Feldgeräteebene

Feldgeräteebene refers to the field device level in industrial automation systems. This level encompasses the sensors and actuators that directly interact with the physical process being controlled. Sensors are devices that measure physical quantities such as temperature, pressure, flow, or position and convert them into electrical signals. Actuators, conversely, receive electrical signals and use them to perform physical actions, such as opening or closing a valve, starting or stopping a motor, or positioning a robotic arm.

The Feldgeräteebene is the lowest level of the automation pyramid, closest to the actual production or process. Data from sensors is collected and transmitted upwards to higher levels for processing, analysis, and decision-making. Conversely, commands generated at higher levels are sent down to actuators at the Feldgeräteebene to effect changes in the physical world.

Communication at the Feldgeräteebene often utilizes specialized industrial communication protocols designed for robustness and real-time performance in harsh environments. Examples include PROFIBUS, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and AS-Interface. These protocols enable efficient data exchange between field devices and the control systems, such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) or Distributed Control Systems (DCS), located at the next level up. The reliability and accuracy of the Feldgeräteebene are critical for the overall performance and safety of any automated industrial process.