05 - What is all this diagnostics stuff anyhow (regrets to Peace Porridge)?

The digital communication provides the means for all the device data, configuration, operation and diagnostics details to be accessed from the control room. The complete interoperability of Fieldbus enables this data to also be accessed by any software that desires to do so.

The multiple variable nature of Fieldbus also allows new innovative devices. Transmitters that measure more than one variable have built in flow and HTG computers etc.

Schemes for consistent diagnostics interrogation and failure alerts were designed into Fieldbus from the very beginning. The self-diagnostics of field devices may report failures and problems immediately, enabling maintenance personnel to pinpoint errors instantly or even before they can cause any harm. More self-diagnostics will therefore be implemented. Hardware failures like sensor, actuator and memory problems, and the operator reports all software problems like configuration or calibration errors without the need for manual interrogation. In the event of a fault it is reported with the associated information like which device, what type of fault, priority and the time stamp etc.

The benefit for the operator to get this information without having to bring the transmitter in to a workshop for testing is obvious. The time that can be saved by not having to test only a few transmitters is enormous. Diagnostics enables you to quickly determine if a process problem is due to the transmitter or not, without having to do several field visits. Production can get back in operation in minutes.

.... All this reduces errors and makes calibration less of a choir ensuring it is done correctly and on a periodic basis. The end result is a better measurement and improved quality.