Advant Controller 400 Series: Upgrade Program and Benefits

Advant Controller 400 Series: Upgrade Program and Benefits

This document outlines ABB's Advant® StepUp program, designed to facilitate the upgrade of older process control equipment to the latest Advant OCS (Open Control System) solutions, specifically focusing on the Advant Controller 400 series. The program aims to provide users with significant performance enhancements, expanded functionality, and cost savings, ensuring their control systems remain at the forefront of technology.

The Advant StepUp Program

Advant StepUp is a strategic program by ABB offering favorable terms for upgrading existing process control systems. This particular iteration of the program targets users of MasterPiece 200/1 controllers, providing them with an opportunity to transition to the Advant Controller 400 series at substantially reduced prices. The program emphasizes a smooth and easy transition process, allowing customers to upgrade their systems with minimal disruption.

The upgrade process is designed to be straightforward: users simply disconnect their existing controller, remove the old controller rack, install the new Advant Controller 400 series, reconnect all cables, upload their existing application software, and power on. This simplicity has been confirmed by hundreds of successful upgrades. ABB also offers assistance during the switch-over for added peace of mind. The program provides a 60-day window for phasing in the new equipment and phasing out the old, with the obligation to return the old equipment only after this period.

Performance Gains with Advant Controller 400 Series

Upgrading to the Advant Controller 400 series brings substantial performance improvements:

• Increased Speed: Users can expect a three to five times increase in processing speed compared to older machines (e.g., Advant Controller 450).

• Expanded Memory: The new controllers offer significantly more memory, enabling faster processing and greater capacity for trend data storage. This allows for more work to be done quickly and efficiently.

Enhanced Functionality

The Advant Controller 400 series introduces a range of important functional improvements:

• Communication Protocol Support: It supports new and popular communication protocols, including Advant Fieldbus 100, Profibus DP, LONWorks, and Allen-Bradley's DF1. This expanded compatibility allows the new controllers to integrate with ABB's S800 I/O system, communicate easily with other external controllers, and interact with ABB's variable speed motor drives and smart motor-control centers.

• Improved Backup Redundancy: The series offers smarter solutions for CPU redundancy, eliminating critical common components. It also provides full dual redundancy, covering media and communication in interfaces for S800 I/O and Advant Fieldbus 100.

• Self-Tuning Adaptive Process Controller (AC 450): This feature simplifies the accurate and responsive setup of control loops, even in challenging applications.

• Fuzzy Logic Control: A sophisticated control method based on degrees of truth, which can elegantly resolve complex control problems that are difficult to solve with conventional binary logic.

• Windows NT-based Engineering Tool: Provides a modern and efficient environment for system engineering.

Cost Savings and Long-Term Value

The StepUp program offers direct financial benefits:

• Attractive Pricing: Substantially reduced prices on controller cabinets, including all necessary hardware and software.

• Future Software Upgrades: Further savings on future software upgrades are available through a subscription to the ABB Software Advancement Program (ASAP).

ABB Software Advancement Program (ASAP)

The ABB Software Advancement Program (ASAP) is a subscription service designed to help users maintain their Advant OCS at the forefront of functionality and performance. Key benefits of ASAP include:

• Continuous Updates: Users receive new versions of their software as they become available, ensuring their system is always up-to-date.

• Maximized Plant Productivity: Contributes to getting the most out of production plants by leveraging the latest software capabilities.

• Reduced and Budgetable Maintenance Costs: Helps keep system maintenance costs low and predictable, simplifying budgeting.

• Minimal Effort: Achieves these benefits with minimum effort required from the user.

A Win-Win Situation

ABB views the StepUp program as a mutually beneficial arrangement. While customers gain significant performance, functionality, and cost savings, ABB benefits from enhanced market reputation by having its products evaluated based on the latest achievements and from simplified technical support for users. This fosters a strong basis for continued cooperation. ABB encourages interested parties to contact their nearest ABB representative for a detailed consultation and offer, emphasizing that the favorable terms of the program are time-limited.