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PROFIBUS PASSES 20,000,000 As PROFINET Ramps Up Synergy

Küster (pictured above):
'PROFIBUS is the most successful fieldbus in history.'

PROFIBUS, the world's most popular fieldbus, continues to grow. Not content with record annual sales of 3.4 million in 2006 alone it raced past the 20 million total in April this year to become the world's most successful fieldbus by far! With PROFINET ramping up sales at the same time, PROFIBUS shows no sign of slowing down. It seems that end users want to continue using well-proven PROFIBUS technology at the same time as they deploy PROFINET Industrial Ethernet solutions. Since PROFINET can integrate PROFIBUS easily, this makes sense.

PROFIBUS is now the most successful fieldbus in history, says PI Chairman Edgar Küster. 'It leads the world, while at the same time PROFINET is delivering a compatible future. PROFINET was designed to be tightly coupled with PROFIBUS and will complement the market's huge commitment to PROFIBUS. PROFINET is also able to easily integrate most other popular networks too, including Interbus, FF, HART, DeviceNet and AS-Interface.'

Profiles such as PROFIsafe and PROFIdrive operate consistently on both platforms, he pointed out, so moving between them is simple. 'This synergy means legacy investments in skills and equipment are fully protected. Frankly, we are sure that PROFINET will rapidly follow the example of PROFIBUS, to become the automation world's most successful Industrial Ethernet technology.'

PROFIsafe GOES WIRELESS

PI has specified PROFIsafe for wireless networks. The new version of the PROFIsafe profile (Version 2.4) describes the conditions for the functionally safe transmission of data via WLAN and Bluetooth. The concept has been assessed and approved by the BGIA and TÜV.

The publication of the specification of PROFIsafe on PROFINET IO - and thus on Ethernet confirmed the compatibility, in principle, of PROFIsafe for wireless networks. It was then simply a case of defining the details in respect of the issue of security. The new PROFIsafe profile has accomplished this for secure cyclic data exchange. First applications are now being deployed.

PI members can download the profile for free from the PI website (non-members pay a fee of 150 euros).

NEW WHITE PAPER ON PROFINET IN PROCESS

PROFINET's value proposition lies in its ability to address the needs of multiple manufacturing domains, from bus power for field instruments to high-speed deterministic control, all running on a common communication layer. So says ARC's new white paper, published April 2007.

The White paper goes on to say that the key success factor of Industrial Ethernet's introduction into process plants will be the availability of a migration path that lets users preserve their investments in legacy networks and devices by integrating existing networks into an Ethernet backbone," which is a perfect description of PROFINET!

Topics covered include business drivers, the acceptance of Industrial Ethernet, Ethernet in process plants and the recent Siemens and Emerson announcement about Fieldbus co-operation. Download the new White Paper here.

PA BOOK REVISED

The book 'PROFIBUS PA' by Christian Diedrich, Thomas Bangeman and several co-authors, is now available in a revised and update English version.

The book is published by Oldenbourg Industrieverlag (2007) ISBN 978-3-8356-3125-0. It has 320 pages and costs Euros 52.00

More details here:

PA BROCHURE UPDATED

An updated version of the PROFIBUS PA marketing brochure is available. The layout was updated, so that the brochure conforms to PI's standard 'look and feel' but the opportunity has been taken to revise the contents too.

Download the new brochure here:

INTEGRATION OF HART AND PROFINET

Having completed the integration of fieldbuses for factory automation into PROFINET, the PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International) working group 'Fieldbus Integration' has just released the draft specification for the integration of HART into PROFINET. Close collaboration with the HART Communication Foundation (HCF) was evidenced by the active role a representative of HCF Europe played in the working group.

The integration of HART into PROFINET is a natural development from the existing 'HART on PROFIBUS' profile and the communication services already defined for PROFIBUS were retained. Therefore, the primary task lay in adapting these to PROFINET communication objects. The integration of HART into PROFINET supports HART Revision 6.

