Integration of the Future FDI Device Packages into FDT Based Systems

Related Vendors

DÜPERTHAL Sicherheitstechnik GmbH & Co. KG

TURCK GmbH

Italvacuum, Srl

The idea of Interpreter DTMs is not new. Existing EDDs can already be integrated in FDT Systems today via Interpreter DTMs. The iDTM Hart and iDTM Foundation fieldbus Interpreter DTMs are available on the market from CodeWrights. These use the (different) respective standard EDD-Interpreter of the HCF and Fieldbus Foundation. A Profibus version is planned. This provides for backwards compatibility of future FDT 2.0 systems with the EDDs that already exist today.

Conclusion: a standardized solution can be achieved

The aim of FDI is to create a uniform standard for device integration which brings the two technologies of EDDL and FDT together. However, due to the differing requirements in various areas of automation, it was recognized that different architectures for distributed control systems and engineering/operating tools need to be supported. Above all, the system architecture of FDI recognizes the importance of process automation requirements in terms of operational reliability and life cycle management [1]. On the other hand, the architecture of FDT also meets factory automation requirements for openness and scalability. For this reason, FDT cannot and does not have to be replaced by FDI. Nevertheless, a standardized solution for users and manufacturers can be achieved by allowing FDI Device Packages to be incorporated into both future FDI and FDT systems. A special Interpreter DTM allows FDI Device Packages to be used in any particular FDT Frame Application. For the user, this has the advantage that he or she can choose between a number of different device and system suppliers in future. This means that the availability of devices and drivers for a particular system will no longer act as a restraint. Instead, the user will be able to choose the system best suited for his or her particular application in accordance with his or her individual requirements.

* M. Gunzert is with CodeWrights GmbH, Karlsruhe/Germany. K.-P. Lindner and S. Gisy are with Endress+Hauser Process Solutions AG, Reinach/Schweiz

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