News

The Fieldbus Foundation wants to provide a comprehensive solution for Safety Instrumented Systems in a wide range of industrial plant applications. The TÜV Rheinland Group approved communication protocol enables manufacturers to build Fieldbus Foundation devices in compliance with IEC 61508. Third-party test agencies such as Risknowlogy or TÜV Rheinland Group will certify that these devices are suitable for use in safety instrumented systems. End users will be able to choose devices meeting the requirements of IEC 61511 from multiple suppliers, instead of being restricted to devices designed specifically for a proprietary safety system platform.

“Joining the Fieldbus Foundation was a logical step.” says Wolfgang Velten-Philipp, Functional Safety Expert and Director of Certification at Risknowlogy. “As I was personally responsible, as a TÜV Rheinland Group employee, to certify the communication protocol it was natural for us to now offer our knowledge and expertise to Fieldbus Foundation, manufacturers and end-users. The market can only benefit from more independent experts that can help them with their safety needs.”

“In December 2005 the Fieldbus Foundation received TÜV Rheinland Group type approval for its SIS communication protocol and beginning in 2008 we expect the first Fieldbus Foundation registered safety devices”, says David A. Glanzer, Director of Technology Development and Program Manager for the SIS demonstration project. “Product suppliers still have a lot of work ahead, but with Risknowlogy joining the Safety Certification Team we are adding a knowledgeable partner who can help product suppliers with their certification, safety consulting and training needs in the field of functional safety.”.

About the Fieldbus Foundation

The Fieldbus Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation consisting of over 350 leading process and manufacturing automation companies worldwide whose major purpose is to provide an open and neutral environment for the development of a single, international, interoperable fieldbus. In this environment, end users, manufacturers, universities and research organizations are working together to develop the technology, provide development tools, support and training, coordinate field trials and demonstrations, and enable product interoperability. Visit their web site at www.fieldbus.org.

About Risknowlogy

Risknowlogy is a leading provider of technical risk management solutions including knowledge, services, tools, training and certification in the field of risk, reliability, safety and security. Risknowlogy is a TÜV Rheinland Group approved course provider and is the only company in the world with certified Functional Safety Management Experts. Risknowlogy has offices in The Netherlands, Germany and Argentina. Visit their website at www.risknowlogy.com.