The Fieldbus Foundation has announced that an updated version of its Foundation fieldbus specification is now available. The new specifications define features that enhance fieldbus functionality and provide additional incentives for automation equipment suppliers to get on the “Fast Track to Fieldbus”. The Fieldbus Foundation specifications define the open, non-proprietary Foundation fieldbus protocol. The technology provides an all-digital, two-way, multi-drop communications link among smart field devices and automation systems. It serves as the Local Area Network (LAN) for instruments used in process automation, and has a built-in capability to distribute the control application across the network. According to Stephen Mitschke, Fieldbus Foundation product manager-fieldbus products, the updated specifications are an essential tool for controls and instrumentation manufacturers wanting to take advantage of the rising demand for fieldbus-based control solutions around the world.
