Smart field devices are being continuously developed to support and benefit end-users in their daily operations. Wizard-based guided start-up, advanced devices, process diagnostics, device optimisation for special process conditions and advanced visualisation are just some examples of the features that are seen today as key elements of very sophisticated smart field devices.
An example from the Neles Smart Product Line, the ND9000 intelligent valve controller, provides control valve diagnostics, which helps the end user to develop predictive maintenance procedures. Visualisation of these diagnostics requires a graphical user interface that meets customer expectations for openness, and can be integrated into any system.
Field device tool joint interest group
The technology supporting these very basic requirements is known as FDT (field device tool). FDT has been developed and marketed by the FDT Joint Interest Group (FDT JIG), which is a group of leading automation suppliers to both the process and factory automation industries. The members of FDT JIG realised that the entire automation industry could only enjoy the benefits of fieldbus solutions and smart field devices if the selected software technology meets the following end-user requirements:
* A single device integration environment to manage, commission and configure any field device, from any device manufacturer connected to any fieldbus communications protocol.
* Flexibility and freedom to select any supplier's product and not be restricted to one vendor with consequent concerns about compatibility and interoperability.
* Open technologies that preserve the current investment in installed field devices and that do not require the removal of existing as assets in order to take advantage of open technologies.
* Seamless data exchange with asset management applications, regardless of device type, vendor or communications protocol.
* Easy management, commissioning and configuration of complex field devices, such as intelligent valve controllers and radar level transmitters, in one environment regardless of the system vendor.
The FDT specification targets the requirements listed above and simultaneously eliminates the need to develop vendor-specific proprietary solutions. For example, FieldCare is a smart field device configuration and condition-monitoring tool, which is based on FDT.
Key components in FDT-based applications are DTMs (device type managers), which are a piece of software for a device (like an intelligent valve controller). The device manufacturer provides a DTM, which is actually a graphical user interface.
A DTM displays all the possible features and actions which may be found in the device, such as realtime data, alarms, events, configuration information, screen displays, multilingual help screens, device specific documentation, a parameter validity check, generation of dependent variables, diagnostic functions, and the device calibration sequence.
In a DTM, a manufacturer displays all the features built into a device in the way that is desired. The best thing is that DTM is an open standard and not a proprietary solution, which pops up in the same way for any FDT-based solution. It looks the same regardless of the communication protocol used: (HART, Foundation Fieldbus or Profibus PA).
FDT/DTM is not a replacement for DDL
In recent articles, several major automation companies have taken a strong stand against FDT/DTM technology claiming that enhanced DDL offers a better solution than FDT/DTM. The FDT/DTM specification is not a threat to DDL; it was in fact written to pick up where the DDL specification left off. Applications such as advanced visualisation and complex field device configuration, commissioning and management are requirements that FDT/DTM technology fulfils. FDT/DTM technology's starting point is to embrace and extend the capabilities of DDL technology.
By definition, both DDL and FDT/DTM technologies are necessary to satisfy the end-user's needs. The re-use of existing technologies is, and has always been, the quickest and most cost-effective means of meeting industry requirements.
DDL enhancements would be best served by re-using FDT/DTM technology to fill the gaps that the DDL enhancements are attempting to address. No quality-minded or cost-conscious corporation would want to re-specify and re-cast the DDL specifications to fulfil requirements already addressed by the FDT/DTM specifications. The FDT/DTM specifications offer re-usable technology to the leading global standards foundations. No enhancement program is necessary, and FDT/DTM technology can be deployed today. Functions that the DDL enhancement program is trying to define could be available now.
The bottom line
The FDT JIG wants to make it very clear that its members would not support FDT/DTM technology if it were a replacement for or if it cannibalised its existing DDL technology investments. Many FDT JIG members have made substantial investments in DDL technology and they see FDT/DTM technology as a means of preserving that investment, while fulfilling more challenging user requirements.
The FDT JIG members view FDT/DTM as a technology that can embrace and extend their DDL engineering, while giving them the flexibility to apply their own knowledge and core competencies to exploit the full potential of their field devices and control systems.
The appeal and acceptance of FDT/DTM technology is growing, not only among device and control system manufacturers, but also most importantly among end-users.
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