Plant of the Year for communications and connectivity.

FieldComm Group, the global industrial automation standards organisation defining open, interoperable standards for industrial communication, device management, and enterprise connectivity, has named SRF Limited’s Dahej facility as the recipient of its 2025 Plant of the Year Award. The recognition honors SRF’s outstanding achievements in digital transformation, operational excellence, and innovation using FieldComm Group technologies.

The Plant of the Year Award recognises end users that demonstrate exceptional use of Field-Comm Group techno-logies, including HART technologies, Foundation Fieldbus, FDI, FDT/DTM, PA-DIM, & Ethernet-APL, to improve operations, reduce costs, and increase availability. SRF Dahej joins an elite group of global facilities advancing the future of industrial automation.

Located in Gujarat (IND), SRF Dahej has become one of the world’s most advanced specialty chemical and fluorochemical complexes. By deploying HART®, WirelessHART®, and FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus technologies across its 300-acre site, SRF has integrated more than 40,000 smart field devices, enabling seamless communication, advanced diagnostics, and readiness for IIoT and Ethernet-APL connectivity.

“SRF’s digital transformation journey reflects their deep commitment to innovation and continuous improvement,” said Ted Masters, President and CEO of FieldComm Group. “Their systematic adoption of open communication standards has delivered measurable results, enhancing safety, improving reliability, and achieving multi-million-dollar savings. This exemplary use of FieldComm Group technologies to drive operational excellence is exactly what earned SRF Dahej the 2025 Plant of the Year Award.”

SRF’s modernisation began in 2010 with the adoption of HART technology and has since expanded into a comprehensive digital ecosystem built on FOUNDATION Fieldbus, WirelessHART, and Instrument Asset Management Systems (IAMS). These initiatives have delivered more than $10.7 million in cumulative savings through improved uptime, faster commissioning, and predictive maintenance strategies.

SRF’s adoption of open, interoperable standards has transformed its approach to lifecycle management, asset performance, and sustainability. The plant’s roadmap extends to 2030 with plans for AI-driven analytics, predictive maintenance, and full Ethernet-APL integration across greenfield and brownfield operations.

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@FieldCommGroup @srflimited #PAuto #Standard #India

Communicator software released.

A new Android based Smart Device Communicator Software for Foundation Fieldbus (FF) has been released by ProComSol. The software uses the Device Descriptor (DD) for the connected FF device so the user has full access to every Parameter and Method.

According to Jeffrey Dobos, President of ProComSol, Ltd, “DevComFF.Droid offers an alternative to the traditional high cost FF Communicators. With a FF communicator that can fit in your pocket, utilizing a modern, App interface, the user has quick and easy access to the FF instrument data. Android devices are continuously improving so the DevComFF.Droid communicator performance keeps improving as well.”

The Android App (DevComFF.Droid), in combination with the Softing mobiLink multi-protocol communicator (our PN: MOBI-FF), is a full functioned FF Communicator. The entire DD Library for FF devices from the FieldComm Group is included. New DD’s can be added very easily by the user. A FF communicator that uses DD’s can perform full configurations of Valves, Multi-Variable devices, and complex devices such as Radar Level and Coriolis Flow meters.

DevComFF.Droid allows the user to view and edit device parameters and even save all the device parameters as a PDF file. The PDF file can then be shared with anyone in the world via the mobile network connections available in an Android device. Saving and sharing FF device configuration documentation is now faster and more convenient.

@ProComSol #PAuto #Fieldbus

Smart device communicator software.

ProComSol has announced the release of its new Windows based Smart Device Communicator Software for Foundation Fieldbus (FF). The software uses the Device Descriptor (DD) for the connected FF device so the user has full access to every Parameter and Method. According to Jeffrey Dobos, President of ProComSol, Ltd, “DevComFF offers an alternative to the traditional high cost FF Communicators. With the Windows Explorer interface, and larger screen of most Windows devices, the user has unprecedented access to the FF instrument data - easy to find and easy to read.”

The Windows program (DevComFF.Win), in combination with the Softing mobiLink multi-protocol communicator (our PN: MOBI-FF), is a full functioned FF Communicator. The entire DD Library for FF devices from the FieldComm Group is included. New DD’s can be added very easily by the user. A FF communicator that uses DD’s can perform full configurations of Valves, Multi-Variable devices, and complex devices such as Radar Level and Coriolis Flow meters.

