FIELDBUS BASICS

Fieldbus is a digital, two-way, multi-drop communication link among intelligent control

devices that will replace the 4-20 mA standards. Let’s break this definition down to give
a little clearer idea about why this is such a drastic departure from today's technology.

First of all, Fieldbus is digital. Although computers, programmable logic controllers

(PLCs), and remote terminal units (RTUs) communicate with each other digitally, most
end devices (e.g. valves, pressure transducers, switches, etc.) still use analog signals to
communicate. For example, an analog value of 4 mA might correspond to a pressure of
no flow while a value of20 mA might correspond to a 1000 GPM flow value. With
discrete devices, the presence of a signal might represent a "closed" or "alarm" condition
while the absence of a signal might represent "open" or"normal".Two-way
communications means that a value cannot only be read from the end device but it is now
possible to write to the device. For example, the calibration constants associated with a
particular sensor can now be stored directly in the device itself and changed as needed.
The multi-drop capability of a Fieldbus will perhaps result in the most immediate cost
saving benefit for users. With analog devices, a separate cable needs to be run between
the end device and the control system because only a single analog signal can be
represented on the circuit.

Modern distributed systems partially solve this problem by locating remote multiplexing
devices out in the field. The ultimate solution, however, is to be able to connect a
reasonable number of sensors all located in the same area to the same cable. This is
exactly what Fieldbus allows. Finally, Fieldbus will replace the 4-20 mA standards,
although this will not happen overnight. There are millions of instruments in the world
using this standard right now, which does in fact have some advantages. It is simple and
well understood. Devices from different suppliers using the 4-20 mA standards can easily
operate together (ie.interoperate). More about this later. Ultimately, however, a digital
standard is necessary to realize the benefits of Fieldbus. Some hybrid protocols, such as
HART®, are now being used to bridge this gap between analog and digital technology.
Using the HART protocol, the analog signal is still used to transmit the process value
while a digital value is superimposed on top of the analog value for exchanging
additional information with the device.
Communications over a Fieldbus is achieved by installing a Fieldbus interface device in
all of the devices communicating over the Fieldbus. One end of this interface device
connects to the Fieldbus and the other end to the sensor electronics or the host computer
system. Initially, these Fieldbus interface devices are small printed circuits that fit into
the device or the host computer system. Ultimately, these devices will be little more than
a single integrated circuit that can be included in the device.
Fieldbus is designed to allow for both low-speed and high-speed communications. Low-
speed, or H1 Fieldbus, is currently in use in the industry. High-speed Fieldbus is
currently under development and will use high-speed Ethernet at a speed of 100Mbits/s.
Linking devices will be developed for bridging between low-speed and high-speed
Fieldbus segments. These linking devices will also be used to bridge to other bus systems
such as Device Net which handle high-speed contact I/O.
Fieldbus Benefits
Fieldbus is expected to reduce the life-cycle cost of production line and then total cost of
ownership (TCO) of the plant.

Planning Phase

Fieldbus allows you to integrate your plant assets on a single plant automation system on
digital communication networks. You can connect devices from multiple suppliers
without custom software and these network-based systems allow for smaller control
rooms, smaller cabinet rooms and more information productivity.

Installation Phase

Fieldbus offers reduced installation and material cost by replacing the traditional one-to-
one wiring scheme with networking or multi-drop configuration, while intelligent field
instruments make commissioning and plant startup much faster and less expensive.

Operation Phase

Fieldbus integrates various installations of control functions into one system to

effectively optimize control of your plant. In addition, a unified human machine interface
(HMI) is provided for your operation. Function Blocks allow control functions to migrate
into field devices allowing control functions to move to the field.

Maintenance Phase

Fieldbus allows for the reporting of self diagnostics, calibration, and environmental
conditions of field instruments without disturbing the plant control. Since it uses
intelligent instruments, your stock for spare or replacement instruments can be
dramatically reduced. Software packages for asset management are useful to minimize
maintenance costs.

