New PC-Based Industrial Automation Hardware and Software Meet FOUNDATION
Fieldbus Standards

AUSTIN, TX -- JAN. 2, 1996 -- National Instruments announced today new
hardware and software products to meet the needs of host and device
applications using the FOUNDATION Fieldbus standard. The AT-FBUS/H1
plug-in ISA board and NI-FBUS host interface software give Windows PCs
access to the H1 FOUNDATION Fieldbus, including system configuration and
reading/writing of device parameters. The H1 Fieldbus round card is a
compact circuit card for use by device vendors to interface an existing
field device to an H1 fieldbus. The round card runs the National
Instruments fieldbus communications stack and NI-SHELL function block
shell. The NI-FMON fieldbus monitor features a live display of bus traffic
for observing fieldbus data packets and communications activity. With
configurable displays and data filtering, users can customize views of
data from the fieldbus.

ABOUT THE AT-FBUS/H1 AND NI-FBUS

The AT-FBUS/H1 is a FOUNDATION Fieldbus interface for ISAbus computers. The
AT-FBUS interfaces to H1 (31.25 kbits/s) fieldbus networks. The AT-FBUS/H1
board executes a fieldbus communications stack implemented by National
Instruments specifically for FOUNDATION Fieldbus. The stack implements
complete Link Active Scheduler (LAS) capability and client/server services
as defined in the H1 FOUNDATION Fieldbus specification. Users can
configure the stack as an LAS or as a basic device.

NI-FBUS software gives users a high-level programming interface for
communicating with fieldbus devices without requiring in-depth knowledge
of the underlying fieldbus protocols. NI-FBUS is ideal for developing
monitoring applications as well as system and device configuration tools.

The NI-FBUS-SIM Device Simulation software is available as an additional
software package for use with an AT-FBUS/H1 interface board. NI- FBUS-SIM
uses the NI-SHELL function block shell and application programming
interface (API) to develop function block applications that run on a
Windows-based PC for simulating a fieldbus device. Device developers can
use the NI-FBUS-SIM software to prototype function block applications on a
PC before creating the downloaded implementation to be included in a
device.

ABOUT THE DEVICE INTERFACE KIT AND NI-SHELL SOFTWARE

The Device Interface kit is a tool for use by device vendors to connect an
existing field device to an H1 fieldbus network. The kit includes the H1
round card, which provides a platform for prototyping the software
required to implement a native FOUNDATION Fieldbus device. The card is in
a 2.44 in. diameter round format, designed for attachment within the
housing of a field device. The card includes an Intel 80188EB
microprocessor, FRONTIER-1 fieldbus interface chip, 128 KB RAM, and 256 KB
Flash ROM. The card is powered from the H1 fieldbus and has a power output
connection for powering the attached field device. Interfacing between the
round card and the field device is accomplished using a serial interface.
The Device Interface kit includes software for communicating with the
field device using either HART or direct serial protocols.

The Device Interface kit includes NI-SHELL function block shell software,
which provides a high-level interface for developing and executing
function block applications without requiring in-depth fieldbus
communications expertise.

ABOUT NI-FMON SOFTWARE

The NI-FMON fieldbus monitor is a Windows 95 software application that uses
an AT-FBUS/H1 board for monitoring traffic on H1 fieldbus networks.
NI-FMON is useful for system diagnostics - engineers and technicians can
use it to selectively capture and view different types of data packets on
the fieldbus. It features live packet display updates so users can see
data on the fieldbus as it is collected. Users can also log data for later
viewing. NI-FMON also features the following capabilities:

 Full symbolic, hex, and simple packet decoding
 Configurable packet filters with simultaneous active filters
 Split window and multiwindow displays
 Color coding of packet segments
 Time stamping (absolute, idle, and transmission times)
 Data capture to file
 Bus statistics

ABOUT NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS AND FOUNDATION FIELDBUS

FOUNDATION Fieldbus, from the Fieldbus Foundation, represents a new
standard in industrial communications. The Fieldbus Foundation, based in
Austin, Texas, was formed in 1994 from the merger of two major fieldbus
organizations. National Instruments has been a member of the Fieldbus
Foundation since its creation and has played an active role in the
development of the standard through participation in the technical working
groups of the Foundation.

In December 1994, the Foundation selected three vendors to deliver key
fieldbus products for proving the technology used in the FOUNDATION
Fieldbus. National Instruments was one of those companies. Through on-time
delivery of high-quality products, National Instruments has played a key
role in the completion and implementation of the Foundation's fieldbus
technology.

ABOUT NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS

National Instruments, headquartered in Austin, Texas, manufactures software
and hardware products for PCs and workstations that scientists and
engineers worldwide use to build virtual instrumentation systems. These
systems are used for research and industrial applications, such as
automated testing, laboratory automation, advanced research, industrial
control, factory automation, physiological monitoring, numerical analysis,
and data visualization.

National Instruments stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market System
under the symbol NATI. Further information on National Instruments may be
obtained from the company's SEC filings or by directly contacting the
company's Investor Relations Department at (512) 349-5090.

AVAILABILITY AND FOR MORE INFORMATION

The AT-FBUS/H1, NI-FBUS-SIM software, Fieldbus Device Interface kit with
NI-SHELL software, and NI-FMON fieldbus monitor will be available in Q1
1996. For more information about National Instruments Foundation Fieldbus
products, contact:

National Instruments
6504 Bridge Point Parkway
Austin, Texas 78730-5039
(512) 794-0100

Or call toll free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 433-3488, fax (512)
794-8411, e-mail info@natinst.com. Readers can also access information
through the company's InstrumentationWeb at http://www.natinst.com/
 
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