BAE Systems implemented a PROFIBUS network on submarines to address issues with legacy control systems, including obsolescence and difficulty maintaining bespoke systems. The PROFIBUS network provides a dual redundant architecture to interface thousands of inputs and outputs across vessel systems to the Integrated Platform Management System. Safety was a key requirement and was ensured through assessments, redundancy in the network design, and a reliance on operators in degraded conditions. Initial benefits of the PROFIBUS network included improved diagnostics, reduced cabling, and flexibility to modify the system, with expected cost savings over the life of the submarines.

1. PROFIBUS in a Marine Application
Mark O’Halloran
BAE Systems

2. Agenda
Introduction
Reason for
Change
System Overview
System
Requirements
Application of
Profibus
Summary
Questions
2
Agenda
Introduction
Reason for Change
System Overview
System Requirements
Application of Profibus
o Network Architecture
o Installation
o Safety and System Redundancy
o Realised Benefits
Summary
Any Questions

3. Agenda
Introduction
Reason for
Change
System Overview
System
Requirements
Application of
Profibus
Summary
Questions
3
Introduction
BAE SYSTEM Maritime are a
prime contractor for the Royal
Navy’s Surface Vessels and
Submarines.
BAE SYSTEMS Maritime
Submarines are currently building
the Astute Class Submarines and
designing Future Submarines.
Over the past 20 years the control
and instrumentation on-board
these vessels has transitioned
from hardwired controls to
computerised control systems.

4. Agenda
Introduction
Reason for
Change
System Overview
System
Requirements
Application of
Profibus
Summary
Questions
Reductions in man-power (the crew).
Tendency to use well-proven bespoke systems.
Legacy systems suffering from obsolescence.
Difficult to maintain, requiring specialist engineering knowledge.
New more affordable systems, tending towards COTS solutions.
4
Reason for Change

5. Agenda
Introduction
Reason for
Change
System Overview
System
Requirements
Application of
Profibus
Summary
Questions
5
System Overview – Typical Architecture
Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)
Safety-Related System responsible for the control and monitoring of
Propulsion, Electrical, Steering and Auxiliary systems of the vessel.
Interfaces with thousands of inputs and outputs across the vessel.
Provides the user interface for the operators and maintainers of the
systems.
Vessel Systems and Local Controls
Propulsion
Auxilieries
Electrical
Steering
Communication Network
Data
Acquisition
Units
Local Operating
Panel
(LOP)
Operator ConsoleOperator ConsoleOperator Console
Printer
Printer
Inputs and Outputs
(I/O)

6. Agenda
Introduction
Reason for
Change
System Overview
System
Requirements
Application of
Profibus
Summary
Questions
6
System Requirements
Safety Justification and Targets:
Safety Case,
Safety Integrity Level assessed to be no greater than SIL 2,
Redundancy and Availability Targets have been set.
Security (Information Assurance):
Protectively Marked Data,
Physical Security,
Technical Security, e.g. Passwords and Encryption.
Transverse Engineering:
Shock & Vibration,
Temperature,
EMC,
Materials Compliance.
Physical Constraints:
Data Collection Units size,
Cable Management and Segregation,
Integration into the vessel.

7. Agenda
Introduction
Reason for
Change
System Overview
System
Requirements
Application of
Profibus
Summary
Questions
7
Application of PROFIBUS
Network Architecture
Dual Redundant Architecture.
Strategically located data
acquisition units.
Diverse communications paths.
Backed-up Power Supplies
Safety Assessments, based on:
o Signal Allocation,
o Function Analysis,
o Zonal Analysis.
Dual Redundant
Profibus Network
Ethernet Ring
PLC Synchronisation Link

8. Agenda
Introduction
Reason for
Change
System Overview
System
Requirements
Application of
Profibus
Summary
Questions
8
Application of PROFIBUS
Installation
Data Aquisition Units and Console mounted I/O racks use copper
Profibus (Supplier):
o Remote I/O making use of redundant communication modules.
o Optical Link Modules used to interconnect the units.
Units interconnected via dual redundant fibre rings (Shipbuilder).
o Bulkhead Penetrations/Connectors
o Shared Network Cables
o Network Patch Boxes
Lessons Learnt so far…
o Fibre Discipline.
o Education for designers, installers and end-users.
o Accessibility for modifications and maintenance.

9. Agenda
Introduction
Reason for
Change
System Overview
System
Requirements
Application of
Profibus
Summary
Questions
9
Application of PROFIBUS
Safety & System Redundancy
No fail-safe state,
Continuous Operation – even in degraded conditions,
Reliance on Operator – Man in the loop,
System Failure can lead directly to hazard.
Safety Assessments
Safety Argument using GSN “IPMS is tolerably safe...”,
SIL 2 Development Process (Design, Implementation & Testing),
Single Point of Failures,
HAZID and HAZOP,
RBDs and Fault Trees.

10. Agenda
Introduction
Reason for
Change
System Overview
System
Requirements
Application of
Profibus
Summary
Questions
10
Application of PROFIBUS
Example Safety Argument using GSN

11. Agenda
Introduction
Reason for
Change
System Overview
System
Requirements
Application of
Profibus
Summary
Questions
Example Reliability Block Diagram
Modular RBD, component parts calculated individually.
Reliability calculations developed in accordance with Manufacturer’ s
Data, MIL-HDBK and IEC 61508.
Forming part of the SIL 2 Development Process.
11
Application of PROFIBUS
Dual Profibus
Network
(Section A)
Dual Redundant
PLC
(Section A)
Ethernet Ring
Dual Redundant
PLCs
(Section B)
Dual Profibus
Network
(Section B)

12. Agenda
Introduction
Reason for
Change
System Overview
System
Requirements
Application of
Profibus
Summary
Questions
12
Application of PROFIBUS
Realised Benefits
Adaptable to change – Easy to integrate additional I/O points.
Enhanced Diagnostics for Maintainers.
Reductions in the volume of copper cabling.
Fibre Optics reduces the impact of Electromagnetic Interference.
In-service evidence to support safety justifications.
And finally - Through Life Cost savings.

13. Agenda
Introduction
Reason for
Change
System Overview
System
Requirements
Application of
Profibus
Summary
Questions
13
Summary
New and innovative system for the shipbuilder – new challenges
being addressed.
Regular training sessions set-up to aid boat installation,
commissioning and ultimately operating the system.
Early commissioning activities have identified a number of
advantages of the system, compared to previous systems.
o Enhanced, easy to access, diagnostics.
o Flexibility to extend the network and I/O.
Studies currently been undertaken:
o Using PROFINET,
o Smart Instrumentation,
o Standardising interfaces to equipment.

14. Agenda
Introduction
Reason for
Change
System Overview
System
Requirements
Application of
Profibus
Summary
Questions
14
Questions?
Thank you…
Any Questions?
Mark O’Halloran / PROFIBUS in a Marine Application