Renovation Phase

Enhanced functionality of field instruments is endless. Fieldbus devices are becoming

standard off-the-shelf instruments, which make it very cost-effective and easy for you to
extend the life of your plant. By simply connecting a new device, you can immediately
benefit from advanced functionality. And, upgrade costs can be reduced because
network-based systems are modular, which means they are done on-line.
Features of Fieldbus

Fieldbus is a bidirectional digital communication protocol for field devices. Fieldbus

technology drastically changes process control systems and is gradually replacing the
standard 4 to 20 mA analog transmission that most current field devices employ.

Fieldbus has the following features:

• Because multiple devices can be connected, and multivariables can be transmitted

on a single cable, thus reducing the number of cables, wiring costs are
reduced.
• A digital transmission protocol ensures accurate information processing and hence strict
quality control.
• Multiplex communications allow other information as well as process variables (PVs)
and manipulated variables (MVs) to be transmitted from field devices.
• Communication between field devices allows truly distributed control.
• Interoperability enables devices from different manufacturers to be combined.
• A broad choice of devices from any manufacturer permits flexible system construction.
• Instrumentation systems, electrical devices, FAs, BAs, OAs, and analyzers can be
integrated.
• Some adjustments and inspections of field devices can be performed from the control
room.
The following sections explain the advantages of Fieldbus and the effect of Fieldbus on
process control systems.

Comparison with Conventional Communication

The Fieldbus communication protocol is superior to analog transmissions and hybrid

communications in information accuracy, transmission speed, and transmission amount.
It also offers superiority to those transmissions and communications in functionality,
including the ability to communicate between connected devices and to communicate
bidirectional.

Analog Transmission

An analog transmission is an information transmission technique using analog signals

with direct current of 4 to 20 mA. The topology, which is a one-to-one system, allows
only one field device to be connected to a single cable. The transmission direction is one-
way. Therefore, two different cables must be provided: one to acquire information from
the field device, and the other to transmit control signals to the field device.

Hybrid Communication

A hybrid communication is a communication technique in which field device information

is superimposed as digital signals on the conventional 4 to 20 mA analog signal. In
addition to analog transmission capabilities, it is possible to remotely set up the field
device range and zero-point adjustment. Also, maintenance information such as self-
diagnostics of the field device can be obtained using a dedicated terminal.
Hybrid communication protocols were developed independently by each manufacturer,
and so devices from different manufacturers cannot communicate with each other. With
theYokogawa BRAIN system or the hybrid communication systems of other
manufacturers, the self-diagnostics information cannot be exchanged between field
devices from different manufacturers. A hybrid communication mainly supports 4 to 20
mA analog transmission, though it also allows digital data communication. The digital
data communication speed through the hybrid communication is slower than that through
the Fieldbus communication.

Fieldbus Communication

The Fieldbus communication protocol, which is different from analog transmissions or

hybrid communications, supports a perfect digital signal communication system. In
addition, the Fieldbus communication supports bidirectional communication, thus
allowing more types and a larger amount of data to be transmitted in comparison to
analog transmission and hybrid communication.
This communication removes the restriction which allows only one field device to be
connected to a single cable in an analog transmission system. Multiple field devices can
be connected to a single Fieldbus cable. Also, since this communication is internationally
standardized, interoperability of field devices is guaranteed.
Fieldbus solves the problems of hybrid communications, such as slow digital
transmission speeds and lack of interoperability.
A comparison between the conventional 4 to 20 mA analog transmission, hybrid
communication, and Fieldbus communication protocols is shown below.
Reduced Wiring Cost

The introduction of Fieldbus reduces wiring cost by means of multi-drop connections and
multivariable transmission.

Multi-drop Connections

Connecting multiple field devices to a single cable is known as multi-drop connections,

and the reduction in the number of cables has many advantages. An example of multi-
drop connections is shown below.

In a conventional analog transmission system, only one field device can be connected to a
single cable that leads to a system. Multi-drop connections connect multiple field devices
to a single cable, and so allow additional field devices to be connected to a cable which
has already been laid.
In the past, it was costly to connect multiple field devices. Using a Fieldbus
communication system, it is possible to connect a large number of field devices to the
Fieldbus because of low wiring cost by multi-drop connections. This expands the scale of
process control systems and promotes a higher level of plant automation

Multivariable Detection and Transmission

Multivariable means multiple measured variables, and multivariable detection means that
one field device can detect multiple measured variables, which is also called multi-
sensing.