As with PROFIBUS, all HART commands can be transferred over the PROFINET system with total transparency. This means that existing HART engineering systems can now offer under PROFINET all the performance features which have already been established under PROFIBUS. Accordingly, HART devices can also be parameterized over PROFINET.

Read the full press release here.

FIRST TRAINING CENTERS FOR PROFIBUS AND PROFINET ARE ACCREDITED

PI is establishing a network of accredited training centers similar to the PI Competence Centers (PICC) and Test Labs (PITL). These will ensure a high standard of training which is globally harmonized.

PI Training Centers (PITC) offer a number of certificate-accredited courses at the end of which a final examination is held. Both the content of PITC training documentation and examination questions, as well as the equipment used in the context of training, have to meet standard requirements. Candidates who pass the final examination receive a certificate.

The quality of training is determined to a large extent by the specialist expertise of the trainers who provide it. Only trainers accredited by PI may run courses leading to the issuing of an official certificate. Furthermore, trainers are only permitted to lead courses for which they themselves have been accredited.

Five certificate-accredited courses are offered: Certified PROFIBUS Installer, Certified PROFIBUS Engineer, Certified PA Engineer, Certified PROFINET Installer, and Certified PROFINET Engineer.

A Quality of Service Agreement specified by PI sets out binding requirements for PITC in respect of collaboration with a PI Competence Center. This provides participants with an assurance of a high level of practical orientation in respect of course content.

PI currently has nine accredited PITC in the Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the USA. All over the world, companies can rely on high-quality training and extensive technical know-how. They also have an assurance that a candidate who completes a course successfully will have gained significant practical skills.

HANNOVER FAIR REPORT

Visitors by the hundred came to the PI Booth at Hannover Fair to see the latest and best in PROFIBUS and PROFINET technology. The 330 m2 booth shared a hospitality suite and a seminar theater with the Interbus Club based next door, where a Forum themed on 'The Future of Automation' was held.

62 companies participated, while the now-famous PROFINET wall featured 91 Industrial Ethernet products from 22 companies, arranged from controllers on top, through drives in the middle to IO on the bottom. PROFIdrive, PROFIsafe, IO-Link, TCI - Tool Calling Interface - intelligent pumps, and of course PROFIBUS and PROFINET in Process Automation were also featured on the booth.

AGREEMENT ON UNIFIED SOLUTION FOR DEVICE INTEGRATION

Picture above:
Agreeing on FDI - Front Row: Hans Georg Kumpfmueller (Siemens), Ron Helsen (HCF), Flavio Tolfo (FDT Group), Martin Zielinski (Emerson), Dieter Schaudel (Endress+Hauser). Back Row: Edgar Küster (PNO), Klaus-Peter Lindner (Endress+Hauser), Richard Timoney (FF), Thomas Burke (OPCF), Achim Laubenstein (ABB). Not Shown: Hartmut Wuttig (ABB), Hartmut Walraff (Invensys)

The EDDL Cooperation Team (ECT) and the FDT Group announced that they will combine efforts and work toward a unified solution for device integration that is compatible with both technologies. The joint solution is currently known as FDI, or Field Device Integration (see more right). As part of the agreement, the FDT Group will join the ECT as its newest member. Both parties have agreed to incorporate the advantages of FDT and EDDL technologies. 'This new cooperation follows our targets of openness and freedom of choice for the benefit of end users and is strongly supported by our members,' said Flavio Tolfo, managing director of the FDT Group. He continued, 'After much discussion, we reached commitment to work together and protect the investment of each technology for the benefit of end users.'

Hans-Georg Kumpfmueller, chairman of the ECT added: 'This agreement, once brought into reality, is a major step forward for device integration in several areas. It eliminates double efforts for customers and vendors, and preserves backward compatibility and operating system independence. Our agreement is the natural technical evolution based on the most up to date, open, and flexible technologies. The ECT welcomes the FDT Group as a new member to shape the future.'