DevComFF.Win allows the user to view and edit device parameters and even save all the device parameters as a PDF file. The PDF file can then be shared with anyone in the world via the mobile network connections in a Windows device. Saving and sharing FF device configuration documentation is is now faster and more convenient. 

ProComSol may be contacted for a free 10 day trial.

@ProComSol @FieldbusEvents #PAuto #Fieldbus

Communicating VA meter!

The functionality of the Foundation Fieldbus (FF) module for Krohne's H250 M40 variable area flowmeter has been updated from Interoperability Test Kit 5.2 (ITK 5.2) to ITK 6.3. The new version has been tested and registered with the FieldComm Group, and has also passed the stress test on a DeltaV control system.

Since the introduction of the FF interface in 2012, several thousand devices have been put into operation. Customers who would like to update existing H250 M40 FF devices to ITK 6.3 can do so by ordering a new ITK 6.3 module and simply change it in the field without removing the device from the pipeline. As it is only a new firmware, all 32 international Ex approvals of H250 M40 are still applicable.

With ITK 6.3, NE107 compliant diagnostic messages have been implemented, and execution times of the function blocks have been significantly improved so that more devices can be polled for a given schedule (total cycle time of the bus system). It is possible to operate FF ITK 5.2 and ITK 6.3 devices simultaneously in one system. Each version requires its own driver (CFF/ DD/ DTM), which must be installed once per device type.

• Krohne products are marketed in Ireland through DWN Instrumentation.

 @krohnegroup #PAuto @FieldCommGroup 

Access all major protocols!

Softing is the first company to offer access to the major process automation protocols HART, Foundation Fieldbus and PROFIBUS PA with one single interface. mobiLink communicates via USB or Bluetooth and is perfectly suited for commissioning and maintenance with handheld host devices.

“In the past, customers had to care around an interface for each protocol. Now with mobiLink, Softing is the first company to offer access to three protocols with one single device. Thanks to mobiLink, our customers can access field devices with maximum flexibility and mobility and carry out a large number of configuration tasks,” says Thomas Hilz, Program Marketing Manager at Softing Industrial.

Softing’s mobiLink simplifies mobile access to field devices for plant operators, system integrators, device developers and other users in the process industries. In combination with the relevant software, e.g. Softing’s Communication Configurator, it is suitable for configuration, commissioning, diagnostics and monitoring. mobiLink supports FDT Frame Applications and major engineering tools. It allows access to HART and Foundation Fieldbus devices such as transmitters or valves. Access to PROFIBUS PA devices will be possible on July 1st, 2018.

mobiLink is battery-operated, extremely robust and suitable for use in explosive areas. It communicates with handheld host devices like smart phones and tablets via Bluetooth and has a USB interface for bench host operation.

 @SoftingIA #PAuto

Open integration group!

Endress+Hauser’s Open Integration Partner Program strives to mitigate risks when commissioning customer plant by ensuring that operators can easily integrate their devices and components into automation systems. To date eight companies are in the program: AUMA Riester, HIMA Paul Hildebrandt, Honeywell Process Solutions, Mitsubishi Electric, Pepperl+Fuchs, Rockwell Automation, R. STAHL and Schneider Electric. These are now joined by Phoenix Contact and Flowserve.

Although today’s communication components (HART, PROFIBUS, FOUNDATION Fieldbus, EtherNet/IP or PROFINET) are rigorously tested, there are still countless ways in which they can be combined and there is a residual risk that minor issues may appear when they are installed on site. “With the Open Integration Partner Program, we mitigate that risk”, says Peter Rippen, Director Strategic Alliances, at Endress+Hauser. “Users can benefit enormously from combining best of breed automation components to an optimal solution for their application.”

The program partners go well beyond traditional testing methodologies by verifying the functionality of specific system architectures in a laboratory environment. “We ensure quick commissioning and start up and save customers resources, time and thus money,” he explains. “Everybody benefits, our customers as well as the automation suppliers as it is so much more efficient to discover any issues to be jointly solved before the equipment is being installed and commissioned in the customer’s plant.”

Reference topologies are the key
The partner program does this by defining reference topologies – exact combinations of automation products that are to be found in a particular industrial application or are favored by a specific customer. The selected components then are installed in a control cabinet and the resulting system is commissioned and tested. All steps are thoroughly documented and any issues can be quickly solved by the partners involved.

