This month we introduce the newest three members of the Process Automation Hall of Fame. We also bust some myths about Foundation fieldbus, explore when to use guided-wave radar, and hear an argument in favor of multiple standards for the same technology. Access our issue now. Here it is in PDF format if you prefer that.

Because off-line tools by their nature are unable to report back to the appropriate person when something happens the majority of FF Power Supply manufacturers either already offer or I am confident are working on developing on-line network diagnostic modules to continually monitor and report to a central system as soon as something happens so appropriate action can be taken.

The original network analysis tool was the National Instruments Bus Monitor, developed at approximately the same time as Foundation Fieldbus was being introduced. This tool was designed to monitor the data traffic on fieldbus networks. It was not until Relcom introduced the FBT-3 that a physical layer troubleshooting tool specific for Fieldbus was available. Prior to the FBT-3 the only options were multimeter and oscilloscope, with no way of knowing which devices were communicating when a signal trace went by.

Deadlines for the ISA Communications Division two Spring Symposia are quickly approaching.
The first event this April in Troy (Detroit) Michigan is a joint offering with the ISA100 WG16 committee that will be two half-days focused on Wireless applications in the Factory environment. Key topics at this event include: Wireless for Factory Automation User Requirements, Secure Wireless Sensor Networks,
IEEE P1451.1.4 and Smart RFID use for Factory Automation, and Emerging Wireless Technologies for Factory Automation.

Just like we tend to take the Ethernet chipset in our computer for granted, most End Users are likely unaware that every Foundation Fieldbus H1 device has a similar chipset called the H1 Stack in it. Like the FF Function Blocks, the stack must also be tested for compliance BEFORE the device can be submitted to the Fieldbus Foundation for its 'check mark.' Because the Foundation now tests devices and host systems, every field device and H1 interface card therefore requires a tested and approved stack.

See our January issue: The Readers' Choice Awards--which products are our readers' favorites? Also in this issue, is there smart phone app for PID control in your future and data processing escapes the enclosure. And don't miss our regular columnists, Bela Liptak sharing lessons on fracking technology and answering questions with other experts, John Rezabek on fieldbus, Greg McMillan and Stan Weiner engaging in Control Talk and, technically speaking, Dan Hebert.

As we start another year what might be influencing or significant in the area of networking this year? I have separated this into two broad categories of expectations or what I think will happen and wishes, things that I hope might happen or products that might come to market. Let’s start with expectations.

Expectations:

One of the reasons that many facilities do not approve the installation of repeaters on their industrial networks is because these installations all require power for the repeater element and unfortunately finding reliable power where and when you need it is not always a ‘sure thing’ and with the increased use of wireless access points throughout a facility the demand will do nothing but grow.

The good news is that at least two options to provide reliable UPS field power that I am aware of are now available.

Once again, the nominations have been made, the votes sent in and the results have been tabulated for the Class of 2012 of the Process Automation Hall of Fame.

This year's class members are: Vern Heath, Mark Nixon and Tom Phinney.

Vern Heath founded Rosemount in a converted chicken coop, and grew it to become the Emerson Process Management we know today. His influence in the process automation industry, both as an inventor, and as a business leader were extensive, and continue to be felt.

The December issue of Control magazine is now online and ready for viewing. It features our annual rating of the Top 50 automation companies, both globally and in North America.This year, vendors are all doing well, but are nervous about the future. We also discover how Schweppes Australia sweetened soda pop production by consolidating process and logic controls and why your sampling systems need a lot of love and attention. And don't miss our regular columnists, John Rezabek on fieldbus, Bela Liptak and friends answering process control questions, and Jim Montague exploring an electronic marshalling project.