NEW SPECIFICATIONS DEFINE FEATURES THAT ENHANCE FIELDBUS FUNCTIONALITY

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NEW SPECIFICATIONS DEFINE FEATURES THAT ENHANCE FIELDBUS FUNCTIONALITY
01 December 2003 - Fieldbus Foundation

The Fieldbus Foundation has announced that an updated version of its FOUNDATION fieldbus specifications is now available. The new specifications define features that enhance fieldbus functionality and provide additional incentives for automation equipment suppliers to get on the 'Fast Track to Fieldbus.'

The Fieldbus Foundation's specifications define the open, non-proprietary FOUNDATION fieldbus protocol. The technology provides an all-digital, two-way, multi-drop communications link among smart field devices and automation systems. It serves as the Local Area Network for instruments used in process automation, and has a built-in capability to distribute the control application across the network.

According to Stephen Mitschke, Fieldbus Foundation product manager-fieldbus products, the updated specifications are an essential tool for controls and instrumentation manufacturers wanting to take advantage of the rising demand for fieldbus-based control solutions around the world.

'FOUNDATION fieldbus is recognized as an industry-standard for plant automation applications, and leading suppliers are responding to the end user market by offering a wide range of compliant products and support services,' said Mitschke. 'Now is the time for companies to become involved with fieldbus product development and start realizing the business benefits offered by the technology.'

Mitschke indicated that the updated FOUNDATION fieldbus specifications define a new common software download that permits device firmware to be updated via the fieldbus network. The document also includes a new function block alert algorithm for supporting multi-bit alarming, as well as various clarifications and enhancements to existing specifications.

All Fieldbus Foundation members will receive a copy of the software download specification (FF- 883) in pdf format. Those members purchasing or renewing a specification maintenance agreement will automatically receive a complete copy of the FOUNDATION fieldbus H1 and HSE specifications, (FF-007), including all updates to these specifications and the new specification in word-searchable format.

http://fieldbus.org/

About: Fieldbus Foundation
Suppliers of control and instrumentation products gain a competitive advantage through membership in the Fieldbus Foundation. In addition to a tested, interoperable fieldbus specification, software licenses and other valuable intellectual property, the foundation provides fieldbus education, development workshops, interoperability testing, conformance testing, testing tools, development software, newsletters and field trial assistance for companies that wish to implement FOUNDATION technology in their automation products.

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