Yokogawa YVP20S - Manual (Page 13)

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<Toc> <Ind> <2. INTRODUCTION TO ValveNavi AND TO YVP>
IM 21B04C50-01E
2.4 What is FOUNDATION ® Fieldbus?
The Fieldbus Foundation summarizes the technology:
FOUNDATION fieldbus is an all-digital, serial, two-way communications system that serves
as a Local Area Network (LAN) for factory/plant instrumentation and control devices. The
fieldbus environment is the base level group of the digital networks in the hierarchy of plant
networks. FOUNDATION fieldbus is used in both process and manufacturing automation
applications.
Unlike proprietary network protocols, FOUNDATION fieldbus is neither owned by any
individual company, or regulated by a single nation or standards body. The technology is
controlled by the Fieldbus Foundation, a not-for-profit organization consisting of more than
100 of the world’s leading controls and instrumentation suppliers and end users.
While FOUNDATION fieldbus retains many of the desirable features of the 4-20 mA analog
system, such as a standardized physical interface, bus-powered devices, and intrinsic
safety options, it offers a host of additional benefits to users.
● Device Interoperability
With interoperability, one fieldbus device can be replaced by a similar device with added
functionality from a different supplier on the same fieldbus network while maintaining
specified operations. This permits users to “mix and match” field devices and host systems
from various suppliers. Individual fieldbus devices can also transmit and receive
multivariable information, and communicate directly with each other over a common
fieldbus.
● Enhanced Process Data
With FOUNDATION fieldbus, multiple variables from each device can be brought into the
plant control system for archival, trend analysis, process optimization studies, and report
generation. This access to accurate, high resolution data enables processes to be fine-
tuned for better manufacturing throughout and reduced plant downtime. These efficiencies
add up to higher plant performance and profitability.
● Expanded View of the Process
Modern fieldbus devices, with powerful, microprocessor-based communications
capabilities, permit process errors to be recognized faster, and with greater certainty. As a
result, plant operators are notified of abnormal conditions or the need for preventive
maintenance, and can make better production decisions. Problems that detract from
operating efficiency are more quickly corrected, enabling yields to go up while raw material
costs and regulatory problems decrease.
● Improved Plant Safety
Fieldbus technology will help manufacturing plants keep up with increasingly stringent
safety requirements. By providing operators with earlier notification and warning of pending
and current hazardous conditions, fieldbus allows for corrective action before an unplanned
shutdown. Enhanced plant diagnostic capabilities also reduce the need for frequent access
to hazardous areas, thus minimizing the risks to field personnel.
● Easier Predictive Maintenance
Enhanced device diagnostics capabilities make it possible to monitor and record such
conditions as valve wear and transmitter fouling. Plant personnel are able to perform
predictive maintenance without waiting for a scheduled shutdown, thus avoiding or
reducing downtime.