Fieldbus Foundation released final specifications to make its fieldbus technology compatible with high speed Ethernet.

Fieldbus Foundation, Austin, TX, has released final specifications to make its fieldbus technology compatible with high speed Ethernet (HSE). The network solution is capable of integrating continuous, advanced, batch and discrete control data into plant management systems and databases. Users can employ standard, commercial Ethernet hardware, and the software supports all Foundation Fieldbus 31.25 kbps (H1) functions, including function blocks and device description language. Ethernet-based devices can interface with H1 devices through a linking device and can communicate peer-to-peer without the need for host system intervention.

Also included in the specification is a field device that supports standard Foundation function blocks such as AI, AO and PID. The linking device and HSE field device can be combined to perform batch, PLC logic and continuous control. All or part of the HSE network and devices can be made redundant to achieve the level of fault tolerance needed for the application.