System 800xA Training

Chapter 2 System Architecture for Advant Master

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 2 System Architecture for Advant Master .................................................................................................................. 1

2.1 General Information ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1.1 Objectives.............................................................................................................................................................. 2
2.1.2 Legend .................................................................................................................................................................. 2
2.1.3 Reference Documentation ...................................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 System Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2.1 History of ABB Operation Systems ........................................................................................................................ 4
2.2.2 Options Grouped in Functional Areas..................................................................................................................... 4
2.2.3 Controller Integration............................................................................................................................................. 5
2.2.4 Use of Standards.................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Aspect Objects Concept................................................................................................................................................ 7
2.3.1 Aspects and Objects ............................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.2 Example of a Control Valve ................................................................................................................................... 8
2.3.3 Intuitive Navigation ............................................................................................................................................... 9
2.3.4 Aspect Framework............................................................................................................................................... 10
2.4 System 800xA architecture for Advant Master ............................................................................................................ 11
2.4.1 Domain Server..................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.4.2 Aspect Server ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.4.3 Connectivity Server ............................................................................................................................................. 12
2.4.4 Application Server ............................................................................................................................................... 12
2.4.5 Plant Network...................................................................................................................................................... 13
2.4.6 Client/Server Network ......................................................................................................................................... 13
2.4.7 Control Network .................................................................................................................................................. 13
2.4.8 Redundancy......................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.4.9 Remote (Thin) Client ........................................................................................................................................... 16
2.4.10 System Limitations ............................................................................................................................................ 17
2.5 Client / Server Principle.............................................................................................................................................. 18
2.5.1 Aspect Directory.................................................................................................................................................. 18
2.5.2 Example: Graphic Display ................................................................................................................................... 18

Chapter 2 - 1
T320-02 System Architecture - RevB

2.1 General Information

2.1.1 Objectives
On completion of this chapter you will be able to:
• Tell how 800xA fits into the IIT strategy
• Describe the functionality of the major 800xA components
• Design a system architecture for Advant Master with 800xA
• Explain the concept of Aspects and Objects
• Describe the system configuration possibilities

2.1.2 Legend
> Indicates when you go from one menu to a sub-menu
Italic Indicates object and file names
“ “ Indicates dialog box buttons, tabs, menus etc.
Bold Indicates important topics
Indicates start/explanation of student activity

2.1.3 Reference Documentation

3BSE038018 Industrial IT 800xA – System
System Guide – Functional Description
3BSE041434 Industrial IT 800xA – System
System Guide – Technical Data and Configuration Information
3BSE034463 Industrial IT 800xA – System
Automation System Network – Design and Configuration
3BSE036903 Industrial IT 800xA – System
Basic Operation

Chapter 2 - 2
 System 800xA Training

2.2 System Overview

The IndustrialIT Extended Automation System 800xA is a comprehensive process
automation system. It covers operation and configuration of continuous and batch
control applications.
System 800xA has been developed incorporating Information Technology with the
experience and know-how collected over decades of successful deliveries and
customer installations.

800xA System offers more than a traditional Distributed Control System. It gives you
a single application to organize and access all plant information.
As expected, you have functionality like graphics, faceplates, alarm management and
trending available. However, with the unique integration principles based on the
Aspect Object technology, you can easily integrate information like Live Video,
Documentation (using Word for example), Quality Analysis, and Maintenance
Information (from SAP or Maximo for example).

System 800xA provides a secure, reliable, control environment with built in security
features such as access control, user authentication, and audit trail capability.

Chapter 2 - 3
T320-02 System Architecture - RevB

2.2.1 History of ABB Operation Systems

n 1983 / MasterView
n 1987 / MasterView 800/1
n 1992 / Advant 500 Series
n 1995 / AdvaSoft for Windows 1.0
n 1998 / AdvaCommand for Windows NT
n 2000 / AdvaSoft 2.0 for Windows NT
n 2001 / OperateIT A
n 2002 / OperateIT Process Portal A

Since 2003

2.2.2 Options Grouped in Functional Areas

The 800xA system functionality is divided into a Base System and a set of options,
grouped in Functional Areas. The options represent functions that can be added to the
system based on the needs of the process that should be controlled.

