Data Communications and Field Bus Systems: Debunking the Mystery of Serial Data Communication

Over the last couple of years, instrumentation has come on in leaps and bounds. It is just as important to note the data communication has not been left behind, and has rightfully kept pace with all the requirements of the modern plant. There is an increased tendency towards better data communication (especially in the industrial environment), and the aim of this Data Communication & Fieldbus System training course is to take all the mysticism out of the data communication systems, in existing (and future) networks. This Data Communication & Fieldbus System training course covers all aspects of data communication, starting from an overview perspective and then delves individually into all the major aspects that are considered important to current users. Special attention is also given to the hybridized systems (i.e. HART) as well as the all-important fieldbus options that currently play such an important role in communicating with field devices. This training course is presented in a manner which is easy to understand and grasp, even for novices and those new to the field of data communication and fieldbus, as well as those that wish to improve / refresh their current knowledge.

This training course will highlight:

• Data communication and basic principles
• Communication standards
• Communication media
• Communication protocols
• Fieldbus and how it ties in with the modern instrumentation

Participants will be taken from basics, and built up in their ability to deal with all the major types of data communication and fieldbus systems. The most important components of the work are covered in a theoretical manner, but the instructor will also ensure that delegates are individually assessed on a regular basis. This Data Communication & Fieldbus System training course will make use of pre-and post-training course tests, individual and group-based exercises, open discussions and make use of proven adult learning methodologies and facilitation techniques. The whole focus is on the transfer of vital data. The sharing of information, between delegates and participants, is encouraged.

This Data Communication & Fieldbus System training course would be particularly aimed at people who are involved either in the maintenance and installation of data communication and fieldbus equipment, or those that actively take part in the assessment, selection and purchasing of these devices. But, it is not specifically aimed only at these individuals, but also to cater for the needs of all levels of personnel, regardless of their working background, who have an interest in the field of data communication and fieldbus systems.

In this sense, this training course is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:

• Instrumentation Personnel
• Personnel involved in data communication and networked topologies
• Artisans from other fields, who may assist, or be interested in data communication and fieldbus systems
• Financial People involved in the purchasing of data communication and fieldbus equipment
• Commissioning Engineers
• Process Control Engineers
• Health and Safety Representatives
• Administration Staff
• Foremen and Supervisors who oversee staff performing functions on the data communication and fieldbus equipment
• Cost-controllers
• Lower Middle and Top Management
• Engineers from Non-Instrumentation Disciplines

Day 1: Data Communication and Basic Communication Principles

• Historical Background and Perspective on Data Communication and Fieldbus Systems
• Physical Standards
• Data Communication with Respect to Modern Instrumentation, Control Systems and Smart Equipment
• The Breakdown of the Digital Communication Signal (bits, nibbles, bytes, etc.)
• Communication Modes and Principles, and Asynchronous and Synchronous Data Communication
• Error Detection
• Transmission Characteristics and Data Coding
• The Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART)

Day 2: Serial Data Communication Standards, Error Detection and Communication Media

• Standards Organizations
• Interface Standards (including the 232, 423, 422 and 485)
• Troubleshooting Serial Data Communication Systems, and Test Equipment
• Serial Interface Converters
• The General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) and the Universal Serial Bus (USB)
• Factors that can Influence Signal Propagation
• Error Detection, Control and Correction
• Communication Media (including copper, microwave, fiber, etc.)

Day 3: Electrical Noise, Modems & Multiplexors and Communication Protocols

• Possible Sources of Electrical Noise, in the Modern Plant
• Shielding, Earthing and Grounding requirements
• Interchange Circuits Pertinent to Modems and Multiplexors
• Flow Controls that Need to be Considered
• Modulating Techniques (including, but not limited to ASK, FSK, PSK and QAM)
• Types of Modems Available
• Modem Standards, Selection Criteria and Concepts Specific to Multiplexing
• Flow Control, Binary-synchronous, HDLC and SDLC as well as File Transfer Protocols

Day 4: The OSI Model, Industrial Protocols and HART Equipment

• The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model
• The Simplified OSI Model
• ASCII-based Protocols
• The MODBUS Protocol
• The Data Highway (Plus) Protocol
• MAP / TOP Protocols
• Highway Addressable Remote Transducers (HART)

Day 5: Assorted Fieldbus Devices and Local Area Networks

• Benefits of the Modern Fieldbus System
• Various Classes of Fieldbus Networks
• Fieldbus Choices (including ASI, Seriplex, Canbus, Devicenet, SDS, Interbus-S, Profibus, FIP, WorldFip and Foundation Fieldbus)
• Assorted Network Topologies
• Control Mechanisms used for Media Access, as well as Transmission Techniques
• Standards Associated with Local Area Networks (LANs)
• Ethernet and Aspects Associated with It
• Internetwork Connections, Network Operating Systems and Network Architectures and Protocols