veldbusautomatisering

Veldbusautomatisering refers to the use of fieldbus networks to connect sensors, actuators and other field instruments to controllers such as PLCs or DCS in industrial automation. A veldbus provides a shared communication medium that enables data exchange, device parameterization and diagnostics at the field level, reducing point-to-point wiring and supporting centralized control and monitoring.

Historically developed in the 1980s and 1990s, veldbus systems aimed to simplify wiring, improve interoperability and deliver real-time communication between field devices and control systems. They form the middle layer between sensors/actuators and higher level information systems, and are often complemented by gateways and safety components to connect with enterprise networks.

Typical veldbus architectures use trunk-and-branch or daisy-chained wiring, with field devices functioning as slaves on a network managed by a master or controller. Some protocols support intrinsic safety for use in hazardous areas, and many provide built-in diagnostics and device parameterization tools to aid maintenance and commissioning.

Popular veldbus protocols include Profibus DP and Profibus PA, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus (RTU and TCP), CAN-based networks such as CANopen, DeviceNet, Interbus, CC-Link and AS-Interface. In many industries these traditional fieldbuses coexist with or are gradually replaced by industrial Ethernet variants, and gateways are used to bridge fieldbus devices to higher level control or IT systems.

Advantages of veldbusautomatisering include reduced wiring, easier device replacement, centralized diagnostics and improved determinism for time-critical control in certain protocols. Limitations include potential vendor lock-in, increased system complexity, risk of obsolescence for older technologies, and security and integration challenges when connecting to IT networks.

Today, veldbus systems remain common in legacy installations and specific process or safety applications, even as organizations migrate toward Ethernet-based automation and IIoT-enabled architectures.