Yokogawa Electric Corp. says its Network-based Control System, Stardom, is its first rugged, autonomous, network-based control system, which combines FOUNDATION fieldbus H1 networking, secure Internet, communication technologies, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software. Stardom's functionality fits between a distributed control system (DCS) and PLCs, though it isn't designed to replace the company's existing DCS.

Stardom also communicates with Modbus and RS-232. DeviceNet and Profibus communications were scheduled to be added in late 2003. Stardom uses the OPC standard to communicate with other software and devices, and uses Sun Microsystems' Java to connect to higher-level business systems, if needed, and deliver key business parameters in a secure Web browser. In addition, Stardom has completed all areas of the Fieldbus Foundation's Host Interoperability Support Test (HIST) testing. www.stardom.biz

• Autonomous controller with built in HMI, data storage, and alarm notification by e-mail
• Networking with TCP/IP communications and variety of field networks