STANDARD

ISA5.31983
Formerly ISAS5.31983

Graphic Symbols for

Distributed Control/Shared
Display Instrumentation,
Logic and Computer Systems

Approved 30 June 1982

ISA-5.3-1983, Graphic Symbols for Distributed Control/Shared Display Instrumentation, Logic and
Computer Systems
ISBN 0-87664-707-7
Copyright 1983 by the Instrument Society of America. All rights reserved. Printed in the United
States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher.
ISA
67 Alexander Drive
P.O. Box 12277
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709

Preface

This preface is included for informational purposes and is not part of ISA-5.3-1983.
This Standard has been prepared as a part of the service of ISA toward a goal of uniformity in the
field of instrumentation. To be of real value, this document should not be static but should be
subject to periodic review. Towards this end, the Society welcomes all comments and criticisms
and asks that they be addressed to the Secretary, Standards and Practices Board, ISA, 67
Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12277, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, telephone 919549-8411, e-mail: [email protected].
The ISA Standards and Practices Department is aware of the growing need for attention to the
metric system of units in general, and the International System of Units (SI) in particular, in the
preparation of instrumentation standards. The Department is further aware of the benefits to
USA users of ISA Standards of incorporating suitable references to the SI (and the metric
system) in their business and professional dealings with other countries. Towards this end this
Department will endeavor to introduce SI and SI-acceptable metric units in all new and revised
standards to the greatest extent possible. The Metric Practice Guide, which has been published
by the American Society for Testing and Materials as ANSI designation Z210.1 (ASTM E380-76.
IEEE Std. 268-1975), and future revisions, will be the reference guide for definitions, symbols,
abbreviations, and conversion factors.
The systems referenced in this Standard are based on advances in control systems technology
since the publication of ISA-S5.1, "Instrumentation Symbols and Identification." During recent
years, technology has evolved in terms of microprocessor-based systems presently
manufactured by many companies as "Distributed Control Systems."
These systems may include components identified as "computers" as distinct from the integral
processor, which derives the various functions of the system. The computer component may be
integrated into the overall system, via the communication link, or it may be a stand-alone
computer.
In attempting to implement these systems, the need for supplementary symbolism has become
apparent.
The symbols defined in ISA-S5.3 are intended to complement those of ISA-S5.1,
"Instrumentation Symbols and Identification," for use on flow diagrams. In this way, the
integration of distributed controllers and process computers into the more traditional instrument
systems analog, binary, and digital can be depicted clearly on flow diagrams and other
documents to give an overall and comprehensive picture of how process variables are measured
and controlled.
Distributed control systems appear to be similar to each other; however, they are so diverse in
philosophy that there must be a generic way to document their application.
The second printing of ISA-S5.3, dated April 1983, was published to correct errors in the original
1982 edition. The definition for communication link, Section 3, has been corrected and an
omitted abbreviation, C.R.T., added. Minor clarifications were also made to the Appendix A
artwork.
The ISA Standards Committee on Graphic Symbols for Distributed Control/Shared Display
Instrumentation, Logic, and Computer Systems, SP5.3, operates within the ISA Standards and
Practices Department, Dr. Thomas J. Harrison, Vice President. The persons listed below served
as members of the SP5.3 Committee.
ISA-S5.3-1983

NAME

COMPANY

D. E. Rapley, Chairman
A. Bohnenberger, Secretary (deceased)
R. Barber
G. V. Barta
G. Bennett
J. Biggs
R. V. Bins
M. A. Blaschke
C. T. Carroll
W. Cohen
W. M. Dillow
R. E. Dragoo
S. E. Gaertner
L. K. Haberman
E. Harrison
T. Herrera
C. Kenyon
S. Keown
T. H. King
P. Kramer
G. K. Kullberg
D. G. Leonard
G. Lind
W. M. Lydecker
R. E. Lynch
J. E. Macko
A. F. Marks
R. G. Martin
T. C. McAvinew
J. M. McHenry
T. J. Myron, Jr.
J. Nevelus
R. L. Nicholson
H. C. Prendergast
W. A. Rock
F. Sandt
R. Shearer
J. W. Stuckey
W. Su
R. C. von Brecht
S. Whitaker
J. H. Young

