NEWBURYPORT, MA May 7, 2008 – Softing, the technological innovation-leader in providing key components for FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus and PROFIBUS PA devices, has announced the availability of the world smallest communication module.

The Fieldbus Kit 2 (FBK-2) from Softing is an off-the-shelf, proven solution for the rapid development of FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 and PROFIBUS PA field devices for Intrinsically Safe (IS) and non-Intrinsically Safe environments. The FBK-2 is designed to seamlessly integrate with an existing analog[]/HART slave device to create a complete fieldbus product. The FBK-2 is small enough (40×40 mm) to fit into most existing device housings.

The FBK-2 provides a serial Modbus/RTU interface and a HART interface to bridge existing devices into the H1 or PA world. Since the hardware is ready-to-use, no additional costs for fieldbus physical-layer testing are incurred. The board is designed according to the specifications of the Fieldbus Foundation and the PROFIBUS Trade Organization and is ready to pass all necessary conformance testing.

The FBK-2 will be qualified for the following certifications

• ATEX (Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosibles)

• Installation in hazardous areas of Zone 1 explosion Group IIC/IIB.

NOTE: Outputs may enter Ex-Zone 0 areas.

About Softing

In industrial automation, Softing is a specialist for fieldbus technology and has established itself as a world-leading partner for networking automation systems and control solutions. Softing provides customers the key technology to connect devices, controls, and systems with the leading communication technologies. In fieldbus technology, Softing is a world-class expert for FOUNDATION™ fieldbus, PROFIBUS, and CAN/CANopen/DeviceNet. The companys wide range of expertise includes solutions for OPC, FDT, and Real-Time-Ethernet protocols such as, PROFINET IO, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus/TCP. Many of the products and services developed by Softing since the company was founded in 1979 have become reference standards throughout the world. In addition, Softing has established itself as a provider of sophisticated diagnostic tools for fieldbus systems.

For more information, please contact: Softing North America, Inc. 29 Water Street, Suite 301, Newburyport, MA 01950; Tel: 978-499-9650; Fax: 978-499-9654; Email: Ken.Hoover@softing.com. Or visit the company Website www.softing.us.