Advanced online physical layer diagnostics

June 19, 2007
This paper discusses the benefits seen when using Foundation Fieldbus or Profibus PA advanced online physical layer diagnostics to test and continuously monitor the network’s communication quality, cable infrastructure, fieldbus power supplies, terminators, devices and segment protection electronics.

By Gunther Rogoll, Senior Manager, and Ren Kitchener, Fieldbus Specialist, Pepperl+Fuchs

This paper explains how the inclusion of physical layer diagnostics at every fieldbus segment can reduce captial expense and operating expense when used across the project lifecycle. Additionally, failure prevention or proactive maintenance is a key feature of any diagnostic system, and this paper will also consider the differences between basic physical layer diagnostics and advanced physical layer diagnostics.