Electronic marshalling versus standard signal marshalling

Process plant

The signal marshalling required as part of process automation, i.e., the sorting and combining of field signals and their connection to the I/O system, is the basis for every modern industrial plant. With the help of universal solutions for the marshalling and interface level, more flexible and optimized project planning and implementation can be achieved with universal I/O systems. Project participants and users benefit equally. This provides the necessary flexibility at the marshalling and interface level.

Comparison of topologies


Signal marshalling and interface technology

The main goal of signal marshalling is to provide reliable connections that simplify operation and maintenance. This process is usually very costly, time-consuming, and complex. Indeed, the end result is increased planning and implementation effort, a lack of flexibility, and predominantly large control rooms equipped with multiple marshalling cabinets. This takes up a lot of valuable space, and space and weight are usually very limited.
The disciplines of signal marshalling and interface technology have evolved over time to provide the link between field signals and control systems. This covers a wide range of requirements, such as ensuring electrical explosion protection, signal conditioning with relays or signal conditioners, surge protection, and easy connection between the field and the control room.

Standard I/O system

In classic signal marshalling, the field signals arrive in any order and are sorted according to their signal type. The marshalling level is wired to the interface level, which in turn is wired to the I/O level. Here, recurring problems in terms of specification, operation, maintenance, and cost arise due to the complexity of signal marshalling.

Other characteristics of a classic marshalling approach include:

  • Rigid system structures
  • Frequent project delays due to extensive planning and significant installation and commissioning effort
  • Increasing total costs due to project delays
  • Inability to respond flexibly to changes
  • Design dependencies
Topology: The classic structure of a process plant

The classic configuration of a processing system is comprised of field distribution boxes and marshalling, interface, and control cabinets

Signal marshalling with universal I/O systems


Universal I/O system

The implementation of a Universal I/O system is becoming increasingly common as the industry moves to more customized and demand-driven production processes. The Universal I/O system addresses this trend. These requirements include the following elements:

Process plant in design
Process plant in design
Process plant in design
Process plant in design
Process plant in design
Process plant in design

No matter what the requirements are, a standard design can be adapted to all requirements. From simple connection between the field and the control system, through measurement signal conversion or electrical isolation, all the way to applications with increased safety requirements such as functional safety or electrical explosion protection.

Process plant in design

With Universal Remote Cabinets, the need for large marshalling and interface cabinets is eliminated. Adapting a modular design has not only eliminated some components entirely, but has also made the necessary components more compact so they fit in a smaller cabinet. An improved build density reduces the number of cabinets required, resulting in less hardware, installation, and weight.

Process plant in design

Pre-engineered and tested Universal Remote Cabinets are easy to install in the field, close to the process. Then, all that needs to be done is to connect the field wiring to the marshalling system and the power supply and the communication lines to the control system. All important components are located in these control boxes. This makes maintenance and troubleshooting so much easier.

Process plant in design

In the planning phase, there is no need to differentiate between individual I/O signals, as software can be used to adapt the individual I/O channels to the required function. Universal I/O cards thus open up the possibility of adapting each channel individually.

Process plant in design

Universal I/O supports the planning and implementation of signal routing. This allows planning based on the total number of I/Os, where individual functions initially play no role. The I/Os can be adapted via software later in the project. This reduces project and life cycle costs compared to the standard I/O system.

Intelligence shifts to the field

Topology: Universal I/O systems with VIP I/O marshalling

With Universal Remote Cabinets, the need for large marshalling and interface cabinets is eliminated. The field signals are marshalled and processed directly in the cabinets. The connection to the Universal I/O system is then made using the system cable. The final connection to the control system is established via a single fiberglass cable.

Project duration reduced Universal I/O vs. dedicated I/O

The universal I/O concept, in combination with intelligent signal marshalling, offers significant advantages for planning and implementing complex process automation projects. Project information that was previously required at an early stage, such as the number of individual field signal types, is now only required at a later stage of the project. This simplifies planning and procurement. In addition, individual project steps can be processed in parallel due to the increased flexibility of the approach. Overall, this shortens project lead times significantly, which also reduces total investment costs.

Timeline comparison of process automation projects

The average project duration of approx. 18 months can be reduced to 12 months with the Universal I/O approach.

Fields of application

Worker on oil platform with laptop in hand
Oil and gas installations
Oil refinery lit up at night
From petrochemical plants to pharmaceuticals
Insight into the pulp and paper industry
Pulp and paper industry
Worker with radio in front of chemical industry plant
Additional process systems
Brewhouse in the food and beverage industry
Food and beverage industry

Problems associated with a universal I/O system and solutions


Existing problems of a Universal I/O system:

The required interface technology is missing, such as:

  • Relay for signal conditioning to the I/Os configured as digital output
  • Interface modules with intrinsic safety type of protection
  • Signal isolator for separating ground loops
  • Elimination of signal distortions
Expert holding the flexible universal I/O system VIP I/O marshalling in their hands

VIP I/O marshalling – the flexible universal I/O system

VIP I/O marshalling from Phoenix Contact as a suitable solution

Exploit the full potential of universal I/O with VIP I/O marshalling:
VIP I/O marshalling is designed for the use of universal I/O systems and offers the same flexibility at the interface and marshalling level

VIP I/O marshalling consists of three blocks to meet the requirements at the interface and marshalling level:

  • The base element attached to the standard DIN rail accommodates the field wiring and provides the connection to the I/O system via connectors
  • The Input-Output Accessory (IOA) performs the actual interface function. VIP I/O marshalling offers the right interface for every requirement
  • A system cable connects the base element to the universal I/O system