GEMARK* VIE CONTROL PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

INTRODUCTION

The Mark* VIe control system is a flexible platform used in multiple applications. It features 

high-speed, networked input/output (I/O) for simplex, dual, and triple redundant systems. 

Industry-standard Ethernet communications are used for I/O, controllers, and supervisory 

interface to operator and maintenance stations, as well as third-party systems. The 

ControlST* software suite, which contains the ToolboxST* toolset, is used with Mark VIe 

controls and related systems for programming, configuration, trending, and analyzing 

diagnostics. It provides quality, time-coherent data in the controllers and at the plant level for 

effectively managing control system equipment. The Mark VIeS Safety control is a stand-alone 

safety control system for safety-critical applications that conform to IEC®-61508. It also uses 

the ControlST software suite to simplify maintenance, but retains a unique set of certified 

hardware and software blocks. The ToolboxST application provides a means to lock or unlock 

the Mark VIeS for configuration and safety instrumented function (SIF) programming.

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

A single-board controller is the heart of the system. The controller includes 

the main processor and redundant Ethernet drivers to communicate with 

networked I/O, and additional Ethernet drivers for the control network. A 

real-time, multi-tasking operating system is used for the main processor 

and I/O modules. Control software is provided in a configurable control 

block language and stored in non-volatile memory. It is similar to IEEE® 854 

32-bit floating-point format, and Sequential Function Charts (SFC) are also 

available for complex sequencing.

The I/O network (IONet) is a dedicated, full-duplex, point-to-point 

protocol. It provides a deterministic, high-speed 100 MB communications 

network that is suitable for local or distributed I/O devices, and provides 

communication between the main controllers(s) and networked I/O 

modules. Online controllers continuously read input data directly 

from the IONet, which is available in single, dual, and triple redundant 

configurations. Both copper and fiber interfaces are supported.

The Mark VIe I/O modules consist of three basic parts: the terminal board, 

the terminal block, and an I/O pack. Barrier or box-type terminal blocks are 

mounted on a terminal board, which mounts on a DIN rail or base in the 

control cabinet. The I/O pack contains two Ethernet ports, a power supply, 

a local processor, and a data acquisition board. I/O capability grows as I/O 

packs are added to the control system, enabling use in a simplex, dual, or 

triple redundant configuration. Some process sub-systems require even 

more throughput; therefore, the local processors in each I/O pack run 

algorithms at higher rates as required for the application.

REDUNDANCY

Every application has different requirements for redundancy depending on 

the criticality of the process. The Mark VIe control system provides a wide 

range of redundancy options for local and remote distribution.

Dual redundant systems transmit inputs from single or redundant input 

packs on dual IONets to dual Mark VIe controllers. Controllers then run 

application software and transmit outputs to output packs. Three output 

I/O packs may be provided to vote output signals for mission-critical field 

devices. Dual redundant systems may be configured for single, dual, and 

triple redundant sensors.

Triple redundant systems protect against soft or partial device failures. A 

failed component is outvoted with a 2-out-of-3 logical selection (vote) or 

a median value selection. Control software in all three Mark VIe controllers 

runs on the voted value of the signal while diagnostics identify the failed 

device. These sophisticated diagnostics reduce the mean-time-to-repair 

(MTTR) while the online repair capability increases the mean-timebetween-forced-outages (MTBFO). Field sensors for these systems may 

be single, dual, or triple.

I/O INTERFACE

One or multiple I/O packs are mounted on each module to digitize the 

sensor signal, run algorithms, and communicate with a separate controller 

containing the main processor. I/O packs have a local processor board 

that runs a real-time operating system and a data acquisition board that 

is unique to the specific I/O application. Local processors run algorithms 

at faster speeds than the overall control system, such as the regulation of 

servo valves performed within a servo module.

Each I/O processor has a local temperature sensor accurate to ±2°C (±3.6 

°F). Detection of an excessive temperature generates a diagnostic alarm 

and the logic is available in the database (signal space) to facilitate control 

action or unique process alarm messages. The temperature is continuously 

available in the database. I/O module features include:

• Dual 100 MB Ethernet ports

• 100 MB full-duplex ports

• Online repair per I/O pack