Read the full press release below.

itm SCORES WITH UNIFIED PROJECT

FDI (see left) is based on a concept developed by the Institute for Information Technology in Mechanical Engineering (itm) in Munich under the auspices of Prof. Bender, ably assisted by Daniel Grossmann (both pictured left). The itm concept combines the advantages of EDDL and FDT into a single solution. A comprehensive prototype demonstrated the benefits to visitors at the PI booth during Hannover Fair. Universal positive feedback showed that the benefits of the new solution are welcomed by device manufacturers, system vendors and, last but not least, end users. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting topic, or contact itm directly.

itm:

RPA CHAIRMEN MEET

Pictured above discussing a key technical issue are (left to right): Eric Gory, Halvor Landet (Norway), Henk Schaake (South East Asia), Carl Henning (North America) and Peter Wenzel (Germany).

15 RPA representatives from 10 countries came together during Hannover Fair for an update on PI's international activities. International press campaigns were planned, and feedback from workshops and conferences was exchanged between the Chairmen.

Halvor Landet from Norway and Henk Schaake, new RPA vice-Chairmen of South East Asia, joined the meeting for the first time. Both reported great interest in their local activities, especially for road shows, workshops and seminars. With the chance of seeing live demos and getting in contact with the vendors, the demand is extremely high, they said.

CARL'S BLOG

Carl Henning, (pictured above, second from right) Deputy Director of the PTO in North America, has been blogging for more than a year and commands a lot of interest globally amongst automation fans. He attended the Fair and blogged about his experiences, providing a great, day by day overview. Videos, pictures and incisive commentary were all included!

Check out Carl's blog here:

PI World

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CHINA (1)

In March 10 PROFIBUS engineers from 7 Chinese companies attended a Certified PROFIBUS Engineer Training which took place in Beijing, China. The training was run jointly by PROCENTEC from the Netherlands and CAMETA (China Association for Mechatronics Technology & Application). Trained by Mr. Dennis van Booma, the manager of PROCENTEC, in both theory and hands-on practice, the participants not only successfully passed the Certified PROFIBUS Engineer Training Exam (see above) but also gave their thumbs-up for the training itself. The participating companies included Yokogawa Electric China Co., Ltd, Weidmüller (Shanghai), PhoenixContact Nanjing and MOX China etc.

Immediately after the PROFIBUS training session a PROFINET Training session was held, attended by 10 people from Turck (Tianjin), MOX China, Woodhead (Shanghai), PhoenixContact Nanjing and Schneider Electric. This was the very first training in PROFINET technology ever held in China! The participants (see below) not only learned about the basic principles of PROFINET but also were updated on future trends. For more information, please check below.

Footnote: The next PROFIBUS Troubleshooting Training session in China will take place in June.

CHINA (2)

The China PROFIBUS Products Testing Laboratory (CPPTL) upgraded its testing level from PROFIBUS DP-V0 to DP-V1 in March following an audit by Dr. Patz, the Manager of PROFIBUS Products Testing Working Group TC1. Step by step, from checking various documents, test reports and practical tests to a series of strict questions and answers with CPPTL staff, Dr. Manfred Patz confirmed that CPPTL passed its 2007 Audit, with its testing capability upgraded from DP-V0 to DP-V1.

Mr. Jiyang Tang pointed out that this was both significant and pivotal to the development and promotion of PROFIBUS technology in China. CPPTL will cooperate with International PROFIBUS Products Testing Working Group TC1 in the future.

UK

Practical hands-on discussions and training are a major part of the PROFIBUS User Group Conference scheduled for 26/27 June this year at Coombe Abbey (above). Identical training sessions will be presented on both days, enabling delegates to attend lectures of interest and visit the Exhibition. Two sessions will be provided by Andy Verwer, Principal Lecturer at the Automation Systems Center and PROFIBUS Competence Center at Manchester Metropolitan University, based on MMU's Certified PROFIBUS and PROFINET Installers Course which teach the design, installation and testing of complete PROFIBUS networks. It also teaches delegates how to avoid common installation problems. A further practical session will demonstrate device configuration and asset management.

