NEWBURYPORT, MA - October 18, 2007 - Softing announced Version 2.20 of its field device protocol stack. This latest protocol stack implementation embraces the so called MultiVariableContainer technology, which allows the device application to combine multiple variables into a single, logical data-structure (container) and to embed the entire container into a single frame that is transmitted over the fieldbus. This new technology lends itself to significantly improving the data throughput of H1 networks and is also proposed as the preferred technology for High Speed Ethernet (HSE) Remote I/O Systems.
Version 2.20 supports applications that require a fine granularity to present alarms with different characteristics or levels by making it possible to generate multi-bit alarms. Softing’s protocol stack is designed to be consistent with the official alarm nomenclature defined by NAMUR’s Working Group 2.6 - Fieldbus NE107, which is also of particular interest for asset management systems.
In addition, Softing has implemented the new Multi-LAS sub-schedule technology to significantly improve the time management on any give H1 segment by supporting a hierarchical partitioning of the macro-cycle and the individual control of each sub-cycle. This new technology helps to significantly reduce the bus-load for individual field devices by supporting the definition of optimized communication cycles.
Last but not least, Softing has improved the function block shell interface for version 2.20 to allow any vendor to easily develop and integrate his own function block library.
The release of Version 2.20 is scheduled for the beginning of the 4th quarter 2007 after passing Softing’s rigorous qualification process. It will be available at no cost to any licensee with a maintenance agreement.
About Softing
In industrial automation, Softing is a specialist for fieldbus technology and has established itself as a world-leading partner for networking automation systems and control solutions. Softing provides customers the key technology to connect devices, controls and systems with the leading communication technologies. In fieldbus technology, Softing is a world-class expert for FOUNDATION fieldbus, PROFIBUS, and CAN/CANopen/DeviceNet. The company’s wide range of expertise includes solutions for OPC, FDT, and Real-Time-Ethernet protocols such as, PROFINET IO, EtherNet/IP, or Modbus/TCP. Many of the products and services developed by Softing since the company was founded in 1979 have become reference standards throughout the world. In addition, Softing has established itself as a provider of sophisticated diagnostic tools for fieldbus systems.
