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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS ISSUE

10th anniversary "mega-event" scheduled for New Orleans
The Fieldbus Foundation's (FF) 2004 General Assembly promises to be one of the largest gather-ings in the foundation's history. This special "mega event" on Feb. 18-19 at the Hilton Riverside Hotel in New Orleans, LA, will mark the foundation's 10th year of operation. Read More

Live "Wall of Fame" to highlight Interkama 2004
FF's exhibit at the Interkama 2004 International Trade Fair on April 19-24 in Hannover, Germany, will feature a live "Wall of Fame" with registered FOUNDATION fieldbus devices from the world's leading automation suppliers. Read More

Promotional program offers global marketing opportunity
The foundation's 2004 promotional program includes many exciting advantages for Platinum and Gold sponsors. The program has a total distribution of more than 175,000, and is reaching new, high-growth markets in North America, China and Europe. Read More

Beka Associates joins FF
As end-users increasingly recognize the advantages of open, digital, fieldbus-based control systems, more companies, such as Beka Associates Ltd., are joining FF to integrate FOUNDATION fieldbus into their plant automation products. Read More

ABB's IndustrialIT 800xA Extends Control System Capabilities
Industrial^ITSystem 800xA gives ABB's customers a better way to measurably improve productivity and profits. System 800xA extends traditional control systems to include automation functions in one operations and engineering environment, so plants and mills can run more efficiently and reduce costs. Read More

Hawke introduces fieldbus device couplers
Hawke International has introduced two new ranges of fieldbus device couplers that are literally hot off the presses. Available in glass-reinforced polyester (GRP) or 316 Stainless Steel to suit any process application, these units allow fast and easy implementation of fieldbus systems in either intrinsically safe (IS) or non-hazardous applications. Read More

Pepperl+Fuchs' segment protectors approved by Emerson
Pepperl+Fuchs' Fieldbus Segment Protectors have been approved by Emerson Process Management for use with its DeltaV system, which is part of Emerson's PlantWeb architecture. Read More

Rockwell linking device enables Logix control
Rockwell Automation's new FOUNDATION fieldbus linking device enables manufacturers to cost effectively apply the latest digital instrumentation in their process applications. This device allows users to quickly access device information, which reduces start-up time and improves operations. It also minimizes programming and costs associated with creating and implementing a highly distributed control system in many environments, such as those found in life sciences, food, oil and gas, and brewing and beverage industries. Read More

Softing's FF-linking device provides ideal platform for OEMs
Softing North America recently announced the official registration of its linking device, which it reports is the first device supporting the full range of features in the FOUNDATION fieldbus specification (Class 42.d). The company says this registration was right on time because end-users are realizing the tremendous technical advantages of combining HSE and H1 technology. Read More

Smar introduces online asset management system
Smar reports it's once again "first in fieldbus" with its recent introduction of AssetView, a powerful, online, network-enabled plant asset management system, which is designed according to the NAMUR NE91 standard and takes advantage of FOUNDATION fieldbus' powerful diagnostics. Read More

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10th anniversary "mega event" to be held in New Orleans

The Fieldbus Foundation's (FF) 2004 General Assembly promises to be one of the largest gatherings in the foundation's history. This special "mega event on Feb. 18-19 at the Hilton Riverside Hotel in New Orleans, LA, will mark the foundation's 10th year of operation. Attendees will join leading fieldbus experts from around the world, and learn about the latest developments in FOUNDATION fieldbus.

Keynote addresses will be delivered by John Berra, Emerson Process Management's president and FF's chairman, who will present "A Look Back at 10 Years of Fieldbus," and James Rhame, Shell Chemicals' asset development manager, who will present, "Enabling Asset Management."

Richard Timoney, FF's president and CEO, says the 2004 General Assembly will be a significant milestone in FF's history. "This year's general assembly marks an important anniversary in our organization's history, and will feature the most impressive line-up of end-user presentations and technical seminars we've ever had," says Timoney. "Anyone considering implementing FOUNDATION fieldbus should make it a point to attend this event."

The 2004 General Assembly will feature workshops for end-users and integrators, fieldbus application case studies, and a welcome reception with a keynote address. Fieldbus training seminars will be conducted by The Fieldbus Center at Lee College (Baytown, TX) and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (Calgary, Alberta, Canada).

All attendees will receive a CD containing copies of end-user presentations and workshop materials, as well as the new FOUNDATION fieldbus Technical Overview, System Engineering Guide and more.

For more information or to register, click here, or call (512) 794-8890, ext. 21.

Live "Wall of Fame" to highlight Interkama 2004

FF's exhibit at the Interkama 2004 International Trade Fair on April 19-24 in Hannover, Germany, will feature a live "Wall of Fame" with registered FOUNDATION fieldbus devices from the world's leading automation suppliers.

Besides a static display of many types of fieldbus instruments, controllers and accessories, the Wall of Fame will include several live FOUNDATION fieldbus segments connected to host-supplier kiosks out on the booth's floor. Visitors will be able to view live device communications, and see the ease of FOUNDATION's system configuration for themselves.

