Fieldbus Foundation releases Ethernet interoperability test kit

Austin, TX—To allow interoperability testing of function blocks in high-speed Ethernet (HSE) devices, the Fieldbus Foundation (FF) has released its new HSE Interoperability Test Kit (HSE ITK), Version 1.0.

By Control Engineering Staff February 8, 2005

Austin, TX— To allow interoperability testing of function blocks in high-speed Ethernet (HSE) devices, the Fieldbus Foundation (FF) has released its new HSE Interoperability Test Kit (HSE ITK), Version 1.0. The test kit provides test cases that expand the scope of interoperability testing, benefiting end-users of FOUNDATION fieldbus devices.

HSE ITK supplements FF’s previously released conformance test tool for HSE linking devices. Its toolset opens the door for registration of FOUNDATION fieldbus HSE device designs with function blocks. Also an excellent tool for troubleshooting and debugging HSE devices, the test kit includes all hardware and software required to ensure complete HSE device interoperability as specified by the foundation

HSE ITK was designed to verify a unique aspect of FOUNDATION fieldbus that makes device interoperability possible—standard function blocks. FF says its testing tool represents the most rigorous and unique device interoperability test system available in the control industry. HSE ITK consists of a test engine and a test function block. HSE ITK test engine executes more than 400 test cases that exercise the device implementation.

The test kit also includes a

HSE ITK is the newest addition to the tool suite offered by the foundation. Other HSE testing tools include the HSE Analyzer Tool Kit (HAT) and the HSE Conformance Test kit (HCTK), both excellent tools that aid in developing and testing HSE field devices and linking devices. The ITK Automation Tool Kit is an optional tool available to automate interoperability testing and reduce manual intervention.

Denise Garvey, FF’s software specialist, adds that HSE ITK 1.0 demonstrates the foundation’s ongoing commitment to simplify the design and interoperability of high-speed, multi-vendor fieldbus systems. “We’ve listened to end-users and responded with additional testing solutions that add certainty to the interoperability of registered FOUNDATION fieldbus devices,” she says. “The HSE ITK testing tool enables developers and users to have the highest level of confidence that best-in-class fieldbus devices can be chosen for specific control applications. FOUNDATION fieldbus products are fully interoperable and deliver all of the benefits of the technology.”

FOUNDATION fieldbus users are presently specifying HSE devices and their assurance of interoperability to complete plant-wide integrations. End-users and developers worldwide reportedly give FOUNDATION fieldbus device designs high marks for complete specifications and rigorous registration testing. All devices tested and registered by the Fieldbus Foundation receive the official FOUNDATION fieldbus “check mark” insignia.

HSE Interoperability Test Kit (AT-422) is available in addition to the Interoperability Test Kit Bundle (AT-448), which is the new, combined testing kit that includes both the H1 ITK and the HSE ITK (AT-420+AT422). For more information, visit https://www.fieldbus.org/ProductsAndServices/FFProductCatalog/ .

Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jim Montague, news editor
jmontague@reedbusiness.com