CPU, I/O, various network levels, and automation logic, along with the application of state-of-the-art protection for data, communications, and devices from external threats through redundancy, encryption, authentication, and access control, make the eXPert cSTAR DualBus controller the optimal tool to ensure high availability, operational continuity, and maximum security in the monitoring and control of critical processes.

Benefits

High Availability and Security

The adoption of redundant solutions and failover mechanisms for CPU, I/O, various network levels (including the implementation of the PRP protocol) and automation logic, along with the application of state-of-the-art protection for data, communications, and devices from external threats through redundancy, encryption, authentication, and access control, make the eXPert STAR DualBus controller the optimal tool to ensure high availability, operational continuity, and maximum security in the monitoring and control of critical processes.

Connectivity and System Openness

I/O is enabled through both wired connections and standard data protocols, offering maximum flexibility in acquiring data from the field and third-party systems. Additionally, the Server role’s ability to make data accessible to external systems ensures seamless integration and interoperability.

Flexibility

The modular approach allows the eXPert STAR DualBus controller to serve as the foundation of a SCADA system with centralized RTU or as the basic module of a DCS that interfaces with numerous devices distributed across various areas of a large plant.

Maximum Care for Data

Event History Recording (Sequence of Events, SOE) with millisecond timestamp, buffering in case of disconnection from the center, native storage with a minimum period of one second, in synergy with the SDI eXPert Ecosystem’s Supervisory environment.

Compactness and Robustness

The structure of the eXPert cSTAR Controller, consisting of a DIN rail and highly robust components connected via a redundant cBus based on CAN FD, ensures compactness and flexibility of use in environments where space is a critical requirement, while maintaining the typical reliability of SDI’s DualBus Controllers. ECM compliance is achieved without the need for a metal cabinet.

Unmatched Versatility and Scalability

eXPert STAR DualBus is SDI’s controller with the widest range of special cards, with a rack and basket structure and typically housed in metallic enclosures.

Additional Specifications

Housing

Depending on customer requirements, installation environment, and usage, the controller can be supplied housed within a cabinet or other typically metallic enclosures, selected based on specific application needs.

cBus System Bus

The DualBus industrial system bus, based on a redundant architecture, distributes power and synchronization signals to all modules, ensuring efficient module-to-module communication.

• Supports up to 200 boards with a communication speed of 250 kbit/s and up to 50 boards at 1 Mbit/s
• Remote I/O through copper or fiber optic repeaters

CPU Boards

The CPU boards, which can operate in a redundant (master-slave logic) configuration with hot backup, manage the wired I/O boards via the cBus and implement protocol-based I/O and automation logic.
• 2 Fast Ethernet ports (10/100 Mbps)
• The base CPU, in DualBus configuration, provides one asynchronous RS232 serial line at 3 Mbps
• The extended CPU-S provides:4 asynchronous serial lines, 4 digital inputs, 4 digital outputs, all galvanically isolated from the system bus

I/O Boards

• Digital Input Boards: 16 voltage inputs
• Digital Output Boards:8 solid-state outputs, 8 mechanical relay outputs
• Analog Input Boards: 8 current inputs, 8 voltage inputs, 8 thermocouple inputs, 4 RTD inputs, 4 high-speed current inputs (100 conversions/sec)
• Analog Output Boards: 4 current outputs, 4 voltage outputs

Protocols

To communicate with external systems, including both other eXPert systems and third-party systems, the CPU units of the eXPert STAR DualBus controller can simultaneously activate multiple communication channels via data protocol.
• Serial or Ethernet connections
• Supports major industrial protocols, including: Modbus, IEC 60870-5-101/103/104, DNP3, OPC UA, IEC 61850, IEC 1107, SNMP
• Configurable as Client or Server

Automation Logic

The eXPert STAR DualBus controller implements automation logic compliant with the IEC 61131-3 standard.

Native scheduling for independent logic execution, triggered periodically or on demand, with a minimum cycle time of 10 ms
Configurable using: Sequential Function Chart (SFC), Functional Block Diagram (FBD), Structured Text (ST)
Stateless, stateful, PID control blocks, available in user-extensible core libraries
Online debugging through direct connection to the executing CPU

eXPert STAR DualBus

Our functional control module that ensures maximum safety in monitoring and controlling critical processes.

Why eXPert STAR DualBus?

High reliability and security with redundant configuration

System connectivity and openness

Optimal data management all in one system

Maximum flexibility in data acquisition

Unparalleled versatility and scalability

Benefits

Additional Specifications

Related Products and Modules from the eXPert Ecosystem

eXPert SCADA

eXPert PPC

eXPert DCS

eXPert cSTAR