Fieldbus? What's a Fieldbus?

What are fieldbuses? Why use one? Where are they applicable? How do I use them? What about wireless connectivity? Where can I turn for more information?

Every discrete or process manufacturer would benefit from using a fieldbus, however, even today many are still unaware of the advantages. If you would like to learn how installing a fieldbus could benefit your operation, this is the program for you. We are fortunate to have one of the world's foremost fieldbus experts offer us some basic training.

Carl Henning, Deputy Director of Profibus Trade Organization (www.profibus.org) is traveling from their US headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona, specifically to present a brief introduction to fieldbuses to ISALA.

Topics to be covered include:
  • Fieldbus definition and examples, including Industrial Ethernet
  • Business reasons to use a fieldbus
  • Technical advantages of fieldbus over direct wiring
  • Fieldbus use in discrete manufacturing and process industries
  • Wireless topologies
  • Resources
Fieldbuses allow wiring and installation savings by using a bus topology instead of direct wiring. In a bus topology cabling runs from device to device to device to controller. Direct wiring requires individual devices to be individually connected to the controller. Bigger savings are realized in operation and maintenance through reduced downtime.

About the speaker
Carl Henning was a founding Board of Directors Member for the PROFIBUS Trade Organization (now shortened to PTO), 1994 through 2000. He joined the PTO as Director of PROFINET Marketing in February of 2005 and was named PTO Deputy Director shortly thereafter.

Earlier positions included Vice President of International Operations at Perseus Development Corporation, Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Avantis Business Unit of Wonderware Corporation, and Director of FactorySuite Marketing for Wonderware. He had previous experience with controller manufacturer Eurotherm and in system integration, has a BSEE degree and is a Senior Member of IEEE.

Carl Henning can be reached at PROFIBUS and PROFINET North America, 16101 N. 82nd Street Suite 3B, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Websites are www.us.profibus.com and www.profiblog.com. Telephone (480) 483-2456 or carl.henning@profibus.com.

Meeting Details
    Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2007

    Time: 5:00 Networking & Pizza; 5:30pm Program

    Location: The Gas Company's Energy Resource Center,
    9240 Firestone Blvd, Downey (between Lakewood and Woodruff)

    RSVP: Marina Setiawan at marina.setiawan@fluor.com or (949) 349-5865.

    Cost: $40 for non-members; no cost to ISA members.
    Free for those who join at the door.

    Directions: From the 605 or 5 Fwys, take the Firestone exit and head west. Once you pass Woodruff, you will see the large ERC building on your left. Continue past the ERC to the next light, make a U-turn, and turn right into the parking lot. Entrance is in the rear of the building. Get there early and pick your seat!