March 1, 2005 - In This Issue

  
From the Editors
    • The communications nexus
 
Special to the Web
    • Making a HART connection
    • Fieldbus is here–are you ready?
 
Site Highlights
    • The Profinet security concept
    • CANopen specifications for free download
 
Industry News
    • ISA forms wireless standards committee

 
From the Editors

The communications nexus
ControlGlobal.com
There is a point where field communications and security meet. Editor in Chief Walt Boyes comments on what to do when you get there in this "special to the web" exclusive for DigitalField Insider.

 
Special to the Web

Making a HART connection
ControlGlobal.com
This is the first in a "special to the web" series of articles designed to increase your knowledge about the HART Field Communications Protocol. Read Ed Ladd's column to find out the benefits of using HART Communication to its full potential and to dispel the myths surrounding this powerful technology.

Fieldbus is here–are you ready?
ControlGlobal.com
Digital-based protocols, such as those used by fieldbus technology, are finding their way into a wider range of plant automation technologies. Joe Conklin of Fieldbus Foundation discusses the fieldbus concept and how its technology can be implemented at your plant.

 
Site Highlights

The Profinet security concept
ControlGlobal.com
This White Paper, written by the head of the Profinet security working group, Franz Kobinger, underscores the need for security concepts for automation engineering, including the increased use of Ethernet as a fieldbus, wireless LANs, and remote maintenance via the Internet.

CANopen specifications for free download
CAN-CIA.org
CiA (CAN in Automation) is providing some of the CAN (Controller Area Network) open specifications on its web site for free-of-charge download. Specifications available for free download include all with draft standard status.

ISA forms wireless standards committee
ControlGlobal.com
In an effort to reach end users of wireless technology in the industry, ISA–The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society–has formed a new standards committee, to be known as ISA-SP100.

End users revert to traditional partners in RFID's second phase
ControlGlobal.com
ABI Research sees budgets bumping up as companies begin to invest in RFID technology. Research indicates that in 2005, companies will increase their investment to scale up and integrate RFID into their normal operations.

SCADA projects awarded for Genesee river
WaterPowerMagazine.com
MSE-Tetragenics has been awarded three SCADA projects to provide water flow and level control capability at dams on the Genesee river in Rochester, New York.

ARC says HART is still smart
ControlGlobal.com
A new market survey recently investigating communication protocol plans of global users working in knowledgeable positions across the automation industry produced results corroborating long-term mass adoption trends of HART-enabled control systems and instrumentation.

 
New Products

Product Exclusive: Server-based DAQ/HMI system cuts seat charges
ControlGlobal.com
To eliminate seat charges for additional HMI terminals across the country, WPS Energy has developed its own web-based data acquisition and HMI system that is applicable across the process control industry.
 

» 

 
Online Resources

» Profibus International
 
» Fieldbus Foundation
 
» HART Foundation

 
Upcoming Events

Automation & Assembly Summit 2005
SME.org
This upcoming event (created by members of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers' Automated Manufacturing & Assembly Community) will focus on the technologies and applications needed to meet advanced automation and assembly equipment goals. To be held April 18-20, 2005 in St. Louis.

Fieldbus Foundation General Assembly 2005
Fieldbus.org
The Fieldbus Foundation will hold its 2005 General Assembly Feb. 23-24 at the InterContinental Hotel in Vienna, Austria. This year's event, themed "Plant-wide Integration: HSE + H1," will follow a comprehensive, end user-oriented agenda that will include user case study presentations, technical training workshops and tabletop exhibitions.
 
 

 
2004-2005 Sensors Catalog from Pepperl+Fuchs
800+ pages - selection guidelines, specifications, diagrams and more.

STI Machine Safeguarding Solutions
Receive a free "Gotcha Stick" safe distance scale.
 

Ethernet Product and Application Guide from Contemporary Controls®
Guide offers product descriptions, specifications, diagrams, and more.