Chapter 2 - 4
 System 800xA Training

Operations
Provides a consistent method for accessing enterprise-wide data and for interacting
with multiple applications from any connected workstation in the plant or office.
Engineering
Integrated engineering environment supports the complete lifecycle of the automation
project, from planning, through configuration and library management, to
commissioning and operation to minimize system ownership costs.
Safety
Scalable IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 compliant SIS (Safety Instrumentation System)
that spans the entire safety loop, including SIL rated field devices, I/O modules,
controllers, and field actuators.
Information Management
Collects, stores, retrieves and presents historical, process and business data to enhance
the usefulness of data from all operations.
Batch Management
Recipe management, batch and procedural control according ISA S88.01
Asset Optimization
Assess and reports equipment conditions in real-time to optimize maintenance and
calibration work flows.
Control and I/O
Suite of standards-based hardware and software, complimented with a full line of
industrial I/O interfaces.
Field Buses / Device Management
Integration of intelligent field devices via all major fieldbus standards.

2.2.3 Controller Integration

Controllers are integrated with the system through “Connectivity packages”, which are
offered as options to the 800xA System. These packages provide access to real time
data, historical data, and alarm & event data for instance using predefined faceplates.
The 800xA System provides connectivity to 800xA controllers as well as controllers
from earlier system offerings:
• AC 800M (default set)
• Advant Master AC400 & AC100
• Symphony Harmony Infi-90
• Symphony Melody / AC 870P
• Freelance / AC 800F
• DCI System Six
• MOD 300
• Safeguard
• PLC Connect (connection to any PLC via OPC Server)

Chapter 2 - 5
T320-02 System Architecture - RevB

2.2.4 Use of Standards

System 800xA uses standard hardware, operating system software and protocols. This
allows data to be obtained not only from ABB systems but from a variety of sources
such as other brands of control systems or from lab entries.
It also allows making this data available to ABB and other manufacturers’ systems
such as historians and maintenance management programs.

n Windows 2003 / XP
n Internet Explorer
n Visual Basic
n ActiveX Controls
n OPC - OLE for Process Control
n Microsoft Component Object
Model (COM)
n PROFIBUS
n Fieldbus Foundation

Chapter 2 - 6
 System 800xA Training

2.3 Aspect Objects Concept

A central problem in plant operations, as well as asset life cycle management, is the
need to organize, manage, and have access to information for all different aspects of a
great number of plant and process entities.
The Aspect ObjectsTM architecture is a cornerstone of the IndustrialIT concept and
enables enterprise wide information availability in a unified way. It provides
information-centric navigation – a consistent way to instantly access all information
without having to know how and by which application the information is handled.

2.3.1 Aspects and Objects

The system model objects of the real process equipment or entities are called Aspect
Objects. They can be physical process equipment, like a valve, or more complex, like
a reactor. Other examples are: products, material, batch procedures, manufacturing
orders, and customer accounts.
Each of these Aspect Objects is a container of references to all information pertaining
to a real object. The various types of information related to the object are called
Aspects. Examples are: process graphic, faceplate, alarm, trend, report, order
definition, mechanical layout etc.

Control
Control
Builder M

Real Model
Faceplate
Object Object
Process
Portal

Graphics

MS Excel

Report

Auto CAD

Drawings

It is necessary to be able to implement these aspects using many different applications,

both existing and new, from ABB, third parties and customers. These applications are
called Aspect Systems and must cooperate to provide an integrated view and
functionality of the object.
Examples are: Graphics Builder for graphics, Auto CAD for mechanical layout, SAP
for order handling etc.

Chapter 2 - 7
T320-02 System Architecture - RevB

2.3.2 Example of a Control Valve

For example a valve is a real object and has many types of data associated with it. It
has manufacturer’s specifications, mechanical drawings, a maintenance schedule and
history, ordering information for parts, physical location in the plant, faceplate for
operator interface, graphic symbol for display on graphics, and many other possible
types of information.

Maintenance Record Control Logic

Process Graphics
P & I Diagram

Product Description
Control Dialog

Simulation Model Operator Notes

Traditionally, these types of information are found in many separate systems or in

many different document formats. An Aspect Object presents this data as a menu of
choices accessible by right clicking on the object anywhere it appears in the system.
The various types of information related to the object, in this case the valve, are called
Aspects.

