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The Read-Out Instrumentation Signpost
Measurement, Control and Automation Resources throughout the World
Last changes to this page: 13/12/04
 Catching the Bus!
Towards a standard in Digital Communications
Fieldbus links on this site.
Developments
- FF Launches "User's Corner" - The Fieldbus Foundation has announced the creation of "User's Corner." Part of Fieldbus Forums, the User's Corner is a convenient, web-based interface to the latest FF end user stories, successes and references.
User's Corner will allow the end user community to gain knowledge from their counterparts. End users will be able to exchange FOUNDATION technology
experiences, share installation stories, discuss benefits, savings, and more. By establishing the User Corner, the Fieldbus Foundation continues its
tradition of openly sharing knowledge and experiences related to fieldbus technology.
- Top German automotive manufacturers agree on PROFINET as their common Industrial Ethernet platform - In an announcement made at the SPS/IPC/Drives Fair in November, four major German automotive companies agreed to back the Industrial Ethernet standard ProfiNET which has been developed by ProfiBus International, the organization responsible for the ProfiBus and ProfiNET automation technologies.
Speaking jointly at a press conference, representatives of Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen said that the announcement is intended to encourage supplier companies to introduce ProfiNET-based systems quickly so that the requirements of next generation automation systems in automotive manufacturing can be met. The target is to achieve a fixed, uniform protocol that is neutral with regard to manufacturers and users and which has an integrated safety technology. Standardization of the engineering tools for the communications bus is also required.
- CANopen specifications for free download - Starting January 2005, the CAN in Automation (CiA) international users' and manufacturers' group provides some CANopen specifications on its web site to be downloaded free-of-charge. This includes all specifications with the status "draft standard (DS)".
- Solving Process Problems with ProfiBus Seminar - The recent Process & Hybrid industry seminar organised by the UK ProfiBus Group was very well attended by users from a wide range of industries including water, pharma, dairy, beverage, oil & gas and pet food, reports their UK Chairman Bob Squirrell. Presentations from the seminar be downloaded from their International Web
- Foundation Fieldbus Pocket Guide book launched in Spanish - The pocket book
"Foundation Fieldbus", from the authors Augusto Pereira - Manager of Marketing of Yokogawa South America, and Ian Verhappen - Director,
ICE-Pros, Inc. an independent Fieldbus consulting firm of Canada that was launched by ISA in English in 2002. This was followed by a Portuguese version in
2003 and now in 2004 in Spanish as well. The new book is being published and distributed through the local Argentina Section of ISA.
It may be obtained through ISA Section Argentina, or via the site www.edcontrol.com
The English version of the book is available through the Internet on the ISA site and the Portuguese version is being sold via ISA District 4
- Annual, worldwide fieldbus event to focus on "Plant-wide Integration" - The Fieldbus Foundation today announced that its 2005 General Assembly will be held in Vienna, Austria, on Wednesday, February 23, and Thursday, February 24. This year 's event, themed "Plant-wide Integration: HSE + H1," will follow a comprehensive, end user-oriented agenda that includes user case study presentations, technical training workshops and tabletop exhibitions.
Following its highly successful exhibit at Interkama 2004 in Germany, and the establishment of a FF Centre of Excellence at the Infraserv Höchst Technik facility in Frankfurt am Main, (D), the Foundation selected Vienna as the ideal site for this year's General Assembly. Vienna is a key center for international trade and one of Europe 's major crossroads; its proximity to Eastern Europe attracts a knowledgeable, multinational population.
 - Plant of the year awards! - The HART Communication Foundation (HCF) announces that two plants (one U.S. and one European) have been selected as recipients of the 2004 HART Plant of the Year Award the BP Cooper River Plant in Wando, South Carolina, and the Clariant Antioxidants Plant in Gersthofen, Germany. The award is given annually by to recognize success in the innovative use of HART Communication in real-time process applications around the globe.
"We congratulate both BP and Clariant for utilizing the full potential of their HART-enabled instrumentation for real-time operational improvements," says HCF Executive Director Ron Helson (left). "Their success not only benefits their companies but also serves as a powerful model for industry users worldwide of how to realize far greater benefits from HART than ever before." (Picture shows presentation at ISA Expo 2004).
- White paper confirms benefits of ProfiBus in process automation - A new white paper of the ARC Advisory Group, "The Value Proposition of PROFIBUS in the Hybrid Industries," confirms the benefits of using PROFIBUS in process-oriented applications. The demand for seamlessly networked production environments is constantly increasing, particularly in the hybrid applications of the pharmaceutical, chemical and cosmetics industries, as well as the food and beverage industries - the largest market segment of industrial automation. PROFIBUS is worldwide the only universal fieldbus allowing for unified solutions in production and process automation. The benefit of PROFIBUS in hybrid applications is documented by current results and practical examples of the new ARC white paper.
