The Fieldbus Foundation has embarked on a new technology development initiative called Project Gemstone intended to make the digital fieldbus automation experience easier than conventional analog control systems.
Project Gemstone covers Foundation for Remote Operations Management (ROM), Field Device Integration (FDI) Cooperation and ISA108 intelligent device management.
Foundation for ROM technology allows users to integrate their WirelessHART, wired HART, ISA 100.11a devices, remote I/O and Modbus communication into the Foundation-fieldbus managed infrastructure. FDI is working toward a single device integration package that will provide all the benefits of Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) and FDT/DTM technology.
The ISA108 standards effort is defining recommended work processes for intelligent device management, regardless of communication protocol. The foundation's new usability team is also focusing on how to make fieldbus devices easier to specify, set up, configure and maintain.
Project Gemstone will drive an innovation strategy enabling plant owners to focus more on what technology can do for them and their business, versus how they manage the technology itself. The project's focus on standards-based solutions will also make it easier for automation suppliers to develop new fieldbus-based products and applications, according to the Fieldbus Foundation. In addition, the Fieldbus Foundation's testing and registration process is designed to ensure Foundation fieldbus devices, systems and components all work together as they should.
For more information, visit www.fieldbus.org.
