Fieldbus network diagnostic module gets DTM update
P+F ADM observes behavior of a segment, uses intelligence to diagnose situations based on past experience.
Pepperl+Fuchs has introduced the newest version of its Advanced Diagnostic Module (ADM) DTM software. ADMs monitor the quality of fieldbus communication for Foundation fieldbus H1 and Profibus PA networks, and the Diagnostic Manager software includes a number of updates that dramatically speed fieldbus commissioning and take the guesswork out of troubleshooting for ADM users. This smart software tool translates information provided by the ADM into actionable information and can run on a server located directly in the control room. P+F says this turns the complete fieldbus infrastructure into an open book that can be read without expert knowledge.
“The most significant improvement to the new Diagnostic Manager is a built-in expert system that automatically learns the communications behavior of a segment during commissioning,” says Brian Traczyk, product manager, Pepperl+Fuchs. “Over time it is able to intelligently diagnose any situation on the basis of past experience. As a result, users are provided with specific warnings as soon as the software detects any condition that might lead to a critical situation. Such warnings are complemented by incident-related information in clear text that points to possible causes and recommends remedies.”
Traczyk adds that when field technicians are equipped with this information, they usually know what needs to be done before they arrive on site, and are no longer faced with the sometimes time-consuming task of searching for the actual cause of a problem. As a result, time spent on troubleshooting is absolutely minimized, plant shutdowns can largely be avoided, and the availability of the complete system is considerably improved.
Additional upgrades include automated tag reading in combination with a fieldbus host, and improved oscilloscope functions.
- Edited by Peter Welander, pwelander(at)cfemedia.com
Also read: Fieldbus Foundation updated technical spec supports fieldbus devices, diagnostics
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