How do you optimize the performance and reliability of Foundation Fieldbus and DCS networks?

Proper routing of trunk and spur cables aside of HV lines to avoid noise to FF. And subsequent thing is proper earthing FF segment components; split instrument and safety earth; using terminators at proper places especially in case of serial connection of multiple FF barriers.

Foundation Fieldbus is a powerful and versatile technology, but pay special attention to choose FF-compatible field devices that are compatible with the version of Foundation Fieldbus you plan to use.

Lastly, it is essential to remember that just because the data sheets say you can put x devices on each segment DOES NOT mean you can put x devices on a segment - far from it and this becomes a more acute issue with FF, especially if you have understood that the only major difference between this and Profibus is the ability to configure "control on the wire". That requires particular attention to the engineering of the macrocycle parameters.   In all the many Fieldbus projects I was involved in the majority that went badly wrong (and there were many), suffered due to the above points.

I would start by questioning why you feel you want to use Fieldbus (be it Foundation or Profibus) and ensuring it is the right approach for you before committing. If you anticipate reducing project cost by reducing field wiring think again - in the whole life cycle that is unlikely to happen. If you have a well thought out process for using the real power of the technology by understanding the potential access you have to diagnostic vs control related data, then maybe it's for you.

I would also make sure you understand fully the difference between FF and Profibus (and HART) prior to making a selection that may later prove inappropriate and consider whether "distributed I/O" would be a better option for you. Assuming you still wish to pursue the Fieldbus path, it is essential to remember that your field devices are no longer "things over there that send signals" but have become an integral component in your DCS - let's use a better term - Fieldbus Control System. This includes the H1 / HSE / DP / H1 ..... cabling and all the associated network "bits and pieces" needed to create a resilient and robust homogenous solution.

The use of termination resistors in Foundation Fieldbus wiring is primarily about signal quality and impedance matching to prevent signal reflections. It is not a solution for addressing network bottlenecks related to high data traffic or insufficient bandwidth, which would require different strategies like network segmentation, improving cable quality, or upgrading network components. My experience: got a challenge on FF network on one of the project (resolved now). EPC contactor installed a resistor but it was installed at wrong location and it was also not of suitable resistance.

Right. Just to add, implement diagnostic tools to monitor the health of the FF network. These tools can help identify issues such as noise, signal quality problems, device failures, or network configuration errors. My experience: always maintain a copy of updated documents and drawings. I recently discovered that OEM manuals and drawings I have on site are of old revisions and they have been modified based on feedback from end users.

In a typical FF segment, you can have multiple field devices connected, including sensors, actuators, transmitters, and controllers. The exact number of devices can vary, but it's common for a single FF segment to support anywhere from 10 to 32 devices. Also go through OEM manuals for a specific application for example, TankMaster TGS limits connecting upto maximum 8 devices per single FF segment/port.