Piggin, Richard Stuart Hadley (1999) Application and development of fieldbus : executive summary. EngD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

Confusion over fieldbus technology by manufacturers and customers alike is due to a number of
factors. The goal of a single global fieldbus standard, the subsequent development of European
standards, the recognition of a number of emerging de facto standards and the continued
international standardisation of fieldbus technology is still perplexing potential fieldbus users. The
initial low supply and demand for suitable devices and compatible controller interfaces, the high
cost of control systems and inertia caused by resistance to change have all contributed to the slow
adoption of fieldbus technology by industry. The variable quality of fieldbus documentation has not
assisted the acceptance of this new technology.
An overview of industrial control systems, fieldbus technology, present and future trends is given.
The quantifiable benefits of fieldbus are identified in the assessment of fieldbus applications and
guidance on the appropriate criteria for the evaluation and selection of fieldbus are presented. End
users can use this and network planning to establish the viability, suitability and benefits of various
control system architectures and configurations prior to implementation.
The enhancements to a network configuration tool are shown to aid control system programming
and the provision of comprehensive diagnostics. A guide to fieldbus documentation enables
manufacturers to produce clear, consistent fieldbus documentation. The safety-related features for
a machine safety fieldbus are also determined for an existing network technology.
Demonstrators have been produced to show the novel use of fieldbus technology in different areas.
Transitory connections are utilised to reduce complexity and increase functionality. A machine
safety fieldbus is evaluated in the first installation of a fully networked control application.
Interoperability of devices from many different manufacturers and the benefits of fieldbus are
proven.
Experience gained during the membership of the British Standards Institution AMT/7 Committee
identified the impact of standards and legislation on fieldbus implementation and highlighted the
flawed use of standards to promote fieldbus technology. The Committee prepared a Guide to the
evaluation of fieldbus specifications, a forthcoming publication by the BSI.
The Projects presented have increased and developed the appropriate use of fieldbus technology
through novel application, technical enhancement, demonstration and knowledge dissemination.

Item Type:	Thesis (EngD)
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA76 Electronic computers. Computer science. Computer software
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Computer network protocols, Microcomputers -- Buses
Official Date:	October 1999
Dates:	Date Event October 1999 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	School of Engineering
Thesis Type:	EngD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	McLaughlin, Richard Thomas ; Young, Ken
Extent:	viii, 60 leaves
Language:	eng

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