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The Read-Out Instrumentation Signpost
Measurement, Control and Automation Resources throughout the World
Last changes to this page: 19/12/2006
 Catching the Bus!
Towards a standard in Digital Communications
Fieldbus links on this site.
Developments
- Process standardisation - PI (ProfiBus & ProfiNETInternational) is standardising the use of ProfiNET in process automation. After completing the integration of ProfiBus PA in ProfiNET IO, work was extended to include the integration of HART and Foundation Fieldbus. The particular requirements of process automation for PROFINET are being drawn up by the PI working group "DCS Requirements", in conjunction with NAMUR. These requirements will then be implemented by several working groups simultaneously. A particularly important aspect of this is the compatible extension of the PROFIBUS application profiles, which have been proven in many process-control applications.
In the first step, existing process-automation communication solutions will be integrated in PROFINET. This has already been done for PROFIBUS PA and the integration of HART will be completed by the end of 2006. Work has begun on the integration of FOUNDATION Fieldbus and is expected to be completed by the middle of 2007. Over the next two to three years, the PI working groups will concentrate on challenges such as system redundancy, time synchronization and stamping, as well as engineering. At the same time, ProfiBus profiles such as "RIO for Process Control", "Weighing and Dosage Devices", "Intelligent Pumps", or "Lab Devices" will be extended for use with ProfiNET.
- Annual FF technology event themed "Changing the Playing Field" - The Fieldbus Foundation has announced that its 2007
General Assembly will be held in Houston, Texas, on February 22-23. Planned for the Houstonian
Hotel, the annual event will be attended by FOUNDATION(tm) technology suppliers, end users and other
industry participants from around the world.
The theme of this year's General Assembly,
"Changing the Playing Field," reflects the Fieldbus Foundation's emphasis on providing a total
control system technology infrastructure for industrial manufacturing. The event will address key
topics such as distributed control; business intelligence; and open, scalable integration.
- Free, Downloadable White Paper: "Introduction to Fieldbus" - The "Introduction to Fieldbus" white paper, from Moore Industries, explains, in terms any engineer, technician or operator can understand, how fieldbus works. It strips away all the jargon and confusing terminology and explains:
The differences between Foundation Fieldbus H1 and ProfiBus PA
The elements of fieldbus: H1/PA cards, power supplies, segments, trunks, device couplers and segment terminators
How fieldbus device couplers work
How fieldbus instruments connect to a segment
How short-circuit protection works, and why it sometimes doesn't let you install 32 devices on a segment as the specifications claim
The issues involved in using fieldbus devices in hazardous areas
Methods for setting up a redundant fieldbus segment for critical instrumentation
Advantages of fieldbus networks
Your copy may be dowloaded free from This Page
Device description library enhanced - The Fieldbus Foundation (FF) today announced the
availability of Device Description (DD) Library Version 3.1. This
standardized source code library has been enhanced to make it even faster
and easier for developers to build Device Descriptions (DDs) for new
FF instrumentation. The DD Library contains source code for all standard FF blocks and
parameters. Suppliers only need to implement custom blocks and other
manufacturer-specific additional parameters. Plus, the DD Library promotes
a standardized view of field device information across manufacturers,
enabling consistent configuration by users. The library is maintained to
describe the most recent FF specification.
More on the Fieldbus Foundation site
Updated HSE test kit released - The Fieldbus Foundation today announced the
release of the High Speed Ethernet (HSE) Conformance Test Kit 2.0. The new
test kit version provides enhanced capabilities for development and testing
of Foundation Class 42c HSE field and linking devices.
The HCTK 2.0 test kit is a complete package that allows the user to ensure a
manufacturer's stack conforms to the official HSE registration testing
completed by the Fieldbus Foundation. An excellent tool for troubleshooting
and debugging HSE devices, this test kit will verify the correct
communication behavior of an HSE device as defined in the HSE
specifications.
Tool calling interface specification available - In December 2005, ProfiBus International (PI) decided to specify with TCI (Tool Calling Interface) an open calling interface for device operating tools. PI has now completed and released for review the first TCI documents (specification of the calling interface, description of the mapping mechanisms on PROFIBUS as well as an implementation guideline). In the review phase, the implementation in prototypes will be carried out by various companies active in the TCI working group. Adoption of the final version is scheduled for September 2006. The description of the mapping mechanisms on ProfiNet will follow in the autumn of 2006.
Efficient operating tools support the user in optimizing production processes through the flexible setting of user-dependent device parameters in intelligent field devices. These tools will also see benefits in asset management in the maintenance of production systems and thus in increasing system availability. TCI allows the uniform but still simple integration of proprietary operating tools already in use, which are used in production automation for variable-speed drives in particular or components as part of machine safety (e.g. with PROFIsafe). Both intelligent drives and flexible safety components need these efficient operating tools to realize the full customer benefit.
