Fieldbus refers to a digital communication network that connects measurement and control devices within a factory, also known as a field network. It enables communication between sensors, operating terminals, and controllers, replacing traditional wiring such as ON/OFF signals, contact signals, and analog signals. By digitizing communication, it allows for time division, multiplexing, and multi-point communication, resulting in improved performance, higher reliability, and easier maintenance. It also reduces the amount of wiring required, making it more cost-effective.
Fieldbus features include:
- **Communication capability**: Field control devices are equipped with communication functions, which facilitate the construction of the plant's underlying control network.
- **Open standards**: The communication protocols are open and standardized, enabling interoperability between different devices.
- **Function block normalization**: Standardized function blocks allow for interchangeable devices with similar functions.
- **Decentralized control**: Control functions are placed at the field level, leading to a highly distributed control system structure.
The advantages of fieldbus include:
- **Integration into information networks**: Self-control devices can now be part of broader information systems, expanding their application potential.
- **Cost savings on installation**: Multiple devices can be connected to a single pair of twisted wires, reducing cabling costs.
- **Lower maintenance costs**: Simplified wiring and centralized monitoring reduce maintenance efforts.
- **Improved system reliability**: Enhanced communication and redundancy features increase system stability.
- **Flexible integration**: Users have more control over how they integrate different systems.
**Development Trends**: Fieldbus technology is widely used in manufacturing, process industries, transportation, buildings, and energy sectors, driving automation forward.
**Mainstream Fieldbuses**:
1. **Foundation Fieldbus (FF)**: Developed by a consortium of 80 companies, including Yokogawa, ABB, and Siemens, FF is widely used in process automation. It operates at two speeds—H1 (31.25 Kbit/s) and H2 (1 Mbit/s or 2.5 Mbit/s), supporting various media like twisted pairs and fiber optics.
2. **CAN (Controller Area Network)**: Introduced by Bosch, CAN is popular in discrete control applications. It supports high-speed communication (up to 1 Mbps), multi-master operation, and strong noise immunity. It has been standardized by ISO and is supported by major chip manufacturers.
3. **LonWorks**: Developed by Echelon, LonWorks uses the full 7-layer OSI model and supports multiple media, including twisted pair, coaxial cable, and wireless. It’s known for its flexibility and is used in building automation and home systems.
4. **DeviceNet**: Based on CAN, DeviceNet offers a low-cost, open network solution for device-level communication. It supports up to 64 nodes and is ideal for industrial automation due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
5. **PROFIBUS**: A German and European standard, PROFIBUS includes DP, FMS, and PA variants. It supports high-speed data transfer (up to 12 Mbps) and is used in process and factory automation.
6. **HART**: Short for Highway Addressable Remote Transducer, HART allows digital communication over existing analog lines. It’s a transitional technology used in process industries, supporting both analog and digital signals.
7. **CC-Link**: Launched by Mitsubishi Electric, CC-Link offers high-speed communication (up to 10 Mbps) and is widely used in Asia. It simplifies field wiring and supports both control and information transmission.
8. **WorldFIP**: Originally developed in Europe, WorldFIP remains independent after merging with FF in North America. It is widely used in France and offers a single-bus architecture with excellent compatibility.
9. **INTERBUS**: An early fieldbus from Phoenix, INTERBUS became an IEC international standard. It supports reliable, real-time communication and is used in automotive and packaging industries.
Other notable fieldbuses include **P-Net**, used in agriculture and food, and **SwiftNet**, applied in aerospace. Each fieldbus has unique strengths and is tailored to specific industry needs. As industrial automation continues to evolve, fieldbus technologies will play a key role in shaping smarter, more efficient systems.
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