FDT (Field Device Tool) technology standardizes the communication interface between field devices and systems.The key feature is its independence from the communication protocol and the software environment of either the device or the host system. FDT allows any device to be accessed from any host through any protocol.
Here's how it works.
The device supplier develops a new Device Type Manager (DTM) for each of its devices or group of devices. The DTM can be developed directly from a device description (DD), if available. The DTM encapsulates all the device-specific data, functions and business rules such as the device structure, its communication capabilities, internal dependencies, and the Human Machine Interface (HMI) structure. The DTMs provide functions for accessing device parameters, configuring and operating the devices, and diagnosing problems. DTMs can range from a simple Graphical User Interface (GUI) for setting device parameters to a highly sophisticated application capable of performing complex real-time calculations for diagnosis and maintenance purposes.
The DTM is loaded and launched in a FDT container program, or a "frame" application.
The system (host) environment has a FDT "container" that defines a set of interfaces between the hosting application and the DTMs. Frame applications can be device configuration tools, control system-engineering tools, operator consoles or asset management tools.
The frame application also contains the communication component to interface the host system with the specific fieldbus communication (e.g., HART, PROFIBUS, FOUNDATION fieldbus, etc.). The FDT container initiates the DTM and enables the device to interoperate with the system engineering and operating environment.
The potential benefits of FDT are compelling for end users and automation suppliers alike. We are convinced that this converging set of interests creates a synergy that will establish FDT as an important standard for the future.
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If you need more information about the FDT Technology please consult our Download area.
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For more information on the technology and available products, please contact us or the representatives of the member companies.
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Additional helpful information about implementing FDT is available for FDT Group members on the group's internal "SharePoint" under "Released Documents". For any questions or if you do not have access to SharePoint please send an Email to info@fdtgroup.org.
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