After a successful test, the reference topology is published as a joint recommendation, giving customers concrete and successfully validated suggestions for automating their plant. To date four reference topologies have been published with several others in the pipeline.

Strong new partners on board
The two new partners bring with them differing automation know-how and broaden the product and solution ranges covered by the Open Integration Partner Program. “Phoenix Contact is an important partner in many projects and their system products are favored by a number of important customers,” explains Joerg Reinkensmeier, Marketing Manager Open Integration, at Endress+Hauser.

“Flowserve also operates worldwide and their valves and pumps are often to be found working alongside Endress+Hauser measuring instruments.” A stronger partnership brings benefits to all parties, but customers in particular can now expect many more validated reference topologies that pave the way to quick and easy system integration.

@Endress_Hauser #PAuto #SystemIntegration

Fieldbus power supply with integrated FF H1 diagnostics.

ISbus fieldbus power supplies from the 9412 range from R Stahl, provide flexible diagnostic capabilities for the Foundation Fieldbus H1 as a standard feature: they continuously monitor physical layer parameters such as voltage and current, signal level, noise, jitter and shield shorts (unbalance).

Such helpful information is not readily available otherwise – though modern fieldbus-capable sensors and actuators are able to provide a variety of diagnostics, components such as fieldbus power supplies, cables, device couplers and terminators usually lack this capability. Thanks to the integrated advanced diagnostic functionality of ISbus 9412, it is possible to avoid the installation and maintenance costs and effort special systems and software packages for such diagnostics would incur. The easiest way to access measured values of a fieldbus power supply is to use the free ISbusDiag app on an Android smartphone or tablet, which merely requires a simple cable connection of the mobile device and ISbus 9412 module. Without the need for any further settings, the app then displays physical layer data of the segment, the bus address of the fieldbus device with the worst values and, in the event of a fault, a plain text message. By keeping diagnostics off the fieldbus itself, the fieldbus power supply completely rules out potential negative effects like bouncing or short circuits that can otherwise be caused by connecting handheld devices on the bus.

In addition to displaying data on a tablet or smartphone, ISbus fieldbus power supplies also allow for pro-active monitoring of the physical layer with an adjustable warning limit and signalling via three colour LEDs (traffic light function) and a relay contact (9412 / *-320-* modules). An extra device, the 9415 DCM (diagnosis communication module), can also be deployed in order to create a powerful online diagnostics system. A DCM transmits all physical layer data from up to eight segments through a freely selectable H1 segment to the control system and higher-level plant asset management. Evaluation and alarm management takes place via an EDD or a DTM. Detailed information about scalable ISbus diagnostics solutions is available in the playlist "R. Stahl scalable fieldbus solution" featured on the R. Stahl YouTube channel.

 • Stahl products are marketed in Ireland through Douglas Controls & Automation.
#Stahl #PAuto  @FOUNDATIONField 

IS1+ Remote I/O system communicates ticks approval.

The latest generation of explosion-protected Remote I/O systems from R. Stahl, IS1+ for installation in zone 1 and zone 2 or Division 1 or Division 2, enables fast communication via Foundation Fieldbus High Speed Ethernet (FF HSE).

As the first product in its class, IS1+ has been acknowledged with the official "tick mark" for a FF HSE device following testing and registration by the FieldComm group. Featuring a transmission rate of up to 100 Mbit/s, the HSE standard has been designed by the Fieldbus Foundation – now a member of the FieldComm Group – especially with Remote I/O, wireless gateways, and similar applications in mind. FF HSE has more recently been further augmented by F-ROM (Foundation for Remote Operations Management) technology. F-ROM features a number of enhancements, which are all also supported by IS1+. These include special "RIO Function Blocks" for an effective transmission of large amounts of data, "Association Blocks" for comfortable offline configuration as, and special "HART Transducer Blocks", which – for the first time ever – enable an integration of HART field devices into FF architectures.

Remote I/O solutions with F-ROM technology are ideally suited to supplement fieldbus installations with smart H1 field devices. Using F-ROM-enabled Remote I/Os, conventional and HART field devices can be integrated into fieldbus installations alongside H1 devices. As a result, the installation effort is significantly reduced. In addition to FF HSE and F-ROM, IS1+ supports other Ethernet-based protocols such as Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP and PROFINET for cutting-edge, fast communication in process plants with hazardous areas. Users also continue to benefit from the general advantages of the IS1+ system, namely hot-swapping capabilities for all modules in Zone 1 and Division 1, multi-functional I/O modules and preventive maintenance messages according to NE107. Moreover, R. Stahl offers a standard warranty extension for three years free of charge on all IS1+ systems.

