Rockwell Automation announced that its PlantPAx process automation system is now registered as a Foundation Fieldbus integrated host system. The PlantPAx system with EtherNet/IP and ControlNet network connectivity passed tests for "61b," the Fieldbus Foundation's most demanding host profile. Host profile 61b helps ensure interoperability among multivendor environments, making it easier for users to configure and maintain fieldbus devices.
Steve Pulsifer, director of Process Market Development, Rockwell Automation said that this qualification strengthens Rockwell Automation's position as a leader in Foundation Fieldbus technology. "Meeting the Fieldbus Foundation's interoperability standards demonstrates the ability of the PlantPAx process automation system to help manufacturers address production issues with real-time, plantwide intelligence," said Pulsifer.
The Fieldbus Foundation created its Host Registration Program to benefit both end users and automation suppliers by establishing standards in the multivendor Foundation Fieldbus environment. To register under process 61b, the Fieldbus Foundation requires the following mandatory host features:
- Block installation
- Multiple capability levels
- Enhanced function block
- Profiled custom function blocks
- Configuration of scheduled control function blocks
- DD V5.1 device-level access
