Fieldbus Foundation has an updated version of its FOUNDATION™ fieldbus technical specification. The latest specification includes guidance supporting the development of fieldbus devices and host systems that employ advanced field diagnostics per the NAMUR NE107 recommendation, as well as support for the upcoming H1 Interoperability Test Kit (ITK) 6.0. The Fieldbus Foundation’s 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 network for instruments used in process automation, and has a built-in capability to distribute the control application across the network. The FOUNDATION fieldbus Specification Version 2010.1 includes: updates to the CFF Specification (FF-103) and Function Block Specification (FF-890, FF-891 and FF-892) to reflect changes implemented in the soon-to-be-released Interoperability Test Kit (ITK) 6.0; updates to the Host Profile Specification (FF-569), which include new FF-SIF host test requirements, as well as “B” host profile support for all newly registered fieldbus hosts; the addition of a Block Instantiation and Capability Levels Application Note (AN-008 providing guidelines to both host and device vendors on how to handle system interoperability considerations; and an update of the FOUNDATION fieldbus AG-181 System Engineering Guidelines to Version 3.1, which provides the definition of the design, specification, installation, configuration, and commissioning for a FOUNDATION fieldbus-based control systems.
