2008 Press Releases-12

Yokogawa Electric Corporation announces that its DPharp EJA V2.5 Device Type Manager (DTM) has been certified for FOUNDATION™ fieldbus by the FDT Group, a world first.

This certification marks another step forward for Yokogawa's VigilantPlant® Asset Excellence initiative, allowing users of Yokogawa's intelligent FOUNDATION fieldbus devices to tap user-friendly field device tool (FDT)/DTM technology with the guarantee of interoperability and trouble-free installation.

Best in Class Technology and Assured Interoperability
Innovative process plants today utilize the HART, PROFIBUS, and FOUNDATION fieldbus intelligent field communications protocols, leveraging a rich variety of field information to improve the safety, reliability, and productivity of plant operations while optimizing maintenance. FDT/DTM is a complementary open technology that allows users of these advanced field communications protocols to access and utilize device information regardless of the host system or communications protocol.

With a large number of device DTMs already certified for the HART and PROFIBUS communications protocols, certification for FOUNDATION fieldbus was avidly awaited. As a strong supporter and key member of the FDT Group, Yokogawa is proud to announce the world's first certified FOUNDATION fieldbus device DTM.

This certified FOUNDATION fieldbus device DTM is fully interoperable with all certified frame applications, including Yokogawa's latest FieldMate R1.03 and PRM R3.02 asset management systems. This allows users intuitive access to all the advanced features of FOUNDATION fieldbus devices. Yokogawa's release of the world's first certified FOUNDATION fieldbus device DTM signifies that customers can now deploy HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus devices without the fear of interoperability pitfalls and seamlessly utilize a wealth of field information.

Certification Technology and Infrastructure
The FDT Group recently completed the tool set needed for the FOUNDATION fieldbus certification of device DTMs, and Yokogawa used the latest dtmINSPECTOR 2.1 to verify that the device DTM for its EJA pressure/differential pressure transmitters met the FDT Group's specifications for the FOUNDATION fieldbus protocol. Leveraging its certified Interoperability Test Lab in Singapore, Yokogawa accelerated this rigorous certification process.

About FDT/DTM
FDT technology standardizes the communication interface between field devices and systems. The key feature is its independence from the communication protocol and the software environment of the device and the host system. FDT allows any device to be accessed from any host through any protocol. As a board member of the FDT Group, Yokogawa strongly supports the development and deployment of the FDT/DTM open technology. For more about FDT/DTM, please visit: http://www.fdtgroup.org

About the VigilantPlant Asset Excellence Initiative
Launched in 2006 and continuously evolving, the VigilantPlant Asset Excellence initiative aims to create an environment where plant personnel can "See Clearly, Know in Advance, and Act with Agility," thereby achieving plant-wide collaboration for maximum asset availability and utilization. To address a wider cross section of plant assets, this initiative encompasses open and best-in-class collaboration with leading automation and enterprise solution suppliers.