- Modbus Protocol becomes IEC Publicly Available Spec.: IEC PAS 62030 (pre-standard) The ubiquitous Modbus protocol, whose ownership was recently transferred from Schneider Automation to an independent nonprofit organization, Modbus-IDA, has been accepted by the IEC as a Publicly Available Specification (PAS). The TCP variant of the protocol, along with a companion protocol known a RTPS, were submitted to IEC SC65C as a real time industrial Ethernet suite. The submission was made possible by the recent granting of a type D liaison status to Modbus-IDA by the IEC. Of 25 countries voting on the proposal, there was only one negative vote, reflecting overwhelming approval of the specification. At the same time, the specification was accepted as a New Work Item by the subcommittee.
Modbus-IDA President Ken Crater stated, "We are delighted to be the first PAS to be approved during this submittal period. Although our organization is quite new, this approval reflects the outstanding acceptance that Modbus has received in the industrial marketplace over the past 25 years. More significantly, however, this Publicly Available Specification represents our organization’s dedication to bringing a new level of openness to industrial communications.
- Call for papers - ProfiBus UK has issued a Call for Papers for The International ProfiBus Conference to be held June 21, 22 2005. Following the format that proved so successful in the June 2004 Event, the Conference will feature a comprehensive educational programme covering latest developments in ProfiBus and ProfiNet technology including PROFIsafe, PROFIdrive and Profibus PA supported by case studies, an exhibition and technology demonstrations. These will be delivered in 2 main streams: Master Classes for advanced users and Primers for people new to the technology.
Proposals for presentations comprising a working title and 100-word abstract should be sent to The Papers Committee at uk@profibus.com to arrive no later than 15th November 2004. PROFIBUS UK would also like to hear from suggestions from users wishing to see specific subjects covered in the Conference.
- Fieldbus network equipment for process control guide released - Get an unbiased look at "ins and outs" of fieldbus network equipment for
process control written especially for engineers and end-users! "The Consumer Guide to Fieldbus Network Equipment for Process Control" provides the first completely independent guide to fieldbus network equipment including HART, PROFIBUS, and Foundation Fieldbus. This booklogically follows the evolution from HART, Profibus, and Foundation Fieldbus communication to Field Control (control in field instrumentation).
This is not a "protocol book", but it is about the equipment used to build a working fieldbus for process control systems. It is about applications of fieldbuses, including Field Control (control in field devices).
- Handy quick guide summarizes managed Ethernet systems on a single sheet of paper - To help users take full advantage of Managed Ethernet technology, Contemporary Controls has published a one-page guide that explains the terminology and concept of managed switches. Managed switches offer vastly more capability and flexibility than ordinary switches - the barrier is helping users understanding how powerful they really are. According to Bennet Levine of Contemporary Controls, "ABCs of Managed Switches is a handy, one-page Fact Sheet that covers just the things users most need to know: - it's a handy reference tool that engineers can bookmark in their web browser or keep in their desk drawer." According to Levine, the Achilles heel of ordinary switches is that they prevent users from intercepting faulty messages and quickly trouble shooting problems. Managed switches have a powerful feature called Port Mirroring that circumvents this problem. The guide describes how this feature works. Managed Switches also offer many other significant advantages.
The ABCs Guide also describes the following concepts:
- How to separate or combine multiple networks in your facility, without ever swapping a single cable
- The advantages of switch management and what you can monitor, control and predict
- Important concepts like Trunking, Quality of Service and Fault Isolation
- Comprehensive document assists both device developers and end users - The Fieldbus Foundation today announced the release of the new Foundation fieldbus Application Guide for 31.25 kbit/s Intrinsically Safe Systems (AG-163, Revision 2.0). This comprehensive, updated document is intended to improve the understanding of application con-side-rations for today's fieldbus systems, and contains useful
information for both device developers and end users. The new Application Guide includes an overview of 31.25 kbit/s intrinsically safe fieldbus systems, followed by an out-line of the specifications for field devices and other related equipment. The updates follow the actual state-of-the-art intrinsically safe fieldbus technology. The booklet also provides guidance on registering fieldbus equipment and offers advice on sound design and installation practices. It reflects recent changes and products available for use in applying fieldbus technology in intrinsically safe areas.
Here is a no cost copy of the FOUNDATION Fieldbus Application Guide ((AG-163)
- Industrial Ethernet University Provides Exposure for Authors & Experts - In keeping with its mission of educating end users, integrators and technicians about Industrial Ethernet, Industrial Ethernet University has announced a call for papers on all topics related to Design, Commissioning, Maintenance, Theory and Emerging Technologies of Industrial Ethernet.
Networking specialists are invited to submit content for the IEU training course, which certifies students in both basic and advanced Ethernet topics. According to Debra Biela, IEU Content Manager, authors from all segments of industry are encouraged to submit content. "We welcome case studies, research papers, technical bulletins and application stories," a spokesman said.
