15 - Must a protocol be specifically designed for process control?

Some proprietary options want to serve too many markets. These protocols intended for e.g. building or household automation are trying to get a new life shoehorned into process control. Lots of money is at stake. If one of the protocols capture the market, the proprietor of that protocol can make lots of money. The market for household devices and equipment is typically a low margin/high volume business. It is extremely cost sensitive. This contrasts significantly to the market for industrial processing equipment, which requires high integrity, reliability and intrinsic safety. The process automation application includes poisonous and explosive atmospheres and products, life and environment at risk with high pressures and temperatures, and other problems like EMI and vibration.

Throughout its development, Fieldbus was specifically tailored to satisfy the needs of instrumentation.

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