Fieldbus

The big wave that is starting to hit plants around the country is Fieldbus, the generic name for a whole host of products that allow I/O to be distributed throughout a factory. What networks are to PCs, Fieldbus is to PLCs and sensor technology.

In its most simple configuration, Fieldbus is a method of connecting special sensors that allows them to be individually addressed, allowing a single cable to set or read a whole group of switches and sensors. Sensors and PLCs are put on a type of network for the factory. Once this technology becomes more well known and trusted, it will be the only sensible way to connect a PLC to the outside world. It's just a much better way of doing things - running a single cable as opposed to a whole channel full of discrete wiring.

In addition to the wiring advantages, another huge advantage is identification of failures, as well as replacement. While each sensor or sensor block has its own address, most protocols allow for a replacement sensor to quickly configure itself, keeping the repair from being any more complex than a part swap.

ASI has been interested in different types of device level buses ever since they came out. From the simplest buses that use addressable sensors, to the more complex ones that allow connection between user interface terminals and PLCs, our people have been on the forefront.