Fieldbuses

Openness is a decisive factor for many applications, which is why B&R offers all essential fieldbus connections in various form factors for all control platforms. Third-party devices are integrated completely and seamlessly in Automation Studio via EDS or GSD device description files or using FDT/DTM technology. This flexibility ensures that devices from different manufacturers can be easily integrated into the automation system. Conversely, fieldbus slave modules (bus controllers) make it possible to seamlessly connect B&R I/O systems to third-party controllers. This ensures simple and efficient communication between different controllers and I/O systems, regardless of the fieldbus protocols used.

FDT (Field Device Tool) technology standardizes the communication interface between field devices and systems. The particular advantage of this technology is that it works independently of the communication protocol used and the respective software environment of both the device and the control system. As a result, FDT allows any devices to be integrated and for them to communicate with any systems and protocols.

A device manufacturer develops a specific Device Type Manager (DTM) for each of its devices or device groups. If available, this can be created directly from the device description (DD). The DTM contains all device-specific data, functions and operating rules, including dependencies and capabilities for human-machine communication. DTMs offer a variety of functions, including retrieval of device parameters, configuration and operation of the devices, as well as error diagnostics.

The form of a DTM can vary. It can range from a simple graphical user interface (GUI) for setting device parameters to highly developed applications that perform complex real-time calculations for diagnostic and maintenance purposes. In addition, DTMs take into account the device structure, the available communication options and other device-specific features to ensure seamless interaction and operation.

In addition to its main function, the frame application also includes communication interfaces to connect the host system with the respective fieldbuses used (e.g. HART, PROFIBUS, FOUNDATION fieldbus, etc.). The FDT container within the frame application executes the DTM, enabling the device to interact seamlessly with the system's engineering and operating environment. This ensures uniform, efficient communication and integration of the devices into the complete system.

The use of FDT technology offers considerable advantages for both end users and automation equipment suppliers. Both user groups benefit from synergy effects that lead to more efficient device integration, simplified operation and optimized system maintenance. These advantages make FDT an important, future-oriented standard in automation technology, which both increases system efficiency and reduces complexity over the long term.

The X20 product range offers analog HART input and HART output modules that have been specially developed for efficient data transfer, parameterization and diagnostics of field devices. Thanks to HART communication, additional information such as diagnostic data and device settings can be transferred via the same line as the actual process values. This simplifies integration, improves monitoring and enables central configuration of the field devices, optimizing both operational efficiency and maintenance.

The X20AI2438 (input module) and X20AO2438 (output module) are each equipped with two inputs and outputs. They enable the direct transfer of HART information from sensors and actuators to the controller via the fast real-time POWERLINK Ethernet. These modules combine process data and HART communication, ensuring seamless integration of field devices into the automation system. This results in fast and efficient data processing as well as optimized device monitoring and control.

The controller is responsible for collecting HART information and forwarding it to maintenance stations with an FDT container via the process bus. Examples of such maintenance stations are Automation Studio from B&R and PACTware. These software solutions enable detailed evaluation, parameterization and diagnostics of the field devices, which considerably simplifies the operation and maintenance of the automation systems.

Bidirectional communication not only allows HART devices to be monitored, but also parameterized. With the TCP/IP communication DTM from B&R, the entire hardware tree, including the field devices, is determined using hardware scanning in the network. This function enables the controller to identify and monitor all connected devices, which supports precise diagnostics and efficient maintenance of the entire automation infrastructure.

The DTM server on the controller works as a gateway. This enables read/write access to all detailed information about the HART field devices for asset monitoring tasks. Read/Write function blocks support this access during logic processing as well.

Each channel on the B&R HART modules is equipped with its own HART modem to make optimum use of POWERLINK's high transmission bandwidth. This ensures that HART communication takes place efficiently and without delay. Another advantage of this approach is that the already relatively slow HART channels are not additionally burdened by multiplexing, as is the case in many other systems. This results in better performance and more reliable communication throughout the automation infrastructure.

The X20 System HART modules also support burst mode. This mode enables fast, bundled transfer of HART data, improving communication efficiency in high-volume systems. By integrating burst mode, the modules can transfer larger amounts of data faster and with less overhead.

The X20 System HART modules offer integrated multidrop functionality, which makes it possible to supply up to 5 devices per channel directly from the module. Thanks to this extended function, multiple devices can be operated in a common communication unit without the need for additional hardware. This optimizes system integration, reduces cabling effort and enables a more cost-effective solution for applications with multiple devices.

PACTware is manufacturer-independent and fieldbus-independent software that enables simple operation of field devices in automation. With the stand-alone tool PACTware, all devices in a system can be configured, operated and diagnosed. The software, which is available to users free of charge, is the most widely used FDT framework application and provides a user-friendly interface for seamless integration and monitoring of field devices, regardless of the manufacturer or fieldbus used.

The CommDTM (Communication DTM) is used to establish communication with the field devices using protocols such as HART or PROFIBUS. The CommDTM acts as an interface between the automation system and the field devices, enabling seamless communication. Gateway DTMs can be connected between the CommDTM and the DTMs of the field devices to perform additional functions, such as the parameterization of remote I/O systems or multiplexers. These gateway DTMs ensure that even complex devices and systems can be correctly integrated into the network. A project can include several CommDTMs, which enables a flexible and scalable solution for the communication and integration of various field devices in complex automation systems.