Exciting Times on the Fieldbus

Welcome to our first fieldbus newsletter! We looked forward to putting this one together because fieldbus is one of the hottest, most controversial topics in our automation world.

Here are some of the more interesting aspects of fieldbus: USA vs Germany: It’s Foundation fieldbus (FF) vs Profibus in the process control world, with FF dominant in the oil & gas industry. Most of the big oil refineries and chemical plants being built in Asia are based on FF, while most of the plants being built in Europe are Profibus based. The Middle East is up for grabs. USA vs Germany II: In plant automation, it’s DeviceNet vs Profibus, although several other fieldbuses (AS-I, Sercos, etc.) have carved out significant market niches.

What about HART? Hundreds of thousands of HART-enabled devices are out there, waiting for some clever company to link them all together into a low-cost fieldbus.

Exclusive club: For years, it’s been a very exclusive club of fieldbus vendors, with big vendors like Emerson, Honeywell, Siemens, ABB and Yokogawa supplying the only fieldbus-based DCSes, and Relcom and P+F supplying the lion’s share of fieldbus device couplers, power supplies and barriers. We now see companies coming into the fieldbus business with alternative solutions, such as MooreHawke, National Instruments and Wago, the sponsor of this newsletter. These companies are threatening to upset the club’s comfortable status quo. When it becomes possible to implement fieldbus on a PC-based controller, the fieldbus market will take off like a rocket ship.

Advanced technology: Fieldbus has been locked into the same technology for years, as vendors tried harder to get end users to buy into the concept than they did to improve 10-year-old fieldbus technology. Now that users know that fieldbus works, we are seeing those alternative solutions for intrinsic safety, redundant fieldbuses, and PC-based fieldbus getting the attention they deserve.

We can’t wait to see what they come up with next. And we will be the first to bring it to you. If you want to keep up to date on the latest news and products, keep reading this newsletter, checking our fieldbus portal to the left, or click on the RSS feed for fieldbus.

Enjoy the rest of this Fieldbus Networks update!

Rick Zabel
Vice President, Publisher

White Paper: Industrial Ethernet…more than just another fieldbus system
As Ethernet continues to gain momentum in the industrial automation market, it’s changing the way control engineers utilize their fieldbus systems. In the past, fieldbus networks were considered one-dimensional – they performed one task and did it very well – transferring process data between networked devices in a fast and deterministic manner. Usually these devices were on a local segment, isolated from higher-level networks. Nowadays, Ethernet-based fieldbus systems perform this basic task and so much more. With industrial protocols like Modbus/TCP, EtherNet/IP, and PROFInet process data is sent over standard, off-the-shelf Ethernet hardware. No longer are users forced to buy proprietary fieldbus components from a handful of vendors.

Not jazzed about fieldbus? Try it
CONTROL, February, 2007
By John Rezabek, Contributing Editor
Columnist John Rezabek notes that most systems now have excellent engineering tools and allow easy integration of fieldbus devices, so there are ever-fewer excuses not to try some truly distributed control.

Foundation Fieldbus Not a Fieldbus?
Automation World, February 2007
By Gary Mintchell, Editor In Chief
Rich Timoney, executive director of the Fieldbus Foundation, uttered a revolutionary thought at a press conference held during the group’s annual meeting in Houston on February 22. “Foundation Fieldbus isn’t a fieldbus—it’s an architecture,” proclaimed Timoney. Actually, the statement may be less revolutionary than it appears at first blush.

Advances In Fieldbus
Process Industry Informer, February, 2007
By Mike O’Neill, MooreHawke
This article covers details of some of the awkward issues that fieldbus users might have to face: hazardous area choices, FISCO vs. Entity, integrating devices into systems from different manufacturers, short-circuit protection, redundant fieldbuses and fault-tolerance.

Digital fieldbus networks
CONTROL, February 2007
By Dan Hebert, Senior Technical Editor
It’s not so easy to deploy digital fieldbus networks in existing process plants. Working around and with legacy HMIs, controllers and field devices to upgrade from discrete and analog connections to digital fieldbus networks presents a host of challenges. When there is only one twisted pair available to transmit multiple signals, a peer-to-peer solution is one answer.

