The Yokogawa AFG20S Field Control Unit is a high-performance controller designed for integration within CENTUM VP, Yokogawa’s flagship distributed control system (DCS) platform. It represents the next generation in field control technology by delivering enhanced real-time processing performance, high-speed data throughput, and robust fault-tolerant design. Engineered for critical industrial process environments, the AFG20S provides the processing core for executing regulatory and sequence control logic across a wide range of control applications.

This unit is equipped with powerful processors, redundant architecture support, and flexible I/O capabilities. The AFG20S excels in handling high-volume control loops, data acquisition, and communication with field devices over Ethernet-based Vnet/IP. It also supports integration with smart field networks, including FOUNDATION Fieldbus, HART, and wireless instrumentation. Its compact form factor and energy efficiency make it ideal for space-constrained control rooms and remote installations alike.

Product Specifications

Applications

The AFG20S Field Control Unit is designed for versatile application across a wide range of process industries that require precision, reliability, and uninterrupted control operations. Typical applications include:

• Petrochemical Processing: For continuous process automation, real-time regulation, and alarm handling.

• Oil & Gas Production: Applied in both upstream wellhead control and downstream refinery operations.

• Power Generation: Used in gas, steam, and combined-cycle plants for turbine and auxiliary system control.

• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Enables batch processing under strict compliance with GMP standards.

• Water and Wastewater Treatment: Controls pumps, valves, and monitoring equipment across large SCADA networks.

• Food & Beverage: Ensures recipe control and quality monitoring in hygiene-sensitive production environments.

• Marine and Offshore Platforms: Supports high availability control in floating production systems and drilling rigs.

Product Advantages

• High-Speed Processing: Dual-core processors ensure fast execution of control logic and responsiveness to process events.

• Advanced Redundancy: Hot-standby CPU and power modules ensure maximum uptime in mission-critical operations.

• Scalability: Supports thousands of control loops and can be expanded modularly for future needs.

• Flexible Networking: Compatible with various industrial protocols including Vnet/IP and Fieldbus for seamless integration.

• Hot-Swap Capability: Minimizes downtime by enabling online replacement of modules during operation.

• Environmental Robustness: Built for operation in demanding environments with wide temperature and humidity ranges.

• Longevity and Lifecycle: Yokogawa guarantees long-term product availability and backward compatibility with earlier system generations.

• Efficient Power Design: Reduces operational cost and heat dissipation in tightly packed enclosures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the primary role of the AFG20S in a Yokogawa control system?

   It acts as the control processor that manages field device communication, executes logic, and coordinates I/O operations within a CENTUM VP system.

2. How does the AFG20S differ from the AFS20S?

   While both are field control units, the AFG20S offers improved processing capabilities, expanded memory, and faster cycle times for more complex control strategies.

3. Can the AFG20S be used in hazardous environments?

   Yes, it is certified under ATEX, IECEx, and other international standards for use in Zone 2 and Class 1 Div 2 hazardous areas.

4. Does the unit support safety systems integration?

   While AFG20S itself is not SIL-certified, it works in conjunction with Yokogawa’s ProSafe-RS safety system for integrated safety and control architecture.

5. Can the AFG20S handle both analog and digital I/O?

   Yes, via compatible I/O modules and FIO interfaces, it can manage analog, digital, pulse, and even specialty signal types.

6. Is remote engineering access possible?

   Yes, maintenance and programming can be performed remotely through engineering workstations connected over Vnet/IP.

7. Does it support control system upgrades without downtime?

   Absolutely. The AFG20S supports online upgrades and module replacement, preserving system availability during maintenance.

8. What kind of maintenance tools are used?

   It integrates with Yokogawa’s PRM (Plant Resource Manager) and CENTUM VP engineering tools for diagnostics, configuration, and version control.

9. How many units can be managed under a single DCS network?

   CENTUM VP allows scalable system design, managing dozens to hundreds of AFG20S units under one architecture.

10. Can this unit be integrated into hybrid control environments?

    Yes, it supports integration with both DCS and PLC layers, ideal for hybrid architectures with discrete and continuous process control.