Data and Database Management Software
Software provides high-speed Ethernet analysis.
Press Release Summary:
AT-442 High Speed Ethernet (HSE) Packet Analyzer Toolkit Professional, running at 100 Mbps, provides simultaneous dual-port capture, enhanced live list view with per device statistics, and sample HSE stack source code. With 2 network interface cards, it allows developers to simultaneously capture frames from redundant HSE fieldbus network from single application. Windows 98/2000/NT/XP-compatible Toolkit provides real-time decoding and display of HSE messages into plain text.
Original Press Release:
New HSE Packet Analyzer Toolkit Professional Now Available
AT-442 professional version helps developers take advantage of demand for HSE
AUSTIN, Texas, June 2, 2003 < The Fieldbus Foundation has announced the release of the High Speed Ethernet (HSE) Packet Analyzer Toolkit Professional (AT-442). The new professional version toolkit will help instrumentation developers take advantage of the growing, worldwide industry demand for HSE devices.
The AT-442 is the latest tool designed for use with the Fieldbus Foundation¹s best-in-class HSE technology. Running at 100 Mbit/s, HSE was voted "Product of the Year" by Control Engineering Magazine and named one of the "10 Best New Products" by the ARC Advisory Group. HSE supports subsystem interoperability, advanced control and batch hybrid automation, and enables "sensors to the boardroom" data integration. This provides end users with the Freedom to Choose and the Power to Integrate across the enterprise.
Previously, the Fieldbus Foundation released the AT-440 toolkit to expedite the development of HSE-based fieldbus products. The AT-442 professional version retains the HSE packet analyzer, HSE device implementation guide and sample HSE field device from the original toolkit, but also includes new, essential features that guide developers through the device development process. These include simultaneous dual-port capture, an enhanced live list view with per device statistics, and a sample HSE stack source code.
According to Stephen Mitschke, Fieldbus Foundation product manager-fieldbus products, the AT-442 gives developers a royalty-free, licensed sample source code* to jump start HSE device development.
"End users employing FOUNDATION fieldbus devices and permanently connected online asset management software need HSE performance," said Mitschke. "As demand builds for HSE-based fieldbus solutions, manufacturers will not want to be left behind in the development of field devices and linking devices that utilize this advanced technology."
With two network interface cards, the AT-442 toolkit allows developers to simultaneously capture frames from a redundant HSE fieldbus network from a single application. Advanced filtering permits viewing of real-time captures from each interface separately, or in a synchronized integrated display. Additionally, the toolkit's enhanced live list displays either a simple or detailed view of all HSE devices participating on the HSE network. Color-coded fields allow easy monitoring of device statistics and states for numerous devices.
The AT-442's HSE-specific Ethernet packet analyzer, which is Windows® 98/ME/2000/NT/XP compatible, speeds troubleshooting by providing real-time decoding and display of HSE messages into plain text (including errors). Its symbolic message search also makes it easy to pinpoint messages of interest. The packet analyzer can filter by address or message type to allow capture of user-defined traffic for analysis, and pre- and post-filtering makes finding specific messages easy. Plus, users can save and load HSE fieldbus message captures for later analysis. A continuous message capture feature allows hands-free monitoring.
The AT-442's example HSE field device implementation, running new multiple I/O flexible function blocks, provides device annunciation and publishing features essential for learning the HSE protocol and efficient debugging. Running on any standard Windows® PC with any standard Ethernet interface, the field device produces messages that have been validated to be correct.
In addition, the HSE design example provided with the toolkit offers an overview tutorial on the Fieldbus Foundation's integrated architecture, including a top level design example based on a real device implementation. It also provides the message structures for all HSE messages, including ASCII C header files.
A free demo of the AT-442 toolkit can downloaded from www.fieldbus.org/ at440demo. An upgrade is also available for owners of the AT-440 Analyzer Toolkit. To order the AT-442 or an upgrade kit, or to receive a free demo CD by mail, contact Maggie Carlson, Fieldbus Foundation, tel.: (512) 794-8890 x21, fax: (512) 794-8893, or e-mail: maggie.carlson@fieldbus.org.
About the Fieldbus Foundation
The Fieldbus Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation consisting of nearly 200 leading process and manufacturing automation companies worldwide whose major purpose is to provide an open and neutral environment for the development of a single, international, interoperable fieldbus. In this environment, end users, manufacturers, universities and research organizations are working together to develop the technology, provide development tools, support and training, coordinate field trials and demonstrations, and enable product interoperability. Visit their web site at www.fieldbus.org.
* Sample code donated by Emerson Process Management
Rich Timoney
Fieldbus Foundation
Tel: 512.794.8890
rich.timoney@fieldbus.org