• Stahl products are marketed in Ireland through Douglas Controls & Automation.

#Stahl #PAuto @FOUNDATIONField

Fieldbus on your phone!

Easy-to-use Android app enables fast analysis of FF H1 physical layer.

A new app that turns Android Smartphones into mobile diagnostic devices for the physical layer parameters of a Foundation Fieldbus H1 network has been introduced by Stahl. The app is available free of charge in the Google Play Store. Physical layer properties of a fieldbus segment can be viewed and analysed on a mobile phone, provided that segment uses a series 9412 power supply from R. Stahl's ISbus portfolio.

These fieldbus power supplies feature built-in diagnostic functions to provide information about supply voltage and current, signal level, noise, jitter or shielding shorts (unbalance), so there is no need for any additional dedicated diagnostic devices. In the event of a fault, these parameters and the responsible fieldbus node are reported with a short fault description.

To use these functions, an Android mobile device with the ISbus DIAG app is simply connected to a 9412 through a connection cable available as an accessory. The app then requires no further input – physical layer data for the corresponding segment is immediately displayed. By keeping the diagnostics device off the fieldbus itself, the ISbus power supply also ensures there are no negative effects, which could otherwise occur due to bouncing or short circuits if a standard handheld unit were connected to the bus. Since ISbus DIAG is a read-only application, users cannot modify fieldbus settings or the configuration of connected devices.

If more than quick checks and troubleshooting on the spot are required, ISbus fieldbus power supplies also support significantly more complex diagnostic options. These include proactive monitoring of the physical layer with an adjustable warning threshold, LED and relay signalling (series 9412 / *-320-*), and even a powerful online diagnostic system based on an additional device, the DCM 9415 (diagnosis communication modules). The playlist "R. STAHL scalable fieldbus solutions" available in the R. Stahl Group YouTube channel showcases the broad range of versatile options.

• Stahl products are marketed through Douglas Controls & Automation.

‏@STAHL_UK  #PAuto @FOUNDATIONField

Applying FOUNDATION Fieldbus.

Applying FOUNDATION Fieldbus is a new book from the ISA stable that serves as a comprehensive and practical guide to the theory, engineering and implementation of FOUNDATION Fieldbus in process control systems.

The book, authored by Bharat Ratilal (B.R.) Mehta, Ph.D. and Jaganmohan (Y.J) Reddy, Ph.D., examines:

• The theory of the operations and basic concepts of the FOUNDATION Fieldbus standards.
• The different topologies and installation options available in FOUNDATION Fieldbus standards and their applications for enabling engineers to design control systems for solving industry problems.
• The critical factors to consider  when using FOUNDATION Fieldbus-based host systems and field transmitters.
• The pivotal issues in FOUNDATION Fieldbus from the perspective of an experienced practitioner at a leading company that was a major FOUNDATION Fieldbus installation.

“This book is aimed at providing the knowledge that engineering and maintenance teams require in applying FOUNDATION Fieldbus,” explains Dr. Mehta, Senior Vice President at Reliance Industries Ltd., in Mumbai, India. “The technology benefits and areas for improvement are unbiased. And because the book is written from a user’s point of view, it bridges the gap between theory and technician-level coverage on a practical basis.”

Essential to the book, Dr. Mehta says, are its clear coverage of concepts and applications,  straightforward guidelines for implementing process control systems with FOUNDATION Fieldbus technology, and real-world examples of deployments that have translated theory into practice.

“The book offers a pragmatic approach to the subject, based on industrial experience and taking into account the latest technologies and professional practices,” he adds. “It’s suitable as an important introduction for junior-level professionals as well as an essential reference for more experienced practitioners.”

• For greater perspective on the value and significance of Applying FOUNDATION Fieldbus, read the Q&A feature with Dr. Mehta.

A first for Africa in fieldbus training!

 Eight engineers from Angola LNG passed the inaugural five-day FOUNDATION Fieldbus Certified Technical Specialist course 

The FieldComm Group has announced that IDX Academy, the South African industrial communications training centre based in Johannesburg (ZA), has been successful in the rigorous certification process required to become a site that offers fieldbus training courses certified under the FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus Certified Training Programme (FCTP). This programme establishes uniform standards for fieldbus end user educational curriculum around the globe, and defines acceptable levels of learning for students of the technology.