The Conference is on 26/27 June - full details here:

POLAND

INTEX Sp. z o.o. - the Polish PICC (PI Competence Center) - is organizing a one day workshop intended for manufacturers of automation equipment who require detailed knowledge of the implementation of a PROFIBUS DP Slave interface. The workshop is organized together with the ASIC manufacturer PROFICHIP and will be held on June 12th 2007 in Gliwice.

See web site.

JAPAN

JPO is planning two seminar and demonstration days called 'PROFIBUS Day 2007'. The events will take place in Tokyo on June 11th, and in Kyoto on June 13th. As this is 10th anniversary of JPO some special presentations are to be included. RPA (Regional PI Association) Chairmen from China, Germany and USA will explain the popularity of PROFIBUS and PROFINET in their areas and JPO will also have applications presentations and product introductions. In all a total of nine presentations will be given at each event. A demonstration system will also be on display, with 35 products from more than 20 vendors. PROFIBUS DP, PROFIBUS PA and PROFINET devices will be shown working together.

Read the brochure here:

BRAZIL

During FIEE, the International Fair for Electric, Energy and Automation Industry, in April in Brazil, the Latin America RPA (Regional PI Association) organized one more Case Study Seminar. This kind of event aims to show successful applications of PROFIBUS.

The first Case Study was presented by Lothar A. Schroettel from Profichip GmbH who presented ASICs for PROFIBUS products. The second Case Study was presented by Metso Automation, where Andre Gomes showed the application of PROFIBUS in a Sugar and Alcohol Mill in Brazil, Equipav Mill, where FieldCare is used for Asset Management. The third Case Study was presented by MurrElektronic, whose Mauricio Barile described PROFIBUS in a long distance belt control application for Mining. The last Case Study concerned an application of PROFIBUS in a Sugar and Alcohol Mill in Brazil, Alvorada de Bebedouro Mill, using Smar's System302, where Leandro Torres (pictured left) and Leonardo Mansur detailed the full extent of the application from receipt of proposal, field setting up, project details, supervisory configuration, field devices configuration using ProfibusView, network topology, etc.

Since 2000, Brazil Latin America RPA has organized several seminars, workshops and training sessions for end users. During the seminars a company run-down is performed to show PROFIBUS technology and trends, with the main focus being technical issues and case studies. Up to now, more than 2600 persons have attended the seminars.

The main point of Brazil Latin America RPA is to extend and improve the knowledge in PROFIBUS Technology in the Brazilian and Latin community and show how it can be used to meet new challenges in automation.

NORTH AMERICA

PTO began a series of display advertisements in Control Engineering and Automation World in February. The initial ad - 'We Don't Eliminate the Competition. We Integrate Them' - made the point that PROFINET is the only Industrial Ethernet solution that does not seek to displace its competitors but welcomes them on-board via a unique 'proxy' solution that has already provided an interface for PROFIBUS (naturally!). Other proxies allow the PROFIBUS PA solution for process automation to be incorporated, plus DeviceNet, Interbus, MODBUS, Serial, HART and, soon, Foundation Fieldbus! A second ad is starting now, focused on the unique diagnostic capabilities of PROFINET. The headline - 'Turn and Cough' - should raise a smile! Special microsites have been built for both: read 'Don't Eliminate' and 'Turn and Cough'. At recent PROFINET seminars PTO has found that many questions appertain to pure Ethernet so Ethernet Webinars have been launched. Carl Henning blogs about them and a lot more besides here or you can jump to our archives here and follow them at your leisure. Find details below for upcoming webinars.

2007 General Assembly
The PTO's 13th Annual General Assembly Meeting will begin on Tuesday evening, July 31, with a Welcome Reception. August 1st and 2nd will be filled with meetings to provide vendor and user members with updates, news, and networking possibilities. Immediately preceding the General Assembly Meeting are two free training classes - a PROFINET IRT class on Monday afternoon July 30 and an all-day-Tuesday West Coast PROFINET Developer Workshop. You don't have to be attending the GA to participate. The Developer workshop is targeted at device manufacturers to assist speedy development of PROFINET products.

