The Fieldbus Foundation today announced its support for a new International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) report that provides guidance to end users for selecting an industry-standard device integration technology encompassing all host systems, field instruments and device protocols.

The new technical report, IEC 61804-6 Ed 1: Function blocks (FB) for process control – Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) – Part 6: Meeting the requirements for integrating fieldbus devices in engineering tools for field devices, explains the requirements for field device integration and how they are met using the EDDL standard (IEC 61804-3).

EDDL is a universal, proven and state-of-the-art method for accessing diagnostic, real-time and asset management information contained in more than 20 million field devices from the world's leading instrumentation manufacturers. EDDL has the power to integrate field devices for optimal control strategies and consistent Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) across different platforms. The technology extends interoperability to the HMI and diagnostic data levels with improved visualization and graphical capabilities.

The IEC report is based on the recommendations of NAMUR, an international end user association of automation technology in the process industries. The NAMUR NE105 specification was published in 2004 to clearly define requirements for device integration technologies enabling a mixture of sophisticated device types—based on different protocols—from multiple manufacturers, and keeping control systems up to date with new versions of these devices. Device integration technology impacts both the ease of use for devices and system administration.

Fieldbus Foundation's Larry O'Brien said, "This report is good news for automation end users because it illustrates how EDDL can satisfy key requirements for integrating the large amount of data provided by today's fieldbus devices with the applications that must turn that data into useful information–not just FOUNDATION fieldbus devices, but all devices that rely on EDDL technology."

O'Brien continued, "NE105 provides a very effective outline of how information from multiple intelligent devices should be integrated in a process plant. BIS, one of the leading industrial services suppliers in the world, conducted extensive research to match the functionality of EDDL with the NAMUR NE105 end user requirements. To get this report admitted as part of the IEC 61804-6 standard is beneficial because users now have a roadmap for implementing EDDL-based technologies in accordance with NAMUR NE105 recommendations."

As a standard that is totally independent of computer operating systems, EDDL protects investments in control systems and devices by ensuring obsolescence cycles are not shortened by new Microsoft Windows™ versions. Future devices with EDDL files can be commissioned without upgrading Windows. Likewise, a new version of Windows does not require updated drivers in existing devices; new device management software can be installed while still supporting the older equipment. EDDL also avoids version conflicts with system software, since EDDL files do not require software installation for loading and are non-executable.

EDDL allows operators to receive detailed information about failures of critical devices so that action can be taken before the process is affected. Additionally, EDDL files are organized according to device type and version, enabling the system to automatically find the right file for the device without manual binding. Keeping control systems up to date with EDDL is easy since EDDL files are copied documents, not installed software. The process is the same for all devices regardless of protocol, manufacturer, or type. Updates are guided by a wizard and done once—in a central location—for all workstations in the system.

EDDL graphics are rendered the same for all devices regardless of protocol, device type or manufacturer, thus ensuring a consistent look and feel for device configuration and diagnostics. This is key to the technology's ease of use. A standard dictionary also ensures consistent terminology, and device-specific functions such as advanced diagnostics are integrated with the same user interface as the standard overview.

Because device management software can use EDDL files without special programming, it can maintain an audit trail and keep the configuration database synchronized for all devices. Since graphics are rendered, the parameter status is consistently indicated for all devices. Audit trail and configuration can also be exported and printed for all devices.

The Fieldbus Foundation provides independent testing of FOUNDATION fieldbus devices, including their EDDL files, to ensure interoperability, interchangeability and compatibility. Devices that pass these tests carry the official FOUNDATION registration mark and are listed on www.fieldbus.org. Host systems are also tested to ensure support for the EDDL standard.

For more information about EDDL technology and field device integration, please visit www.eddl.org.

The five major automation foundations, including the FDT Group, Fieldbus Foundation, HART Communication Foundation, PROFIBUS & PROFINET International, and OPC Foundation have developed a single common solution for Field Device Integration (FDI). These foundations have combined their efforts to form a joint company named FDI Cooperation, LLC. The organizations is headed by a “Board of Managers”, which is composed of the representatives of the involved organizations, as well as managers of global automation suppliers including ABB, Emerson, Endress+Hauser, Honeywell, Invensys, Siemens, and Yokogawa.

FDI’s mandate is to develop a single technology for the management of information that comes from all intelligent devices throughout all areas of the plant. The mission of FDI LLC is to do the following:

• Complete the standardization of FDI under the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).
• Manage the FDI Specification.
• Finalize the FDI tool kits for system and device manufacturers.
• Promote and provide high quality technology support for FDI, independent of and common for the respective communication protocols.
• Preserve end users’ and automation manufacturers’ investments by providing state-of-the-art technology that is fully backward compatible.
• Ensure stability, interoperability and compatibility of FDI-based products.

In the past, the development of such uniform technology was inhibited by too many different interests from organizations and automation manufacturers, resulting in the creation of disparate technical solutions. The current solutions – EDDL (Electronic Device Description Language) in various formats and FDT (Field Device Technology) – have their strengths and weaknesses, but also overlap to a large extent and thus lead to additional expense for users and manufacturers. Efficient and economically viable device integration requires multiprotocol, standardized technology that makes device information available across systems and applications from different manufacturers.