IDX Academy FCTP handover!

IDX Academy is the first certified FOUNDATION Fieldbus training site on the African continent. Eight engineers from Angola LNG passed the inaugural five-day FOUNDATION Fieldbus Certified Technical Specialist course held on campus last month, with a further nine Angola LNG engineers due to attend the second course in March. The successful students are now proficient in the installation, maintenance, repair, and trouble-shooting of FOUNDATION Fieldbus networks and systems. Certified students may be included in the Student Registry on the FieldComm Group website.

The certification of IDX Academy is the first FCTP accreditation since the joining of the Fieldbus Foundation and HART Communication Foundation was completed, with the new FieldComm Group becoming operational on January 1, 2015. The opportunity to incorporate certified HART technology training is being planned alongside the current certified training centres.

The dedicated FOUNDATION Fieldbus training rigs at IDX Academy utilises host systems, devices and components from several FieldComm Group members including Emerson Process Management, Endress+Hauser, Eaton/MTL, Honeywell, National Instruments, Pepperl+Fuchs, Smar, Softing, StoneL, Turck and Wika.

Chuck Carter, certified FOUNDATION Fieldbus instructor, was instrumental in developing the certified curriculum at IDX. He teaches the FOUNDATION Fieldbus courses and will train additional trainers to ensure ongoing sustainable certified training expertise. Carter has been an instructor in instrumentation and process technology since 1976 and was centre director for over 16 years at the FCTP accredited Lee College Fieldbus Training Centre, Baytown, (TX USA), before relocating to South Africa.

David Bean, who heads up IDX, commented, “Certification is important for the IDX Academy because we are now formally recognised by the FieldComm Group as the high quality training centre that we are. Our customers expect the best and this gives them a guarantee that the content of our FOUNDATION Fieldbus courses and the course materials are up to date and delivered by an expert.”

He added, “We are looking forward to adding world class FOUNDATION Fieldbus training opportunities to the solid base of the other industrial communications products, services and training we already offer across the sub-Saharan region and, of course, we’d be keen to extend our capabilities further with the addition of HART technology training”.

The provision of a certified training centre in the African continent has been a primary objective of the FieldComm Group Southern African Marketing Committee for some time. Marc Van Pelt, FieldComm Group Vice President EMEA Operations, is delighted that IDX Academy has gained its accreditation. “I am proud that we have reached our goal of providing certified technical training and support to FOUNDATION Fieldbus users and potential users across the region and my thanks go to everyone involved throughout the comprehensive process. It was an honour to present the certificate of accreditation to David Bean and his team.”

The FieldComm Group’s Director Technical Services, Sean Vincent, welcomed the addition of another certified establishment. He commented, “Effective and standardised training of plant personnel is the key to successful design and overall project implementation of an advanced technology such as FOUNDATION Fieldbus“.

He continued, “This certification programme ensures a very comprehensive, vendor-neutral approach to training. Process end users want to maximise the benefits of their fieldbus instrumentation and control system investments—and experience has shown that training of operators, engineers and technicians is essential to getting the most out of the technology.”

FieldComm Group formation passes final hurdle!

The final step in constructing a single organization to lead process automation communications and integration technologies was completed when the members of both the HART® Communication Foundation and Fieldbus Foundation™ approved the merger proposed by their respective boards through a voting process that concluded on August 30. This completes a yearlong study and diligence period by a dedicated team of volunteers representing each of the foundations.(see our report Foundation & HART to merge? 26 Sept 2014)

Hans-Georg Kumpfmueller, Chairman (L), and
Ted Masters, President & CEO of new Group

The new corporation, called FieldComm Group, will be led by a board of directors composed of representatives of the collective companies from the current boards of each foundation. Hans-Georg Kumpfmueller has been elected as the inaugural chairman of the board. Mr. Kumpfmueller will lead the direction of the FieldComm Group and oversee the addition of FDI LLC in mid-2015.

Mr. Kumpfmueller has served as a leader in setting the course of device integration in his role as chairman of the FDI LLC board and as CEO of Sensors and Communication at Siemens. He is convinced the formation of FieldComm Group is "a major step forward for the process industries by leveraging the strengths of each industry-leading protocol and adding the value of the next-generation integration strategy."