Stearns-Roger Engineering Corporation

Johns-Manville Sales Corporation
Ralph M. Parsons Company
Dow Corning Corporation
Bechtel Power Corporation
Dow Chemical USA
Toledo Edison Company
Weyerhaeuser Company
Foster Wheeler
M. W. Kellogg Co.
Gulf Science & Technology
Honeywell, Inc.
Bechtel Inc.
Bailey Meter Company
Exxon Coal USA
Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation
Amoco Oil
Diamond Shamrock Corp.
Ralph M. Parsons Company
Ralph M. Parsons Company
Dow Corning Corporation
Aramco Services
Sybron Taylor
Carnation Co
Bechtel Petroleum
Westinghouse
Bechtel Petroleum
A. E. Staley Manufacturing
International Coal Refining Co.
Brown & Root
Foxboro Company
Bechtel Power Corporation
Sohio
Coors Container Co.
International Engineering
Pennsylvania Power & Light
Stone & Webster Engineering Corp
Georgia Pacific Corporation
Stearns-Roger Engineering Corporation
M. W. Kellogg Co.
Tex-A-Mation
Bechtel Power Corporation

ISA-S5.3-1983

This Standard was approved for publication by the ISA Standards and Practices Board in
June 1982.
NAME

COMPANY

T. J. Harrison, Chairman
P. Bliss
W. Calder
N. Conger
B. Feikle
R. T. Jones
R. Keller
O. P. Lovett, Jr.
E. C. Magison
A. P. McCauley
J. W. Mock
E. M. Nesvig
G. Platt
R. Prescott
W. C. Weidman
K. A. Whitman
J. R. Williams
B. A. Christensen*
L. N. Combs*
R. L. Galley*
R. G. Marvin*
W. B. Miller*
R. L. Nickens*

IBM Corporation
Consultant
The Foxboro Company
Continental Oil Co.
Bailey Controls Co.
Philadelphia Electric Co.
Boeing Company
Isis Corp.
Honeywell, Inc.
Diamond Shamrock Corp.
EG&G Idaho, Inc.
ERDCO Engineering Corp.
Bechtel Power Corp.
Moore Products Company
Gilbert Associates
Allied Chemical Corp.
Stearns-Roger, Inc.

Moore Products Company

*Director Emeritus
ISA-S5.3-1983

Contents

1 Purpose .............................................................................................................................. 9
2 Scope ................................................................................................................................. 9
2.1 Application to work activities .................................................................................... 9
2.2 Relationship to other ISA standards ...................................................................... 10
2.3 Relationship to other standards ............................................................................. 10
3 Definitions and abbreviations ........................................................................................ 10
4 Symbols ........................................................................................................................... 11
4.1 General .................................................................................................................. 11
4.2 Distributed control/shared display symbols ........................................................... 11
4.3 Computer symbols ................................................................................................. 12
4.4 Logic and sequential control symbols .................................................................... 12
4.5 Internal system function symbols .......................................................................... 13
4.6 Common symbols .................................................................................................. 13
4.7 Recorders and other historical data retention ........................................................ 13
5 Identification .................................................................................................................... 13
5.1 Software alarms ..................................................................................................... 13
5.2 Contiguity of symbols ............................................................................................ 14
6 Alarms .............................................................................................................................. 14
6.1 General .................................................................................................................. 14
6.2 Instrument system alarms ..................................................................................... 14

Appendix A Examples........................................................................................ 16