Books available from ISA
Setting the Standard for Automation!
Foundation Fieldbus, 2nd Edition
This newly revised book, written by control systems
engineers with extensive FOUNDATION(TM) Fieldbus
installation experience, provides quick reference
information on the FOUNDATION(TM) Fieldbus H1 protocol,
installation tips, and other useful information.
Industrial Ethernet, 2nd Edition
This revised best-seller is a convenient installation,
troubleshooting, and reference tool on one of the hottest
topics in automation and process control...
Wireless Networks for Industrial Automation, 2nd Edition
This newly revised digital book has been expanded to include
the increasingly popular new wireless application Radio
Frequency Identification (RFID) while also providing a
clear, unbiased view of the emerging wireless communications
market...
PROFIBUS: A Pocket Guide
Need to get up to speed on one of the leading fieldbuses on
the market today? This pocket guide provides a basic
overview of PROFIBUS operations, installation and
configuration, wiring schemes, troubleshooting, and tips and
tricks...
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Fieldbus-Independent Sensor/Actuator Communication With IO Link - Well-known manufacturers of sensors, actuators and automation technology have established the "IO Link" working group under the umbrella of PROFIBUS International (PI). Their goal is to develop the specification for a fieldbus-independent communication interface for intelligent sensors and actuators in production automation. The scope of the specification work will focus on the transmission physics (electrical and mechanical properties, topology), sensor/actuator communication with the IO assemblies, a neutral data interface to the higher-level communication system and engineering.
For the "last meter to the process" inexpensive point-to-point connection between sensor/actuator and the I/O assembly is maintained. Diagnosis and parameter information between sensor/actuator and the automation system will be exchanged with IO Link in addition to the measurement signal through the specified communication mechanism, thereby maximizing the performance of state-of-the-art intelligent sensors and actuators.
First agreement of its kind provides certified FF training - The Fieldbus Centre at Lee College, a National Science Foundation (NSF) recognised and funded institution, today
announced an agreement with Westlock Controls to train their sales
professionals on the basics of Foundation fieldbus. This is the first such
agreement between an FF-certified training center and major
automation equipment supplier.
The Fieldbus Centre's new "Fieldbus for Sales Professionals" course is the
first phase of a three-step training program instructing Westlock sales
representatives on sales strategies and implementation of fieldbus-based
process valve networking, monitoring and control solutions.
New national website - ProfiBus Ireland has launched its new web site - www.profibus.ie. This will give more visibility to the organisation and provides a valuable information resource for training, research, sales and support activities of PROFIBUS in Ireland.
2005 was the first year of operation for new PROFIBUS organisation in
Ireland as a full member of PROFIBUS International. A variety of certified
and non-certified courses were offered through its competency centre based
at Automation Research Centre, University of Limerick. Around a dozen
courses were delivered in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Drogheda on Certified
Engineers, and Installers, as well as maintenance courses. Other services
such as site visits, and promotional visits were also conducted last year.
Profidrive Available For ProfiNET - With Version 4.0 of its ProfiDrive Profile ProfiBUS International (PI) has created a standard that can be used on both ProfiBUS and ProfiNET. The ProfiDrive Profile established with ProfiBUS has now also been mapped on ProfiNET while maintaining a common user interface. The separation of application and communication makes it possible for device manufacturers as well as users to easily use ProfiDrive applications on ProfiBUS or ProfiNET and to freely select of the optimal communication system.
TUV protocol type approval for safety instrumented systems specifications - The Fieldbus
Foundation has announced that TUV Anlagentechnik GmbH, Automation, Software and Information Technology, the global, independent and accredited testing agency,
has granted Protocol Type Approval for the Fieldbus Foundation Safety Instrumented Systems specifications. The specifications are in compliance with International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61508 standard (functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems) requirements up to, and
including, Safety Integrity Level 3 (SIL 3).
With the TÜV Protocol Type Approval, FOUNDATION fieldbus technology has been extended to provide a comprehensive
solution for Safety Instrumented Systems in a wide range of industrial plant applications. The specifications enable manufacturers to build FOUNDATION fieldbus
devices in compliance with IEC 61508. Third-party test agencies such as TÜV will certify that these devices are suitable for use in safety instrumented systems.
End users will be able to choose devices meeting the requirements of IEC 61511 (functional safety: safety instrumented systems for the process industry sector) from multiple suppliers, instead of being restricted to devices designed specifically for a proprietary safety system platform. IEC 61511 is also available as an
ANSI/ISA Standard: ANSI/ISA-84.00.01-2004.
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