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Fieldbus is a generic-term for digital communications networks that are being used in industry to replace the existing 4 - 20mA analogue signal. The network is a digital, bi-directional, multidrop, serial-bus, communications network used to link isolated field devices, such as controllers, transducers, actuators and sensors.

Each field device has low cost computing power installed in it, making each device a ‘smart' device. Each device is able to execute simple functions on it's own such as diagnostic, control, and maintenance functions as well as providing bi-directional communication capabilities. This bi-directional capability is a major advantage because a field bus device can be re-configured remotely to perform different functions.

One fieldbus device could be used to replace a number of devices using the 4 - 20mA analogue standard. Other major cost savings from using fieldbus are due to wiring and installation - the existing 4 - 20mA analogue signal standard requires each device to have is own set of wires and its own connection point. Fieldbus eliminates this need so only a single twisted pair wiring scheme is required.

In the absence of an international standard, several manufacturers and user groups have developed their own solutions and are promoting them through their own interest groups.

Some examples are Modbus, DeviceNet and Profibus. For more information, click on the links on the right side of the page.

For Modbus click here

For PROFIBUS click here

For DeviceNet click here

For CANbus click here