A conventional analog transmission system requires one cable for each measured
variable.Fieldbus supports multivariable transmission. Therefore, a field device can
transmit all measured variables detected by the field device via a single cable.
The difference in wiring a control valve between analog and Fieldbus communication
systems is shown below.
In the conventional analog transmission system, the control output signal to the positioner
is usually transmitted. In a Fieldbus communication system, multiple pieces of
information such as control signals, limit signals, and valve opening signals can all be
detected and transmitted.

Multivariable detection and transmission can be used for:

• Monitoring the condition of the steam heat tracing of differential pressure transmitters
by ambient temperature information.
• Detecting clogging in impulse lines by static pressure information. Many other pieces of
information will also be used to expand measurement and control capabilities.
Improved Transmission Accuracy

Fieldbus improves transmission accuracy by eliminating errors that occur during data
transmission in the conventional analog transmission system.

Removing Error Factors

The following three factors cause errors in the conventional analog transmission system.
• D/A conversion in the field device
• Analog signal transmission
• A/D conversion in the system
For example, if data is transmitted from a field device with a microprocessor in the
conventional analog transmission system, an error may result during A/D and D/A data
conversion.Fieldbus eliminates transmission errors and conversion errors during data
transmission.
The difference in transmission accuracy between the conventional analog transmission
system and the Fieldbus communication system is shown below.

Fieldbus transmits data using digital signals. Signal transmission errors rarely occur in
digital signal transmission, unlike analog signal transmission. In addition, Fieldbus does
not need A/D and D/A conversions because data is always transmitted digitally. Fieldbus
Removes these three error factors, improving transmission accuracy.
System reliability also improves as a result of higher transmission accuracy, which allows
stricter quality control and greater production efficiency.
Making the Most of Field Device Accuracy

Improved data transmission means accurate transmission of data which is detected by

field devices. Especially, digital field devices reduce transmission errors and conversion
errors of digital signals detected by sensors. Therefore, a Fieldbus communication system
can take advantage of the performance of high-accuracy field devices.

Enhanced Data Transmission

In a Fieldbus communication system, many pieces of field information as well as PVs

andMVs can be exchanged between field devices. Fieldbus can transmit many kinds of
databidirectionally, so the system offers more advanced functionality than a conventional
analog transmission system.

Various Types of Data Transmission

Fieldbus can transmit various types of data.

The conventional analog transmission system cannot transmit data other than PVs and
MVs. Although hybrid communication, an analog communication protocol with a digital
data transmission function, allows various types of data transmission, the hybrid
communication protocol has the following problems:
• The transmission speed is slow.
• Only one-to-one communication between a system and a field device is possible.
Fieldbus solves the problems associated with hybrid communication.
• The transmission speed is fast.
• Multiple pairs of devices can simultaneously communicate among a system and field
devices, and between field devices.
Transmission of various types of data allows the following advanced functionalities.
• Since past maintenance information can be easily acquired, maintenance efficiency
improves.
• Device management such as field device master file creation can be automated.

Bidirectional Communication

Fieldbus transmits multiplexed digital information. This enables the system to perform
bidirectional communication, which is not possible with the conventional analog
transmission system.

Data Exchange between Field Devices

Distribution of control to field devices is made possible by exchanging data between

them.
Distributed Functions

The use of Fieldbus implements integrated control over the entire plant and autonomous
distributed control.

Installing Advanced Functions in Field Devices

Fieldbus allows the exchange of field information used for control in addition to PVs and
MVs.
Field devices with a calculation function and other functions can thus be adjusted from a
system. Although some functions such as correction computation have been installed in
current field devices, various functions that use more information are expected to be
included in future field devices.
By doing this, a field device such as a positioner will be able to field-adjust valve control
characteristics.

