ISA publishes EDDL standard
July 2007
News
The ISA-SP104 committee has completed adoption as an American National Standard of the generic electronic device description language (EDDL) specified by IEC 61804 for device integration. The committee has announced the publication of ANSI/ISA-61804-3 (104.00.01)-2007, Function Blocks (FB) for Process Control - Part 3: Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL).
The standard establishes an operating system independent language, used to declare device parameters and their dependencies, device functions, graphical representations, and interactions with control devices. The language, Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL), is used to create an electronic device description (EDD) for intelligent devices to integrate these with control systems and handheld communicators for use in the field. An EDD is a text file, and its use supports information retrieval, diagnostics, performance analysis, operational statistics, parameter handling, operation, range setting, calibration trim, simulation, override, and monitoring of automation system components.
"This standard helps users and integrators fully utilise the EDDL interface to support a wide array of intelligent devices," said committee chair Terry Blevins. "Using tools based on EDDL can mean faster device commissioning and loop checkout, as well as reduced field trips and the elimination of unnecessary maintenance."
One of the greatest benefits that EDDL provides the process industry is interoperability across multiple hosts, devices and technologies. This flexibility allows the end user to choose the best combination of price and performance for devices and software. Since an EDD is required for Foundation Fieldbus (FF) device registration, and EDDL is the only device description language supported by the HART Communication Foundation, EDDL is supported by virtually every process control systems vendor worldwide, and EDDs are available for any Foundation or HART device and for many Profibus-based field devices.
EDDL provides a well-defined structure for supporting the most simple to the very complex field device. Since EDDs are text-based files that are interpreted or compiled by the host system, they are independent of operating systems and control platforms. This enables field device additions to be incorporated without affecting the runtime stability of the control system.
"Taken together, the technology advantages of EDDL provide significant benefits in terms of longevity and stability of the instrumentation and control system over the plant lifecycle," noted committee vice-chair Ludwig Winkel. "These benefits from EDDL-based tools match corporate strategies such as reduced maintenance cost, quality improvement, increased throughput, and reduced downtime."
For more information about ISA-SP104 or other ISA standards committees, visit www.isa.org/standards
Further reading:
BMG achieves GBCSA Net Zero Waste Level 2 Certification
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
News
BMG has achieved Green Building Council South Africa Net Zero Waste Level 2 Certification after diverting more than 90% of operational waste from landfill, demonstrating how practical sustainability measures can deliver measurable environmental and commercial benefits.
Read more...
Pump spares and parts for Africa
News
KSB Pumps and Valves explains how its decentralised stockholding and local manufacturing keep spares and parts available across its installed base in Africa.
Read more...
Inspiration for times of change
Endress+Hauser South Africa
News
More than 2000 customers, partners and experts gathered in Basel, Switzerland, for the Endress+Hauser Global Forum in April 2026. Under the theme of driving sustainable transformation together, the event combined keynote sessions on strategy, technology and the future of work with practical case studies from across the process industry.
Read more...
Local energy solutions rewiring resilience across Africa
News Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Engineers across Africa are developing practical, scalable energy and mobility solutions supported by the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
Read more...
The gender gap in SA’s engineering sector
News
South Africa’s engineering sector is facing a critical gender imbalance, with women making up just 16% of registered engineering professionals compared to 84% of men.
Read more...
Safe removal of the historic US 181
News
Mammoet provided the heavy-lift expertise that helped remove the 2300 ton centre span of the historic US 181 Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi, Texas, using a precision lift-and-lower method that protected nearby marine environments and reopened navigation channels swiftly.
Read more...
Going Green initiative sees African Group Lubricants adopt electric forklift fleet
News
African Group Lubricants is transitioning most of its forklift fleet to electric power, a move expected to cut diesel consumption by around 85% and improve conditions across its manufacturing facility while delivering a positive return on investment in the near term.
Read more...
Africa Energy Indaba 2027 aims to ignite the power revolution
News
Africa Energy Indaba 2027 takes place from 2 to 4 March 2027 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, bringing together ministers, utilities, investors and developers to accelerate energy generation, unlock investment and drive the continent’s industrial future.
Read more...
Major bearing tender for SKF
SKF South Africa
News
SKF has secured a major bearing supply tender from an Algerian steelmaker, reinforcing its position in the metals segment across North Africa.
Read more...
Mining’s decarbonisation journey requires putting ESG commitments into action
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric specialists explain how mining and heavy industry can turn environmental, social and governance commitments into measurable decarbonisation results.
Read more...
printer friendly version