Fieldbus

Article (1)
Feature (7)
  • Applying wireless to EtherNet/IP automation systems — Part 1
    While EtherNet/IP has many advantages, cable installation is often expensive, and communications to remote sites or moving platforms may not be reliable or cost effective. Wireless ethernet technologies have emerged that can now reliably reduce network costs while improving plant production.
  • Installing fieldbus — Part 2
    Fieldbus is a wonderful technology with many benefits, but fieldbus installation requires some additional considerations over and above normal 4–20 mA projects, not the least of which is how to prepare for fault conditions.
  • Installing fieldbus — Part 1
    Fieldbus (the use of digital communications networks for distributed instrumentation and control) is a wonderful technology with many benefits, but fieldbus installation requires some additional considerations over and above normal 4–20 mA projects.
  • Profibus PA and Foundation Fieldbus — a cost comparison
    There have been many comparisons between Foundation Fieldbus (FF) and Profibus for use on field instruments in the process industries. If you put the two protocols side by side you will see that either will do the job and provide the much published cost savings.
  • Intelligent device management with EDDL
    EDDL technology was specifically designed with the process industry in mind. It is an integral part of the bus protocols used in process industries: HART, Foundation fieldbus and Profibus.
  • Profibus communication technology in wastewater treatment
    The key factor driving investment in wastewater treatment all over the world is cost reduction, and the only way to maintain high standards while reducing costs is to utilise highly sophisticated measurement and process control technology.
  • Ethernet and AS-Interface: the ideal partner networks for industrial automation
    In manufacturing plant networks, what is frequently overlooked is the lowest level of automation, where sensors, simple binary actuator and safety inputs reside. At this level the number of wire leads that must be routed, stripped and terminated is staggering.
Product (25)
  • National Instruments CompactRIO PROFIBUS C Series modules
    Interfaces for PROFIBUS, FOUNDATION Fieldbus and DeviceNet that make it possible for engineers to connect LabVIEW, programmable automation controllers (PACs) and embedded systems to their existing industrial networks have been announced.
  • Siemens Simatic ET 200S PM-E RO power module and function blocks
    Siemens has launched its first Profienergy products: the Simatic ET 200S PM-E RO power module for the Simatic ET 200S High Feature distributed I/O system, and function blocks for Simatic controllers. The power module specifically switches off individual inputs and outputs of the Simatic ET 200S High Feature I/O system and disconnects their connected loads from the power supply.
  • Turck PB-XEPI Ethernet/Profibus device coupler
    The PB-XEPI Ethernet/Profibus device coupler combines integrated web server software with diagnostic functionality, to enable users to monitor Profibus networks remotely through a web browser, without disrupting network operations. The PB-XEPI may be integrated into new or existing Profibus networks in pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and packaging applications.
  • Turck single-segment redundant backplane
    Turck has expanded its diagnostic power conditioner system with a single-segment redundant backplane that can combine two isolated power supply modules into one FOUNDATION fieldbus segment. The backplane includes an integrated diagnostic unit used to monitor the redundancy of the external bulk power supply along with the H1 power supply - aiding in the availability of the H1 segment. System status is available via a relay contact.
  • Fieldbus power supply
    MooreHawke has introduced the Trunkguard TPS400 fieldbus power supply for general-purpose and non-incendive applications.
  • Fieldbus high-density power hub
    The FieldConnex fieldbus high-density power hub offers compact dimensions and needs only limited space inside the switching cabinet. Optimised circuits with low power loss result in cooler thermal conditions, which allow the positioning of the board in any direction. In comparison with the previous model, the available power supply current has increased from 360 to 500 mA per fieldbus segment.
  • Profinet wireless module
    The IM154-6 PN HF IWLAN Profinet-ready wireless interface module enables the higher IP rated ET200pro distributed I/O system to communicate via industrial wireless LAN.
  • Compact Profinet block I/O
    The compact block I/O modules with Profinet interface are an addition to the Siemens range of distributed I/O systems with a high degree of protection (IP65/67).
  • Profibus-DP bus interface module
    GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the availability of a Profibus-DP bus interface module for its 8000 line of general purpose and intrinsically safe I/O.