Distributing Functions to the Field

Depending on the requirements of the processes to be controlled, field devices are

equipped with advanced functions that provide some control functionality that used to be
provided by a system. Distribution of control to field devices will change system
functions.

Functions of Field Devices and System

By increasing the functionality of field devices and distributing control functions, the
functions will vary between field devices and system.
For example, the user can install the PID function for each control object in a field device
or system. If the relation between loops is tight and they cover a wide range in a large-
scale plant, the PID function will be generally installed in the system. Conversely, if the
loops are relatively independent in a small-scale plant, the PID function may be installed
in a field device.
In an oil refinery or a petrochemical, for example, the PID function is closely related to
complex control, advanced control, optimized control, and integrated control over the
entire plant. Therefore, excluding some independent control loops, the PID function will
be installed in the system.
Interoperability

Conventional hybrid communications can transmit digital signals, but information

exchange between devices of different manufacturers is difficult because each device
uses its manufacturer’s protocol.

In Fieldbus communication, international standardization of the protocol ensures the

Interoperability between FF devices including FF interface card in host system. FF device
sallow digital data to be exchanged between devices from different manufacturers.
Therefore, the freedom to configure the process control system increases since there is no
need to choose one device manufacturer.

The Fieldbus Foundation prescribes the interoperability test procedure called

Interoperability Test (IT) to ensure the Interoperability for the FF devices, and the FF
devices that passed the IT are registered to the Foundation, and published on the Fieldbus
Foundation’s web site (http://www.fieldbus.org/). Yokogawa registered EJA series
transmitters the world’s first vendor.

Fieldbus Foundation started the Host Interoperability Support Test (HIST) for host
computer in September 2000. On September 14, 2000, Yokogawa’s CENTUM series
were certified as the system able to execute the Host Interoperability Support Test
(HIST), becoming the world’s first vendor to carry out the HIST. The HIST is to prove
the interoperability between the host computer and devices. The various devices from
different manufacturers has been tested by the CENTUM series with the HIST procedure,
and the interoperability has been proved.

Fieldbus-ready Field Devices

When Fieldbus is introduced, the type and amount of transmissible information will
drastically increase. Also, bidirectional communication of digital information
cantakeplace between a field device and a system, and between field devices. To make
the most of communication improvements and to satisfy more advanced needs, big
changes are taking place with field devices. This section explains the differences infield
devices when Fieldbus is introduced in a communication system.

Difference between Analog Transmission and Fieldbus Communication Systems

The Fieldbus communication system transmits information differently from the

conventional analog transmission system. It has the following capabilities:
• A large amount of information can be transmitted.
• There are many types of transmissible information, both control and non-control
information.
• Digital information can be transmitted.
• Bidirectional communication is possible between a field device and a system.
• Bidirectional communication is possible between field devices.
According to those differences, the information handled by field devices (field
information) changes significantly.
The differences between analog transmission and Fieldbus communication systems are
shown below.

Advanced Functionality of Field Devices

By making the most of Fieldbus communication system features, it is possible to have

more advanced control over the system. As a result, more advanced functionality is
required infield devices.
For example, by transmitting self-diagnostics information from a field device to the
system, with the appropriate timing, the system can control the field device according to
its status and can predict a problem in the field device. Also, by exchanging data (PV,
MV, etc.)Between field devices, autonomously distributed control of multiple field
devices will be possible.
Once the main power to the process control systems was changed from air to electricity,
new electric-powered field devices appeared on the market. Similarly, when process
control systems are changing from analog transmission to Fieldbus communication, new
field devices that support Fieldbus communication capabilities are appearing on the
market.
Field devices are primarily categorized into transmitters and actuators. Fieldbus will
bring about changes in both components. The following sections describe what changes
will occur in transmitters and actuators.

Accuracy Improvement due to Digitalization

Since the Fieldbus communication system transmits information digitally, it can transmit
the measured data from a transmitter to the system with minimum error. Many
transmitters with drastically higher accuracy come to market.

