Dedicated software for fieldbus control applications

The paper offers details on the software package used in some industrial control applications based on Fieldbus Foundation specification. The main result is the configuration program placed on a Host Computer which can produce a control structure by selecting different function blocks defined as Fieldbus compatible Field Equipments, the specification of the necessary interconnections and by programming of their parameters. Additionally, the software architecture that ensures the interface between the Host Computer and the Fieldbus Infrastructure and the facilities offered by the hardware support made with a dedicated Fieldbus Interface Board are presented. The description of the Graphic User Interface developed in a Delphi Environment underlines the advantages in the necessary operations for the building of different control configurations and for their management. The communication package program shows how the integration with the requirements of the ISO/OSI Link layer specification and of the Fieldbus Message Specification is made. Finally, the paper does an analysis of the facilities of the proposed software.