ISA-S5.3-1983

1 Purpose

The purpose of this standard is to establish documentation for that class of instrumentation
consisting of computers, programmable controllers, minicomputers and micro-processor based
systems that have shared control, shared display or other interface features. Symbols are
provided for interfacing field instrumentation, control room instrumentation and other hardware to
the above. Terminology is defined in the broadest generic form to describe the various
categories of these devices.
It is not the intent of this standard to mandate the use of each type symbol for each occurrence of
a generic device within the overall control system. Such usage could result in undue complexity
in the case of a Piping and Instrument Drawing (P&ID). If, for example, a computer component is
an integral part of a distributed control system, the use of the computer symbol would normally
be an undesirable redundancy. If, however, a separate general purpose computer is interfaced
with the system, the inclusion of the computer symbol may provide the degree of clarity needed
for control system understanding.
This standard attempts to provide the users with defined symbolism and rules for usage, which
may be applied as needed to provide sufficient clarity of intent. The extent to which these
symbols are applied to various types of drawings remains with the users. The symbols may be as
simple or complex as needed to define the process.

2 Scope

This standard satisfies the requirements for symbolically representing the functions of distributed
control/shared display instrumentation, logic, and computer systems. The instrumentation is
generally composed of field hardware communication networks and control room operator
devices. This standard is applicable to all industries using process control and instrumentation
systems.
No effort will be made on the flow diagram to explain the internal construction, configuration, or
method of operation of this type of instrumentation, logic and computer systems. Personnel
needing to understand flow diagrams must have a basic understanding of the total system in
order to correctly interpret the diagram. The type of computation or the use of the process
variable within a program is not indicated except in those cases where the process variable is an
integral part of the control strategy. In applications where all instrument system data base
information is available to the computer via the communication link, the depiction of the computer
interconnections is optional in order to conserve space on flow diagrams.

2.1 Application to work activities

This standard is intended for use whenever any reference to an instrument is required. Such
references may be required for the following uses as well as others:
Flow diagrams, process and mechanical;
Instrumentation system diagrams;
Specifications, purchase orders, manifests, and other lists;

ISA-S5.3-1983

Construction drawings;
Technical papers, literature, and discussions;
Tagging of instruments; and
Installation, operation, and maintenance instructions, drawings, and records.

2.2 Relationship to other ISA standards

This standard complements ISA-S5.1, "Instrumentation Symbols and Identification," for symbols
and formats representing functional identification codes. For clarification of examples, a limited
amount of ISA-S5.1 symbology has been included in this document.

2.3 Relationship to other standards

Where applicable, definitions not included in Section 3 are in accordance with ANSI X3/TR-1-77,
"American National Dictionary for Information Processing," and/or ISA-S5.1.

3 Definitions and abbreviations

AccessibleA system feature that is viewable by and interactive with the operator, and allows
the operator to perform user-permissible control actions, e.g., set point changes, auto-manual
transfers, or on-off actions.
AssignableA system feature that permits an operator to channel (or direct) a signal from one
device to another, without the need for changes in wiring, either by means of switches or via
keyboard commands to the system.
Communication linkThe physical hardware required to interconnect devices for the purpose
of transmitting and/or receiving data.
Computer control systemA system in which all control action takes place within the control
computer. Single or redundant computers may be used.
ConfigurableA system feature that permits selection through entry of keyboard commands of
the basic structure and characteristics of a device or system, such as control algorithms, display
formats, or input/output terminations.
C.R.T.Cathode Ray Tube
Distributed control systemThat class of instrumentation (input/output devices, control
devices and operator interface devices) which in addition to executing the stated control functions
also permits transmission of control, measurement, and operating information to and from a
single or a plurality of user-specifiable locations, connected by a communication link.
I/OInput/Output
Shared controllerA control device that contains a plurality of pre-programmed algorithms
which are user retrievable, configurable, and connectable, and allows user defined control
strategies or functions to be implemented. Control of multiple process variables can be
implemented by sharing the capabilities of a single device of this kind.

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ISA-S5.3-1983

Shared displayThe operator interface device used to display signals and/or data on a time
shared basis. The signals and/or data, i.e., alphanumeric and/or graphic, reside in a data base
from where selective accessibility for display is at the command of a user.
SoftwareDigital programs, procedures, rules, and associated documentation required for the
operation and/or maintenance of a digital system.
Software linkThe interconnection of system components or functions via software or keyboard
instruction.
Supervisory set point control systemThe generation of set point and/or other control
information by a computer control system for use by shared control, shared display or other
regulatory control devices.

