A computer implemented method analyzes packets of data in frames on a
process control bus. A frame is first selected, and a text file
representative of specifications for the process control bus
communication protocol is used to identify function code formats and
calculate values and descriptions for the fields. A display of the values
and fields is provided to the user. The display comprises a multi-pane
screen of information that facilitates a user selecting a packet on the
bus and view an interpretation of the data in the packet including values
and descriptions for function codes as well as identifying the
origination of the packet.