Fieldbus Foundation announces enhancements to technical specifications
August 2014
News
The Fieldbus Foundation has announced the latest updates to its open, non-proprietary Foundation fieldbus technical specifications. The specification updates (Version 2014.1) will further enhance Foundation for Remote Operations Management (ROM) and the usability of Foundation technology.
The Foundation for ROM specification updates, along with an update to the Common File Format (CFF) specification, have improved coverage of ROM communication profiles under existing specifications in preparation for the first official ROM device registrations. Additionally, there is expanded specifications support for complex, mixed conventional I/O points.
The first development of its kind, Foundation for ROM integrates remote I/O, ISA 100.11a, WirelessHART, wired HART, and Foundation fieldbus H1 protocols into a single, open-standard data management environment. With Modbus incorporation under development, Foundation for ROM allows full integration of field connected assets into the fieldbus infrastructure. These enhancements further extend the capabilities to wired and wireless devices installed in some of the world’s harshest and most remote locations. This open, non-proprietary solution provides a unified digital infrastructure for asset management in applications ranging from tank farms and terminals to pipelines, offshore platforms, and even OEM skids.
As part of this new technical specifications release, a fixed set of Device Description (DD) Symbol IDs was added to technical note 16 in order to improve interoperability between backwards-compatible devices and host systems. This provides a more reliable way for a host to properly take advantage of the backwards compatibility of a device. In 2013, the foundation created a continuous improvement process initiative with the ultimate goal of making the end users’ experience with Foundation technology easier than with conventional analogue control systems. Since then, the Usability Initiative has resulted in four immediate objectives toward this common goal: backwards compatibility, pre-defined device templates, automated device replacement and process value (PV) interchange ability. Backwards compatibility simplifies device replacement.
Further reading:
Mining sector turns to private renewables
News
As the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism enters its permanent phase and global buyers tighten emissions disclosure requirements, South African mining operations are accelerating the integration of privately contracted renewable power into their energy mix.
Read more...
Appointment
Beckhoff Automation
News
Beckhoff Automation has appointed Luzuko Bulembu as technical support engineer.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: You could be doing what?
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Humanoid robots are increasingly featuring in the news. Some of them are a bit creepy, some make you anxious because they might take your job, but others are a lot of fun, and they’re getting better
...
Read more...
Africa Automation Indaba 2026 signals growing demand for Africa-focused automation dialogue
RX Africa
News
Africa Automation Indaba 2026 has concluded with a clear signal that Africa’s automation conversation is moving beyond technology showcases and into the more complex questions of implementation, skills, policy, ethics and industrial competitiveness.
Read more...
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments
News
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments to support grid readiness for the AI era.
Read more...
Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
Read more...
What to expect at Africa Automation Indaba 2026: From AI readiness to bankable automation projects
RX Africa
News
Africa Automation Indaba 2026 will give delegates a practical view of what it takes to move automation from ambition to implementation with a two-day programme focused on industrial readiness, skills development, policy alignment, investment realities and the future of intelligent operations.
Read more...
SKF achieves SaiMechE CPD accreditation
SKF South Africa
News
SKF South Africa has achieved SaiMechE CPD accreditation, a decisive step that empowers the next generation of engineers.
Read more...
Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy
ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...
40 years of PC-based control
Beckhoff Automation
News
When Beckhoff elevated the industrial computer to the status of a central control system four decades ago, a paradigm shift occurred.
Read more...
printer friendly version