Improvement of Transmission Accuracy

A transmitter with the conventional analog transmission handled a PV value as a

percentage (0 to 100 % relative value) of the measuring range, and transmitted this value
to the system after converting to a 4 to 20 mA analog signal. The system converted the 4
to 20mA analog signal that was transmitted to the digital signal in engineering unit, and
used it.

Errors occur during these signal conversion.

In contrast, a transmitter with the Fieldbus communication handles a PV value in

engineering units and transmits this value, without conversion, to the system as a digital
signal. The system uses the digital signal as it was transmitted. The Fieldbus
communication system does not require signal conversion, thereby eliminating
conversion errors that occur during transmission of measured data.

The Fieldbus communication system provides for higher data transmission accuracy
compared to the analog transmission system.
Using the example of the orifice flow meter which uses a differential pressure transmitter,
the difference in transmission accuracy between the analog transmission and
Fieldbuscommunication systems is described below.

In a conventional analog transmission system, the differential pressure generated at the

orifice, proportional to the square of the flow rate, was measured by a differential
pressure transmitter and transmitted to the system after converting to a 4 to 20 mA signal.
If the differential pressure, P at the orifice is 2 kPa when the flow rate is 20 Nm3/h, the
output signal of the differential pressure transmitter will be as shown in the table below.
The analog transmission system generates an error when this output signal is converted to
a digital signal in the system side.
If the differential pressure is converted to a flow rate on the system side, the transmission
error will be changed by the flow rate because this conversion is not linear as shown in
figure below.

In contrast, the Fieldbus communication system transmits the flow signal in engineering
units as a digital signal. Therefore, there is no error during transmission. In this example,
the differential pressure generated by the orifice is calculated and converted to a flow rate
by the microprocessor of the differential pressure transmitter. The flow signal in
engineering unit is transmitted to the system as a digital signal without conversion.

Improvement of Transmitter Measuring Accuracy

If the transmission accuracy is improved by the Fieldbus communication, the

improvement of transmitter measuring accuracy will be a factor in improving the
accuracy of the entire process control system. To perform measurements at higher
accuracy, field devices that employ a superior measurement principle will be widely
used.

For example, conventional mechanical flow meters and level meters will be replaced by
electric flow meters and level meters that employ digital technology.
Since the Fieldbus communication system transmits the measured data in engineering
units, without dependence on measuring range, a transmitter with a wide measuring
rangewill show the original measuring performance. The width of the measuring range is
one of the most important factors in determining the quality of transmitters.
Multi-sensing Function Equipment

The function used to measure multiple variables with a single transmitter is known as the
multi-sensing function.

In a Fieldbus communication system, it is possible to transmit multiple pieces of

information over a single cable. To make the most of this Fieldbus feature, users will
demand transmitters equipped with a multi-sensing function.
In a conventional analog transmission system, a transmission cable with a pair of wires is
required to transmit one measured value. For example, a transmitter that cans perform
multiple measurements, such as the Coriolis flowmeter, requires multiple cables to
transmit multiple measurement variables.

The Fieldbus communication system allows the Coriolis flowmeter to transmit multiple
measurement variables via a single cable.

Transmitters that have been used to perform only one measurement are enhanced to
perform the multi-sensing function using the Fieldbus communication system.

For example, the differential pressure transmitter is able to measure process pressure,
ambient temperature, etc., in addition to flow rate, which was the transmitter’s original
function. If a temperature sensor for measuring the process temperature is combined with
this differential pressure transmitter, all flow rate, pressure, and temperature variables
necessary for process control will be measurable by the transmitter alone.

Possible data that will be gained by multi-sensing function for the main transmitters are
shown below.

• Differential pressure flowmeter: Mass flow, volume flow, pressure, temperature

• Magnetic flowmeter: Volume flow, conductivity, temperature
• Vortex flowmeter: Mass flow, volume flow, temperature, pressure
• Coriolis flowmeter: Mass flow, volume flow, density, temperature
• Differential pressure level meter: Liquid level, density and specific gravity, tank
internal pressure, temperature
• Ultrasonic level meter: Liquid level, temperature
• Temperature transmitter: Humidity, ambient temperature, vibration
• pH meter: pH, temperature
• Conductivity meter: Conductivity, temperature

Multifunction Equipment

A Fieldbus communication system can transmit other information in addition to the PV

value. To make the most of this feature, the transmitter is expected to calculate the
multiple values and process them into the required information for control.

