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Are FOUNDATION fieldbus and PROFIBUS PA the same

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The short answer is: although both buses are very similar, they are not the same!
Here is whats different: PROFIBUS is the overall name for a process fieldbus solution that includes
the application and industry-specific PROFIBUS DP, PROFIBUS PA, PROFINET, and PROFIsafe.
In the process industry, we see mostly PROFIBUS DP and PROFIBUS PA.
(For additional information visit: www.profibus.com)

PROFIBUS DP (decentralized peripheral) is the RS485-based high-speed (up to 12 Mbit/s) solution

PROFIBUS PA (process automation) is defined in the IEC 61158-2 standard and used
predominantly in process plants. It is suitable for general purpose and hazardous locations and
delivers power (up to 32 V) and communications (31.25 kBit/s) on the same cable (bus powered)
to PROFIBUS PA instruments such as flow meters and temperature or pressure transmitters.

Typically, PROFIBUS PA applications are connected to a PLC/DCS control system via a PROFIBUS
DP network, which requires a DP/PA Segment Coupler. These coupler devices are necessary to
connect the two different physical layers of the high-speed, non-bus-powered DP to the lower-speed,
bus-powered PA. The Segment Coupler includes the power supply modules needed to condition 24
VDC bulk power for use on PROFIBUS PA. PROFIBUS PA does not support CIF (control in the
field), where instruments can talk to each other even if the connection to the host is lost.

Just like PROFIBUS PA, FOUNDATION fieldbus is based on the IEC 61158-2 standard. This
means that both networks are based on the same physical layer and used in similar industries and
for the same types of application. The physical layer defines the cable type (Type A fieldbus cable
with specific R, L, and C values, twisted shielded pair) as well as the min/max power levels (9 V
32 V) and the transmission rate (31.25 kBit/s). Since PROFIBUS PA and FOUNDATION
fieldbus are based on the same physical layer, the same type of field distribution devices
like Segment Protectors and FieldBarriers can be used for both networks.
Unlike on PROFIBUS PA, FOUNDATION fieldbus typically does not require a Segment Coupler but
interfaces directly into the DCS control system via a H1 fieldbus interface card (see picture above).
Some DCS solutions, however, use a high-speed Ethernet/FOUNDATION fieldbus linking device
instead of a direct fieldbus interface.

FOUNDATION fieldbus utilizes standardized function blocks (FBs) for analog and discrete signals,
which makes it easy to create a control strategy by simply connecting blocks together. It is also
possible to download the control strategy (i.e., P&ID loop) to the instrument, which enables control in
the field (CIF) in case the connection to the DCS is lost.
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Topics: Ask an Expert, Fieldbus

Perry Hudson
2/8/2013, 7:51:13 PM

I am constantly exposed to both Fieldbus and Profibus. I have a much better understanding after
reading this article.

Sandeep Khire
4/5/2013, 11:33:46 AM

I have a query. As the physical layer of FF and Profibus PA is same, can we use Profibus PA
devices directly in FF network.

Melanie Bozzelli
4/5/2013, 6:47:41 PM

Sandeep, To answer your question, no, a FOUNDATION fieldbus device cannot be used on a
PROFIBUS segment (or vice versa). On the control side of things, the bus line would ultimately run
back to either a Fieldbus H1 or a PROFIBUS DP card and as such, the field devices in that loop
would have to match that communication protocol.

You are correct in that the physical layer topology is very similar; however, there is an additional
component that is needed in a PROFIBUS setup; a DP/PA coupler or link to convert over from the
Profibus DP protocol to PROFIBUS PA protocol for process automation instrumentation. All of the
other components of the physical layer will remain the same in most cases and for most
manufacturers, Pepperl+Fuchs included.
(Ed. this reply is from Aaron Severa)