Fieldbus Foundation releases free application guide for IS systems

Austin, TX— To assist device developers and end-users, the Fieldbus Foundation (FF) has re-leased its new FOUNDATION fieldbus Application Guide for 31.25 kbps Intrinsically Safe Systems (AG-163, Revision 2.0). This comprehensive, updated document improves understanding of application considerations for today’s fieldbus systems, and contains useful information for both developers and users, and is available free of charge.

The new application guide includes an overview of 31.25-kbps intrinsically safe (IS) fieldbus systems, followed by an outline of the specifications for field devices and other related equipment. The updates follow the actual intrinsically safe fieldbus technology. The booklet also provides guidance on registering fieldbus equipment and offers advice on sound design and installation practices.

The updated guide reflects recent changes and products available for use in applying fieldbus technology in intrinsically safe areas. Also included is a new section on the Fieldbus Intrinsically Safe Concept (FISCO), as well as examples of the split architecture and fieldbus barrier concept for both North American Class Division and Zone classification methods.

Joe Conklin, FF’s marketing specialist, says the application guide a valuable tool for expanding implementation of fieldbus in hazardous area applications. ‘The new application guide explains the basic concepts of intrinsically safe systems, and at the same time, provides guidance on equipment use in those systems,’ he adds. ‘This document is a must for users installing fieldbus systems in IS environments. It will also help device developers speed new products to market.’

The guide relates only to FOUNDATION fieldbus equipment and systems operating at a 31.25 kbps data rate and conforming to the specifications and recommended parameters in the IEC 61158-2: 2003 standard (‘Fieldbus for Use in Industrial Control Systems – Part 2: Physical Layer Specification,’ Type 1).

Conklin adds that FF especially appreciates the active commitment of its member companies. ‘Without their dedication, this new application guide would not have been possible,’ he says. Contributors to the guide included: ABB, Endress+Hauser, Hawke, MTL, Pepperl+Fuchs, Stahl, Turck and VEGA. The foundation also acknowledged Dr. Ulrich Johannsmeyer from the Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt PTB for his contribution to the project.

To obtain a free copy of the FOUNDATION Fieldbus Application Guide (AG-163) in .pdf format, visit https://www.fieldbus.org/about/foundationtech/resources/ .

Users also can obtain a CD containing a licensed, fully-searchable Microsoft Word version of the application guide. Specifying projects with it involves a simple step of extracting the required section of the guide into a design document. For the searchable Microsoft Word document on CD, please contact member services at (512) 794-8890, x 21, or send an e-mail to member.services@fieldbus.org .

Control Engineering Daily News DeskJim Montague, news editorjmontague@reedbusiness.com

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