Research Triangle Park, NC -- ISA's standards committee on wireless systems for automation, ISA-SP100, has just issued calls for proposals (CFPs) to encourage a variety of experts to collaboratively create a new series of wireless communication standards for industrial monitoring and control.
The ISA-SP100 committee is establishing standards, recommended practices, technical reports, and related information that will define procedures for implementing wireless systems in the automation and control environment, with a focus on the field level. Guidance is directed toward those responsible for the complete life cycle, including the design, implementation, on-going maintenance, scalability, and management of manufacturing and control systems, and will apply to users, system integrators, practitioners, and control systems manufacturers and vendors.
Two working groups of ISA-SP100, WG3 and WG4, have simultaneously issued calls for proposals not only to provide input to the committee but also to encourage a variety of experts, who may not be members of ISA-SP100, to participate in this process. The CFP process is intended to solicit input that addresses and helps solve critical issues associated with the deployment of wireless technology for industrial automation. During the evaluation process, preference will be given to proposals where sufficient technical detail and performance data is readily available to assess the validity of claims.
The WG3working group, which is developing the ISA-100.11 series, is focusing on wireless communications standard(s) optimized for industrial loop control. Typical applications include automatic, direct control of primary actuators for process loops in a plant; controlling flow, temperature, and pressure; cascaded loops controlling a process variable, such as low-frequency temperature loops; coordinated interlocks between automation cells; closed-loop speed controls for rotating equipment; and mobile workers with handheld devices manually initiating process actions.
The WG4 working group, which just issued a CFP and is preparing the ISA-100.14 series, is developing wireless communications standard(s) that will be optimized for monitoring and logging. Typical applications include process monitoring, equipment-health monitoring, asset management, file uploading/downloading, validation, and potentially open-loop control.
The approach used by both groups will be open and collaborative, with the goal of achieving consensus when possible. The intent of the process is to create the best possible wireless communications standard(s) for industrial monitoring and control.
The calls for proposals are available on the ISA Web site. For more information, contact ISA Standards Manager Lois Ferson at 919-990-9227.
About ISA
Founded in 1945, ISA is a leading, global, nonprofit organization setting the standard for automation by helping over 30,000 worldwide members and other professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal-career capabilities. Based in Research Triangle Park, NC, ISA develops standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; and hosts the largest conference and exhibition for automation professionals in the Western Hemisphere. ISA is the founding sponsor of The Automation Federation.