Chapter 1 Introduction
HSE Linking Device and NI-FBUS Software 1-2 ni.com
Most users use the NI-FBUS Configurator. In addition to providing the
functionality of the NI-FBUS Communications Manager in a graphical
format, it includes additional functionality to allow you to configure a
Fieldbus H1 and/or HSE network. It can automatically generate the
schedule for the network and configure field devices and hosts to transmit
and receive alarms and trends.
NI-FBUS Interface Configuration Utility
The NI-FBUS Interface Configuration Utility lets you view and change
the hardware configuration parameters for your Fieldbus interfaces. In
Windows 2000/NT/XP, you also can edit your hardware configuration
parameters and add and delete interfaces.
The NI-FBUS Interface Configuration Utility helps you to configure the
following information:
• Logical name for each port on your Fieldbus board or linking device;
you can access the port using the interface name
• Device description information
– Base directory for device description files
– Location of the standard text dictionary
You need to import device descriptions if you use the NI-FBUS
Communications Manager to communicate with devices that have
manufacturer-specific blocks or parameters.
• Fieldbus communication parameters for each Fieldbus interface
Choosing Configuration Software
Foundation Fieldbus links must be configured. Only with configuration
software can you do things like set device addresses, clear devices, and
download (necessary if you are setting up a system for the first time).
Yourconfiguration software must match the interface board or linking
device your computer is using to connect to the bus. National Instruments
offers the NI-FBUS Configurator with a National Instruments Foundation
Fieldbus interface board or linking device to let you configure your
Fieldbus links.
Interface boards, linking devices and configuration software are sold
separately because multiple interface boards can reside in the same
computer and multiple HSE linking devices can be accessed through the
ethernet network. By default, the NI-FBUS Configurator is licensed for use
on one machine, with up to four Fieldbus links (segments). If you have
more than four links (ports on the boards or linking devices), you need to