What happens during an H1 fieldbus device upgrade?

Class 1 fieldbus devices have two memory locations, called domains, that allow the device to maintain two complete versions of software: a “current” operating version and a newly downloaded version.

Some Emerson devices also allow this second domain to retain its previous software. In most cases, it is possible to revert to this version as long as it has not been modified or corrupted by subsequent upgrade attempts that either failed or were cancelled.

How the memory domains are used dictates the type of upgrade you can perform:

If you are downloading a new version to a device that only has one version in memory, the new version is loaded into the second domain and is called “New.” It may or may not be activated at that time, depending upon whether or not you selected immediate activation.
If you are downloading a new version into a device that has both domains in use, the memory in the second domain is first cleared and the new version is loaded into that domain.
If you are activating a previously downloaded version, the “New” version will be activated and become “Current.” At this time, the second domain is normally cleared. However, for some Emerson devices, the previous software is retained in second domain to support the revert capability.
If you are reverting to a previous version, the “Revert” version will be activated and become the “Current” version (and the previous “Current” version becomes the new “Revert” version.) In this case, the process of activating the previous software is identical to the process of activating new software. Both activate the software contained in the second domain.

What happens to control loops during the fieldbus device Upgrade Process?

During the process of upgrading fieldbus devices, a control loop is placed into Manual mode either by the system or by a user prior to the upgrade to prepare the control loop for the upgrade. Depending upon the application, when the upgrade completes and inputs and outputs return to their expected current values and status, either the control loop automatically returns to its previous operating mode or a user manually puts the control loop into its previous operating mode.

Interruptions during the Upgrade Process

Devices always maintain a minimal amount of code that will allow the device to be upgraded, even if a download fails, a download is cancelled by the user, or power is lost during the upgrade process.

Cancelling a Download

You may cancel the software download portion of an upgrade once it begins by pressing the Cancel button on the dialog that shows the upgrade progress. Cancelling will terminate the download and leave the device in a state that allows another upgrade to be performed.

If the device is a Class 1 device, then its running software should not be affected by the cancellation, and the device should continue to operate normally. However, the second domain will be cleared and the ability to revert will be lost.

After Upgrade

After activation completes for a device that was in Standby, the device must be recommissioned and downloaded using the DeltaV Explorer. If the device revision changes and DeltaV does not support the new revision, the new device revision must be added through the AMS Device Manager. Click Start → AMS Device Manager → Add Device Type on the Server Plus Station to add a new device revision. Refer to AMS Device Manager Books Online for complete information.

The fieldbus segment must be downloaded after a new device revision is added.

When new software is to be activated that causes a device revision change, the device must be put in Standby before the activation starts.