Fieldbus Foundation polishes specification

An updated version of the Foundation fieldbus specifications is now available. The Fieldbus Foundation specifications define the open, non-proprietary Foundation fieldbus protocol behind the all-digital, two-way, multi-drop communications link for smart field devices and automation systems. It serves as the local area network (LAN) for instruments used in process automation, and has a built-in capability to distribute the control application across the network.

Specification 6.0 includes new features standardized in Device Description Language (DDL) technology, a text-based language describing the digital communication characteristics of intelligent devices and equipment parameters in an operating system (OS) and user interface (UI)-neutral environment. DDL enables a host system manufacturer to create one engineering environment capable of supporting any device from any supplier using any communication protocol, without the need for custom software drivers for each device type.

The foundation says an updated DDL specification extends the concept of interoperability to the HMI and diagnostic data level with improved visualization and graphical features. New features focus on device data organization, graphical visualization consistency, and support for persistent data storage. These enhancements are backward and forward-compatible due to the nature of the IEC 61804-2 standard.