The intrinsically safe fieldbus has arrived
Chemical Processing, February 2007
By Dr. Dave Rizzo, Power PR
Fieldbus has proven its merit in bringing projects online more efficiently, allowing better diagnostics, and control, and reducing maintenance costs and inventories. However, it has been limited in intrinsically safe services. At last, technology has come through once again with a solution. The capacity barrier of FISCO has now been significantly surpassed by a novel split architecture design that has already proven itself in the field.

ODVA EtherNet/IP Document
"Network Infrastructure for EtherNet/IP" provides an introduction to the network infrastructure and gives users a framework for identifying the considerations that are most critical to their specific applications. It references specific switch features that users of EtherNet/IP would require for proper communication.

Foundation Fieldbus Resources
The Fieldbus Foundation provides a wealth of resources assisting end users in the adoption of advanced, Foundation-based plant control strategies. These include: Registered Products, Compliant Hosts, Related Products, Installations, Technical References, and End User Councils.

Foundation fieldbus – Working today, preparing for tomorrow
By Ian Verhappen, MTL
This podcast explains how fieldbus is being used today in process automation applications, how it will be used in the future, and how the unique requirements of different projects are being met. It is available as a podcast and a downloadable PDF.
For the podcast, go to www.controlglobal.com/articles/2007/041.html

Rockwell Automation announces Integrated Architecture Web Site   
The site contains videos, quick-start product guides and a library of code that help customers reduce the complexity of selecting, designing and configuring control systems. The site includes tools such as CompactLogix System Quick Start, an easy-to-understand guide designed to help reduce the time and cost associated with engineering, configuration and installation of a midsize control system.

Contemporary Controls publishes downloadable 'ABCs of IP'   
“ABCs of the Internet Protocol” explains the IP (Internet Protocol) portion of the TCP/IP stack as it applies to control networks. This document defines TCP/IP and other topics including data encapsulation, routers and hosts, IP addressing and the IP header.

AS-Interface offers one-day training classes  
Classes are free and train attendees on the use of AS-Interface technology for actuator and sensor networking. Classes are on April 12 in Denver, CO; Greenville, SC on May 22; Memphis, TN in June; St. Louis, MO in August; and Houston, TX in November.

PROFIBUS Installation Guideline for Cabling and Assembly
PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International) has published a new Web Based Training package to provide support for assembly and installation staff working on the assembly of PROFIBUS systems. The Web Based Training tells you everything you need to know about assembly in an easy to understand and interactive format. Topics include how to lay and assemble PROFIBUS cables correctly and what you need to be aware of when connecting PROFIBUS stations. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete the Web Based Training course.

Certified PROFIBUS Engineer Course
Manchester Metropolitan University
This 3½ day hands-on course covers the detailed theory of PROFIBUS DP network operation. On the course you will learn first-hand how to design, install and troubleshoot PROFIBUS DP networks, how to use diagnostic tools to detect faults and identify their causes.

Certified PROFIBUS Installer Course
Manchester Metropolitan University, UK
Internationally Accredited One-day Course covering the layout, Installation and Maintenance of PROFIBUS Networks. The Certified PROFIBUS Installer Course gives a widely recognised and valued qualification that confirms the competence of trainees in the layout and installation of general fieldbus systems and, in particular, PROFIBUS networks.

Web Seminar: Next Generation Fieldbuses-Picking the Right One
May 9, 2007
The four major Next Generation Ethernet-based Fieldbuses (Foundation Fieldbus HSE, EtherNet/IP, IDA, and ProfiNet) will be reviewed. Applications for each bus will also be discussed so that the right one can be selected for your project. Price: $225

Web Seminar: FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 Field & Profibus PA Design
April 18, 2007
This seminar focuses on the application of H1 field-level Fieldbus hardware and tools. Learn about systems that are cost effective and help reduce installation mistakes. The presentation answers questions on terminology, topology rules and parts, cabling and power, grounding and surge protection, host computers and linking devices. Price: $225

Lee College offers Foundation Fieldbus Course for power and wire installers
The Fieldbus Center at Lee College, a National Science Foundation (NSF) recognized and funded institution, is offering a FOUNDATION fieldbus training course for power and wire installers. The two-day course covers installation and testing of fieldbus physical layer components.