4 Symbols

4.1 General
Standard instrumentation symbols as shown in ISA-S5.1 are retained as much as possible for
flow diagram use, but are supplemented as necessary by the new symbols in Sections 4.2
through 4.6. Symbol size should be consistent with ISA-S5.1, Section 3. The symbol descriptions
listed to the right of each symbol are intended as guidelines for applications, and are not intended
to be all inclusive. The symbol may be used if one or more of the descriptions apply. Shared
signal lines can be expressed by the symbol for a system link (See Section 4.6.1.).

4.2 Distributed control/shared display symbols

Advances in control systems brought about by microprocessor based instrumentation permit
shared functions such as display, control and signal lines. Therefore, the symbology defined here
should be "Shared Instruments," which means shared display and/or shared control. The square
portion of this symbol, as shown in paragraphs 4.2.1 through 4.2.3 has the meaning of shared
type instrument.
4.2.1 Normally accessible to operator
Indicator/Controller/Recorder or Alarm Pointsusually used to indicate video display.
1) Shared display.
2) Shared display and shared control.
3) Access limited to communication link.
4) Operator Interface on communication link.
4.2.2 Auxiliary operator's interface device
1) Panel mountednormally having an analog faceplatenot
normally mounted on main operator console.
2) Can be a backup controller or manual station.
3) Access may be limited to communication link.
4) Operator interface via the communication link.

ISA-S5.3-1983

11

4.2.3 Not normally accessible to operator

1) Shared blind controller.
2) Shared display installed in field.
3) Computation, signal conditioning in shared controller.
4) May be on communication link.
5) Normally blind operation.
6) May be altered by configuration

4.3 Computer symbols

The following symbols should be used where systems include components identified as
"computers," as distinct from an integral processor, which drive the various functions of a
"distributed control system." The computer component may be integrated with the system via the
data link, or it may be a stand-alone computer.
4.3.1 Normally accessible to operator
Indicator/Controller/Recorder or Alarm Point usually used to indicate video display.

4.3.2 Not normally accessible to operator

1) Input/Output interface.
2) Computation/Signal conditioning within a computer.
3) May be used as a blind controller or a software calculation
module.

4.4 Logic and sequential control symbols

4.4.1 General symbolFor undefined complex interconnecting logic or sequence control. (Also
see ISA-S5.1).

4.4.2 Distributed control interconnecting logic controller with binary or sequential logic functions.
1) Packaged programmable logic controller, or digital logic
controls integral to the distributed control equipment.
2) Not normally accessible by the operator.

12

ISA-S5.3-1983

4.4.3 Distributed control interconnecting logic controller with binary or sequential logic functions.
1) Packaged programmable logic controller, or digital logic
controls integral to the distributed control equipment.
2) Normally accessible to the operator.

4.5 Internal system function symbols

4.5.1 Computation/Signal conditioning
1) For block identification refer to ISA-S5.1, Table 2 "Function
Designations for Relays."
2) For extensive computational requirements, use designation
"C." Explain on supplementary documentation.
3) Used in conjunction with function relay bubbles per ISA-S5.1.

4.6 Common symbols

4.6.1 System link
1) Used to indicate either a software link or manufacturer's
system supplied connections between functions.
2) Alternatively, link can be implicitly shown by contiguous
symbols.
3) May be used to indicate a communication link at the user's
option.

4.7 Recorders and other historical data retention

4.7.1 Conventional hard-wired recording devices such as strip chart recorders shall be shown in
accordance with ISA-S5.1. (Refer to Appendix A.2.2. of this standard.)
4.7.2 For assignable recording devices use Symbol 4.2.1.
4.7.3 Long term/mass storage of a process variable by digital memory means such as tape, disc,
etc., shall be depicted in accordance with 4.2 or 4.3 of this standard, depending on the location of
the device.

5 Identification

For purposes of this standard, identification codes shall be consistent with ISA-S5.1, with the
following additions.