Interkama's attendees also see the return of FF's popular "Joe Plant" character. Joe is a typical plant engineer who's seen his career prosper after convincing his company to install FOUNDATION fieldbus. He will visit the FF's exhibit at Interkama to promote the benefits of FOUNDATION fieldbus technology and meet with attendees.

For more information about FF's Interkama exhibit, click here. For more information about Interkama 2003, click here.

Promotional program offers global marketing opportunity

Global demand for FOUNDATION fieldbus is setting new records as process and discrete manufacturers move to implement open fieldbus control strategies. A recent study by ARC Advisory Group (Dedham, MA) found that, "FOUNDATION fieldbus leads the way both in terms of process fieldbus network installations and future plans to install."

To help manufacturers "get on the fast track" to promote their fieldbus products, FF's 2004 promotional program includes many exciting advantages, especially for Platinum and Gold sponsors. This program includes contributions in each newsletter and both supplements reaching a total circulation of more than 175,000 high-growth industry professionals in North America, China and Europe.

Program participants will exhibit their fieldbus products and services with tabletop exhibits and signs at nine 1.5-day seminar/workshops scheduled at locations worldwide during 2004. Intended for end-users and system integrators, these seminars were developed by the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and The Fieldbus Center at Lee College.

In addition, sponsors can contribute articles and ads for placement in the Fieldbus Report, a supplement dedicated to FOUNDATION fieldbus-related news. The program also includes articles in FF's monthly e-newsletter, Fieldbus Facts Online, along with banner ads located at the FF, Control Engineering and IAN's websites.

Control and automation leaders, such as ABB, Emerson, Endress+Hauser, Honeywell, Interlink BT, Invensys, Lee College, Pepperl+Fuchs, SAIT, Smar, Softing, StoneL, Topworx and Yokogawa, already benefit from the broad-based recognition and visibility that FF's promotional program provides. Joining the foundation's promotional program notifies the overall market that your organization delivers FOUNDATION fieldbus solutions with the "Freedom to Choose" and the "Power to Integrate."

For more information about 2004's promotional program, click here; e-mail FF Member Services; or call (512) 794-8890.

Beka Associates joins FF

As end-users increasingly recognize the advantages of open, all-digital fieldbuses, more companies, such as Beka Associates Ltd., are joining FF to integrate FOUNDATION fieldbus into their plant automation products.

Beka is a small, independent, privately owned company that specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of display instrumentation used in flammable atmospheres. The firm primarily serves the petrochemical and pharmaceutical markets. Beka joined FF to develop a FOUNDATION fieldbus interface that will initially provide fieldbus communications for intrinsi-cally safe text displays and batch controllers.

Though the company's design, production and sales facilities presently reside in the U.K., Beka also has more than 30 agents overseas. The firm adds that all of its products carry ATEX intrinsic safety certifications, and many are also FM approved for use in the U.S.

Major manufacturers worldwide choose FOUNDATION fieldbus to gain unprecedented plant performance and economic benefits. FF members receive unique benefits, such as product and services discounts, access to application guides, and promotional program sponsorship opportunities, as well as the most significant benefit—a new member copy of the specifications for building FOUNDATION fieldbus products.

For more information, click here. For more information about FF membership, please e-mail us here.

ABB's Industrial^IT 800xA extends control system capabilities

Industrial^IT System 800xA gives ABB's customers a better way to measurably improve productivity and profits. System 800xA extends traditional control systems to include all automation functions in one operations and engineering environment, so plants and mills can run more efficiently and reduce costs.

"With Industrial^IT System 800xA Extended Automation, our customers can reach unprecedented levels of integration, functionality, and ultimately, productivity," says Bob Hausler, ABB's systems marketing VP for Industrial^IT. "System 800xA allows our customers to do much more with their automation systems than they could in the past. With this introduction, ABB has raised the bar for automation system scope and functionality."

System 800xA goes far beyond the reach of traditional automation systems to achieve the productivity gains necessary to succeed in today's business markets. It surpasses the realm of essential process control to include production management, safety systems, smart instrumentation, smart drives and motor control, robotics, information management, asset optimization and documentation. System 800xA's unique engineering environment manages one set of consistent data to achieve single-point entry, single-point change, and re-use across the plant.

For more information, click here.

Hawke introduces fieldbus device couplers

Hawke International has introduced two new ranges of fieldbus device couplers that are literally hot off the presses. Available in glass-reinforced polyester (GRP) or 316 Stainless Steel to suit any process application, these units allow fast and easy implementation of fieldbus systems in either intrinsically safe (IS) or non-hazardous applications.

These couplers provide connections for up to eight fieldbus devices. They have individual spur short-circuit protection, built-in segment terminator, labeling, and a variety of cable glands and fittings that can be specified to complete the package. The couplers also provide everything needed to make fieldbus installation and commissioning easy, from initial systems specification to on-site implementation. Hawke's RM100 series covers IS applications, while its RM200 series covers non-hazardous applications. Unique features include a built-in gland continuity plate in the GRP enclosure, and an amazing pivoting lid in the stainless steel enclosure that makes field-wiring a breeze!