A transmitter that incorporates multiple functions, such as the calculation function, is

known as a multifunction transmitter. Multifunction transmitters increase for a Fieldbus
communication system.

The main function of transmitters used in a conventional analog transmission system is to

measure a PV value at high-accuracy and transmit it. To do this, additional devices are
used for converting the measured PV value into the information necessary for control.

A multifunction transmitter can calculate the PV value in engineering units required by

the user and transmit it to the system.

If a multifunction transmitter is used in combination with the above multi-sensing

function, it is possible to drastically simplify the process control system.

For example, assume that there is a differential pressure transmitter which can multi-
sense the flow rate, pressure, and temperature. If a calculation function is added to this
differential pressure transmitter, it allows the transmitter to calculate the mass flow rate
after temperature-pressure compensation using the measured flow rate, pressure, and
temperature, and before executing transmission.

To attain the above functions, a conventional analog transmission system would require
three transmitters, one each for flow rate, pressure, and temperature, and an additional
calculator for temperature-pressure compensation. A single multifunction transmitter
with Multi-sensing can process all of this.

This will not only drastically reduce the instrumentation cost, but will also improve the
reliability.

Actuator

Fieldbus is expected to offer many possibilities for actuators.

This section explains, using a typical control valve actuator, the changes that are taking
place in actuators.

Control Valve Changes

The progress brought about by Fieldbus communication will drastically change the role
of the control valve.
A control valve with a conventional analog transmission controls a valve using a
positioner according to the MV value transmitted from the system.
On the other hand, a control valve with Fieldbus communication does not only control
the valve to a constant opening, but also returns the valve opening value back, with
respect to the MV value, and outputs limit signals to the system. This will promise more
stabilized control of the system without valve opening meter and limit switches
separately.

Also, this valve and its positioner are able to perform valve characteristic modifications,
temperature compensations, etc., which were usually made by the system. This will make
it possible to compensate for valve operation as close to the process state as possible,
while monitoring the valve characteristics.

If this positioner and valve are combined with a flowmeter, the feedback control of a
control valve, which is currently handled by the system, will be handled by only the
control valve.

Features of control valves with the Fieldbus communication are summarized next.

Features of Control Valves with the Fieldbus Communication

• Improvement of valve controllability (detects stroke cycle, open-close time, etc. to
predict clogging, sticking, leakage, etc.)
• Remote monitoring of control valves
• Modification and improvement of valve characteristics
• Stabilized control together with operability and complete closure of valves
• Improved valve stability
• Ease-to-operate adjustment and stabilization of valve characteristics
• Reduction of valve accessories

The following figure shows the compensation curves of valve flow characteristics. By
using the control valve with the Fieldbus communication, the following valve flow
characteristics will be change easily. In addition, it is possible to adopt the customized
characteristics.
Using Self-diagnostics Function

The Fieldbus communication system can predict a problem in a field device using the self
diagnostics function.

Integration of Instrumentation and Self-diagnostics Functions

The conventional analog transmission system can handle only one signal on a single
cable. The system handles the PV or MV value and the self-diagnostics information as
completely different data, even if it is information from the same field device.

The Fieldbus communication system can handle multiple signals on a single cable. The
system can handle the PV or MV value and the self-diagnostics information in the same
environment. Instrumentation and self-diagnostics will be performed under the same
environment by integrating work in the field into a single network.

This idea is far different from the conventional one which has separated instrumentation
from self-diagnostics.
Problem Prediction Function

Since Fieldbus handles the measured values in engineering units, it allows the system to
accurately measure slight changes in pressure and temperature, other than the PV value.
This enables the system to detect the symptoms of problems that were difficult to predict.

