Microprocessor-Based Architecture for a Modular Process Protection Upgrade System

The Westinghouse Process Protection Upgrade System (Eagle 21TM) is a functional replacement for the existing analog process protection equipment used to monitor nuclear generating stations and actuate the reactor trip and engineering safeguards systems as required. However, the Eagle 21TM system does more than merely replace the existing analog hardware; it exploits the power of a functionally decentralized architecture with multiple independent microprocessorbased subsystems to increase plant availablity, reduce test time, reduce reconfiguration time, and increase the amount of information available to the operator and to new diagnostic systems. The architecture of the system is described and the major benefits are highlighted.