5.1 Software alarms

Software alarms may be identified by placing ISA-S5.1, Table 1, letter designators on the input or
output signal lines of the controls, or other specific integral system component. See Section 6
Alarms of this standard.

ISA-S5.3-1983

13

5.2 Contiguity of symbols

Two or more symbols can adjoin to express the following means in addition to those shown in
ISA-S5.1:
1)

Communication among the associated instruments, e. g.,

Hard wiring
Internal system link
Backup

2)

Instrument integrated with multiple functions, e.g.,

Multipoint recorder
Control valve with integrally mounted controller.

The application of contiguous symbols is a user option.

If the intent is not absolutely clear, contiguous symbols should not be used.

6 Alarms

6.1 General
All hard-wired standard devices and alarms, as distinct from those devices and alarms
specifically covered in this standard, shall be shown in accordance with ISA-S5.1, Table 1.
The examples in paragraph 6.2 illustrate principles of the methods of symbolization and
identification. Additional applications that adhere to these principles may be devised as required.
The location of the alarm identifiers is left to the discretion and convenience of the user.

6.2 Instrument system alarms

6.2.1 Multiple alarm capability is provided in most systems. Alarms covered by this standard
should be identified as shown by the examples in 6.2.2 and 6.2.3.

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ISA-S5.3-1983

6.2.2 Alarms on measured variables shall include the variable identifiers, i.e.:
Pressure:

PAH
PAL
dP/dt
PDA

(High)
(Low)
(Rate of change)
(Deviation from set point)

6.2.3 Alarms on controller output shall use the undefined variable identifier X, i.e.:
XAH
XAL
d/dt

(High)
(Low)
(Rate of change)

d/dt

ISA-S5.3-1983

15

Appendix A Examples

A.1 Examples of use

A.1.1 The following figures illustrate some of the various combinations of symbols presented in
this standard and ISA-S5.1. These symbols may be combined as necessary to fulfill the needs of
the user.
A.1.2 Controllers located in the diagram main information line are to be considered the primary
controllers. All devices outside the main line provide a backup or secondary function.

16

ISA-S5.3-1983

ISA-S5.3-1983

17

A.2 Typical Flow Diagrams

A.2.1 Figure A.14 combines the basic symbols of this standard in a simplified drawing. It is intended
to provide a hypothetical example and to stimulate the user's imagination in the application of
symbolism to this equipment. Figure A.14 is arranged in the following manner:

18

1)

Volumetric fuel and air flows provide inputs for combustion system firing rate and fuel
air ratio via distributed control instrumentation. Set points for both rate and ratio can
be computer generated.

2)

Combustion air and gas pressures are monitored by pressure switches which control
the gas safety shutoff valve via UC-600 "distributed control interconnecting logic."

3)

Material moisture content is measured, dry weight of the input material is calculated,
and feed rate is controlled by MT-300 and WC-301. Discharged material moisture
content is read by MT-302. At this point, firing rate and/or feed rate could be controlled
by the Distributed Control System (DCS) instrumentation or by the computer taking
other process variables into consideration.

ISA-S5.3-1983

4)

British thermal unit (Btu) analysis (AT-97) is input to the computer system to generate
feed forward control adjusting firing rate, in Btu/hr. The set point is calculated by the
computer, based on feed rate, weight, and moisture content.

5)

Internal system links are shown for selected computer input/output, while the firing
rate and ratio set points are implied. Shown in the same manner, the links between
the calculation modules and the controllers are implied by contiguous symbols, while
the wild flow to the ratio control is shown in the system link symbol.

Figure A.14 Example simplified drawing

ISA-S5.3-1983

19

A.2.2 Figure A.15 combines the symbols to depict a cascade loop with alarms. Notes are added
on the diagram itself for clarification purposes only.

Figure A.15 Typical flow diagramcascade control loop

20

ISA-S5.3-1983

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ISA
Attn: Standards Department
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P.O. Box 12277
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ISBN: 0-87664-707-7