Remote I/O and fieldbus go where - Database & Sql Blog Articles
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In the realm of industrial automation, fieldbus technology has become a key enabler for communication between devices. When categorizing users based on their attitude toward fieldbus adoption, they can generally be divided into four groups: A) Users who are fully committed; B) Strong supporters; C) Thorough opponents; and D) Those who have yet to make a decision. In the automotive industry, over 50% of the population falls into category A, while more than 90% are in category B. This is due to the clear benefits of fieldbus in this sector, such as improved efficiency, reduced wiring costs, and enhanced system flexibility. However, in process automation—especially in industries like chemicals, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals—the situation is quite different.
Here, only a small percentage of users are fully committed to fieldbus. While some support its use, large-scale implementation remains limited. Only a few fieldbus systems, like PROFIBUS PA and FOUNDATION Fieldbus, have seen test installations. The majority of users in these industries are still cautious, weighing the economic and commercial factors before making a decision. One of the main concerns is the ability to maintain continuous operation, especially in batch or continuous production processes where an unexpected shutdown could lead to significant losses.
Fieldbus systems must ensure that the system’s reliability is not compromised. Unlike traditional point-to-point connections, which isolate failures to specific points, fieldbus connects multiple devices through a single bus. This raises concerns about redundancy and fault tolerance. To address this, some systems implement redundant structures, but this often increases costs. Additionally, each field device may require two bus interfaces or a ring topology, which can be inefficient and expensive.
Another challenge lies in explosion protection. Traditional methods like intrinsic safety (EXi), flameproof (EXd), and encapsulation (EXm) are incompatible with the design principles of fieldbus. For example, using intrinsic safety limits the number of devices that can be connected per bus branch, while EXd or EXm requires power to be turned off during maintenance, conflicting with the need for hot-swapping in fieldbus systems.
An alternative solution is the use of remote I/O systems. These systems connect field devices using traditional wiring methods, allowing for centralized power distribution and easier maintenance. They also offer better compatibility with explosion-proof requirements, as they can be installed directly in hazardous areas without requiring complex power infrastructure. By using remote I/O, companies can reduce cabling, simplify installation, and improve system reliability—all while maintaining compatibility with existing fieldbus networks.
Ultimately, remote I/O offers a practical and cost-effective way to bridge the gap between field devices and the control system. It provides the necessary flexibility, safety, and scalability, making it an ideal choice for industries where fieldbus adoption is still evolving. As the demand for safer, more efficient automation solutions grows, remote I/O systems with built-in bus interfaces will become increasingly essential in the years to come.