A solution for remotely diagnosing fieldbus networks across the internet

Abstract

Purpose

To emphasise the need for remote fieldbus diagnostics and to show a technical solution based on industry standard approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

The design and approach takes a Profibus fieldbus, as an example candidate, and captures the diagnostic data using an OPC model and then uses a Java RMI object broker to develop/support the remote end clients.

Findings

The findings show, by an implementation example, that it is possible to implement remote diagnostics for a fieldbus network, without interfering with the operation of the network. The findings also highlight the need for security in such a solution.

Research limitations/implications

The implementation example is rather cumbersome, but the paper suggests that all the hardware and software could be implemented on a single embedded processor in a single box. The security issues are flagged as a possible limitation, but solution approaches are briefly suggested.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the lack of standardisation around fieldbus diagnostics. Even for the same fieldbus type, different manufacturers will use different diagnostic protocols and codes. This paper suggests a practical implementation, where the diagnostic codes can be interpreted a fixed stage and presented to an end client in a consistent manner.

Originality/value

This work is based on a two year original research project. The solution makes heavy use of industry standard protocols but the work is original.

Citation

Watterson, C., Heffernan, D. and Kaghazchi, H. (2006), "A solution for remotely diagnosing fieldbus networks across the internet", Assembly Automation, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 54-58. https://doi.org/10.1108/01445150610645666