The board has appointed Ted Masters as president and CEO of FieldComm Group. He currently serves in the same capacity with the HART Communication Foundation. Mr. Masters brings a wealth of instrumentation and controls experience to bear in addition to a deep understanding of the use of data analytics in enterprise systems.

Mr. Masters believes the creation of FieldComm Group is an unprecedented opportunity to build upon existing technologies and develop a single future vision toward harmonization of standards for the process automation industry worldwide. He said, "I am excited about the opportunity to work together with distinguished leaders and technologies around the globe to integrate valuable process intelligence from devices to improve the operations of our users."

During the transition and integration of the two organizations, Richard J. Timoney will serve as executive vice president of FieldComm Group. Mr. Timoney currently is president and CEO of the Fieldbus Foundation. He commented, "The joining of Fieldbus Foundation and HART Communication Foundation will realize the automation industry's goal of a single, unified body to support advanced digital technology. The efforts of countless individuals and companies have helped us reach this milestone."

FieldComm Group will consolidate offices in Austin, Texas, and function as a single entity beginning January 1, 2015. Until that time, the HART Communication Foundation and Fieldbus Foundation will continue to operate independently.

Standardisation and Integration of FDI into FDT!

The FDT Group will be exhibiting at the upcoming Yokogawa Users Conference and Exhibition in Houston (TX USA), September 9-11, 2014. The growth in industrial network standards, instrument configuration methodologies, and the relentless pursuit for operational excellence and increased plant reliability has accelerated the use of the FDT Technology on worldwide basis.

This year the FDT Group will exhibit a technology demonstration that focuses on smart device integration solutions that are both protocol and supplier independent. With the magnitude and diversity of suppliers, products and communication protocols available on the market today, device integration and interoperability are key concerns in the user’s mind and FDT focuses and delivers the solution. Come by and talk with an FDT expert.

In addition to our exhibit, the Group will host a presentation on Standardisation and Integration of FDI (Field Device Integration) into FDT (Field Device Technology) Standards on Wednesday, September 10th from 1:15 PM to 1:45 PM. Presented by Chuck Micallef, the presentation will examine the capabilities of the FDT2 standard and describe how FDI device packages are easily integrated into an FDT2 Frame Application.

Directly following the FDT presentation, FDT will participate in a question and answer session along with experts from the Fieldbus Foundation and OPC.

Fieldbus communication with HART!

The Boards of Directors of the Fieldbus Foundation and the HART^® Communication Foundation have approved unifying the two Foundations into a new industry organization dedicated to the needs of intelligent devices and their integration in the world of Process Automation. 

HART^® and FOUNDATION^™ fieldbus communication technologies. The mission of the combined organization will be to develop, manage, and promote global standards for integrating devices into automation-system architectures, providing functional solutions for process automation suppliers and end users. Suppliers will also profit from the increased efficiencies in resource utilisation, procedure consistency, and member service and support improvements.

The FOUNDATION fieldbus and HART specifications will continue to exist individually, and to evolve into the future. Each protocol will retain its own brand name, trademarks, patents, and copyrights.

The new organisation will continue development, support, and promotion of the two existing protocols, and will direct the development, incorporation, and implementation of new and overlapping technologies. Thus, the new organization will eventually serve as the single source for FDI, the sole integration tool for HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus technologies. The name of the proposed organization is not yet finalized.

The next step will be to complete the membership ballot by the end of summer 2014. Following a successful membership vote, legal filings for the creation of a new not-for-profit entity will take place in September 2014. As a final step, it is expected that the new organization offices will be consolidated and located near Austin, Texas, in early 2015.

The combined power of both organisations will serve to protect the investments that end users in Process Automation have made in HART

The Fieldbus Foundation and HART Communication Foundation have a long history of cooperation. For example, the two worked together to develop common international standards, such as Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) specifications and Field Device Integration (FDI) technology. Combining the organizations offers significant potential for harmonizing the procedures and efforts supporting the two protocols, as well as simplifying each technology's implementation while better delivering their full benefits in plant operation and maintenance.

Fault-tolerant fieldbus system!

MooreHawke, a division of Moore Industries, has released a new video highlighting its TRUNKSAFE Fault-Tolerant Fieldbus System. Available for viewing at the Moore Industries Interface Solution Video Library, the video shows how the system avoids costly shutdowns related to faulty FOUNDATION Fieldbus or PROFIBUS PA segments.

