Fieldbus: technology application in a Co-60 sterilization plant

Process instrumentation was made by pressure signals in the 1940s. In the 1 960s, 4-20 mA analogue signals were introduced. The development of digital processors in the 1970s sparked the use of computers to monitor and control instruments from a central point. In the 1980s smart sensors were develope d and implemented in digital control, microprocessor environments. Fieldbus is a generic-term that describes a new digital communications network. The network is a digital, bi-directional, multidrop, serial-bus, and communica tions network used to link isolated field devices, such as controllers, tra nsducers, actuators and sensors. Fieldbus technology may improve quality, r educe costs and increase efficiency because information is transmitted digi tally without analog to digital or digital to analog converters,which also minimizes hardware errors. Fieldbus communication is based on two-wire comm unication, interconnecting all the components in the system. This paper int roduces Fieldbus technology in a Co-60 sterilization plant. (C) 2000 Elsevi er Science Ltd. All rights reserved.