C200/C200E Process Controller Overview

Study Notes

The C200/C200E is a process controller fully integrated with the Experion Server.
It is redundant-capable, meaning it offers optional redundancy features.
Redundancy can be achieved with two separate chassis or a single chassis with a redundant power supply.
It supports both ControlNet and Fault Tolerant Ethernet (FTE) networks.
On-process migration is an available option, requiring a redundant controller.
C200/C200E has a single control execution set with flexibility for regulatory, logic, device, and sequence control.
It uses function blocks instead of ladder logic for control.
It can execute control actions as fast as 5 milliseconds.
It supports up to 64 Input Output (I/O) units, allowing for mixing and matching of different I/O families.
C200/C200E was developed in partnership with Allen-Bradley, allowing peer-to-peer communication with Allen-Bradley devices and other ControlNet devices.

The C200/C200E controller communicates with the Experion Server and the Experion ACE node through ControlNet (CNet) and Fault Tolerant Ethernet (FTE).

ControlNet is used for I/O communication, supporting Allen-Bradley I/O modules (Series A and H).
Series H modules are designed for hazardous environments.
Allen-Bradley also offers chassis I/O modules that fit in the same footprint as the C200/C200E, connecting via ControlNet.
For redundant I/O, PMIO modules can be used in conjunction with 10 link interface modules.
The C200/C200E can be configured for Foundation Fieldbus devices using a Fieldbus Interface Module (FIM).
FIM connects to termination panels with up to two Fieldbus links, each holding up to 16 devices.
Hart devices, similar to Fieldbus, support additional information through a superimposed digital signal on a 4-20 mA signal.
Hart devices can be connected through chassis I/O and PMIO, offering redundancy options.
Profibus and DeviceNet interface modules are also available, allowing the C200/C200E to connect to respective devices.

Experion PKS (Process Knowledge Server) simulates a C200E controller, executing SCM and CM devices.
A single Windows machine can simulate up to four C200E controllers.
Simulation can be achieved through simplified tie-back models or complex simulations.
Control Builder, integrated with Configuration Studio, is used for both C200/C200E configuration and simulation.
Existing configurations can be reused and transferred from simulation to real controllers.
Simulation Control Environment is separately licensed and must be installed on a separate node, not a server or station.

Application Control Environment (ACE) is a Windows machine connected to the FTE.
ACE supports advanced control and optimization.
It uses the same Control Execution Environment as C200/C200E, C300, and UOC/vUOC.
ACE offers peer-to-peer communication to all these controllers and their simulations (except SIM-C200).
It also features peer-to-peer connections with the FIM, TPS (for optimization), and third-party OPC servers.
Custom Algorithm Block (CAB), used for writing customized control programs, can be implemented on an ACE node.

SIM-ACE is a simulated ACE node used for strategy checkout before going on-process.
It supports reading system data and offers access to all the peer-to-peer options available in a genuine ACE.
However, it does not have the ability to write.
It is used to debug VB.NET CAB applications.
It is strongly recommended to check CAB strategies using SIM-ACE before going online.

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