Rockwell Automation 1788-FFCT NI-FBUS Configurator User Manual - Manual (Page 9)

1 Publication 1788-UM052B-EN-P - April 2002
Chapter
1
Fieldbus Overview
This chapter introduces fieldbus and the parts of a fieldbus network.
This chapter contains fieldbus information that will help you use the
NI-FBUS Configurator and solve problems with the configuration of
your fieldbus system. Refer to the Glossary for more explanation of
fieldbus terms and concepts. If you already have a basic knowledge
of fieldbus concepts, or if you want to start using the NI-FBUS
Configurator immediately, skip to Chapter 3, NI-FBUS
Configurator Overview.
Introduction to Fieldbus The term fieldbus refers to an all-digital, two-way communication
system that connects control systems to instrumentation.
The Fieldbus Foundation is an organization that developed a fieldbus
network based on the work and principles of the ISA and IEC. The
goal of the Fieldbus Foundation is to help create products that use a
robust industrial network based on existing standards and other
proven technologies and to standardize using those sources.
F OUNDATION Fieldbus, the communications network created by the
Fieldbus Foundation, is a protocol designed for robust, distributed
control in process control environments. Devices connected by
F
OUNDATION Fieldbus control a process by exchanging data.
Parts of a Fieldbus Network There are six conceptual parts to a fieldbus network:
• links
• devices
• blocks and parameters
• linkages
• loops
• schedules
Descriptions of these parts can be found on the following pages.