Member News

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PROCENTEC CELEBRATES

PROCENTEC (formerly PROFIBUS Center Netherlands), celebrates its 10th anniversary on June 1st. Dennis van Booma (center), Paulo Silva (left), Harry van Booma (right) and colleagues have spread the word globally about PROFIBUS and PROFINET and have trained thousands of people. Recently, PROCENTEC visited the Italian Competence Center at Inntec to undertake an audit of its training facilities and was able to formally approve it as the latest PI Training Center. PROCENTEC's R&D department has created world class tools and components to make working with PROFIBUS easier. PROFINEWS says "well done" and wishes PROCENTEC even more success in the future.

PROCENTEC:

ON-LINE FORUMS

PI’s website at www.profibus.com offers a great way to share knowledge and expertise. There are two public forums (one for PROFIBUS topics and the other for PROFINET topics). Both are moderated and have been up and running for some time so there's an excellent knowledge base available. Taking an active part is a good way of increasing your knowledge. Both are free – just browse here:

NEW PRODUCTS

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MORE PRODUCTS ON-LINE

Our On-line Product Guide now has over 2,500 product entries.

Search on keywords or text. E.g. you can specify the 'Product Type', the 'Technology' (PROFIBUS or PROFINET), the relevant definition format (GSD, EDD or DTM), and whether a Profile (e.g. PROFIdrive, PROFIsafe, etc.) is applicable. You can even specify certified products only.

Browse here:

TOOLKIT

PROCENTEC's story about its new PROFIBUS toolkit, which contains tools such as ProfiTrace, Handyscope, PA Probe, Cables, Connectors, etc. got linked wrongly in our last issue.

>The correct details are:
PROCENTEC
or info@procentec.com

GENIUS GATEWAY

A gateway to connect Genius or ABB Taylor Trio networks to PROFIBUS is now available. The gateway supports networks with standard GENIUS/TRIO blocks, as well as VersaMax and FieldControl devices. It operates as a PROFIBUS DP slave and GENIUS/TRO master. The gateway is fully configurable from PROFIBUS Master and is fully integrated with S7 software. The gateway offers the way for gradual migration of GENIUS/TRIO networks to PROFIBUS with minimum production interruptions. First the master controller or PLC can be upgraded to a modern PLC with PROFIBUS Master functionality. In later stages I/O devices can be gradually replaced by PROFIBUS devices.

Fieldbus Specialists:
+61 3 9857 3499

DP CABLES

DataCELL FIELD PROFIBUS DP cables now include: ITC/PLTC-ER cable which is exposed-run rated, eliminating the need for conduit. It's UL listed and rated for CSA CMX-Outdoor-CMG and FT4; AWM cable, for where a rugged UL-approved, RoHS-compliant cable is required. This cable also has superior resistance to oils, chemicals, cuts and abrasions; Marine/shipboard cable arctic rated for use to -60 degrees Celsius. This is also available in an armored version.

Northwire:
+1 800 468 1516

PA ASIC (1)

The new SIM 1-2 PROFIBUS PA ASIC just released by Siemens, is now available from distributor PROCENTEC too. It's an improved replacement for the SIM 1-1. The PROCENTEC Test Lab grants special certification fees for instrumentation manufacturers who have updated their hardware with this ASIC.

PROCENTEC:
see links below for
ASIC details
or ASIC Datasheet
or Test Lab

PROCESS PARAMETERIZATION

ProfibusView is a powerful engineering tool for PROFIBUS PA field devices. It's used for configuration, parameterization, commissioning, operation, diagnostics and maintenance. A single function block interface is involved and there's no need for previous PROFIBUS skills. On-line monitoring of process variables, alarms, status and diagnostics is also possible. Features include: Live List; Data Reconciliation; On-line and Off-line configuration; Change Address function; Universal reading and write commands. Profibusview can be Integrated in System302 or be used Stand Alone. It also works with the DF73 PROFIBUS DP-V1 master.

