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Engineering Industry Developments and Awards
News Release from: Fieldbus Foundation
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 13 February 2006
Incentives added in Foundation Fieldbus
6.0
Added features in Foundation Fieldbus 6.0 focus on device data organisation, graphical visualisation consistency and support for persistent data storage.
The Fieldbus Foundation has released an updated version of its Foundation Fieldbus specifications Specification 6.0 defines features that enhance Fieldbus functionality and provide additional incentives for automation equipment suppliers to move to Fieldbus
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 14 Nov 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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The Fieldbus Foundation's specifications define the open, non-proprietary Foundation Fieldbus protocol.
The technology provides an all-digital, two-way, multi-drop communications link among smart field devices and automation systems.
It serves as the LAN for instruments used in process automation, and has a built-in capability to distribute the control application across the network.
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An updated version of the Foundation fieldbus specification is now available.
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The AT-446 Foundation fieldbus H1 starter kit is a complete, cost-effective solution for automation equipment suppliers seeking a "fast track to fieldbus".
According to Stephen Mitschke, Fieldbus Foundation Product Manager for Fieldbus products, the updated specifications are an essential tool for controls and instrumentation manufacturers wanting to take advantage of the rising demand for Fieldbus-based control around the world.
"Foundation Fieldbus is recognised as an industry-standard for plant automation applications, and leading suppliers are responding to the end user market by offering a wide range of compliant products and support services," said Mitschke.
"Now is the time for companies to become involved with Fieldbus product development and start realising the business benefits offered by the technology".
Specification 6.0 includes features standardised in Device Description Language (DDL) technology.
Implemented in millions of installed instruments around the world, DDL is a text-based language describing the digital communication characteristics of intelligent devices and equipment parameters in an operating system and user interface-neutral environment.
DDL enables a host system manufacturer to create a single engineering environment capable of supporting any device, from any supplier, using any communications protocol, without the need for custom software drivers for each device type.
The updated DDL specification extends the concept of interoperability to the HMI and diagnostic data level with improved visualisation and graphical features.
New features focus on device data organisation, graphical visualisation consistency and support for persistent data storage.
These enhancements are backwards and forwards compatible due to the nature of the IEC 61804-2 standard.
Fieldbus Foundation members purchasing or renewing a specification maintenance agreement will automatically receive a complete copy of the Foundation Fieldbus H1 and HSE specification 6.0, including all updates to these specifications.
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