The market-leading remote I/O system for zone 1 / division 1 applications, R. STAHL’s IS1 has now been extended to feature its first operational communication interface for FOUNDATION fieldbus High Speed Ethernet. While the system has supported the Modbus TCP protocol for basic Ethernet performance for some time, the new FF HSE-capable IS1 version now provides users with a more advanced and considerably more powerful Industrial Ethernet protocol implementation. Remote I/O technology allows users to deploy consistent plant communication networks integrating conventional, HART-capable and FOUNDATION fieldbus H1 devices. The combination of remote I/O solutions and the fast FF HSE protocol will thus become one of the most attractive signal connection solutions in process automation. R. STAHL clears the way for its use in hazardous areas.

The FF HSE-capable IS1 prototype, which is based on Softing AG's protocol stack, is, amongst others, employed as a test system in the FF HSE RIO work-ing group. Established in early 2007, this team develops application scenarios and technical specifications regarding the integration of remote I/O technology into the FOUNDATION system architecture. Apart from remote I/O manufacturer R. STAHL, active committee members include control system makers such as Emerson, Honeywell, Smar, Yamatake and Yokogawa, whose host systems can therefore be expected to offer FF HSE support in the future. The HSE RIO working group plans to conclude the specification until mid-2009, and to subsequently enter the integration phase. Hence, the current functionality of the FF HSE-capable IS1 prototype cannot yet comply with the final specification. However, the system is already very well suited to testing existing host systems or host systems in development. R. STAHL is closely tracking specification developments and will be able to implement full FF HSE functionality in IS1 soon after the specification is finalised. Following the completion of public interoperability demonstrations in several end user plants, a mature product is likely to launch in late 2010.