- Accolade honors founding president - John Pittman, former president and CEO of the Fieldbus Foundation, will receive the 2004 Albert F. Sperry Award from ISA - The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society. The Sperry Award is ISA's outstanding achievement award, and recognises exemplary technical, educational or philosophical contributions to the science and technology of instrumentation, systems, and automation.
Established in 1955, the Albert F. Sperry Award is named for Albert F. Sperry, who served as ISA's first president and was made an Honorary Member of ISA in 1956. The award was created to recognise the conception or implementation of fundamental contributions having a profound or significant impact in the broad field of instrumentation, and contributions basic to the growth and development of major advances in the field. It is to honour those whose achievements are of profound significance to instrumentation, systems, and automation technology. The award is conferred annually, and carries a US$3,000 honorarium and plaque. Presentation of the award will be made at ISA's annual honors and awards program at Houston in October.
- Fieldbus seminar for AIChE Meeting - The Fieldbus Foundation and the American
Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) are co-sponsoring a full-day workshop on FF technology at AIChE's 2004 annual meeting, to be held in Austin,
Texas, on Sunday, November 7, 2004. The workshop will provide valuable information and hands-on instruction for industrial end-users implementing
fieldbus-based control strategies.
Mr. Chuck Carter of the Lee College Fieldbus Center in Baytown, Texas, will
lead the seminar's morning session and will introduce the basic concepts of FF technology. During the afternoon session, Mr. Bob Shervin, PCM project manager, Shell Deer Park Refining Company, will describe the recent renovation and re-instrumentation of a cat cracker unit at Shell's Deer Park, Texas,
refinery. In addition, Dr. Tom Edgar, distinguished professor on the graduate faculty at the University of Texas, and co-director of the Texas/Wisconsin Modeling and Control Consortium, and Chris Lewis, staff engineer, will describe their work on advanced control and the use of the technology at the University of Texas J. J. Pickle Research facility. Mr. Larry West of Broadly-James Corp., a systems integrator firm, will also describe the application of FF at a bio-reactor facility.
- "Independent, unbiased seminar on fieldbus network equipment for process control." -
 Spitzer and Boyes, announces a unique Seminar based on the "The Consumer Guide to Fieldbus Network Equipment for Process Control", authored by Dick Caro who was a founding member and Chairman of the Fieldbus standards committees. "The seminar tuition will include a copy of the book" reports Dick Caro who will teach this seminar. "This guide is designed to help end-users plan fieldbus-based control systems to evaluate options for fieldbus network equipment in process control applications. The guide also contains practical information about HART, Profibus-PA/DP, Foundation Fieldbus, Foundation Fieldbus HSE, and wireless alternatives." The seminar is scheduled for 25th October 2004.
See our Events Page for the other seminars in this series around the same time in NJ
- New organization reflects increased participation by industry members - The Fieldbus Foundation has formed an Indonesian chapter. The new Fieldbus Foundation Marketing Committee (FFMC)-Indonesia conducted its kick-off
meeting on May 10, 2004, at which time it elected a pro-tem committee and planned for future activities.
- New end user council in middle east - The Fieldbus Foundation has announced the establishment of the Foundation fieldbus End User CouncilMiddle East (FFEUC-ME). The new organization, which mirrors the dramatic growth of fieldbus technology in the Middle East, is to conduct its inaugural meeting on September 13-15, 2004, at the Hotel Ritz-Carlton in the District of
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. This is the latest addition to the Fieldbus Foundation's global End User Councils (EUCs), and joins existing councils in Australia, Europe, Italy, Japan, Latin America, New Zealand, North America, Singapore and Canada.
- Analyzer on USB - ProfiTrace is "the most powerful high-speed network analyzer for ProfiBus". It is based on USB and is the latest generation in the line of busmonitor technology. The analyzer has advanced algorithms and a smart link between protocol- and electrical measurements. This outstanding tool will boost the limits and capabilities of service-, maintenance- and engineering personnel.
An analyzer is an essential tool for maintenance, commissioning, troubleshooting as well as product development. The classical failures such as double addresses, wire breaks and configuration faults are easily identified. Random errors such as overshoots, error telegrams, repeats and diagnostics can also be captured and logged. Predictive maintenance and asset management are now really possible.
- Dramatic bus move! - In a dramatic move signaling its dedication to the openness of the Modbus protocol, Schneider Electric has transferred its copyright in the protocol to Modbus-IDA, a nonprofit organization formed in 2002 to advance industrial communications. Modbus was originally developed by Modicon, which later became part of Schneider Automation, in 1979 and is now the most popular industrial protocol in the world. The agreement which was signed by Schneider Automation, Inc., and Ken Crater, President of Modbus-IDA, transferred the protocol to the organization, including the entire right, title and interest in the protocol copyright on April 12th, and publicly announced at the Hanover Fair trade show in Germany later that month.