  • Combined active barrier and loop power supply
    The SIL2-rated RN221N combined active barrier and power supply provides galvanic isolation for 4–20 mA measurement signals, is suitable for use in hazardous areas, and can be powered by 20-250 VAC/DC, reducing the need for different versions across the plant.
  • Modbus gateways
    The EKI-1220 series Modbus Gateways are designed for quick and easy integration of Modbus serial devices with industrial ethernet networks. Available in two configurations, the EKI-1221 and EKI-1222 feature one or two RS232/422/485 serial ports, with redundant 10/100 Mbps ethernet connections, for transparently connecting Modbus ASCII/RTU and Modbus/TCP devices and equipment.
  • Fieldbus junction bricks
    The JRBS junction bricks for Foundation Fieldbus provide quick and easy connection of multiple devices to the main fieldbus trunk. JRBS junction bricks are available with 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 ports and feature removable terminals for simple, efficient installation and wiring modification in tight spaces.
  • Decentralised I/O system
    The PSSuniversal decentralised I/O system, for connection to Profinet and Profinet safe, can be individually adapted to suit the respective application. It is easy to manage during commissioning and engineering.
  • Profinet I/O modules
    Siemens has added a new interface module with CPU functionality to the Simatic ET200S product family of distributed I/O devices. The IM151-8 PN/DP CPU handles control tasks and communications functions via Profinet. The module is also available in a fail-safe version IM151-8 PN/DP F-CPU.
  • Four signal isolator channels in a 1" footprint
    Moore Industries has addressed the requirement for very narrow instruments with the miniMOORE family of multichannel analog signal conditioners. The signal conditioners deliver up to four low-cost I/O channels in a 1" footprint.
  • Industrial PC with Profinet
    Siemens has equipped the main boards of its rugged industrial PC family with a Profinet interface. Designed as a 3-port switch, the interface supports isochronous real time and integrates the Siemens PC into Profinet networks.
  • Fieldbus junction bricks
    The JRBS junction bricks for Foundation Fieldbus provide quick and easy connection of multiple devices to the main fieldbus trunk. JRBS junction bricks are available with 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 ports and feature removable terminals for simple, efficient installation and wiring modification in tight spaces.
  • Sub bus system
    Weidmüller has extended its family of SAI Active Universal modules with SAI Active Pro - a sub bus system with a design rated to IP67.
  • Diagnostic power conditioner
    TURCK's Diagnostic Power Conditioner system (DPC) for Foundation Fieldbus H1 features an integrated diagnostics module.
  • Network integration
    The new MGate 3000 series from CrispTech was designed for simple integration of Modbus TCP and RTU/ASCII networks.
  • Central processing unit
    In a decentralised architecture with remote I/Os (Profibus, CAN, Modbus), the SaiaPCD3.M5 CPUs can help give an automation solution an additional thrust of innovation.
  • Powerful new BACnet controller
    The BACnet standard for building automation has become so widespread that it is now impossible to imagine building control technology without it. For this reason, Saia-Burgess Controls, a longstanding member of the "BACnet Interest Group Europe" (BIG-EU), also offers the new Saia PCD3 series as a "BACnet Building Controller" (B-BC).
  • Diagnostic power conditioner
    TURCK's Diagnostic Power Conditioner system (DPC) for Foundation Fieldbus H1 features an integrated diagnostics module that provides the end user with statistics to ease the task of diagnosing problems associated with the Foundation Fieldbus physical layer. This information is used to assist in the commissioning and maintenance of a Foundation Fieldbus system.
  • Fault-tolerant fieldbus system
    MooreHawke has announced the availability of the Trunksafe brochure, which contains technical details on the world's only redundant fieldbus system.
  • SmartSlice I/O for DeviceNet
    The GRT1 series is a Smart Slice I/O system which allows up to 64 small input/output modules to be plugged into a single communications module.
News (29)
  • ODVA releases new specifications
    The Open DeviceNet Vendors Association (ODVA) has published new editions of the specifications for ODVA networks.
  • Honeywell joins field device integration cooperation
    FDI Specification can help lower total cost of ownership of digital field devices.
