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Honeywell makes a 'SMART' choice

In November 1996, UL was named the exclusive third-party certifier in North America of Smart Distributed System-compatible products, a device-level communication network developed by Honeywell's Micro Switch Division, based in Freeport, Ill.

As the Smart Distributed System-certifier, UL will verify the conformance, compatibility and integrity of new and revised products to Honeywell's own Verification Test Procedure specifications for I/O (input/output) devices. The verification process is intended to provide a high level of confidence to system integrators and end-users of product compatibility. The agreement with Honeywell is effective through November, as Honeywell develops additional test protocol for other components, including programmable logic controllers.

This approach is the first effort by UL and a major industrial control manufacturer to implement an all-encompassing verification procedure for I/O devices, including testing on a multi-component bus network to demonstrate performance and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, as well as detailed conformance testing of all device features.

UL was first approached by Honeywell to develop a service to verify the compatibility of components designed to operate with the Smart Distributed System in July 1995. Honeywell wanted an independent third party to verify the proprietary designs of product developers' products so that the Smart Distributed System could maintain its open-architecture system. UL acquired the necessary equipment and dedicated lab space for the verification testing.

The concept of device-level communication networks has been used in Europe for a number of years, and is quickly gaining acceptance in the United States and Canada, as well as the rest of the world. Communication networks use bus systems that can be installed with a single cable and accommodate communications from more than 65 intelligent devices. The bus system allows intelligent devices to perform high-level functions that provide information on both system and device diagnostics.

The Smart Distributed System is similar to other device-level communication networks used throughout the world, and was first introduced by Honeywell in 1994. Device-level networks are currently being applied in the automotive and food industries, PC-board manufacturing, and automated production lines for mail- and package-handling systems.

"Surely, there are few organizations in the world with UL's credibility for objectivity and expertise in developing and executing test protocol for all types of industrial control systems," says Tom Landowski, vice-president of sales and marketing for Honeywell's Micro Switch Division. "This means customers' needs will be met, and our connection with UL gives customers added confidence that this will happen in the most objective, standardized way possible."

The open architecture allows users to employ a PC with a variety of user-selected software as the controller for devices that will be available from multiple component vendors, or "Partners," who are currently designing products for use with the Smart Distributed System.

The Smart Distributed System uses an open-architecture system, and Honeywell makes its specifications available to all control-device manufacturers and soft logic vendors. More than 100 "Partners" are currently designing products for use with the Smart Distributed System. UL designed a streamlined service for verifying component compatibility. UL will provide preliminary support to System "Partners" in preparing products for verification testing, and assist in resolving field problems.

If devices are not already UL Listed, Classified or Recognized, UL can evaluate the device for safety concurrently with the Smart Distributed System verification investigation. Developers will be able to mark their products with the statement: "Verified for Compatibility with Smart Distributed System by a Certified Test Agent." Devices that are already Listed, Classified or Recognized will be eligible to bear the UL Mark and the statement: "Verified for Compatibility with Smart Distributed System by Underwriters Laboratories Inc."

Future industrial control systems will rely heavily on device-level communication networks, reducing installation costs and maintenance. The verification process is intended to provide a high level of confidence to Smart Distributed System integrators and end-users.

UL and Honeywell are part of an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) subcommittee that is developing worldwide standards for device-level communications, placing both in an advantageous position to keep system developers apprised of developing national and international product standards. Honeywell is also participating on the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) task force in the development of NEMA standards to ensure Smart Distributed System products are accommodated.

The verification service for Smart Distributed System components is similar to other services UL has developed for manufacturers, including Energy Verification Service and performance testing services for local area network (LAN) cable, signaling devices and telecommunications equipment.

Verification service for Smart Distributed System I/O devices will initially be handled at UL's Northbrook, Ill., office. For more information, call Matt Mollen at +1-847-272-8800, ext. 43679 or e-mail him at Matthew.M.Mollen@us.ul.com. You may also call Brett VanDoren at +1-847-272-8800, ext. 43931 or e-mail him at Brett.C.VanDoren@us.ul.com

For information on Honeywell's network system, please see the Smart Distributed System page on Honeywell's Web site.

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