Intelligent field devices, from valves to temperature transmitters can detect faults, and in many cases, enable you to trend incoming data to avoid faults altogether. The challenge of managing the complexity of many intelligent field devices across different protocols can be overcome by utilizing a handheld, portable interface tool that supports multiple protocols simultaneously.
Along with HART and Foundation Fieldbus, PROFIBUS is one of the most important communication protocols for digital field devices in the process industry. By supporting digital communication and manufacturer-independent device exchange, it offers the best conditions for controlling, monitoring, and streamlining production processes. But to make the communication architecture fit for the requirements of IIoT applications, faster data transmission is needed. For this purpose, modern Ethernet-based PLCs are available, which allow existing PROFIBUS networks in the process industry to be expanded with modern and highly functional segments.
When it comes to field device management, the process industry still seems to overlook the two key aspects of protocols and ‘accessibility’ – at least that’s the impression we get from the tools provided by instrument suppliers. Softing Industrial has filled this application gap with two mobile enterprise solutions, which are the first in the world to support the three major protocols of HART, FOUNDATION Fieldbus, and PROFIBUS PA in a single device for connection to intelligent field devices while also offering an interface for integration and data provisioning.
Driven by the digitalization of field devices in the process industry, the growing importance of predictive maintenance and the increasing possibilities offered by centralized field device configuration, digital communication protocols like HART-IP are on the rise. In addition to providing access to a device’s process variables, the protocol also supports device parameter setting and advanced diagnostics. HART-IP will therefore play an important role in enabling the Industrial Internet of Things in process plants. Softing supports HART-IP technology and offers an NOA-compliant gateway with its smartLink DP product.
Field devices in modern plants in the process industry can give operators detailed information about the condition of the plant. The collected data helps in planning preventive maintenance work and in optimizing production processes. Together with the US company Emerson, Softing has developed connectivity solutions to help customers use this data to improve plant productivity and increase lifecycles
In the spotlight: Softing joins Emerson’s DeltaV Alliance Product Program and extends intelligent device management across the field to islands of devices and out to the enterprise to remote subject matter experts.
Digital, mobile and networked solutions for efficient management of critical business assets