A shutdown at an oil refinery caused by a fieldbus segment going down can cost up to $500,000 (ca €390,000) an hour. Until the introduction of TRUNKSAFE, the only way for engineers at oil refineries, natural gas sites and other locations to ensure a fault-tolerant, redundant fieldbus solution was to duplicate each piece of the segment including H1 cards, power conditioners, device couplers and field devices. Along with being cost-prohibitive, this method requires special software and complex programming.

The new video shows how TRUNKSAFE uses two physical trunk cable “legs” to ensure that no single point of failure will shut down an entire network. The system’s Power Conditioners immediately detect, report and isolate a faulty fieldbus leg while allowing system communications to continue on the healthy leg. Simultaneously, the TRUNKSAFE Device Coupler detects the absence of DC power on the faulty leg and activates its Automatic Segment Terminator. This allows for normal fieldbus communications to continue while internal blocking circuitry prevents a short-circuit on one leg from affect the other leg.

This video uses a demonstration panel and animation to spotlight exactly how TRUNKSAFE works. It is one in a series of videos produced by Moore Industries and available at the Interface Solution Video Library highlighting the features and practical applications of its diverse product line.

Convenient, cost-effective way to extend connectivity to fieldbus networks!

Emerson Process Management has released Version 3 of the USB Fieldbus Interface, providing users with an easy way to configure, monitor and troubleshoot FOUNDATION fieldbus devices in the field or the instrument shop.

With this interface, there are multiple options for commissioning and configuring FOUNDATION fieldbus devices. Fieldbus devices are easily commissioned, decommissioned and assigned device tags using a simple solution. The USB Fieldbus Interface’s Communication DTM enables configuration of devices using third-party FDT Frame Applications and a library of Emerson Device DTMs. Additional Device DTMs from other suppliers are available on the web.

If a more comprehensive asset management capability is required, the interface connects seamlessly to AMS Suite. In addition to full configuration functionality, predictive diagnostics for fast decision-making and automated documentation that keeps an accurate audit trail of device activities is also available.

The USB Fieldbus Interface is designed to work under a variety of maintenance conditions. When used in the field, the USB Fieldbus Interface can work on a powered segment without disrupting the operation of the segment. For use in situations when no power is available, such as on the bench or during start-ups, the USB Fieldbus Interface can provide up to 85mA of power to the fieldbus

A first for a Foundation transmitter!

Magnetrol  has released their Eclipse^® Model 706 transmitter with Foundation fieldbus™ digital output communications. This is the first guided wave radar (GWR) transmitter to pass the Fieldbus Foundation testing using the latest Foundation fieldbus interoperability test kit ITK 6.1.1.

This device offers all of the advantages of the standard 4-20 mA (HART) ECLIPSE Model 706, such as:

• Improved Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)
• Improved diagnostics (meets NAMUR NE 107)
• Full complement of Overfill-capable probes

This new ECLIPSE Model 706 transmitter will contain the following Function Blocks: 

• (1) Resource Block (RB)
• (3) Transducer Blocks (TB)
• (8) Analog Input Blocks (AI)
• (2) PID Blocks
• (1) Arithmetic Block (AR)
• (1) Input Selector (IS)
• (1) Signal Characterizer Block (SC)
• (1) Integrator Block (IT)

With this release, a new Model 706 Foundation fieldbus™ DTM is also available on the Magnetrol website

Fieldbus users event in Britain!

The Fieldbus Foundation UK Marketing Committee (FFUKMC) is finalising its plans for the first of its 2014 schedule of end user events – a FOUNDATION Technology Study Day to be held in Stockport on Tuesday 13 May, 2014.

With a morning session focused on an introduction to FOUNDATION technology, a lunch break with tabletop displays and additional presentations, and an afternoon session offering a more advanced programme, delegates will be able to tailor the day to suit their own requirements. Delegates may choose to attend either the morning or afternoon session or they are welcome to attend both. There is no charge to attend and the lunch and lunchtime sessions are open to all delegates.

Details The event will be held on Tuesday 13 May at the Emerson Process Management offices,  Arden Business Centre, Horsfield Way,  Bredbury, Stockport,  Cheshire SK6 2SU.  Delegates are invited to register their names, company, email address and session preferences with the UK Committee email address: uk_info@fieldbus.org

Following registration and coffee, the morning session, from 10.00-12.30, will include an introduction to FOUNDATION technology and solutions, and an insight into the lifecycle economics of the system.

