New FOUNDATION Fieldbus linking devices for PlantPAx users

Graham Proctor, product manager, Rockwell Automation, explains: "The FOUNDATION Fieldbus standard is a popular choice among many process industry companies because of the wiring, commissioning and support savings a digital network offers. With these linking devices, PlantPAx system users can access data for improved diagnostics, troubleshooting, maintenance and uptime."

The 1788-EN2FFR and 1788-CN2FFR linking devices offer simplified setup into RSLogix5000 software from Rockwell Automation, thanks to an Add-On-Profile (AOP) and auto-configure tool. The auto-configure tool helps save hours of setup time by applying the most frequently used configuration, while the AOP provides a graphical environment for more detailed field device configuration. In addition, the AOP provides built-in diagnostics, including information on network voltages and currents, internal temperature and device status, which also can be viewed directly from the on-device display, simplifying troubleshooting for plant operators. A built-in webserver also provides remote access to network and field device data.

Both devices support up to 16 field devices on a single H1 segment and feature multiple redundancy configurations, including redundant linking devices, H1 media, ControlNet media, and EtherNet/IP Device-Level Ring. No external software or user licences are required for operation, and each device features a built-in power conditioner, which minimises the equipment's installed footprint.

For further information about the Allen-Bradley 1788-EN2FFR and 1788-CN2FFR linking devices, follow the link to the Rockwell Automation website.