Using proprietary protocol in combination with FF

[REM]

We are investigating the making of an Foundation Fieldbus (FF) converter for our current devices to make them communicate FF.

In order to still keep using our service en diagnostic tools we are looking for a way to implement an existing "proprietary request/reply ASCII-string protocol". In such a way that we can communicate this protocol on a fully operational FF network.
There are many ways to do this I think, but is there a good way to do this in FF? And are there any examples of devices where such an implementation is already done? And is this an acceptable method?

Greetz,
REM

[jberge]

We (SMAR) have helped many manufactuers migrate their devices from proprietary protocols to Fieldbus. Many have started just like you describe. We have a "round card" interface baord (FB302) that talks FF in one end and that can interface with your circuit in the other. Every case requires some customization for the actual "protocol" over the SPI, and to create a suitable transducer block. In the long run you can build a "real" FF device from the ground up using our FB3050 chip and certified stack embedded on your CPU. Kindly contact me at jberge@smar.com.sg so I can forward to my collegue in charge.