High-speed Ethernet controller meets new specs

The high speed Ethernet controller employed by the System302 enterprise automation system has been reregistered by the Fieldbus Foundation to a greater level of sophistication known as "Class 42a2".

The high speed Ethernet (HSE) controller employed by the Smar System302 enterprise automation system has been registered by the Fieldbus Foundation (FF), now to a greater level of sophistication known as "Class 42a2".

Second generation Foundation fieldbus systems are designed to use both H1 and HSE (fieldbus protocol on Ethernet) technologies.

In the open, distributed fieldbus architecture, an HSE linking device functions as a "link" between HSE and H1 networks, interconnecting field devices to controllers, gateways, and host computers, and is an essential component for integrating system communication with direct I/O access and advanced control applications.

Smar's 42a Class linking device, previously registered by the Fieldbus Foundation, is compliant with the FF FS 1.1 final specification, and its new 42a2 Class device incorporates the FF FS 1.29 final specification.

Based on the updated FF specification, the System302 solution provides an all-encompassing directory format for an HSE device's network management information base, which contains data on the spec revision implemented by the equipment and the class of profile supported.

It also includes a new, more direct and automatic connection option for the equipment application directory based on either the HSE or H1 communication protocols.

Fieldbus Foundation president and CEO Richard Timoney praised Smar's reregistration of the Class 42a2 linking device, saying: "Vendors such as Smar are stepping up their activity to provide users with a fully integrated fieldbus architecture that delivers significant operational benefits, and in turn, improves business performance".

Smar's advanced System302 linking device technology uses an application process that executes Foundation fieldbus function blocks, and establishes local or external links with other H1 and/or HSE field equipment.

For example, the linking devices implement an H1 bridge connecting H1 field equipment installed on different H1 networks of the same linking device.

They also implement an HSE bridge that connects H1 field equipment installed on different linking devices, H1 instruments installed on a linking device with HSE equipment, and multiple HSE devices.

In addition, System302 enables links to be published and subscribed to across the HSE network, and republishing of information from the H1 bus to the HSE network and vice versa.

This permits a control loop to span different H1 networks (ie the transmitter and valve need not sit on the same bus) while simplifying system design.

System302 also implements standard SNTP (Simple Network Time Protocol) to synchronise the clocks in linking devices connected to them all devices are in lock-step.

The System302 linking device reregistration is the latest example of Smar's leadership in fieldbus technology, which started in 1994 with the implementation of control systems based on the H1 protocol.

Most recently, it has been demonstrated through new trends and technologies such as the Foundation fieldbus protocol on Ethernet.

Smar's use of HSE has grown continuously over the years.

In 2000, the company installed the first commercial HSE device on Petrobras' Namorado I offshore platform.

In 2001, the earlier version of its HSE linking device was first registered.

That event opened new markets to System302 and led to the establishment of significant partnerships with major suppliers Metso Automation, Endress+Hauser and Rockwell Automation technology.

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