FDI technology will provide a scalable solution that users can deploy in applications ranging from simple configuration to complex management of the most sophisticated field devices for the various tasks associated with all phases of their lifecycle, from configuration, commissioning, and diagnostics to calibration. This makes different solutions for different devices obsolete. FDI is a unified solution that addresses end user requirements across the spectrum.

FOUNDATION fieldbus, PROFIBUS, and HART all use EDDL as a core technology, but they all use slightly different variations of the technology. The FDI Cooperation has harmonized EDDL across communication protocols. This enables FDI to provide single cross protocol FDI Design and Test Tools including a common EDD Interpreter. EDDL harmonization is now complete, and this facilitates the second step -- harmonization between EDDL and FDT technologies. This is the ultimate goal of FDI.

In November of 2011 at the NAMUR meeting in Germany, FDI device packages were used for the first time to integrate FOUNDATION Fieldbus, HART, and PROFIBUS field devices from various manufacturers within an ABB process control system. Typical applications, such as parameter assignment, configuration, diagnostics, and maintenance, were demonstrated. The purpose of the working prototype was to verify the FDI concepts, apply the standard host components in a system context, and demonstrate FDI functionality. This successful demonstration leads to organizations' next steps:

• First draft of the FDI specifications was published at the end of 2011.
• Completion of Conformance test concepts to occur mid-2012.
• Completion of the validation and release of the FDI specifications for member review within the foundations (mid-2012).
• Completion of the FDI standard host components, such as EDD Engine and User Interface (UI) Engine by the FDI Cooperation (end of 2012).

The primary benefit of FDI is that end users with either an FDT or EDDL-based host will have a single source solution for managing the wealth of functionality and information from intelligent field devices. Users will no longer need to manage disparate device descriptions, which will reduce the costs associated with maintaining assets in the field.  FDI combines the advantages of FDT with those of EDDL in a single, scalable solution. FDI is applicable to a wide range of tasks over the entire lifecycle of the plant for both simple and the most complex devices, including configuration, commissioning, remote diagnostics, calibration, and more.

The Fieldbus Foundation today announced that its 2012 General Assembly would be held on March 6-8 in São Paulo, Brazil. The event should attract the world's leading suppliers and end users of FOUNDATION™ fieldbus.

The 2012 General Assembly will include a comprehensive, end user-oriented agenda consisting of fieldbus project case studies and tabletop exhibitions from leading automation vendors across the globe, as well as a demonstration of the new FOUNDATION for Remote Operations Management technology.

The Fieldbus Foundation's End User Advisory Council (EUAC) will meet Tuesday, March 6, to discuss and offer direction for FOUNDATION technology. Wednesday, March 7, will feature a keynote address by a prominent executive from the Brazilian industrial sector, FOUNDATION technology updates, and presentations by key process end users, followed by a networking reception. On Thursday, March 8, the Fieldbus Foundation will conduct its annual business meeting for members.

São Paulo was selected as the site of this year's General Assembly due to its status as one of the world's fastest growing industrial regions, and the overwhelming demand for FOUNDATION technology within the area.

The event will be themed, "In a World of Choices, FOUNDATION™ Brings it all Together."

For registration and event sponsorship information visit the General Assembly Page at www.fieldbus.org.

The Fieldbus Foundation has announced that Softing Industrial Automation GmbH is the first company qualified under its FOUNDATION™ Development Services Provider (DSP) program. This program helps automation vendors get started with FOUNDATION product development by making it faster-and easier-to bring fieldbus equipment to market.

Softing Industrial Automation provides hardware and software for industrial automation and automotive electronics,

The Fieldbus Foundation launched the FOUNDATION DSP program to assist automation equipment suppliers preparing to design and manufacture products employing FOUNDATION fieldbus technology. The program provides access to qualified development services providers who apply fieldbus solutions. Qualified DSP participants are evaluated to ensure they have the tools, training and experience to support FOUNDATION fieldbus development projects. Services that can be qualified in the FOUNDATION DSP program include H1 and High Speed Ethernet fieldbus device development services, as well as host system services.

Read the full release here.

In order to provide and extended range of brushed and brushless DB motors, German-based Dunkermotoren GmbH has acquired the tubular linear motors and linear direct drives business of UK-based Copley Motion Systems business.

These products will now be part of a business called Dunkermotoren Linear Systems.

Dunkermotoren currently develops and manufactures configurable, customized solutions based on brushed and brushless DC motors with integrated power and control electronics and fieldbus interfaces. Within a modular system, these motors are combined with planetary, worm gearboxes, encoders and brakes.

The company says that Dunkermotoren Linear Systems actuators are natural candidates for productivity-enhancing innovations in multi-axis automation; claimed to be 10 times faster than traditional ball screw systems.

Dunkermotoren has a US affiliate in Elgin, Illinois.