What is the maximum cable length for FOUNDATION fieldbus?
What is the maximum cable length for FOUNDATION fieldbus?
The type of cable and the layout of the network determine the longest cable that FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 networks can use:
Standard Segment Lengths
- Type A Cable (18 AWG, shielded twisted pair): The longest segment can be 1,900 meters long.
Maximum length of a spur (drop): 120 meters
This is the best type of cable to use for FOUNDATION Fieldbus systems.
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Type B Cable (22 AWG, shielded): Maximum length of a segment: 1,200 meters
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Type C Cable (26 AWG, unshielded): The longest segment can be 400 meters long.
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Type D Cable (16 AWG, unshielded and untwisted): Maximum length of a segment: 200 meters
Additional Considerations
- A single segment can connect to up to 32 field devices, however the overall length of the cable can’t go over the limits mentioned unless repeaters or couplers are utilized.
- You can go farther than 1,900 meters with repeaters, but each segment must still follow the requirements for signal integrity and power distribution.
These restrictions are very important for making sure that communication is reliable and that FOUNDATION Fieldbus standards are followed. If you want a visual layout that shows segment topology or cable kinds in a process plant, just let me know.