AUSTIN, Texas, June 20, 2007 - The Fieldbus Foundation announced the availability of the FF-569 Version 2.0 Host Interoperability Support Test Profile and Procedures Specification. The new release includes updated FOUNDATION fieldbus host profiles and features defining interoperability requirements and test procedures leading to host registration.
Hosts successfully completing registration testing will be authorized to bear the foundation's official product registration symbol.Developed by the Fieldbus Foundation's System Integration and Maintenance (SIM) Working Group, FF-569 Version 2.0 is the basis for the foundation's new Host Profile Test & Registration Program. The existing Host Interoperability Support Test (HIST) program will be superseded by the host registration program.In the FOUNDATION fieldbus automation infrastructure, host profiles are a key to system interoperability.
The profiles define required host features for different classes of hosts, including Class 61 Integrated Hosts, Class 62 Visitor Hosts, and Class 63/64 Bench Hosts.Both automation suppliers and end users will benefit from host registration. Like the current device registration process, host registration will strengthen fieldbus interoperability and system integration.
The updated host profile specification is easier to understand than current specifications, and eliminates inconsistent features in favor of defined host profiles.Fieldbus Foundation Manager-Fieldbus Products, Stephen Mitschke, said, "The FF-569 Version 2.0 Host Profile Specification enhances the procedures for testing and enables registering FOUNDATION fieldbus hosts. The updated host profile specifications were developed through the cooperation of leading device suppliers, host vendors, and end users.
Every effort has been made to provide the industry with a robust solution for verifying fieldbus system interoperability." The Fieldbus Foundation is in the process of developing a Host Test Kit that is scheduled for release in August. The test kit will allow vendors to pre-test their host before submitting it for testing and registration by the foundation. The kit works in conjunction with the new specification to apply functional testing to host applications, and to verify that host features are properly implemented.
The Host Profile Registration Process (FF-525) will be available for download after the release of the Host Test Kit.For additional information, please review the Frequently Asked Questions document available on the foundation's website( http://www.fieldbus.org/images/stories/newsroom/downloads/faq569_61907.pdf )
About the Fieldbus Foundation
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 a single, 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.