Fieldbus Foundation releases Safety Instrumented Functions specification

Fieldbus Foundation announced new device development tools for its Foundation for Safety Instrumented Functions (SIF) technology. The release includes the Foundation for SIF final Technical Specification package, SIF Interoperability Test Kit (ITK), and an updated Device Description (DD) Library with SIF function blocks to support development of interoperable SIF devices for use in of industrial plant SIF applications.

Foundation fieldbus is a platform for advancing standards-based SIFs. The technology provides CAPEX and OPEX benefits by extending fieldbus benefits in plant safety systems. The SIF protocol is approved by TÜV Anlagentechnik GmbH to meet requirements of IEC 61508 up to, and including, Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3.

The new technical specification defines analog input blocks for fieldbus transmitters and other SIF devices. Updates will include digital output blocks. Within Foundation technology, function blocks contain information needed for online control. DD and Capability Files provide information for configuration and display. By using the test kit, developers can run tests identical to those used by the foundation before submitting their device for registration.

The Foundation for SIF ITK includes test cases verifying functionality of a device and conformance with the Foundation fieldbus function block and transducer block specifications. A DD Super Viewer allows examination and verification of a device DD and a conformance test procedure for the Physical Layer. The Super Viewer supports validation of existing DDs and the new DD 5.1 format. Developers can walk their DD, execute methods, and render visualization elements supported by DD 5.1 technology.

The interoperability test suite can be paired with an ITK automation tool to eliminate several manual intervention steps when performing pre-registration testing. It is available with a maintenance agreement to keep the test suite software up to date.

The Foundation DD Library (Version 3.4) has been updated to include standard Device Description Language (DDL) code for SIF blocks. With the DD subscription service, device developers have access to a template DDL.

www.fieldbus.org

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our WTWH Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.