FOUNDATION Fieldbus FOUNDATION technology is the world's leading digital protocol for process automation. It provides end users with the "Freedom to Choose" best-in-class, interoperable control products from their suppliers of choice, and the "Power to Integrate" control systems, subsystems and devices across the plant enterprise. The result is improved plant performance-and greater business results. The open, nonproprietary FOUNDATION architecture provides a communications protocol for control and instrumentation systems in which each device has its own "intelligence" and communicates via an all-digital, serial, two-way communications system. The technology consists of two different segment types - H1 used to connect devices in the field and HSE used connect segments to gateways and other higher speed devices. H1 FOUNDATION H1 is intended primarily for process control, field-level interface, and device integration. Running at 31.25 kbit/s, the technology interconnects devices such as transmitters and actuators on a field network. H1 is designed to operate on existing twisted pair instrument cabling with power and signal on the same wire. Fiber optic media is optional. It also supports Intrinsic Safety (IS) applications.HSE High Speed Ethernet (HSE) is ideally suited for use as a control backbone. Running at 100 Mbit/s, the technology is designed for device, subsystem, and enterprise integration. It supports the entire range of fieldbus capabilities, including standard function blocks and Device Descriptions (DDs), as well as application-specific Flexible Function Blocks (FFBs) for advanced process and discrete/hybrid/batch applications.Business Case for FOUNDATION Fieldbus From a business standpoint, FOUNDATION technology delivers savings in total installation costs. H1 fieldbus reduces instrument wiring, which means less termination and fewer screwdriver turns. The technology reduces hardware requirements and lowers Capital Expenditures (CAPEX). FOUNDATION fieldbus primarily reduces Operating Expenses (OPEX) through improved plant efficiencies, better asset management, and reduced maintenance requirements. Specific benefits of FOUNDATION technology include: reduced wiring, multi-variables from a single multi-channel field instrument, simpler integration, and easier maintenance. Ultimately, FOUNDATION technology will be the key to greater manufacturing flexibility and productivity, higher quality products, and improved regulatory compliance. This can be achieved by predictive maintenance scheduling and better upkeep enabled by the diagnostics, performance analysis data, and operational statistics. Better adjusted and properly calibrated devices ensure lower process variability. The isochronous bus cycle enables tighter loop tuning, and as a result, better process control. Firmware download gives the ability to stave off obsolescence, giving fieldbus plants longer life than other plants with greater ease.  Returm
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