The Fieldbus Foundation released the FOUNDATION fieldbus Flow Transducer Block Final Specification (FF-908 FS 1.0), which includes a standardized flow transducer block with a totalizer function. This specification is designed to enable greater consistency in fieldbus device setup, configuration and maintenance, and to make it easier for end-users to utilize instruments from a range of automation equipment suppliers.
Transducer blocks are an integral part of FOUNDATION technology, providing diagnostic and maintenance data such as calibration dates. They also provide information regarding the measurement principle used, such as a Coriolis flowmeter or a differential-pressure transmitter. The transducer block provides a link between the local input/output blocks required to read sensors and command output hardware from the function blocks.
The Fieldbus Foundation”s Flow Transducer Block Specification includes standard definitions for the following flow transducer blocks:
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Standard flow with calibration for basic device access
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Standard flow with calibration for complex device access
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Common practice parameters for extended functionality
In addition, the specification provides a schematic of blocks, parameter access, and details for handling status of input parameters. When used in conjunction with a flow transducer block, the new totalizer function block supports the time-critical procedure of totaling different inputs in order to compute flow.
According to the Fieldbus Foundation, finalization of the Flow Transducer Block Specification provides greater predictability in fieldbus implementation, while reducing integration risks and simplifying device replacements.
The Fieldbus Foundation has also announced updates to its other transducer block profiles, including temperature and pressure transducer block profiles. The FOUNDATION fieldbus Device Description (DD) Library has been updated to integrate these new transducer block capabilities. The DD Library includes standardized source code for all FOUNDATION fieldbus blocks and parameters.
