Inst ToolsInst ToolsInst Tools
  • Courses
  • Automation
    • PLC
    • Control System
    • Safety System
    • Communication
    • Fire & Gas System
  • Instrumentation
    • Design
    • Pressure
    • Temperature
    • Flow
    • Level
    • Vibration
    • Analyzer
    • Control Valve
    • Switch
    • Calibration
    • Erection & Commissioning
  • Interview
    • Instrumentation
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Practical
  • Q&A
    • Instrumentation
    • Control System
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Analog Electronics
    • Digital Electronics
    • Power Electronics
    • Microprocessor
  • Request
Search
  • Books
  • Software
  • Projects
  • Process
  • Tools
  • Basics
  • Formula
  • Power Plant
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Electrical Basics
  • Animation
  • Standards
  • 4-20 mA Course
  • Siemens PLC Course
Reading: Difference between Fieldbus and Profibus
Share
Font ResizerAa
Inst ToolsInst Tools
Font ResizerAa
  • Courses
  • Design
  • PLC
  • Interview
  • Control System
Search
  • Courses
  • Automation
    • PLC
    • Control System
    • Safety System
    • Communication
    • Fire & Gas System
  • Instrumentation
    • Design
    • Pressure
    • Temperature
    • Flow
    • Level
    • Vibration
    • Analyzer
    • Control Valve
    • Switch
    • Calibration
    • Erection & Commissioning
  • Interview
    • Instrumentation
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Practical
  • Q&A
    • Instrumentation
    • Control System
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Analog Electronics
    • Digital Electronics
    • Power Electronics
    • Microprocessor
  • Request
Follow US
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Inst Tools > Blog > Communication > Difference between Fieldbus and Profibus

Difference between Fieldbus and Profibus

Last updated: December 18, 2018 6:22 am
Editorial Staff
Communication
3 Comments
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

The short answer is: although both “buses” are very similar, they are not the same!

Here is what’s different: PROFIBUS is the overall name for a process fieldbus solution that includes the application and industry-specific PROFIBUS DP, PROFIBUS PA, PROFINET, and PROFIsafe. In the process industry, we see mostly PROFIBUS DP and PROFIBUS PA.

PROFIBUS DP (decentralized peripheral) is the RS485-based high-speed (up to 12 Mbit/s) solution for connecting remote I/O systems, MCCs (motor control centers), or similar externally powered devices to a PLC or DCS control system.

PROFIBUS PA (process automation) is defined in the IEC 61158-2 standard and used predominantly in process plants. It is suitable for general purpose and hazardous locations and delivers power (up to 32 V) and communications (31.25 kBit/s) on the same cable (bus powered) to PROFIBUS PA instruments such as flow meters and temperature or pressure transmitters.

Typically, PROFIBUS PA applications are connected to a PLC/DCS control system via a PROFIBUS DP network, which requires aDP/PA Segment Coupler. These coupler devices are necessary to connect the two different physical layers of the high-speed, non-bus-powered DP to the lower-speed, bus-powered PA. The Segment Coupler includes the power supply modules needed to condition 24 VDC bulk power for use on PROFIBUS PA. PROFIBUS PA does not support CIF (control in the field), where instruments can talk to each other even if the connection to the host is lost.

Just like PROFIBUS PA, FOUNDATION fieldbus is based on the IEC 61158-2 standard. This means that both networks are based on the same physical layer and used in similar industries and for the same types of application. The physical layer defines the cable type (Type A fieldbus cable with specific R, L, and C values, twisted shielded pair) as well as the min/max power levels (9 V … 32 V) and the transmission rate (31.25 kBit/s). Since PROFIBUS PA and FOUNDATION fieldbus are based on the same physical layer, the same type of field distribution devices like Segment Protectors and FieldBarriers can be used for both networks.

Similarities between Foundation Fieldbus and Profibus

Fieldbus and Profibus Similarities

Fieldbus and Profibus Similarities 2

Architectures of Foundation Fieldbus and Profibus

Fieldbus and Profibus

Unlike on PROFIBUS PA, FOUNDATION fieldbus typically does not require a Segment Coupler but interfaces directly into the DCS control system via a H1 fieldbus interface card (see picture above). Some DCS solutions, however, use a high-speed Ethernet/FOUNDATION fieldbus linking device instead of a direct fieldbus interface.

FOUNDATION fieldbus utilizes standardized function blocks (FB’s) for analog and discrete signals, which makes it easy to create a control strategy by simply connecting blocks together. It is also possible to download the control strategy (i.e., P&ID loop) to the instrument, which enables control in the field (CIF) in case the connection to the DCS is lost.

Difference between Fieldbus and Profibus

Difference between Fieldbus and Profibus

Also Read: Interview Questions on Fieldbus Communication

Don't Miss Our Updates
Be the first to get exclusive content straight to your email.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address
You've successfully subscribed !

Continue Reading

What is a Fiber Optic Patch Cord? – Types, Explained
AS-interface and DeviceNet Communication
Foundation Fieldbus Logics
Fieldbus Control
HART Communication Tutorial Part 4
HART Communication Tutorial Part 5
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link
Share
3 Comments
  • m r ravichandran says:
    March 11, 2016 at 5:59 am

    the article and other information are very useful for technicians and supervisors, this will definitely help the interview & to succeed in career life

    Reply
  • Koti says:
    March 11, 2022 at 7:20 pm

    Nice material sir we can learn so many things in this site good keep it up sir

    Reply
  • KRISHNA BALI says:
    February 4, 2025 at 3:07 pm

    GOOD TECHNIQUE FOR TEACHING.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

128.3kFollowersLike
69.1kFollowersFollow
210kSubscribersSubscribe
38kFollowersFollow

Categories

Explore More

Difference Between Ethernet IP and Profinet
Why Baud Rate is Important in Modbus Network?
Difference Between Cyclic and Acyclic Communication
Ethernet Communication Interview Questions & Answers
FF Signal Status
Industrial Automation Communication Protocols
Convert 4-20ma current output to foundation fieldbus
Overview of OPC Communication

Keep Learning

FF JB Termination

Foundation Fieldbus Installation and Best Practices

Foundation Fieldbus Signal Conversion Formula

Foundation Fieldbus Signal Conversion Formula

Types of Cable Lengths in Ethernet Network

Types of Cable Lengths in Ethernet Network

What is a Network

What is a Network ?

Modbus Communication Interview Questions and Answers

Modbus Communication Interview Questions and Answers

Industrial Networking Interview Questions

Industrial Networking and Wireless Interview Questions

Compare Serial and Parallel Communication

Difference Between Serial and Parallel Communication

Difference between TCP-IP Model and OSI Model

Difference between TCP/IP Model and OSI Model

Learn More

Pneumatic and Hydraulic Projects

200 Pneumatic and Hydraulic Projects List

light-emitting-diode-theory

Light Emitting Diode Operation

Transistor Emitter Feedback Bias

Transistor Emitter Feedback Bias

Run 4 Motors Sequentially from Same Push button PLC Program

Run 4 Motors Sequentially from Same Push button PLC Program

Strainer Principle

Backwashing

Power Electronics Objective Questions

Voltage Control in Inverters Objective Questions

Marking Polarity

DC Circuit Analysis Loop Equations

Analog Modulators Objective Questions

Analog Modulators Objective Questions

Menu

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright

Quick Links

  • Learn PLC
  • Helping Hand
  • Part Time Job

YouTube Subscribe

Follow US
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?