  • Fieldbus Foundation updates test kit
    The Fieldbus Foundation has announced an updated Host Test Kit DD Application Module.
  • Fieldbus Foundation establishes Australian marketing committee
    The Fieldbus Foundation has announced the establishment of the Fieldbus Foundation Australian Marketing Committee (FF AMC).
  • Fieldbus Foundation registers first FOUNDATION H1 device couplers
    MooreHawke and Pepperl+Fuchs are the first FOUNDATION fieldbus device coupler suppliers to pass the FOUNDATION fieldbus H1 registration process.
  • Fieldbus Foundation releases updated H1 and HSE test kits
    The Fieldbus Foundation has announced the release of its latest FOUNDATION fieldbus conformance and interoperability test kits for use by plant automation equipment suppliers.
  • Yokogawa systems named among the first Foundation fieldbus hosts
    Yokogawa’s Stardom and Centum VP control systems are among the first to pass the Fieldbus Foundation’s recently developed Host Profile Registration Program.
  • Quantitative evaluation of Foundation Fieldbus Control in the Field (CIF)
    The Fieldbus Foundation, through its EMEA operations, has joined the Applied Control Technology Consortium (ACTC), based in Glasgow, Scotland. Through this membership, the ACTC will undertake a program of formal, quantitative evaluations of Foundation Fieldbus technology.
  • Fieldbus Foundation announces copyright agreement with Prolist International
    The Fieldbus Foundation's announced copyright agreement with Prolist International means that fieldbus parameter names and definitions will be included in standardised device specifications.
  • ABB’s System 800xA one of the first systems registered as Foundation Fieldbus host
    ABB has announced its Extended Automation System 800xA was recently registered as an initial Foundation fieldbus host system after it passed the Fieldbus Foundation’s rigorous new Host Profile Registration Process.
  • Fieldbus Foundation announces first registered fieldbus hosts
    Yokogawa's Stardom and Centum VP control systems, and ABB's System 800xA extended automation system, are the first host systems to pass the Fieldbus Foundation's Host Profile Registration Process.
  • Profinet node growth exceeds expectations
    Profinet is experiencing a rapid increase in the number of installed nodes, recording a 40% growth in the number of instalments during 2008.
  • Fieldbus Foundation establishes Asia–Pacific Executive Advisory Council
    The Fieldbus Foundation has established an Asia–Pacific Executive Advisory Council (AP-EAC), to help drive adoption of open, non-proprietary Foundation fieldbus technology in East Asia, South-East Asia, India, Australia and New Zealand.
  • PAANZ celebrates Profibus 20-year anniversary
    The Profibus Association of Australia & New Zealand (PAANZ) will celebrate Profibus International's 20-year anniversary with a series of events, trade conferences and training seminars in capital cities.
  • Common wireless fieldbus interface on track for 2009
    The Wireless Cooperation Team is close to validating specifications and compliance guidelines for a common interface and wireless solution that supports the HART, Foundation fieldbus, Profibus and Profinet communications networks.
  • Australia's first Profibus Competence Centre launched
    Industrial valving and controls manufacturer Tyco Flow Control Pacific has become the first accredited Profibus International Competence Centre (PICC) in Australia.
  • PROFIBUS group develops uniform device integration
    The PROFIBUS User Organization (PNO) has announced it is drawing up a first draft of a uniform solution for device integration that is fully compatible with both EDDL and FDT technologies.
  • Profinet market booming
    Profinet is firmly established in the field of automation with over a million nodes installed around the world, according to PI (Profibus & Profinet International).
  • Moore Industries seeks oldest products in service
    Moore Industries is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is trying to find the oldest of its products that are still in service.
  • Process manufacturer celebrates 40 years
    Moore Industries-International, a leader in the design and manufacture of electronic measurement and interface instruments for the process industries, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2008.
  • GE Fanuc acquires MTL product lines
    GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms and MTL Instruments Group have announced an agreement for GE Fanuc to acquire the assets of the MTL Open Systems Technology (MOST) product lines.
