About Our Fieldbus Engineering and Application Course

Time Training Center’s 5-day, 30-hour course equips you with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in Fieldbus technology for industrial automation. 

The course provides an in-depth overview of Fieldbus systems, tracing their evolution from traditional wiring to advanced digital communication networks. The 1980s marked a pivotal shift in automation, as conventional parallel wiring became insufficient for the increasing complexity and digitalization of field devices. Fieldbus technology emerged to enable intelligent, efficient communication between field units, transforming process control across industries.

Participants will explore the principles of Fieldbus, its modern industrial applications, and the design, integration, and troubleshooting of Fieldbus systems. The program emphasizes the critical factors required for smooth operation and interoperability. Attendees will gain practical experience in the installation, configuration, and commissioning of Fieldbus devices, as well as diagnostic techniques to maintain optimal system performance.

Fieldbus Engineering and Application Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Fieldbus Engineering and Application course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the core benefits of using Fieldbus technology over traditional communication methods.
• Describe how data flows through a Fieldbus network and how communication actions are initiated.
• Explain the management of overlapping communications when multiple loops share the same segment.
• Accommodate both fast and slow loops in a single system.
• Diagnose issues proactively to reduce maintenance efforts and prevent process disruptions.
• Define the concept of interoperability as outlined by the Fieldbus Foundation.
• Identify external factors that affect Fieldbus network stability and recommend solutions.
• Understand how redundancy can be implemented within a Fieldbus system for enhanced reliability.
• Compare control reliability in field devices versus host systems.
• Differentiate between branch and tree layouts and determine their application in Fieldbus design.
• Evaluate the advantages of pre-assembled cables and connectors for Fieldbus systems.
• Recognize project engineering standards that will change when implementing Fieldbus.
• Modify P&ID drawings to incorporate Fieldbus components and networks.
• Streamline device commissioning through host system integration and automation.
• Assess the role of the Fieldbus in handling critical loops and its impact on control reliability.

Who Should Attend Our Fieldbus Engineering and Application Course?

This course is highly beneficial for professionals who work with or are planning to implement Fieldbus technology, including:

• Instrumentation and Control Engineers
• Instrumentation Technicians
• Process Engineers
• Operations Engineers
• Process and Utility Supervisors
• Technical Supervisors overseeing automation and control systems

Fieldbus Engineering and Application Course Training Methodology

We employ a comprehensive and applied learning strategy, integrating theory with real-world implementation:

• 30% Conceptual Learning: Expert-led sessions on catalytic theory and engineering principles
• 20% Interactive Workshops: Group exercises, presentations, and technical discussion forums
• 30% Case-Based Learning: Industry-specific examples and troubleshooting scenarios
• 20% Technology Integration: Digital tools, simulations, and catalyst modeling applications

Note: Instructors may adjust the training approach to fit technical requirements or participant engagement levels.

Fieldbus Engineering and Application Course Instructor

Our courses are delivered by highly qualified instructors with extensive experience in both industry and academia. With decades of hands-on expertise across a wide range of technical disciplines, our instructors are dedicated to providing high-quality, impactful training that equips participants with practical knowledge and skills they can immediately apply. Full instructor profiles are available upon request.

Fieldbus Engineering and Application Course Fees

The course fee includes the following:

• Course Materials: Comprehensive participant materials, including lecture notes, slides, and case study documents. (Tablet or IPAD)
• Coffee/Tea: Provided on arrival and during morning and afternoon breaks to keep participants refreshed.
• Buffet Lunch: Served daily to ensure participants have an opportunity to network and recharge during lunch breaks.

Fieldbus Engineering and Application Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to FOUNDATION Fieldbus

• Pre-test assessment of existing knowledge
• What is FOUNDATION Fieldbus?
• The digital bus advantage: Why Fieldbus over traditional wiring
• An established standard: Fieldbus Foundation's role in standardization
• Interoperability in process control: Understanding its significance

Module 2: Fieldbus Communications

• The communications model: Layers and structure
• Physical layer: Connection types and network design considerations
• Datalink and application layers: How data is transmitted and processed
• User layer: The role of the user layer in managing data
• Scheduled vs. unscheduled communications: How to prioritize data transmission
• Parameter status and application clock: Ensuring time synchronization across devices
• Link active scheduler (LAS) and device address assignment: Managing data flow across the network