Chapter 2 - 8
 System 800xA Training

2.3.3 Intuitive Navigation

Quick access to displays and information is provided with web browser tools.
Favorites, history lists, shortcuts, and hot keys provide navigation through a process
production facility quickly and accurately.

Right click on the

object in the Graphic

Right click on the object

in the Alarm List

Available Aspects

Use of the right mouse button provides access to additional details via a context menu.
The same context menu is available, showing all aspects, independent whether you
select it e.g. in the graphic display or in the alarm list.

Chapter 2 - 9
T320-02 System Architecture - RevB

2.3.4 Aspect Framework

From a software architecture perspective, the foundation of the 800xA System is the
Aspect Framework (afw). It is a software package that integrates all IndustrialIT
enabled products via their Aspect Objects, irrespective of where they may reside in the
network.

Batch Information Asset Field Device

Management Management Optimization Integration Other Aspect Systems

Aspect Framework / System 800xA Platform

AC800M Advant Harmony Melody Other OPC

Although the various aspects and their associated software may reside on multiple
networks or computers, each Aspect Object carries with it the built-in collection of
characteristics or Aspects. All aspect objects are stored in a central location called the
Aspect Server.
NOTE! The Aspect Framework can handle up to 200’000 Aspect
Objects.

Although all objects reside in this central location, data needs to be configured only
once for use throughout the system. There are many Aspect Systems and thus many
options for where data can be entered. There are also many places where the same data
can be viewed so that generally, data can be entered and viewed where it is relevant.

Chapter 2 - 10
 System 800xA Training

2.4 System 800xA architecture for Advant Master

The System 800xA architecture assumes a system of computers and devices that
communicate with each other over different types of communication networks, as
illustrated conceptually here.
The Workplaces uses either dedicated client computers or combined client/server
machines allowing both client and server applications to run in one PC for larger
configuration.

Domain Application Workplaces

Server(s) Server(s)

Aspect Connectivity
Server(s) Server(s)

- Single - Single
- 1oo2 - 1oo2
- 2oo3 RTA
Board MB300 Control Network

Controllers
AC450 AC410 MP200/1

Fieldbus

Field devices

Servers run software that provides system functionality, Workplaces run software that
provides various forms of user interaction.
NOTE! Server configuration and selection are important factors
for system performance.

System communication in the IndustrialIT System is based on Ethernet and TCP/IP

networks. The Control Network for Advant Master is MB300.
The 800xA system uses a central licensing mechanism. One designated computer,
typically the domain controller, should contain the central licensing server (CLS).
NOTE! There is a separate license for AC400 Connect.

Chapter 2 - 11
T320-02 System Architecture - RevB

2.4.1 Domain Server

Small systems can run without a Domain Controller. In this case the nodes and users
are handled by a Windows Workgroup. The configuration of users and security must
then be done on all nodes separately within the Workgroup.
The user handling in a Windows Domain is done from a central location – the Domain
Server. Every domain must have at least one domain server, but for resilience a
domain should have multiple domain servers.

2.4.2 Aspect Server

The Aspect Server provides the Aspect Directory and the services related to object
management, names, security, etc. It is the heart of the 800xA system. As such it must
be accessible to all nodes all of the time.
In small system systems the Aspect Server can be combined with other functions such
as Application or Connectivity Servers in a single node (computer).
The Aspect Server supports “1 out of 2” or “2 out of 3” redundancy. In “1 out of 2”
redundancy, the Aspect Directory is readable and writable as long as one Aspect
Server is on-line. With “2 out of 3” redundancy, two Aspect Servers must be running
to write to the Aspect Directory, but with any one Aspect Server on-line, the system is
useable for operation but not for configuration.

2.4.3 Connectivity Server

The Connectivity Server provides access to the controllers and other data sources
throughout the network. Several groups of Connectivity Servers may exist in a system,
each serving one set of data sources.
Examples of services are:
• OPC Data Access
• OPC Alarm and Event
• OPC Historical Data Access
• System messages
A dedicated communication board - the RTA board (Real-Time Accelerator board) is
needed for connection to the Advant Master controllers. Connectivity Servers can be
configured as a primary server with a dedicated backup or redundant server.