  • Fieldbus committee
    ISA has formed a new committee to focus on developing a standard to help accelerate the implementation and widespread uses of fieldbus devices throughout industry. The ISA SP104 committee will be formed to create a standard that adopts the generic language specified by IEC 61804 to describe the properties of automation system components. The specified language is capable of describing device parameters and their dependencies, device functions, graphical representations and interactions with control devices.
  • Third FDT user forum in Basel
    The FDT Group held its third User Forum on 28 June 2007 in the Congress Center of Basel, Switzerland. The forum is a platform where end users and suppliers exchange practical experience in implementing the FDT technology in their process plants and give feedback to the FDT Group about their requirements and priorities for technology enhancements.
  • Emerson on the Brunei Shell Petroleum platform
    Emerson Process Management's PlantWeb digital automation architecture and system integration services have helped Brunei Shell Petroleum Co. Sdn Bhd (BSP) start up its Phase III Champion West oil and gas field platform. The platform, located off the coast of Brunei, operates completely unmanned.
  • Specifications released for H1 cable testing and standard temperature transducer blocks
    The Fieldbus Foundation has released specifications for H1 cable testing and standard temperature transducer blocks.
  • New fieldbus driver
    The Fieldbus Foundation has announced that Hans-Georg Kumpfmueller has been named to its board of directors. In addition to chairman John Berra of Emerson Process Management, current foundation members include Kenneth Deken, Rockwell Automation; David Eisner, Honeywell; Motofumi Matsumura, Fuji; Shuzo Kaihori, Yokogawa; Jim Porter, DuPont; Claude Ricaud, Schneider Electric; Ron Szanyi, ExxonMobil; Mark Taft, ABB; Hirozume Sone, Yamatake Corporation; John Eva, Invensys; and Hans-Georg Kumpfmueller, Siemens AG.
  • FDT specifications for automation applications
    The FDT Group has released addendums for Profinet I/O and Modbus to its specification, which is the next step towards the application of the FDT technology in factory automation applications.
  • Unified solution for device integration
    The EDDL Cooperation Team (ECT) and the FDT Group have agreed to combine their efforts and work towards a unified solution for device integration that is compatible with both technologies.
  • Yokogawa and Moore Industries simplify HART compatibility
    Japanese company Yokogawa Electric and the American company Moore Industries have expanded their preferred vendor agreement to include Moore Industries’ HCS HART concentrator system.
Case Study (7)
  • Wang Components takes the integrated way with Profibus
    Set up in 1963, Victorian-based Wang Components was initially involved in the water pumping and irrigation business before moving into the manufacture of quality clamps and couplings. Over the past few years, the company was able to use the features of Profibus to implement a creative automation plan.
  • Profibus implementation at Coopers
    When Coopers Brewery, Australia’s third-largest brewer and largest family owned brewery, relocated from Leabrook to Regency Park in 2001, the company took the opportunity to expand its capacity by commissioning an entirely new brew house, linking all measuring points with a Profibus communications system.
  • Profibus pulls draglines into the twenty-first century
    In the coal mining industry, the dragline is the workhorse of the open-cut mine's operation, moving massive amounts of overburden 24 hours a day throughout the year.
  • World’s largest ‘smart’ pulp mill in Chile
    The world’s largest ‘smart’ pulping mill has been built by Celulosa Arauco at Nueva Aldea in central Chile. Digital automation by Emerson Process Management allows mill personnel to readily access more data, allowing for easier calibration and greater mill-wide visibility, efficiency and management.
  • BlueScope’s bold instrumentation plan is a winner
    BlueScope Steel set up its first Colorbond paintline facility in 1966 at Port Kembla and, over the years, demand for its roofing, guttering, fences, sheds and warehouses showed phenomenal growth. With demand for Colorbond steel products pushing capacity limits in 2003, the company decided to set up a plant at Erskine Park in Sydney, as the city’s western region had become the single biggest consumer of Colorbond products in Australia.
  • Profinet in process automation
    Profibus & Profinet International (PI) 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
  • Fibre-optic solution
    North Otago Irrigation Company has recently completed the Downlands Scheme irrigation project. The project, was constructed over 18 months and commissioned last Spring.