Fieldbus interoperation technologies

This paper discusses several interoperation technologies in fieldbus systems. Based on studying of several popular fieldbus standards, analyzed the key technologies of interoperation between homogeneous protocols: standardized application layer logic structure and device description. In order to fit different fieldbus interoperation demand between heterogeneous protocols, two types of gateways are classified: protocol-conversion-type gateway and bridge-type gateway. Their principles, characteristics, application areas and development steps are analyzed as well. With the introduction of OPC technologies, elaborates the methods to realize interoperation between multi-protocols. The limitations are also analyzed in detail and some solutions are also provided to overcome their limitations.