Back to:

Automation Portals

Fieldbus Foundation News

Fieldbus Foundation Releases Updated Interoperability Test Kit

AUSTIN, Texas, Mar. 23, 2006 < The Fieldbus Foundation today announced the release of its enhanced H1 Interoperability Test Kit (ITK) 5.0 version. The test kit has been updated from previous versions with additional functionality enabling the testing of FOUNDATION field bus(TM) devices employing current Device Description (DD) 5.0 files.

The Fieldbus Foundation's ITK 5.0 test kit verifies the functionality of an H1 (31.25 kbit/s) device and its conformity with the FOUNDATION fieldbus Function Block and Transducer Block specifications. An excellent tool for troubleshooting and debugging devices, the test kit includes all hardware and software required to ensure a manufacturer's complete device interoperability as specified by the foundation's official registration testing procedure.

By using the H1 ITK 5.0, device developers can run tests identical to those used by the Fieldbus Foundation before submitting their device for official registration.

The ITK test kit has been updated from previous versions with additional functionality expanding the scope of interoperability testing to benefit end users of FOUNDATION fieldbus devices. The following test cases, including two new features, have been added/modified: multi-bit alarm testing now tests for both single and multi-bit alarms, which provides for more thorough testing; block instantiation as specified in the capabilities file has been added, insuring interoperability on a FOUNDATION fieldbus network when a block is instantiated; and testing for valid/invalid behavior during common software download has been added, to insure interoperability when downloading software/firmware to a device via a FOUNDATION fieldbus network.

According to the Fieldbus Foundation's product manager-fieldbus products, Stephen Mitschke, the H1 ITK 5.0 test tool is a valuable solution enabling automation equipment suppliers to streamline their preparations for fieldbus device registration. He said, "The updated ITK includes expanded capabilities that allow testing of devices with DD 5.0 files. These DDs include powerful new features focusing on device data organization, graphical visualization consistency, and support for persistent data storage."

Mitschke continued, "Today, at large plants with thousands of field devices, maintenance technicians must upgrade each device individually using vendor-specific tools. The ITK 5.0 enhanced common software download features allow instrument suppliers to update their device firmware 'over the wire.' Devices can be updated without the need for a technician to go to each device and update a firmware chip or attach a custom upgrade cable. Upgrades enable suppliers to add additional diagnostic capabilities in order to 'future-proof' their existing devices."

Developed by the Fraunhofer Institute, the Fieldbus Foundation's ITK testing tool consists of a test engine, communication stack and Function Block interface card. The ITK test engine executes a set of over 400 test cases that exercise the device implementation. The tester also includes a DD "Super Viewer" that allows examination and verification of a device's DD, and a conformance test procedure for the Physical Layer. The DD Super Viewer was been enhanced to support validation of existing DDs and the new DD 5.0 format. Device developers can walk their DD, execute methods and render the new visualization elements supported by the new DD 5.0 technology. As additional standard Function Blocks become available, the ITK will be upgraded with new test cases to verify these expanded implementations.

Most recently, the interoperability test suite was enhanced with an ITK Automation Tool designed to eliminate several manual intervention steps required when performing pre-registration testing of fieldbus devices. The tool improves ITK schedule efficiency and provides a direct reduction in the person-hours needed to complete the testing phase.

Fraunhofer, an internationally-recognized expert in communication and network testing software based in Karlsruhe, Germany, designed the ITK to verify a unique aspect of FOUNDATION fieldbus that makes device interoperability possible: standard Function Blocks.

In order for a device to pass interoperability testing, it must contain a Fieldbus Foundation-registered communication "stack" that has passed conformance tests.

For more information about the H1 ITK 5.0 test kit, contact Maggie Carlson, Fieldbus Foundation, at (512) 794-8890, Ext. 21, or e-mail maggie.carlson@fieldbus.org.

About the Fieldbus Foundation(TM)
The Fieldbus Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation consisting of over 350 leading process and manufacturing automation companies worldwide whose major purpose is to provide an open and neutral environment for the development of an international, interoperable fieldbus. In this environment, end users, manufacturers, universities and research organizations are working together to develop the technology, provide development tools, support and training, coordinate field trials and demonstrations, and enable product interoperability.

Go to company's web site

Automation.com Real-time Information for the Automation Professional May. 24, 2012

Cart

Automation.com

NOTICE: Your use of Automation.com constitutes your agreement to the Legal Notices, Policies, Terms, and Conditions governing its use. You should review these terms before proceeding.Copyright © 2000-2010 Automation.com - automation.com, automationtechies.com, automationtechies, automationtechie, and Member-Match are all trade and service marks of Automation Resources, Inc. All Rights Reserved.