FFeasy

Rapid Realization of simple FOUNDATION fieldbus H1 Transmitters

FFeasy combines hardware, software, and additional tools to directly implement FOUNDATIONTM fieldbus H1 transmitters without requiring any programming effort. FFeasy makes use of Softing’s Fieldbus Kit FBK-2 product and is based on a standard Function Block application.

  • Very Fast Time-to-Market
  • Cost Savings
  • Investment Protection

Transmitter Implementation without Programming Effort

FFeasy allows implementing FOUNDATION fieldbus H1 transmitters without performing any programming work and without the need for in-depth FF knowhow. Choose between HART or Modbus RTU communication to achieve swift device integration. The FFeasy parameterization  file allows the manufacturer to specify up-to 25 parameters for use in the field device application and up-to four Analog Input (AI) Function Blocks. The customization of this well-defined parameterization file requires only minimal effort and thus, represents one of the fastest implementation methods available today.

Cost savings through already done Device Certification

FFeasy is based on the hardware and software of the Softing Fieldbus Kit FBK-2 product as well as on a standard Function Block application. Softing’s FFeasy successfully passed all required certification steps in this configuration. As a result, a FF H1 transmitter product that has been developed based on the FFeasy kit only requires the short and very cost-effective re-certification process at a Fieldbus Foundation certification lab (private label ITK).

Investment Protection by Proven Hardware and Software

Softing’s FBK-2, the heart of the FFeasy product, is a conformant and industry- hardened FF communications module that is used in thousands of products in the field. The FFeasy package benefits from Softing’s long-term commitment to the industry to maintain the hardware and software of the FBK-2 to stay conformant with the ever evolving Fieldbus Foundation specification. This approach ensures the long-term availability of fieldbus implementations based on Softing’s FFeasy product.

Functional Scope
FFeasyFFeasy Hardware, Protocol Stack, Standard Function Block Application, Tools for Implementing a FF H1 Field Device
Hardware
ProcessorRenesas M16C
RAM31KB internal, 440KB external SRAM
Flash 384KB internal
Non-volatile RAM8KB
Interfaces
Fieldbus InterfaceFF H1 according to IEC 61158-2, Power over fieldbus
Data Interface to Field DeviceUART, I2C, SPI
Serial Communication Interface to Field DeviceHART, Modbus RTU
Physical Properties
Current consumption26 mA
Software requirements

Windows XP, Windows 7, Excel 2003, Excel 2007
USB Interface
Options
Available Function BlocksAnalog Input (AI)
ATEX SupportEEx II 2G (1) GD EExia IIC T4
FFeasyKit for Fast Development of Simple FOUNDATION  fieldbus H1 Transmitters

Scope of Delivery

HardwareFieldbus Kit FBK-2, FBK-2 Programming Adapter for Firmware Download, Starter Kit for FF H1 Network Set-Up
SoftwareParametrization File, Standard-Function Block Application, Function Block, Resource Block, Transducer Block, Device Description File, Generation Tool
SupportUp to 8h by Phone, Email
DocumentationFFeasy Manual, Hardware Description FBK-2
CertificatesPhysical Layer Test Certificate, Conformance Test Certificate, Interoperability Test Certificate,
ATEX Certificate

Additional Products and Services

FCM-NK-0111 Fieldbus Kit FBK-2, Standard Version
FCM-NK-0211Fieldbus Kit FBK-2, Standard Version, Conformal Coated
FCM-NK-0311Fieldbus Kit FBK-2, Standard Version with ATEX Certification, Potted
FCM-NK-0411Fieldbus Kit FBK-2, Standard Version with Solder Connection at Board Edge
FBK-2-START_FFPrototype Enhancement for Migrating HART Field Devices to FOUNDATION  fieldbus H1
FF-STARTStarter Kit for FOUNDATION fieldbus H1 Network Set-Up
FF-TRAININGFOUNDATION fieldbus Technology Training

FF Field Device Testing and FF Technology Evaluation

The FF Starter Kit includes a complete set of hardware and software equipment that is required to set up and operate a FOUNDATION fieldbus (FF) H1 network. This tool is suited for learning how to use FF technology and represents the best starting point for instrument manufacturers planning to implement FF functionality in their field devices.

  • Easy Network Setup
  • Becoming Familiar with FOUNDATION fieldbus
  • Test Environment for Device Development

Easy Setup of FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 Network

The FF Starter Kit includes all hardware and software components necessary to setup, configure, and monitor an FF H1 network. It is mainly based on Softing’s successful FF products and includes a Linking Device, a sample FF H1 field device with interactive simulation capabilities, a Windows-based configuration tool, a power conditioner, cables, as well as detailed documentation. This stand alone Starter Kithas been designed with ease-of-use in mind and does not require any development or other time-consuming preparation work.

Becoming Familiar with FOUNDATION Fieldbus

The plug-and-play FF Starter Kit allows evaluating and learning FF technology. Users of this solution are enabled to gain practical experience in planning, configuring, setting up, running and maintaining a network. In addition to learning purposes, the Starter Kit can be used for demonstrations and showroom applications. 

Test Environment for Device Development

The FF Starter Kit is moreover designed for laboratory and development use and enables users to carry out FF H1 field device tests. The included Linking Device provides access via FF High Speed Ethernet (HSE) to up to 4 segments with up to 16 devices each. Process values can be monitored and individual network situations can be tested by using the FF H1 field device simulation capabilities.

Additional Information

FF Starter Kit Data Sheet

Technical Data

FF-START consists of individual FOUNDATION fieldbus Softing products (see Scope of Delivery). The detailed Technical Data of these products can be found in the respective datasheets which are all included in the FF-START CD-ROM.

Scope of Delivery

FF Starter KitHardware and Software1 Softing FOUNDATION fieldbus Linking Device FG-110 FF
1 Softing FOUNDATION fieldbus Sample Device FBK-2-START
1 Softing FOUNDATION fieldbus Configuration Tool FF-CONF
1 Power Conditioner (Relcom F11)
24V Power Supply (for FG-110 FF)
2 FOUNDATION fieldbus H1 Cables
DocumentationFF Starter Kit Manuals and Documentation on CD-ROM

Order Number

KSA-FK-020220

FF Starter Kit

Additional Products and Services

OPC-MODB-TCPModbus TCP OPC Server

TRA-FF-GL

Introductory Training “FOUNDATION fieldbus”
This training is not offered as a standard training course, but tailored to individual customer requirements. It is usually held as part of a workshop and in connection with an integration project.