Module 3: Loop Scheduling

• Basic scheduling: Principles for managing multiple loops
• Managing communication overlaps: How to handle multiple loops on the same segment
• Loop configuration strategies for fast and slow loops

Module 4: FOUNDATION Fieldbus Function Blocks

• Introduction to function blocks: Basic and advanced types
• How function blocks are instantiated into devices
• Device descriptions: Understanding device properties and functionality

Module 5: Diagnostics with Fieldbus

• More than device maintenance: How diagnostics improve system uptime
• Equipment diagnostics: Techniques for analyzing field devices
• Loop diagnostics: Monitoring and troubleshooting loops
• Improving plant performance: Using diagnostics to optimize process efficiency
• Reducing process variability: How diagnostics contribute to process stability
• Enhancing safety and compliance: How Fieldbus aids in meeting regulatory requirements
• Managing alarms and alerts: Leveraging diagnostics for faster response

Module 6: Fieldbus Interoperability

• Field-device interoperability: Understanding and testing device compatibility
• Host-system interoperability: Ensuring seamless integration across systems
• Off-line interoperability: How to ensure devices work together even when offline
• Testing devices for interoperability: Practical steps to verify compatibility

Module 7: Reliability and Redundancy

• Total system reliability: Designing for high uptime and low risk of failure
• Redundancy in transmitters, valves, and controls: Ensuring system reliability
• Host redundancy options: Exploring backup solutions for host systems
• Link active scheduler (LAS) redundancy: Keeping the system active under failure conditions

Module 8: Network Wiring Fundamentals

• Basic segment design: Planning and configuring segments for optimal performance
• Wire types and segment lengths: Selecting the right components for your network
• Mixing wire types on a segment: Best practices for combining different cables
• Total segment length: How to calculate and manage distances in a network

Module 9: Network Wiring Options

• Tree and branch topologies: Design and application in Fieldbus networks
• Non-conduit options: Tree vs. branch configurations
• Using existing wiring and junction boxes: Integrating Fieldbus into legacy systems

Module 10: Segment Hardware

• Required and application-dependent components: Understanding the essential hardware
• Power supply considerations: Choosing the right power for your system
• Power conditioners, terminators, and repeaters: Essential components for stable operation
• Intrinsic safety barriers: Understanding their role in hazardous environments

Module 11: Project Engineering Standards

• Field device specifications: Key considerations for selecting Fieldbus devices
• Segment design practices: Best practices for layout and component selection
• Updating P&IDs: Modifying project documentation to accommodate Fieldbus
• Installation practices: Practical steps for Fieldbus system installation
• Project schedules and deadlines: How to manage Fieldbus installation within a timeline

Module 12: Choosing a Host System

• Selecting the right host system: Criteria for Fieldbus integration
• Redundancy and interoperability testing: Ensuring the host system supports Fieldbus devices
• Ease of commissioning and predictive maintenance: Streamlining system setup and ongoing maintenance

Module 13: Control Design

• Beyond PID control: Understanding modular control philosophies
• Field control location: How decentralizing control can improve system efficiency
• Maintenance and purchasing considerations: Impact on lifecycle management

Module 14: Segment Design

• Designing for loop criticality: Tailoring system design to loop importance
• Mission-critical vs. normal-importance loops: Prioritizing design for critical processes
• Process modularity and multivariable devices: How to optimize process control and redundancy

Module 15: Commissioning

• Pre-configured devices: Steps for using pre-configured devices in installation
• Un-configured devices: How to commission new devices into the system
• Tagging, attaching, and calibrating devices: Ensuring proper device integration
• Checkout and troubleshooting: Ensuring system integrity through testing
• Wiring check, voltage check, and signal verification: Practical steps for system validation

Module 16: Capstone and Assessment

• Review of Core Topics and Key Learnings
• Final Group Discussion and Q&A
• Post-Test Evaluation
• Certificate Presentation

Course Completion Certificate

Upon successfully completing the course at Time Training Center, participants will be awarded the official Course Completion Certificate. This certificate recognizes your achievement and expertise in Fieldbus Engineering and Applications.