PROFINEWS UK Masthead The PROFIBUS Group Newsletter
The world's most popular fieldbus standards - news and views from the United Kingdom  Issue 13, February 2010


In This Issue
 
 
 
 
 
PROFIBUS User Conference 2010

The application of PROFIBUS, PROFINET, PROFIenergy and ProfiSafe technology will be discussed in the annual PROFIBUS User Conference, scheduled for 29-30 June 2010 at Stratford-on-Avon. This major convention for existing and potential users of modern automation technologies offers the choice of three presentation streams, for each delegate to create the most effective and relevant learning experience.
 
A series of technical presentations offers shared user experience from actual industrial applications, including how to approach implementation of the technology on existing plant, plus other outlines of technical developments and new capabilities. Included in the presentations will be a session specifically devoted to the uses and limitations of wireless communication in automation systems, and other papers will discuss how PROFIBUS systems can be integrated into energy management programmes, particularly in relation to energy efficient drives. Most of the lecturers will be available during the conference for separate discussions on topics that are of particular interest.
 
In a parallel stream, the hands-on workshop sessions give practical demonstrations of the cabling and equipment used on PROFIBUS and PROFINET installations, and show fault finding and remote diagnostics in action. The third learning option is to attend the Exhibition, which offers all types of relevant equipment from the major suppliers, with their experts on hand to answer questions and explain how to apply their solutions on your plant application.
 
The User Conference is an ideal venue for plant managers, engineers, instrument technicians and automation professionals to meet PROFIBUS and PROFINET users from different companies or industries, to discuss the benefits and techniques that have been applied in different situations: it is also an ideal way to introduce colleagues to the technology, and for them to learn about the practical aspects of applying and using PROFIBUS on a typical plant, in advance of their own projects.
 
To find out more about the PROFIBUS User Conference, please visit the website, www.profi-bus.co.uk, where a full programme of presentations will shortly be published, and a registration form is available.

Alternatively, why not attend the free seminar 'Practical Aspects of PROFIBUS in Process' on 17th March, in Camberley, where several of the major suppliers will present an introduction to the products and techniques used to create a PROFIBUS application in the process industries. This one-day seminar includes a few examples of some of the practical demonstrations that will be used at the later User Conference. For further information about either event, please contact Ann Squirrell, at ann.squirrell@profibus.com or phone 0207 193 8018.  
PROFIBUS Group supports Smart Instrumentation

We are supporting the IET's Smart Instrumentation event on 27 April.  Smart Instrumentation 2010 provides a forum for safety critical industries to discuss how to overcome technical and security hurdles associated with employing smart instrumentation in equipment. It is the only vendor-neutral UK event dedicated to smart instrumentation, blending executive panel discussions and real life case studies.
 
Key topics include making complex devices easier to use, implementing and sharing reliability testing tools, integrating smart instruments into legacy systems, SIL levels using smart instruments and integrating smart instrumentation into your working practices.
 
Find out more and register your place online at www.theiet.org/smart-instrumentation
 
Special pricing for PROFIBUS UK Members ...

Members of The PROFIBUS Group will be able to take advantage of the reduced IET member rate. To claim this, members should register using the downloadable fax-back registration form, and write "Profibus member" in the space for IET membership number.

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Greetings!
 
Welcome to the third edition of PROFINEWS UK for 2010, bringing you all the news of events and opportunities surrounding the PROFIBUS and PROFINET community in the UK.

Without further ado, please read on ...

Bob Squirrell,
PROFIBUS Group Chairman
Still a few places available ...

Free Seminars

Practical Aspects of PROFIBUS & PROFINET in Factory Automation - Swindon, Wilts March 11th

This seminar addresses the key practical issues arising from the use of digital communications technologies in automated manufacturing and advanced engineering applications. Covering the use of PROFIBUS and PROFINET in key application areas such as packaging, printing, electrical and electronics assembly, robotics, automotive engineering, drives, mechanical handling and logistics, control systems and energy management, it focuses on the practical aspects of using PROFIBUS and PROFINET in factory automation applications from system design and safety considerations through to maintenance and fault-finding.

Supported by live demonstrations of actual tools used in configuration and maintenance, the programme will be of great value to Designers, Production Engineers and System Engineers involved in design, operation and maintenance of modern automated factories and machinery. More details and event registration

Practical Aspects of PROFIBUS in Process - Frimley, Surrey March 17th
 
This seminar addresses the key practical issues arising from the use of digital fieldbus communications technologies in process and hybrid industries. Covering the use of PROFIBUS PA in key application areas such as Pulp & Paper, Chemical, Utilities, Pharmaceutical, Oil & Gas today, it focuses on the practical aspects of using PROFIBUS in process industry applications from system design and hazardous area considerations through to maintenance and fault-finding.  More information and event registration


MMU publishes revised training schedule

The PROFIBUS International Conference Centre at MMU has substantially revised its 2010 training schedule to make it even easier to fit in the various aspects of Certification. Here is the full list for the year.

