With the new Simatic Afdisd active field distributor with extended fieldbus diagnostics, Siemens aims to enable fieldbus diagnostics for Profibus PA in the Simatic PCS 7 process control system. Via the Simatic PCS 7 operator station, users can call up real-time information on the status of their fieldbus installation - for example on voltage, current or possible bus interruptions. According to the manufacturer, this enables them to detect impending faults at an early stage, initiate countermeasures in good time and thus increase system availability. The extended fieldbus diagnostics are based on monitoring the bus physics (physical layer information). Information such as current and voltage is recorded and visualized. For example, faulty or disconnected field devices can be easily detected and any bus interruptions can be localized and rectified remotely if necessary. Changes in current and voltage levels can also be detected without additional third-party hardware and software tools.