Of course, if IS protection is required, Hawke's RM100 system is still the class leader. It gives system designers up to 350 mA per segment as a power budget for devices installed in any gas, in any Zone/Division, and with no FISCO-style restrictions! With FM/ATEX/GOST approvals and thousands of installed systems, the RM100 is the premier choice for intrinsically safe applications.

For more information, click here.

Pepperl+Fuchs' segment protectors approved by Emerson

Pepperl+Fuchs' (P+F) Fieldbus Segment Protectors have been approved by Emerson Process Management for use with its DeltaV system, which is part of Emerson's PlantWeb architecture. This approval allows Emerson's sales and service centers worldwide to obtain P+F's full factory support when using the segment protectors in DeltaV system proposals and implementations.

Fieldbus Segment Protectors connect non-incendive and general-purpose devices to a fieldbus trunk, while providing short-circuit and overload protection for up to eight spurs. They mount inside safe areas, or in Class 1, Division 2 or Zone 2 hazardous areas, and include a built-in, selectable fieldbus terminator and LEDs for short-circuit indication. Multiple housing styles and other options are available to meet specific application requirements.

These segment protectors join a number of Emerson-approved Pepperl+Fuchs products, including the FOUNDATION fieldbus ValveBox, FieldBarrier, junction boxes, extension cables, cordsets and connectors.

For more information, contact Pepperl+Fuchs by phone: (330) 486-0002; fax: (330) 425-4607; e-mail; or via its web site.

Rockwell linking device enables Logix control

Rockwell Automation's new FOUNDATION fieldbus linking device allows manufacturers to cost effectively apply the latest digital instrumentation in their process applications. This device lets users quickly access device information, which reduces start-up time and improves operations. It also minimizes programming and costs associated with creating and implementing a highly distributed control system in many environments, such as those found in life sciences, food, oil and gas, and brewing and beverage industries.

1757-FFLD helps eliminate costly and time-consuming device integration by enabling direct connection of Allen-Bradley Logix controllers with FOUNDATION fieldbus devices. Manufacturers can now marry process, motion, discrete and sequential operations with the remote processing power of FOUNDATION fieldbus technology. 1757-FFLD links H1 and high-speed Ethernet networks, while providing dual concurrent communications with Ethernet/IP. This allows manufacturers to use EtherNet/IP for discrete applications and HSE for process applications on the same network.

1757-FFLD features a graphical development environment to configure FOUNDATION fieldbus networks and devices, while RSLogix 5000 programming software provides a built-in interface to connect Logix data tags to FOUNDATION fieldbus device block parameters. An OPC HSE server interface enables any OPC-based software, such as RSView, to access FOUNDATION fieldbus device data, which gives users a holistic view of plant-floor instrumentation.

For more information, click here.

Softing's FF-linking device provides ideal platform for OEMs

Softing North America recently announced the official registration of its linking device, which it reports is the first device supporting the full range of features in the FOUNDATION fieldbus specification (Class 42.d). The company says its device registration was right on time because end-users are realizing the tremendous technical advantages of combining HSE and H1 technology. Softing North America is a division of Softing AG.

These days, system suppliers have to react quickly to customers' rapidly increasing demands. Softing can help to fill this need with its open and flexible linking device platform, which was developed for custom-tailored integrations into existing systems.

Likewise, Softing's linking device supports totally new types of applications that require access to the existing H1 world via Ethernet-based communication. The most common examples are:

Softing adds that smooth integration into a client's system is backed up by its experience with many similar projects. Softing's unique position as an independent system house allows for a non-competitive relationship.

For more information, contact Softing's Armin Tesch via e-mail, or visit www.softing.com or www.softing.us.

Smar introduces online asset management system

Smar reports that it's once again "first in fieldbus" with its recent introduction of AssetView, a powerful, online, network-enabled plant asset management system, which is designed according to the NAMUR NE91 standard and takes advantage of FOUNDATION fieldbus' powerful diagnostics.

Smar adds that AssetView is the most advanced device diagnostic and manager software offered to date. Also a key component of Smar's System302 enterprise automation solution, AssetView allows process plants to better manage the health and performance of field instrumentation and controls.

Featuring a user-friendly, browser-based, multi-client interface, AssetView provides continuous, online access to intelligent field devices. AssetView's standard, platform-independent, web-based architecture allows it to work either plant-wide across the network, or enterprise-wide across the Internet. With AssetView, web pages are generated for every device at a plant location using Active Server Page (ASP) technology. Technicians can access these pages via web browser clients, so they can perform tasks, including identification, calibration, diagnostics and reconciliation of device configurations.

In addition, AssetView uses available parameter information from FOUNDATION fieldbus and HART devices, regardless of their make or model. This helps eliminate constraints on plant-wide integration, while protecting the user's installed investment.

For more information, click here.

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