PROFISafe NEW PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENT KIT ... - Siemens

figure: no longer is specific programming necessary. Withthe system-wide, vendor-independent engineering software,the distributed automation components can be combined ina single application.PROFIBUS or Ethernet segments can also be operatedindependently of each other. Alternatively, both segmentscan be integrated in an overall concept. In this case, theexisting, comprehensive PROFIBUS product range can beused without any modifications. This also applies, of course,to motion control applications (PROFIDrive) and failsafeapplications (PROFISafe).PROFIBUS International is promoting a rapid, worldwidemarket acceptance through the open source concept, whichmakes PROFINet universally available. To meet specialindustry requirements, PROFIBUS International will definesuitable quality assurance systems.Based on an open concept, PROFINet can also be used toimplement communications between any other fieldbus systemand Ethernet. This prevents a re-eruption of the "fieldbuswars" through the emergence of proprietary solutions onthe Ethernet level. The use of open standards establishes alevel playing field for implementing all fieldbus systems andmakes PROFINet an ideal contender for worldwide acceptance.PROFIBUS International provides fieldbus enterpriseswith a forum for cooperating in an open community that aimsto maximize user benefit.ENDby Max Felser, Professor, University of Applied Science,Bern, SwitzerlandIn June 2000, the first two training courses based on essentiallythe same material and the same final examination thatare used by the PROFIBUS Interface Center, USA (PIC)were held in Bern (Switzerland) at the University of AppliedScience. The training was held twice with seven participantsin each class. The sessions were held in the lab to allowdemonstrations andpractical exercises. Thenumber of participantswas restricted to allowindividual practical workusing the various multivendorequipment at theuniversity (see picture oftwo students at practicalwork). The studentsconsidered the coursesvery useful. "I alreadyknew a lot aboutPROFIBUS before the training and I learned a lot more duringthe training. It was one of the best training classes I havehad in recent times", said Frank Birgel from Endress &Hauser Process Solutions (see picture of Frank Birgel takingthe written test).The training was conducted by Max Felser and DanielBirkenmaier. Professor Max Felser is the chairman ofPROFIBUS Switzerland and introduced the general and DPparts of the program. Daniel Birkenmaier is a project engineerwith detailed knowledge of DPV1 and PA devices and protocol.Therefore, the training included not only sections aboutDP but was also extended to DPV1 and PA equipment.The multi-vendor installation will be modified during Augustand will be presented at the Swiss Automation WeekExhibition from September 5th to 8th in Basel (Switzerland).These rack extensions include the latest new products fromdifferent manufactures with these products. It will be possibleto demonstrate slave-to-slave communication with productsfrom different manufactures. The next training classesare scheduled for November 2000.PIC Commentary: This training is more proof of how wellestablished PROFIBUS is on a world wide basis and howwell the PROFIBUS community works together. The trainingwas developed and established inthe US and presented to the internationalcommunity by Mike Bryant,Director of the North AmericanPROFIBUS user organization, thePTO.Encouraged by the feedback, thePTO and the PIC made the trainingmaterial available for all regionaluser associations so that the trainingcan be conducted by all PROFIBUS CompetenceCenters and Testlabs.The PIC will work closely with other CompetenceCenters which will lead to enhancements in trainingto benefit all PROFIBUS users worldwide!To purchase the certification training, contact Mike Bryant ofthe PTO at:Phone: 480-483-2456Fax: 480-483-7202Email: mbryant@goodnet.comEND19