User conference invites questions in advance

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 26, 2006

The 2006 Profibus International User Conference includes a new feature, called "Advance questions".

The 2006 Profibus International User Conference includes a new feature, called "Advance questions".

Delegates have the chance to pose their own questions in advance of the conference, so that speakers will have time to think about the answers and then provide a comprehensive answer, rather than an off-the-cuff response.

These questions will also be used to formulate the presentation material.

The following questions have already been received and will be answered at the conference.

Profibus DP has a powered terminating resistor but PA does not: what is the difference?.

Cables come from various manufacturers, with differing impedances: is it prudent to buy cable with a lower impedance than say the 44ohm/km as specified by Profibus?.

How has the Profibus profile specification helped the end user of instrumentation?.

The current tools used to configure Profibus networks have an old fashioned look and feel, and can be difficult to use: end users want better, simpler tools, more in keeping with modern computer operating systems - when are we going to get them?.

Can high availability systems be justified for relatively simple processes (such as water treatment)?.

What are the typical options for connecting Profibus devices in a hot/standby PLC system?.

Profisafe claims more than 2000 applications in the process industries, but we haven't seen any Profisafe PA devices so far: how come?.

There are an increasing number of software packages involved in the new safety technology of devices and PLCs, but software without errors will not be possible - how can we live with this "uncertainty"?.

Currently, all different kinds of fieldbuses are rushing to integrate safety into their solution: what is your expectation on the long-term impact on automation technology and architectures?.

The numerical approach of IEC62061 is presuming the availability of tools to support the life cycle management of functional safety: when can we expect these kind of tools; and will the system manufacturers take over the responsibility for the correct calculation of SIL, PFD and the like?.

Safe peer-to-peer communication from an e-stop button directly to a drive seems to be a better solution than using the detour via a safety PLC - why can't we see such a solution in reality yet?.

What are the important factors that I have to take into account when considering implementing a wireless network?.

What about safety over wireless - how can that be achieved?.

The 2006 Profibus User Conference is a two-day comprehensive, multi-stream educational programme that will lead delegates through Profibus - from the basic technology, up to its use in real world industrial and process applications.

With parallel sessions of presentations, hands-on practical training and a supplier exhibition, the conference allows delegates to configure their own training programme.

And now they can feed questions to the lecturers beforehand.

The conference will take place on 27th and 28th June at Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire, UK.