For example, suppose the system cannot judge whether the self-diagnostics result of a
field device is abnormal or normal. The conventional analog transmission system can
transmit a self-diagnostics result as either abnormal or normal. Therefore, if a result
cannot be judged as being abnormal or normal, the system always handles it as abnormal
for safety. If a minor abnormality is generated in field devices, a number of alarms will
be displayed on the panel in the control room. However, if minor abnormalities in field
devices are handled as normal to reduce alarms in the control room, the symptom of a
major problem may not be detected.

If a self-diagnostics result cannot be judged as abnormal or normal, Fieldbus

communication system can transmit the status information to the system. In addition,
Fieldbus communication system will be able to monitor the information which influences
measurement and control, such as clogging, vibration, etc. The use of this information
allows the system to chronologically analyze changes in field devices and predict their
problems.

Using the dedicated package software will make the maintenance work easier.

Investigation of Number of Field Devices connected to an H1 Segment

The number of field devices that can be connected to an H1 segment is restricted by the
power supply current capacity of the segment, macrocycle corresponding to the control
period, and Fieldbus cable length.

Restriction by Power Supply Current Capacity

The sum of the current consumption of field devices connected to one Fieldbus segment
cannot exceed the current supply capacity of the power supply.
In an intrinsic safety system, the sum of the current consumption of field devices
connected to one Fieldbus segment can not exceed the current supply capacity of the
power supply or limitation value of the safety barrier unit.

Restriction by Macrocycle Corresponding to Control Period

The number of field devices that can be connected to an H1 segment should be decided
by the macrocycle corresponding to the control period.
A macrocycle is the period of the control or measurement and the unit is 1/32 ms (1 sec =
32000 units). The scheduled control and communication on macrocycle is executed by
the LM device with LAS capability.
Consideration of Voltage Drop Restrictions

The voltage drop limits are set so that the minimum output voltage of the power supply,
less the voltage drop in the cable resistance, is not less that the minimum operating
voltage of the device, even considering the voltage fluctuation. Yokogawa recommends
minimum 9.5 volts as operating voltage design.

Cable Type and its Resistance

The typical resistances per unit length of the various cable types that can be used for
Fieldbus are shown below. The following resistance values are for reference only. For
actual values, contact the cable manufacturer.

Type A (individually shielded twisted-pair cable): 22 ohm/km

Type B (multi-pair twisted-pair cable, with outer shield): 56 ohm/km

Type D (multi-pair cable, no twist, with outer shield): 20 ohm/km

The following general formula is used to check whether the minimum supply voltage is
secured.

Minimum Power Supply Voltage > (resistance per unit length X cable length) X device
current X minimum operating voltage

This calculation must be performed for each Fieldbus device.

Selection of Cable Type and Total Length

If using a twisted-pair cable for the main line, carefully consider the kind and total length
of cabling.

The total length of cabling for Fieldbus is as follows:

• Type A (Individually-shielded twisted pair cable) 1900 m

• Type B (Overall-shielded twisted pair cable) 1200 m

• Type D (Overall-shielded non-twisted cable) 200 m

Some Type B cables attenuate signals largely. To secure sufficient signal amplitude, no
more than 20 field devices must be connected with a maximum total cable length of 600
m, or no more than 10 field devices must be connected with a maximum total cable
length of 1,200 m.
When using Type D cables, up to two pairs of cables must be used for Fieldbus and each
pair must be separated from each other to prevent interference.

When using multi-core cables, do not send signals other than Fieldbus signals or analog
signals (including hybrid communication) through the same cable.
Number of Branch Cables and Total Length

In tree type wiring, carefully consider the total length of cabling in accordance with the
number of spur (branch) cables (number of field devices to be connected).
The typical maximum total lengths of spur cables shown in the IEC and ISA standard
(*1) are given below.

• 1-12 field devices connected: 120 m

• 13-14 field devices connected: 90 m

• 15-18 field devices connected: 60 m

• 19-24 field devices connected: 30 m

• 25-32 field devices connected: 0 m

The number of connected field devices may be restricted by power supplies,

communication performance and other conditions.
In principle, the total lengths of spur cables should be made less than the typical
maximum lengths shown above. .