- Programme agreed - The UK ProfiBus Group has finalised the agenda for the PROFIBUS International Conference that will take place on June 22 & 23 at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire. Featuring a comprehensive educational programme covering latest developments in this technology including PROFInet, PROFIsafe, PROFIdrive and PROFIBUS PA, the Conference will consist of 3 parallel sessions from hands-on Primers through to Master Classes for the more advanced users. The event starts at 9.00 am on Tuesday 22nd June with a Keynote Address from George Turnbull of Open Automation & Control, after which the programme splits into the 3 streams. Presentation times will be carefully planned and controlled to allow delegates to switch between streams and individual presentations.
Our Report.
- IEC approves International Standard in unanimous vote - Device Description Language, the standard of HART? Communication Foundation, was approved by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as an International Standard (IEC 61804-2) by unanimous vote on 19 March 2004. HART was the first communication technology to implement Device Description Language (DDL) as its standard. DDL is the only technology endorsed by the HART Communication Foundation (HCF) for configuration of their devices.
- Complete, cost-effective solution provides "fast track to fieldbus" - The Fieldbus Foundation has released its new AT-446 Foundation fieldbus "H1 Starter Kit," a complete, cost-effective solution for automation equipment suppliers seeking a "Fast Track to Fieldbus." The starter kit is designed to help suppliers accelerate their H1 fieldbus device development projects.
The first all-in-one package of its kind, the AT-446 H1 Starter Kit includes all of the tools and documentation needed to develop H1 devices, compliant with the open, industry-standard FOUNDATION fieldbus protocol. The starter kit is a complete development kit in a value-based starter package offering 35 percent savings over separate, individually purchased components.
- India Bus marketing committee established - The Fieldbus Foundation (FF) has established a marketing committee in India. The new Fieldbus Foundation Marketing Committee (FFMC) - India conducted its kick-off meeting on March 19, 2004, at which time it elected a pro-tem committee and planned for future activities. The purpose of the FFMC-India is to promote the adoption of FF technology within India 's expanding industrial community, which includes many of the world's largest corporations involved in oil and gas, chemical, petrochemical and other process-related fields.
- Fieldbus Foundation Conducts Successful 2004 General Assembly Organization's 10th anniversary "mega-event" sets attendance record - The Fieldbus Foundation conducted its 2004 General Assembly in New Orleans, LA, on February 18-19. The organization's 10th anniversary "mega-event" set new attendance records, as members of the plant automation industry gathered for two days of FF technology seminars, application presentations and business meetings. The Assembly, held in New Orleans, attracted more than 150 attendees and featured a table-top exhibition of the latest FOUNDATION fieldbus products from the world 's major automation equipment suppliers. Representations from leading end-user companies such as Shell and BP were also on-hand for the event.
- TÜV approves fieldbus safety instrumented systems concept - The Fieldbus Foundation (FF) has announced that TÜV Anlagentechnik GmbH, Automation, Software and Information Technology, the global, independent and accredited testing agency, has approved its Safety Instrumented Systems (FF-SIS) system concept. This project was initiated by end users and approved by the foundation's
board of directors in October 2002. The TÜV approval clears the way for validation of the FF-SIS technical specifications during 2004.
- Global plant of the year nominees sought - The HART Communication Foundation
(HCF) is seeking nominees for the HART Plant of the Year for 2004. The award is presented annually to recognize innovative use of HART
Communication in real-time industrial process plant applications around the globe. Nominations are encouraged from all world areas and will be
accepted up to May 28.
This award is unique in the process automation industry. It is the only public award presented to end user companies to recognize ingenuity in the application of HART technology. The award showcases end user companies and their suppliers who have demonstrated creativity in using the full capabilities of HART Communication technology.
- Guide reissued - Perry Marshall's "Industrial Ethernet" has now been re-released in a new, easier to use format by ISA Press. This top-selling guide gives you the essential information you need to get up to speed on the latest industrial Ethernet technology. With it you'll be able to plan industrial Ethernet installations with realistic expectations, make knowledgeable purchasing decisions, and identify common faults and causes of failure.
- Site upgrade reflects conference - Profibus UK has updated its web site at www.profibus.co.uk. It is now completely dedicated to the International PROFIBUS Conference at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, England June 22 & 23 2004. Potential visitors, delegates and exhibitors will be able to see full details of the conference programme, venue, accommodation and social programme and register on-line for conference or exhibition. A number of abstracts are shown on the site with papers from Rolls-Royce Marine Engine Systems, IFAK Magdeburg, University of Limerick, Siemens and many others. Potential exhibitors can check availability of stand (booth) space and reserve their space on line.
Fieldbus News in 2003
Fieldbus News in 2002!
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