The Fieldbus Foundation's director of technology development, Dave Glanzer, commented, "Our new specification will benefit end users who need to be able to interface ISA100.11a wireless devices to improve their integration with a control system and field devices. It also provides a networked method for an asset-managing host to access a large set of ISA100.11a devices for configuration and maintenance purposes.
"Experienced automation professionals in the process industries have taught us a lot about the implementation of fieldbus and how to make it better. We are driving the feedback from our dedicated end user customers, suppliers and engineering partners into a continuous improvement process to make the technology easier to use and implement in a wide range of applications."
The Fieldbus Foundation's ROM infrastructure provides a single source for data management, diagnostics, alarms and alerts, data quality control, control-in-the-field capability, and object-oriented block structure. Its High Speed Ethernet (HSE) TCP/IP protocol enables remote operations information to be communicated to the control system over any wired or wireless backhaul network utilizing the architecture model developed in a joint collaboration between the Fieldbus Foundation and the International Society for Automation (ISA) under the ISA100.15 Wireless Backhaul Networks Working Group.
To ensure interoperability, FOUNDATION for ROM devices from multiple suppliers utilize Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) and interoperability testing. This is essential to improve integration of critical functional areas, including machinery health monitoring, safety interlocks, fire & gas detection systems, and video surveillance.
For more information, please visit the FOUNDATION for ROM page of the Fieldbus Foundation's website at www.fieldbus.org.