Fieldbus systems – find manufacturers and suppliers

Fieldbus systems connect controllers, sensors, actuators, drives and decentralised input and output modules within automated machines and plants.

Instead of using a separate cable for every individual signal, they use a shared digital communication system. This reduces wiring requirements, installation space and installation costs.
In addition to control data, fieldbus systems can transmit measured values, device states, parameters and diagnostic information. They therefore form an important basis for decentralised automation and the monitoring of industrial processes.
Depending on the application, fieldbus systems differ in terms of transmission speed, real-time behaviour, range, number of participants and physical transmission medium.
The following provides an overview of the types, applications, advantages and important selection criteria of fieldbus systems.

Types of fieldbus systems

Traditional serial fieldbus systems

Traditional fieldbuses transmit data serially via shared communication lines.
They have been used for many years in machines, production plants and process engineering applications. Typical tasks include communication between controllers, decentralised input and output stations, frequency converters, sensors and actuators.
Many of these systems are characterised by robust data transmission and a wide range of compatible devices.

Industrial Ethernet systems

Industrial Ethernet systems combine the high transmission performance of Ethernet technology with the requirements of industrial automation.
They are suitable for large volumes of data, fast control loops, motion control applications and communication between different automation levels.
Depending on the system, functions for real-time communication, diagnostics, redundancy and safety-related data transmission are available.

Fieldbus systems for the process industry

In process automation, fieldbus systems are frequently used to connect intelligent measuring devices, control valves and other field devices.
In addition to process values, they can also transmit parameters, device states and maintenance information.
Special transmission technologies and installation requirements may apply in potentially explosive environments or widely distributed plants.

Safety-related fieldbus systems

Safety-related communication systems transmit signals for emergency stops, safety doors, safe shutdowns and other safety functions.
They make it possible to combine standard and safety communication within a common automation architecture.
The components and protocols used must be suitable and certified for the required safety function.

Applications of fieldbus systems

Mechanical and plant engineering

In mechanical engineering, fieldbus systems connect controllers with sensors, valve terminals, drives and decentralised I/O modules.
They facilitate the modular design of machines and enable rapid diagnostics of individual components.

Manufacturing and assembly technology

In production and assembly lines, fieldbuses transmit control commands, position values and status information between individual stations.
They support the synchronisation of automated processes and the integration of robots, handling systems and testing equipment.

Process automation

In chemical, pharmaceutical, food processing and other process engineering plants, fieldbus systems connect measuring and control devices with control and process control systems.
They provide access to process values and additional device data from the control room.

Conveyor and logistics technology

In conveyor systems, warehouses and distribution centres, fieldbus systems network drives, sensors, identification systems and controllers.
This enables material flows to be monitored and individual plant sections to be coordinated.

Advantages of fieldbus systems

• Reduced wiring requirements
• Decentralised arrangement of input and output modules
• Transmission of control, process and diagnostic data
• Easier expansion of modular plants
• Faster troubleshooting through diagnostic functions
• Connection of intelligent sensors, actuators and drives
• Support for time-critical and safety-related applications
• Improved networking of different automation components

Important selection criteria for fieldbus systems

Component compatibility

Controllers, field devices, drives and I/O modules must support the selected communication system.
In addition to the protocol, device profiles, interfaces and required configuration tools must also be checked.

Transmission speed and real-time behaviour

The required data rate depends on the application.
A lower transmission speed is often sufficient for simple sensor signals. Fast control processes and synchronised axis movements, however, require short and predictable transmission times.

Cable length and network structure

The permitted cable length depends on the bus system, transmission rate and cable used.
The possible network structure, number of participants and use of repeaters, switches or couplers must also be considered.

Environmental conditions

Electromagnetic interference, moisture, dust, vibration and temperature fluctuations can affect communication.
Cables, connectors and decentralised modules must therefore be suitable for the respective industrial environment.

Diagnostics and maintenance

Effective diagnostic functions facilitate the detection of cable faults, communication errors and defective participants.
Clear diagnostic tools and long-term spare parts availability are particularly important for plants with high downtime costs.

Integration into existing systems

When expanding a system, it is necessary to check whether the fieldbus system is compatible with the existing control and network technology.
Gateways and couplers can connect different systems, but increase the integration and configuration effort.

Summary

Fieldbus systems enable digital communication between controllers, sensors, actuators, drives and decentralised input and output modules.
They reduce wiring requirements, transmit process and diagnostic data and support the modular design of automated machines and plants.
The main selection criteria include device compatibility, data rate, real-time capability, cable length, environmental conditions and diagnostic functions.

Fieldbus systems are available from various manufacturers and suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of fieldbus systems from around the world can be found on Exportpages.