An open, bus-powered, digital, multi-drop communication technology for intelligent field devices and automation systems. enables digital replacement of 4-20 mA enables unification of field with business / control enables some basic and even advanced process control in the field
How is Fieldbus Different from 4-20
Fieldbus devices are connected in parallel on the bus, which carries digital data from/to all the devices on the bus Fieldbus devices provide almost unlimited information to all other devices on the network Data has cyclical redundancy checking (CRC) to ensure receiving devices use only good data A multidrop fieldbus does not have the shortcoming of point-to-point wiring
FOUNDATION Fieldbus Differentiators
Supports Intrinsic Safety and Existing Wiring Uses IEC/ISA fieldbus standard. Secure Process Data Messages Time-critical process data first priority Alarms and events second priority Background MMI messages, downloads, etc., in free bandwidth Function Blocks Standard Set (AI, AO, DI, DO, PID, ML, SS, …) Modeled after DCS points Supports distribution of control to field devices Device Description Language (DDL) Defines parameters and function blocks in a device Provides interoperability between devices Supported by major global controls suppliers Less wiring and commissioning time Access to diagnostics for better asset management