Smar:

PROFINET LINK FOR G120

A PROFINET interface has been added to the Sinamics G120 series of frequency converters. This means Sinamics G120 converters can now be used in complex automation architectures requiring real-time Ethernet. Power ranges have been increased too, so the PROFINET link can be available for complex systems including integrated communications from the office to the field.

Siemens:

NON-WINDOWS ACCESS

Softing PROFIBUS gateways can now access all PROFIBUS services even without a Windows driver. Thus, non-Windows operator terminals or control computers with an Ethernet interface can easily act as DP or FMS masters, or even as DP slaves. For each channel, the gateways have a built-in server that executes the requested PROFIBUS services. The client computer uses the TCP/IP socket interface that is available in every standard and real-time operating system.
The corresponding sample code in C is not operating-system-specific and is therefore easily portable.

Softing:
+49 89 45656 0

M12 FOR CAT5e

Woodhead Industries has a new line of M12 Ethernet connectors and cordsets. This rugged, industry-standard Ethernet connection system provides superior Cat5e performance from the office environment to the harsh, demanding environment of the factory floor. The new product line will be commercially available April, 2007. Key features include: standard M12 threaded connectors or the higher-performance Ultra-lock(tm) connection system, both unshielded and shielded versions, mechanically tough PVC-jacketed cable for general-purpose applications and PUR jacketed cable for increased flexibility and higher resistance to oil-based fluids and straight or 90° versions. M12 to RJ-45 versions are also available.

Woodhead Industries:

I.S. ETHERNET

Get 100MB Ethernet into Zone 1 using simple and plain Ethernet cable, intrinsically safe and with galvanic isolation. Measuring apparatus with lots of data, operating terminals such as the EXTEC series of industrial PCs and other equipment can now connect to their network in the safe area without protective measure in Ex-Zone 1.

Pepperl + Fuchs:
Download technical information

PROFINET VISION

Cognex Corporation has a new software release (3.4) for In-Sight vision sensors which includes PROFINET communications support for the first time. "With PROFINET, manufacturers can easily share and use data for process control and improvement, and more efficiently manage multiple vision sensors linked across the factory," says Cognex. In-Sight vision sensors also allow trend analysis of archived data and images for continuous improvement and increased manufacturing productivity. A free trial version of the software can be downloaded.

Cognex:
+1 877 COGNEX1

PA ASIC (2)

Softing, in conjunction with Aniotek, has launched a new fieldbus chip UFC100-F1, for incorporating PROFIBUS PA technology into field devices. The advantages include better performance in jitter tolerance and a larger FIFO memory resulting in fewer interrupts to the field device processor.

Softing North America:
+1 978 499 9650

ABOUT PROFINEWS

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PROFINEWS: THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER OF PI

PROFINEWS, the official newsletter of PI, is published 6 times each year. The international version is sent out to more than 15,000 subscribers all over the world, and supplemented by local versions in Belgium, Brazil, China, UK, USA and other countries. An online html-version and a downloadable pdf-version are available on www.profinews.com

Or have a look at PI's website www.profibus.com and www.profinet.com

PUBLISH YOUR STORIES IN PROFINEWS

All full PI members can submit their PROFIBUS and PROFINET product stories or application stories for publication in PROFINEWS. Publication is free of charge for PI members.

For publication of a product story, we only need

1. an English text (approx. 100 words)
2. contact details for further information (e-mail, telephone, website, or similar)
3. a picture of the product, if possible (gif or jpg, width: 200 pixel)

Stories may be sent to the editor (geoff@ggh.co.uk) or to Petra Mayer (profinews@profibus.com) at any time and are published in the next possible PROFINEWS issue.

SUBSCRIBE / UNSUBSCRIBE TO PROFINEWS

PI'S PROFINEWS newsletter informs you regularly about the latest news on PROFIBUS or PROFINET. It is free of charge and published 6 times per year. To get on the PROFINEWS mailing list, all you need to do is subscribe to our PROFINEWS Newsletter:
- use the subscribe form on www.profinews.com
- or send an e-mail with 'subscribe' and your country to profinews@profibus.com

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