Emerson’s PlantWeb University Online Learning Center
Free web-based training includes more than 40 brief, practical courses on new automation technologies and strategies. Topics include implementing fieldbus, wireless technology, safety instrumented systems, streamlining maintenance, improving equipment effectiveness, and enhancing plant efficiency.

Northwire introduces DataCELL FIELD Profibus DP cables  - 04/06/07
Cables comply with Profibus specification EN50170-2-2:1996. Versions include ITC/PLTC-ER cable for factory floor installations, AWM cable for machine builders and OEM applications, and marine/shipboard cable.

Schneider Electric becomes principal member of ODVA  -  04/10/07
Schneider Electric will significantly increase its level of support for ODVA by becoming one of its principal members. This coincides with ODVA's plans to extend the CIP Network specifications to provide compatibility with Modbus/TCP devices.

Fieldbus Training Centers to share resources  -  04/09/07
Fieldbus Center at Lee College (Baytown, TX) and Tri-State University (Angola, Indiana), have signed a license agreement for sharing fieldbus training resources. The alliance will expand FOUNDATION technology instructional opportunities across the U.S.

Annual sales of PROFIBUS reach 3.4 million nodes  -  03/30/07
Annual sales of PROFIBUS nodes reached a new high of 3.4 million in 2006 according to figures just released by PI (PROFIBUS and PROFINET International). This brings the total number of PROFIBUS nodes installed worldwide to 18.8 million. PROFIBUS remains on track to surpass 20 million nodes by 2008.

MooreHawke's TRUNKGUARD passes fieldbus short-circuit tests  -  03/12/07
Independent tests prove that the TRUNKGUARD device coupler works seamlessly with a DeltaV control system during repeated short-circuit testing and extreme temperatures. According to Evaluation International, TRUNKGUARD continued to operate and maintain communications with DeltaV after multiple short circuits on spurs, temperatures from -40 to 70°C, and operation at upper and lower voltage limits.

Nick Moore promoted to Director of Strategic Planning at Moore Industries  -  03/08/07
Nick will work with all vice presidents, corporate officers, directors and department heads to ensure that operations are in line with Moore Industries’ corporate goals and initiatives. Moore Industries is a leader in the design and manufacture of interface instruments and fieldbus equipment.

ARC says Foundation Fieldbus Dominates Fieldbus  -  03/02/07
According to a study prepared by the ARC Advisory Group, Foundation fielbus accounts for over two-thirds of process fieldbus revenues. ARC says the global market for fieldbus solutions in the process industries reached $831.7 million in 2006 and projects current growth trends will expand the fieldbus market to over $2.279 billion in 2011.

Honeywell to supply process control to chemical plant in Kuwait  -  03/14/07
Honeywell has been awarded a $7 million contract to implement an Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) and FOUNDATION Fieldbus solution at a new chemical plant operated by Kuwait Paraxylene Production Company (KPPC). The plant will produce aromatics materials, mainly paraxylene for exportation and benzene that will be used in other regional projects.

Emerson to be digital automation supplier for Qatargas  -  03/12/07
Emerson will engineer, project manage, install, commission, and provide long term support on automation solutions for the company's oil, gas and petrochemical facilities in Qatar.

PTO offers Free PROFINET 2007 Developer Workshops
One-day Workshops will be held in 2007 on May 22 in Detroit, MI, July 31 in Scottsdale, AZ and a date to be determined in October in Boston, MA. The Workshops will provide potential PROFINET device developers, development managers and product marketers with a wide range of technical information, including PROFINET vendor presentations.

ASi-Tech 2007 to be held in UK May 22
Featuring a full day of education, information and technical updates on AS-Interface, ASi-tech 2007 will be held at the Old Trafford Football Club Stadium, Manchester, UK.

Profibus International User Conference 2007
June 26-27 2007 Coombe Abbey, Warwickshire, UK
Covering the latest developments in PROFIBUS, PROFINET and PROFIsafe technology for factory and process automation, the programme places great emphasis on serving the needs of the User community; i.e. companies that own, operate, design, build or maintain manufacturing facilities and process plant. The aim is to assist companies making the transition from conventional to fieldbus systems as easy (and jargon free) as possible.