The afternoon session, from 13.30-16.00, will present a more in-depth programme of presentations and practical workshops with a focus on supporting a FOUNDATION installation through asset management; device replacement; calibration and recommended maintenance practices.

All registered attendees are invited to the complimentary lunch during which Fieldbus Foundation member companies will be available to discuss and demonstrate their FOUNDATION products and services.

Also available during the lunch break are update presentations on FOUNDATION for Remote Operations Management (F-ROM) and FOUNDATION for Safety Instrumented Functions (FF-SIF).

New for the Stockport Study Day will be a round table discussion about the ‘Roles and Relationship of IT and Security” which is will be open to all attendees and will offer a forum to debate solution networking and data security issues.

Richard Barnes, chairman of the FFUKMC is looking forward to welcoming current or potential end users, system integrators, EPCs, and all personnel with an interest in FOUNDATION fieldbus systems or a need to gain an understanding of the technology. “The FFUKMC has tried and tested this new approach to its end user seminars – we understand the need for differing levels of information to suit individuals in differing roles within the process automation enterprise. The study day format which we adopted for our recent events in London, Aberdeen and Middlesbrough allows everyone to gain high quality information whether it’s at an introductory level or an advanced level. We’ve also listened to feedback from previous attendees and have introduced new topical elements into the agenda”. He continued, “There will also be several opportunities throughout the day for networking with other users and potential users, as well as industry experts and suppliers of the systems, devices and components that make up a FOUNDATION system.”

Meeting cancelled due to nuclear summit fallout!

End user seminar rescheduled for autumn, other meetings to be held electronically

The Fieldbus Foundation has just announced the postponement of its 2014 General Assembly in Rotterdam due to travel and security restrictions associated with the upcoming Global Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) in The Hague, NL (see our report Fieldbus for Netherlands 24/1/2014.)

Originally planned for March 25-28, the Fieldbus Foundation’s global FOUNDATION™ fieldbus end user seminar will be rescheduled for the fall of this year somewhere in Europe (location pending), while its End User Advisory Council (EUAC) meeting and business meeting will be conducted electronically on the original dates of March 26 and March 28, respectively. The EUAC session will be the first in a series of such meetings to be held electronically this year.

Fieldbus Foundation President and CEO Rich Timoney explained the change of plans: "We were recently advised that the global community will be holding a major nuclear summit in The Hague during the same week as our General Assembly. The Dutch government has announced the highest level of security protocol for all modes of transportation to, from and within the tri-city region of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. As such, it was necessary for us to cancel our end user conference, relocate our board meeting and conduct a WebEx business meeting for the membership, which is required annually."

The Fieldbus Foundation's General Assembly offers an overview of FOUNDATION fieldbus developments across the globe. It includes updates by leading fieldbus experts on the latest advancements in fieldbus technology, as well as presentations by major end users who have installed FOUNDATION fieldbus in their industrial operations.

Fieldbus Foundation for Netherlands!

Click for details of postponement

The 2014 General Assembly of the The Fieldbus Foundation is to be held in Rotterdam (NL) on March 25-28. This annual event is open to Fieldbus Foundation members and non-members, and will be attended by leading FOUNDATION™ fieldbus suppliers, end users and other industry participants from around the world.

This year's General Assembly will be hosted by STC-Group, a leading provider of educational services to the shipping, transport and process industries worldwide, and a partner in the Fieldbus Foundation's FOUNDATION Certified Training Program (FCTP). STC-Group's Brielle facility was one of the first educational institutions worldwide to offer fieldbus training courses certified under FCTP. This program establishes uniform standards for fieldbus educational curriculum around the globe, and defines acceptable levels of learning for students of the technology.

The General Assembly will offer an overview of Fieldbus Foundation developments across the globe. It will include updates by leading fieldbus experts on the latest advancements in FOUNDATION technology, as well as presentations by major end users who have installed FOUNDATION fieldbus in their industrial operations.

"FOUNDATION fieldbus is a technology that's driving efficiency in the delivery of the world?s energy resources, so it only makes sense that our 2014 General Assembly would be held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands – one of the key centers of the global oil & gas and petrochemical industries," said Rich Timoney, Fieldbus Foundation president and CEO. "The Port of Rotterdam is home to more than 45 chemical companies and five refineries, and our annual meeting will attract a wide spectrum of the fieldbus community throughout the region. We strongly encourage all end users of FOUNDATION technology, and those looking to become users, to actively participate in this event."