METSO IOP303 I/O processor / communication gateway module

This model is a very crucial input/output processing unit in the DCS system of Metso (now part of Valmet).

1. Product Description

The METSO IOP303 is an intelligent I/O processor module (Intelligent I/O Processor Unit), belonging to the S4 series of the Metso distributed control system (such as Damatic XD or Valmet DNA systems).

It serves as a bridge between the field I/O boards and the system controller, responsible for managing data exchange, signal preprocessing, unit conversion, and diagnostic information processing on the local I/O bus.

Its “intelligent” feature means that it can autonomously handle the underlying real-time data tasks without occupying the resources of the main controller.

2. Technical Data Sheet

Model: IOP303

Product type: I/O processor / communication gateway module

Input power supply: Usually 24 VDC

Internal bus protocol: Supports Metso XD line or DNA network communication protocol

Processing capability: Capable of managing I/O boards with multiple slots (such as DI, DO, AI, AO)

Protection level: IP20

Installation form: Card-type, installed in the standard S4 system rack.

Operating temperature: 0 to +55 °C (standard industrial environment)

Origin: Finland

IOP303

3. Related Models / Components

The IOP303 is usually combined with the following components to form a complete remote I/O station:

S420154: I/O Support Backplane

PDP401: Distributed Process Processor

S422736 / S422737: Analog Input/Output Card Module

S422735 / S422738: Digital Input/Output Card Module

IPU board: Intelligent power / processing unit

4. Application Cases

Pulp & Paper: In the field control cabinets of the Valmet DNA system, as the core of the remote I/O station, it collects the on-site sensing signals of the pulping machine, dryer, etc.

Energy and Power: Monitoring of auxiliary systems for steam turbines used in biomass power plants or thermal power plants.

Ore processing: In the dosing station or conveying system of the beneficiation plant, the signals from sensors located at different distances are digitized by the IOP303 and then transmitted back to the main control room.

Petrochemical industry: In the logic control cabinet of the oil and gas processing terminal, it is responsible for signal isolation and data acquisition in the hazardous areas.

5. Product Advantages and Features (Product Advantages and Features)

Local Processing Capability: Capable of handling signal filtering and scaling at the module level, thereby reducing the computational load on the main controller.

High reliability: Designed for heavy industrial environments, it possesses extremely strong vibration and interference resistance capabilities, ensuring continuous operation 24/7.

Plug-and-play and self-diagnosis: The module has a self-checking function. In case of a fault, it can quickly report the error through the front panel LED indicator lights or the monitoring software, thereby reducing the downtime for maintenance.

Scalability: Enables users to increase the number of I/O modules according to on-site requirements without having to replace the processor. The system configuration is flexible.

6. Other Models in the Series

In the Meidow S4/IOP series hardware, the relevant models are:

IOP301 / IOP302: Early versions or processor modules of different performance levels.

IOP401: Enhanced Processor, supporting more complex algorithms or additional I/O channels.

PDP401: Distributed Process Processor (usually used in conjunction with IOP).

CIU (Communication Interface Unit): A specialized communication interface unit.