Certified PROFIBUS Engineer Course   17-19 Mar, 21-23 Apr, 19-21 May, 14-16 July, 22-24 Sept, 10-12 Nov, 8-10 Dec  (Also available on-site for up to 8)
Engineers wishing to build their careers around PROFIBUS in either industrial or process automation, companies wanting to benchmark their technical staff or consultants seeking a recognised professional qualification in industrial and process networking can now train for an internationally-recognised qualification as a Certified PROFIBUS Engineer. The Certified PROFIBUS Installer Course is a pre-requisite for attending this course.
 
Certified PROFIBUS Engineer Recertification Course   - 28 Sept 2010
The Certified PROFIBUS Engineer Recertification Module is a full one-day course to enable people who have already gained Certified PROFIBUS Engineer status to keep up to date with current developments and obtain a new 3 Year certificate. The course covers latest developments in PROFIBUS, systems/network design and new functions of instruments such as ProfiTrace. 
 
Certified PROFIBUS Installer Course - 15 Mar, 19 Apr, 17 May, 12 July, 20 Sept, 8 Nov, 6 Dec.  (Also available on-site for up to 12)
An essential course for electrical engineers and technicians needing to upgrade their skills to include fieldbus installation. This one-day, hands-on course teaches the design, installation and testing of complete PROFIBUS networks including DP, PA and optical fibre technology. Covering bus layout and termination, grounding rules and practices, the course will teach delegates how to avoid common, but potentially expensive, installation problems.
 
PROFIBUS Commissioning & Maintenance Course  -    16 Mar, 20 Apr, 18 May, 13 July, 21 Sept, 9 Nov, 7 Dec (Also available on-site for up to 8)
A new one-day course designed as an add-on to the Certified PROFIBUS Installer Course. Covering the practical techniques of faultfinding on "operational" PROFIBUS networks. Techniques taught on the course include the use of a modern PROFIBUS analyser and Class-II master (engineering tool) to diagnose network faults, device faults and I/O problems. Students also learn how to use a soft digital storage oscilloscope in conjunction with these tools to diagnose and accurately locate cable, connection and device faults.  The Certified PROFIBUS Installer Course is a pre-requisite for attending this course.
 
System Design Course - 20 July 2010
A one-day course covering the optimal design of networked automation and control systems. Centred on PROFIBUS and PROFINET technology, but also covering the use of Ethernet & AS-i technology and system software. The System Design Course builds on the basic knowledge of the Certified Installer and provides additional knowledge on designing not only PROFIBUS systems, but also how to use Ethernet, PROFINET and other technologies appropriately.  The Certified PROFIBUS Installer Course is a pre-requisite for attending this course.
 
Basic PLC Programming Course  - 10-11 May,  24-25 May, 22-23 Nov 2010 (Also available on-site for up to 8)
A new two-day course designed for those with no previous programming experience.  It covers basic ladder and function block programming and leads on to the Certified Open-PLC Engineer Course.
 
Certified Open-PLC Engineer Training  - 12-14 May, 26-28 May,  24-26 Nov 2010 (Also available on-site for up to 8)
The PROFIBUS Competence Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) in the UK has introduced a 3 day course covering Open-PLC programming using the international standard IEC 61131-3.  The course is designed for Engineers and Technicians who want to gain a recognised qualification in open-PLC programming using IEC 61131-3.   The course is suitable for experienced Programmers who wish to move to IEC 61131-3 compliant systems.

Certified PROFINET Engineer Course   -  8-10 June, 12-14 Oct  2010
This training course provides a detailed technical knowledge of the PROFINET technology and the advantages it offers your automation and production processes.At the end of the training there will be a theory exam. Participants who pass get the title Certified PROFINET Engineer and are awarded an official certificate. Successful participants will have the confidence to evaluate PROFINET as a solution for their automation requirements and be able to design a proper application.- for full details of the course content please checkhttp://www.procentec.com/profinet/
 
PROFIBUS Product Development Course - 2 June, 20 Oct 2010
A one-day course for product manufacturers and engineering companies who want to develop a PROFIBUS product. If you are a manufacturer of drives, transmitters, or intelligent valve actuators, you need to implement the latest technology in your products. PROFIBUS technology is the wayforward. This one-day course will give you an overview of the technology plus details of the communication protocol, tools and methods to get you started correctly on development of your own PROFIBUS products.
 
Certified AS-i Engineer Course  - 23-24 June 2010 (Also available on-site for up to 8)
Also offered by MMU and bookable through The PROFIBUS Group is this two-day course that teaches the theory and latest practice of the Actuator Sensor Interface. Using a hands-on, practical approach, you will learn how to use AS-i intelligent sensors, actuators and remote I/O in the most efficient and effective way and see how to integrate AS-i into higher fieldbus systems. You will build, configure and exercise your own AS-interface system from scratch. The course also includes an overview of the AS-i "safety at work" profile. Successful graduates will receive a "Certified AS-i Engineer" certificate.

Find out more information about these courses
Download prices and registration form

Contact Ann Squirrell on +44 207 193 8018 to discuss any details such as availability or on-site courses.

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So why not join us? It's relatively inexpensive and brings many attractive and cost-saving benefits.

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