The Foxboro approach to fieldbus was derived from the market demand for an automation system that could offer a reliable solution without sacrificing existing assets.
The answer: a truly open automation system, the I/A Series system, that interoperates with the multiple device types, from multiple vendors, with multiple protocols, commonly found in process plants.
Due to the magnitude of the I/A Series installed base, Invensys invested the time to offer a seamless integration of fieldbus capabilities, including FOUNDATION fieldbus, HART, Profibus, Modbus, and our own FoxCom, among others. All field communications run on redundant, secure, high-speed Ethernet remote I/O.Invensys is also a leading contributor to the emerging Field Device Tool (FDT) technology and is proud to be a founding member of the FDT Joint Interest Group.
Interoperability and Multi-bus Compatibility
As fieldbus technology continues to grow and expand, Foxboro interoperability and multi-bus strategy will continue to meet the varying needs of the diverse process automation market. The Foxboro fieldbus philosophy encourages multiple fielbus communications while accommodating the user’s choice of instrumentation without restrictions on device types or suppliers. Whether new or existing installations, with I/A Series interoperability and multi-bus capabilities, users can maintain their preferences because the system adapts to the user.
Remote I/O
Proven Foxboro remote fieldbus and field mounted FBMs have demonstrated significant wiring savings, up to 70%, compared to conventional methods. Ethernet connect I/O can be placed in the control center, close to the control processors and workstations, or out in the field, close to the process measurement and control devices. The I/A Series system has the capacity to handle multiple I/O types at that remote drop, including traditional I/O and intelligent HART, PROFIbus DA, FoxCom, FF H1 and Modbus.
