MTL releases F809F Fieldbus diagnostic module

November 04, 2007

November 4, 2007 - Hampton, NH.. MTL Instruments Group released the F809F Fieldbus diagnostic module. Designed to plug directly into MTL F800 Fieldbus power supplies, the F809F provides up to date monitoring of eight fieldbus segments. During commissioning, the F809F collects data on the performance of the physical layer, provides alarms if any parameter is outside preset limits and is used to store a baseline segment performance in the control systems instrument management software.“The F809F plugs directly into Fieldbus power supplies or diagnostic module carriers to keep you in touch with the health of your Fieldbus network,” explained Dave Reynolds, VP of Marketing. “The F809F measures the bulk power supply input voltage, temperature, segment voltages and signal levels of all devices. Additionally, the monitor checks for short-circuits between the Fieldbus wire and cable shields,” he added. “These physical layer parameters are used to predict any corrective action that may be required. This process allows problems to be rectified before poor network health results in devices being removed from the ‘live list’, which could affect the operation of the plant.”The F809F is a FOUNDATION Fieldbus device and communicates with the host control system via a fieldbus segment. It allows the network status and measured parameters to be displayed in the host control system using instrument management software. Th F809F features include:

Continuously monitors the health of field bus segments

Provides early indication of possible network failure

Communicates over Foundation Fieldbus H1 segment

Installs on F800 power supply carrier

Network status parameters displayed in instrument management software

Easily integrates into your choice of fieldbus control systems as an open solutionFieldbus function blocks are supported to indicate active alarms; a resource block; one transducer block for system status; and eight-segment transducer blocks (one for each monitored segment). This enables an instrument technician who knows how to view diagnostic data from a fieldbus device to receive the full benefit of physical layer diagnostics – even without training.MTL Incorporated is the leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of electronic devices for the protection of instrumentation located in hazardous areas, as well as rugged measurement and control instrumentation for harsh and hazardous process applications and a complete surge protection offering for all plant systems including instrumentation, AC power and communications networks.

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