Fieldbus Foundation updates H1 physical layer specifications.

Press Release Summary:



Fieldbus Foundation has released FOUNDATION fieldbus H1 Physical Layer Test Specification Version 2.0. This optimizes device interoperability and integration and includes updates to FOUNDATION fieldbus Cable Specification. Test procedure for isolated couplers is included with FOUNDATION fieldbus Coupler Test Specification, and update also adds receive jitter test case and device-coupler interoperability test to H1 Physical Layer Conformance Test Specification.



Original Press Release:



Fieldbus Foundation Announces Latest Enhancements To FOUNDATION(TM) Fieldbus Specifications



Updates to H1 physical layer specifications promote better device installation and integration

AUSTIN, Texas - The Fieldbus Foundation today announced enhancements to its open, non-proprietary FOUNDATION(TM) fieldbus physical layer technology. The latest updates to the H1 (31.25 kbit/s) physical layer specifications will improve the robustness of fieldbus control systems by optimizing device interoperability and integration. End users will benefit from easier installation, faster commissioning and seamless startups.

Enhancements to the FOUNDATION fieldbus specifications include:

o Addition of a test procedure for isolated couplers to the existing FOUNDATION fieldbus Coupler Test Specification. Registration of isolated couplers is now possible.

o Improvements to the H1 Physical Layer Conformance Test Specification based on Action Requests received during the last few years. The most significant changes include the addition of a receive jitter test case and a device-coupler interoperability test.

o Updates to the H1 Physical Layer Test Specification to remove obsolete profiles and align new references in the document with the current International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) specifications. Coupler profiles were also added to the test specification.

o Miscellaneous updates to the FOUNDATION fieldbus Cable Specification.

Fieldbus Foundation Director-Fieldbus Products Stephen Mitschke commented, "The Fieldbus Foundation's rigorous interoperability test and registration procedures thoroughly examine all aspects of a fieldbus device. The latest enhancements to our physical layer specifications will strengthen this testing and provide end users with greater confidence that registered FOUNDATION fieldbus devices can be employed in a tightly integrated, interoperable control system architecture."

Implementation of the new FOUNDATION fieldbus H1 Physical Layer Test Specification Version 2.0 is not immediately required. However, fieldbus device developers are encouraged to start using the specification as soon as possible. The updated specification will become mandatory with the next major release of the Fieldbus Foundation's Interoperability Test Kit 'ITK'. Until then, developers can still provide proof of conformance to Version 1.5 of the specification when registering a device.

For more information, please visit the Technical Specifications Page of the Fieldbus Foundation's website at www.fieldbus.org.

About the Fieldbus Foundation

The Fieldbus Foundation is a global not-for-profit corporation consisting of leading process end users and automation companies. Within the Fieldbus Foundation, end users, manufacturers, universities and research organizations work together to develop an automation infrastructure that provides process integrity, business intelligence and open scalable integration in a managed environment. For more information, visit their web site at www.fieldbus.org.

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