2.4.4 Application Server

Run various types of system applications, such as:
• Batch Management
• Asset Optimization

Chapter 2 - 12
 System 800xA Training

2.4.5 Plant Network

The Plant network can be dedicated for process automation purposes or be a part of
the plant intranet already available on a site.
Further connection of the Plant network to the Internet or any other type of external
network should be performed in accordance with adequate network security practices.

2.4.6 Client/Server Network

The Client/Server network is used for communication between servers, and between
client workplaces and servers.
Via a router, the Client/Server network can be connected to a plant intranet, and via a
firewall to the Internet. For performance and integrity reasons, connection of foreign
systems directly to the Control and Client/Server networks should be avoided. The
Client/Server network can optionally be made redundant.
For any installation larger than a Single Node system and small systems that use
Windows Workgroup, the 800xA system nodes must reside within a dedicated
Windows 2000 Domain. This requires you to set up a domain controller and DNS
server. All other 800xA System server and client nodes must be configured to be
members of the domain.

2.4.7 Control Network

The Control network is used to connect controllers to the servers. Controllers are
nodes that run control software.
Controllers and Connectivity Servers are connected to the Control network. The
Control network can optionally be made redundant.
Field buses are used to interconnect field devices, such as I/O modules, smart sensors
and actuators, variable speed drives, PLCs, or small single loop devices, and to
connect these devices to the system, either via a controller or directly to a server.

Chapter 2 - 13
T320-02 System Architecture - RevB

2.4.7.1 Single Node System

A Single Node System is intended for very small applications, where all 800xA server
and workplace functionalities reside in a single PC.

Aspect Server
Connectivity Server
Workplace (Client)

Automation Network

Controllers

Fieldbus

Field devices

The system has only one node, within which all servers as well as the client
applications are installed. Only a few controllers can be connected.

Chapter 2 - 14
 System 800xA Training

2.4.8 Redundancy
System 800xA provides a high degree of fault tolerance to meet the needs of the most
demanding applications.
Optionally redundant I/O, controllers, control networks, fieldbus networks,
Connectivity Servers, Aspect Servers, and Operator Workplaces with automatic
switchover provide the required functional integrity to meet the most demanding
process needs.

Connectivity Server(s)
Server(s)
Redundant Control Network Redundant (1oo2)
(MB300)

AC400 with redundant CPU

and redundant Power Supplies

AF100
Bus Redundancy

S800

AC160 Station Redundancy

(2oo3)

The RTA board has already built-in redundant physical connections. Therewith a
redundant MB300 network can be used without redundant Connectivity Servers.

Chapter 2 - 15
T320-02 System Architecture - RevB

2.4.9 Remote (Thin) Client

Remote Clients enables remote access to an 800xA system from a standard PC without
ABB-specific software installed. Only the Internet Explorer is required to access the
data.
The Remote Client provides operation capabilities and access to historical
information. Configuration capabilities are limited on the remote client.

Thin Clients
Internet

Firewall
Thin Clients

Plant Network

Router
Application Workplaces
Firewall
Server(s)

Client/Server Network

Aspect Connectivity
Server(s) Server(s)

Control Network

Controllers

Fieldbus

Field devices

The remote client functionality is achieved using Windows Terminal Services in an

application server node. This node is sometimes called the Remote Client server node.

Chapter 2 - 16
 System 800xA Training

2.4.10 System Limitations

The maximum number of nodes of each type per 800xA System is:

Chapter 2 - 17
T320-02 System Architecture - RevB

2.5 Client / Server Principle

2.5.1 Aspect Directory

The Aspect Framework includes an Aspect Directory, where all aspect objects and
their aspects are registered, and also all aspect systems and the operations they
support.

Client
Application 1
2 3 4 5
Aspect Process
Framework Control Reports etc.
Graphics
Aspect
Directory Aspect Systems

To perform an operation on an aspect object, an application (i.e. an Aspect System)

retrieves an interface for that operation from the framework.

2.5.2 Example: Graphic Display

Let’s take a process graphic as an example. The aspect “Graphic display” is installed
on the Aspect Server and will be called by the Operator Workplace.

If we look then on a valve within the process display, the icon is provided by the
Aspect Server and the dynamic status indication (open/closed) is provided by the
Connectivity Server.

Chapter 2 - 18